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Picture of a Fireman The array of different occupations within a county significantly impacts its economy in various ways. Here are some key aspects:

  1. Economic Diversification
    • Stability: A diverse range of occupations helps stabilize the economy. If one sector faces a downturn, others can compensate, reducing the risk of economic collapse.
    • Resilience: Counties with a varied occupational base are better equipped to handle economic shocks, such as technological changes or global market fluctuations.

  2. Innovation and Growth
    • Cross-Pollination of Ideas: Different professions bring diverse perspectives, fostering innovation. For example, tech professionals collaborating with healthcare workers can lead to advancements in medical technology.
    • Entrepreneurship: A mix of skills and expertise can encourage entrepreneurial activities, leading to the creation of new businesses and industries.

  3. Employment Opportunities
    • Job Creation: A variety of occupations means more job opportunities for residents, reducing unemployment rates and increasing overall economic activity.
    • Skill Development: Diverse occupations require a range of skills, promoting continuous learning and skill development among the workforce.

  4. Income Levels and Spending
    • Varied Income Streams: Different occupations come with varying income levels, which can lead to a more balanced distribution of wealth.
    • Consumer Spending: Higher and more stable incomes result in increased consumer spending, boosting local businesses and services.

  5. Tax Revenue
    • Diverse Tax Base: A wide range of occupations contributes to a more robust and stable tax base, providing the county with funds for public services and infrastructure.
    • Economic Policies: Varied occupational income levels allow for more nuanced and effective economic policies, such as progressive taxation.

  6. Quality of Life
    • Service Availability: A diverse occupational base ensures the availability of essential services, from healthcare to education, enhancing the overall quality of life.
    • Cultural Vibrancy: Different professions contribute to a rich cultural tapestry, making the county more attractive to residents and tourists alike.

  7. Infrastructure Development
    • Demand for Infrastructure: Various occupations necessitate different types of infrastructure, from tech hubs to industrial zones, driving comprehensive urban development.
    • Public Services: A diverse economy can better support public services like transportation, utilities, and emergency services, improving the county's overall functionality.

  8. Global Competitiveness
    • Attracting Talent: Counties with a wide array of occupations attract a diverse talent pool, enhancing their competitiveness on a global scale.
    • Investment Appeal: A diversified economy is more appealing to investors, as it suggests lower risk and higher potential for returns.

  9. Social Dynamics
    • Community Engagement: Different professions can lead to a more engaged and active community, with various groups contributing to civic life.
    • Social Mobility: A range of occupations provides more pathways for social mobility, allowing individuals to improve their socioeconomic status.

  10. Environmental Impact
    • Sustainable Practices: Diverse occupations can include green jobs and sustainable practices, contributing to environmental sustainability.
    • Resource Management: Varied industries can lead to more efficient resource management and reduced environmental degradation.

In summary, the array of different occupations in a county fosters economic stability, innovation, and growth, while also enhancing the quality of life and global competitiveness. This diversity is crucial for the sustainable development and resilience of urban economies.

A diversification score measures the diversity of the occupations in the county. As the value appoaches 100, occupation diversity decreases and therefore increasing the risk of economic failure for the county should those limited occupations befall a calamity. The occupation diversification score for this county is:

Most common occupation is:

 
DescriptionEm­ployed
16 and
Over
Management/ Business/ Financial Professional/ Specialty/ **See below Healthcare Support Protective Services Food Preparation and Serving Building& Grounds Cleaning& Maintenance Personal
Care and
Services
Sales& Related Occupations Office and Administrative Support Farming/ Fishing/ Forestry Construction/ Extraction Production/ Transportation/ Material Moving

Union County15,9991,9823,2864482698867572281,2512,217581,5043,113
Arkansas (in 000's)1,413205312462872512913815212132236
National (in 000's)170,84529,72342,2625,6053,6738,7275,7764,25415,93218,14098313,67322,098
Morehouse Parish9,7199941,4368232845334181969318621651,1711,906
Columbia County9,0461,0601,91143879499308144796986305542,241
Ouachita County8,3347311,820254293476337114633790696542,163
Union Parish7,9061,0391,346191742462961231,0439112839741,380
Ashley County6,4605541,261160206518280673027951616691,487
Claiborne Parish3,99939355420924219843594232527128463524
Bradley County3,65142288596132241486327625454340876
Calhoun County1,9101043833545908314728582347381
 
Per Cent to Total Employed 16 and OverDiversity
Index
 

Union County13.6112.3920.542.801.685.544.731.437.8213.860.369.4019.46
Arkansas13.3514.5422.073.231.975.123.592.049.7410.770.849.3616.72
National14.0517.4024.743.282.155.113.382.499.3310.620.588.0012.93
Morehouse Parish11.5910.2314.788.472.925.484.302.029.588.871.7012.0519.61
Columbia County15.0011.7221.134.840.875.523.401.598.8010.900.336.1224.77
Ouachita County15.108.7721.843.053.525.714.041.377.609.480.837.8525.95
Union Parish12.7113.1417.032.420.943.113.741.5613.1911.523.5812.3217.46
Ashley County13.728.5819.522.483.198.024.331.044.6712.312.4910.3623.02
Claiborne Parish10.249.8313.855.236.054.9510.882.355.8013.183.2011.5813.10
Bradley County15.5511.5624.242.630.366.144.051.737.566.961.489.3123.99
Calhoun County14.915.4520.051.832.364.710.420.167.7014.924.2918.1719.95
 
Comparisons to State Norms % to Total >= 150% % to Total < 50% 

Union County 85.1893.0686.7385.33108.18131.8469.8280.25128.6543.23100.38116.38
Arkansas 100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00
National 119.62112.08101.62109.1199.7994.20121.9995.7198.5768.5885.4677.36
Morehouse Parish 70.3266.94262.29148.30107.13119.8498.8098.3182.34202.44128.66117.30
Columbia County 80.5795.71149.9844.32107.7694.8777.9990.31101.1939.5565.40148.18
Ouachita County 60.3198.9494.40178.42111.57112.6767.0277.9588.0098.7283.80155.24
Union Parish 90.3677.1474.8347.5060.78104.3276.22135.40106.98426.84131.56104.41
Ashley County 58.9688.4476.72161.83156.64120.7750.8147.98114.25297.18110.59137.68
Claiborne Parish 67.5762.77161.88307.1296.72303.10115.1659.54122.35381.67123.6378.38
Bradley County 79.47109.8381.4518.07119.85112.9584.5477.5864.59176.3699.44143.51
Calhoun County 37.4490.8556.76119.5792.0511.677.7078.99138.53511.93194.00119.31
 
Comparisons to National Norms % to Total >= 150% % to Total < 50% 

Union County 71.2183.0385.3578.20108.41139.9657.2383.85130.5163.03117.46150.43
Arkansas 83.6089.2298.4091.65100.22106.1681.97104.48101.45145.82117.01129.26
National 100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00
Morehouse Parish 58.7959.73258.10135.92107.36127.2280.99102.7283.53295.19150.55151.62
Columbia County 67.3585.40147.5840.62107.99100.7263.9394.36102.6657.6676.52191.53
Ouachita County 50.4288.2892.90163.53111.81119.6154.9481.4589.28143.9698.05200.66
Union Parish 75.5468.8273.6443.5460.91110.7562.48141.47108.53622.39153.94134.95
Ashley County 49.2978.9175.49148.32156.98128.2141.6550.13115.91433.34129.40177.97
Claiborne Parish 56.4956.00159.30281.4796.93321.7794.4062.21124.12556.54144.67101.31
Bradley County 66.4497.9980.1516.56120.11119.9169.3081.0665.52257.17116.36185.50
Calhoun County 31.3081.0655.85109.5992.2512.396.3182.53140.54746.48227.00154.22


Notes: Professional/Specialty includes these occupations: Computer, Mathematical, Architure, Engineering, Life Science, Physical Science, Social Science, Education, Legal, Community Service, Arts, Media, Healthcare Practioners, Health Technologists

Sources: STI: PopStats, Circa April 2025

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