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Clay County – Occupation Affiliation

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:

13.89

Most common occupation is:

Professional / Specialty

 
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

Clay County3,71852588612942911919730829576443635
Kansas (in 000's)1,531263376462974493813915913126218
National (in 000's)170,84529,72342,2625,6053,6738,7275,7764,25415,93218,14098313,67322,098
Riley County42,0566,24212,3151,3808353,1651,4699573,3646,1922342,7743,129
Geary County18,1031,9163,7838022861,1915448702,1011,584162,2052,805
Dickinson County9,3041,2572,0682861772684671437081,0051731,0291,723
Cloud County4,23465791420210622789116294453173437566
Ottawa County2,979575660888159507528131254284460
Washington County2,55951749310817597714121223887203407
 
Per Cent to Total Employed 16 and OverDiversity
Index
 

Clay County13.8914.1223.833.471.132.455.142.618.287.932.0411.9217.08
Kansas14.1317.1824.553.031.874.853.212.469.1110.390.878.2514.24
National14.0517.4024.743.282.155.113.382.499.3310.620.588.0012.93
Riley County15.4614.8429.283.281.997.533.492.288.0014.720.566.607.44
Geary County12.4610.5820.904.431.586.583.014.8111.618.750.0912.1815.49
Dickinson County13.6913.5122.233.071.902.885.021.547.6110.801.8611.0618.52
Cloud County12.4115.5221.594.772.505.362.102.746.9410.704.0910.3213.37
Ottawa County14.2419.3022.162.952.721.981.682.529.4310.471.819.5315.44
Washington County13.2520.2019.274.220.662.313.015.518.289.303.407.9315.90
 
Comparisons to State Norms % to Total >= 150% % to Total < 50% 

Clay County 82.1997.07114.4560.4950.51160.25105.9090.9476.40236.08144.36119.94
Kansas 100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00
National 101.26100.76108.22115.13105.42105.46101.07102.37102.2366.4296.9690.83
Riley County 86.39119.27108.24106.32155.32108.9692.3787.81141.7764.2679.9152.25
Geary County 61.6085.12146.1384.60135.7893.74195.08127.4084.2510.21147.57108.81
Dickinson County 78.6390.54101.40101.8759.45156.5862.3983.53104.01214.75133.99130.05
Cloud County 90.3187.93157.37134.06110.6565.57111.2176.23103.02471.90125.0593.88
Ottawa County 112.3490.2497.44145.6040.8852.36102.20103.55100.85209.35115.50108.44
Washington County 117.5978.47139.2135.5747.5893.86223.6690.9489.55392.6596.11111.69
 
Comparisons to National Norms % to Total >= 150% % to Total < 50% 

Clay County 81.1696.33105.7552.5447.92151.96104.7888.8374.73355.42148.88132.04
Kansas 98.7699.2592.4086.8694.8594.8398.9497.6997.81150.55103.13110.09
National 100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00
Riley County 85.31118.37100.0292.35147.33103.3291.3985.78138.6796.7482.4257.52
Geary County 60.8384.48135.0373.48128.8088.89193.00124.4582.4115.37152.19119.80
Dickinson County 77.6689.8593.6988.4956.39148.4761.7381.60101.74323.30138.19143.18
Cloud County 89.1987.27145.42116.45104.9662.18110.0374.46100.77710.45128.96103.35
Ottawa County 110.9489.5690.04126.4738.7749.65101.11101.1598.64315.18119.12119.38
Washington County 116.1277.88128.6430.9045.1489.01221.2888.8487.60591.1399.12122.97


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