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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

Cleveland County47,4465,7329,8961,3728882,1392,2087545,1004,2441084,66110,344
North Carolina (in 000's)5,5459861,34515710328019112753755726468770
National (in 000's)170,84529,72342,2625,6053,6738,7275,7764,25415,93218,14098313,67322,098
York County158,97832,57636,7673,0102,7287,9373,7854,36014,70818,25761511,62522,610
Gaston County121,34918,86124,8953,3012,4445,4554,0523,01211,66414,12340811,93721,197
Lincoln County49,2789,64710,0221,0551,0742,2371,2827594,7185,577964,6958,116
Burke County40,7904,4158,0792,0721,0281,9351,8726493,3773,5901583,8959,720
Rutherford County28,2523,1135,6991,3217191,6961,6686222,3422,3511223,2145,385
Cherokee County26,0222,8244,9608857791,2421,0636291,7552,6801333,0516,021
 
Per Cent to Total Employed 16 and OverDiversity
Index
 

Cleveland County14.0512.0820.862.891.874.514.651.5910.758.940.239.8221.80
North Carolina14.1717.7724.262.821.865.043.442.299.6810.040.468.4513.88
National14.0517.4024.743.282.155.113.382.499.3310.620.588.0012.93
York County14.7320.4923.131.891.724.992.382.749.2511.480.397.3114.22
Gaston County13.4115.5420.522.722.014.503.342.489.6111.640.349.8417.47
Lincoln County14.1819.5820.342.142.184.542.601.549.5711.320.199.5316.47
Burke County13.9310.8219.815.082.524.744.591.598.288.800.399.5523.83
Rutherford County12.6311.0220.174.682.546.005.902.208.298.320.4311.3819.06
Cherokee County13.7210.8519.063.402.994.774.092.426.7410.300.5111.7223.14
 
Comparisons to State Norms % to Total >= 150% % to Total < 50% 

Cleveland County 67.9785.98102.42100.5289.41135.1469.49111.0489.1249.09116.31157.05
North Carolina 100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00
National 97.88101.98116.21115.47101.3198.17108.8896.33105.78124.0394.7593.17
York County 115.2895.3467.0692.1699.0269.14119.9295.57114.4283.4386.57102.45
Gaston County 87.4484.5796.35108.1789.1696.96108.5399.29115.9572.51116.46125.83
Lincoln County 110.1483.8475.83117.0690.0375.5567.3598.90112.7642.01112.80118.64
Burke County 60.8981.65179.92135.3694.08133.2769.5785.5287.6983.54113.05171.65
Rutherford County 61.9983.16165.62136.69119.06171.4596.2785.6382.9193.13134.69137.30
Cherokee County 61.0678.58120.46160.7994.66118.62105.6969.67102.61110.23138.81166.67
 
Comparisons to National Norms % to Total >= 150% % to Total < 50% 

Cleveland County 69.4484.3288.1487.0588.26137.6663.82115.2784.2539.58122.75168.56
North Carolina 102.1798.0686.0586.6098.71101.8691.85103.8194.5380.62105.54107.33
National 100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00
York County 117.7893.4957.7179.8197.7470.43110.1499.21108.1667.2691.37109.96
Gaston County 89.3482.9382.9193.6888.0098.7799.68103.07109.6158.46122.91135.05
Lincoln County 112.5282.2265.26101.3788.8776.9661.86102.67106.5933.87119.05127.33
Burke County 62.2180.07154.83117.2292.87135.7563.9088.7882.8967.35119.31184.23
Rutherford County 63.3381.55142.52118.37117.52174.6488.4288.8978.3875.08142.15147.36
Cherokee County 62.3877.05103.66139.2493.44120.8497.0872.3297.0088.87146.50178.89


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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