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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

Brookings County19,8883,1005,8204541681,1513856081,6171,7276031,0153,240
South Dakota (in 000's)48984111149261614455284467
National (in 000's)170,84529,72342,2625,6053,6738,7275,7764,25415,93218,14098313,67322,098
Lake County6,0009231,45414933265329114668640199574652
Pipestone County4,5957228721625728518062296450135579795
Hamlin County3,374580653123131437055266257137374703
Moody County3,358735522111732851576114133365401474
Lincoln County2,745559579149371011075722826845225390
Kingsbury County2,729564480881314310846180268102259478
Deuel County2,142476354593270675013118993188433
 
Per Cent to Total Employed 16 and OverDiversity
Index
 

Brookings County15.9415.5929.262.280.845.791.943.068.138.683.035.1016.29
South Dakota13.3817.2022.752.881.795.273.282.779.1410.541.688.9213.77
National14.0517.4024.743.282.155.113.382.499.3310.620.588.0012.93
Lake County13.4215.3824.232.480.554.425.481.9011.1310.673.329.5710.87
Pipestone County12.8115.7118.983.531.246.203.921.356.449.792.9412.6017.30
Hamlin County14.0217.1919.353.650.394.242.071.637.887.624.0611.0820.84
Moody County12.9521.8915.543.312.178.494.681.824.209.921.9411.9414.12
Lincoln County13.6020.3621.095.431.353.683.902.088.319.761.648.2014.21
Kingsbury County13.4420.6717.593.220.485.243.961.696.609.823.749.4917.52
Deuel County14.2222.2216.532.751.493.273.132.336.128.824.348.7820.21
 
Comparisons to State Norms % to Total >= 150% % to Total < 50% 

Brookings County 90.61128.6579.2447.29109.7758.94110.5488.9582.35179.9457.22118.30
South Dakota 100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00
National 101.13108.75113.88120.3696.89102.9390.03102.02100.6934.1389.7493.93
Lake County 89.42106.5386.2030.7983.77166.9668.70121.80101.16196.84107.2778.91
Pipestone County 91.3483.43122.3869.45117.64119.2848.7970.4792.88174.36141.28125.64
Hamlin County 99.9285.08126.5421.5780.3963.1758.9486.2572.24240.98124.29151.30
Moody County 127.2368.34114.74121.70160.98142.3665.6845.9394.05114.88133.89102.50
Lincoln County 118.3792.73188.4275.4669.79118.6975.0890.8792.5997.2991.91103.17
Kingsbury County 120.1377.32111.9326.6799.39120.5060.9572.1693.13221.82106.41127.19
Deuel County 129.1772.6595.6183.6461.9995.2484.4066.9083.68257.6798.41146.79
 
Comparisons to National Norms % to Total >= 150% % to Total < 50% 

Brookings County 89.59118.3069.5839.29113.3057.26122.7887.1981.79527.1863.77125.95
South Dakota 98.8891.9687.8183.08103.2197.15111.0798.0299.31292.97111.44106.47
National 100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00
Lake County 88.4297.9675.6925.5886.46162.2076.31119.39100.46576.68119.5484.01
Pipestone County 90.3176.72107.4657.70121.42115.8854.1969.0892.24510.84157.44133.76
Hamlin County 98.8178.24111.1217.9282.9761.3765.4784.5471.74706.01138.50161.09
Moody County 125.8162.84100.75101.11166.15138.3072.9545.0393.40336.56149.21109.13
Lincoln County 117.0585.27165.4562.6972.03115.3083.3989.0791.95285.04102.42109.84
Kingsbury County 118.7971.1098.2922.16102.58117.0667.6970.7392.49649.88118.59135.42
Deuel County 127.7366.8183.9669.4963.9892.5293.7565.5883.10754.92109.67156.29


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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