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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

Roanoke County48,0758,67313,6441,2931,0232,4171,3291,1035,1164,899282,6295,921
Virginia (in 000's)4,6119251,30312312321714011739544915330474
National (in 000's)170,84529,72342,2625,6053,6738,7275,7764,25415,93218,14098313,67322,098
Roanoke city48,4787,05311,0361,8469622,5042,0371,5524,6915,5851553,2067,851
Montgomery County46,6365,90917,8158147043,2721,5671,6974,4463,5161422,6484,106
Bedford County38,8377,05510,0111,0726801,2699278263,4244,3132633,6545,343
Franklin County25,1123,8655,0817715351,5866827132,3882,8761542,5753,886
Botetourt County16,4902,4673,6215002336835935671,7902,324581,2352,419
Salem city12,8081,6993,4084994276782794121,4061,72898111,452
Floyd County8,1231,1551,7893883733325273516829989311,722
Craig County2,12552130011281691669982560261306
 
Per Cent to Total Employed 16 and OverDiversity
Index
 

Roanoke County15.8018.0428.382.692.135.032.762.2910.6410.190.065.4712.32
Virginia15.7820.0528.262.672.684.703.042.548.579.730.337.1510.28
National14.0517.4024.743.282.155.113.382.499.3310.620.588.0012.93
Roanoke city13.3514.5522.763.811.985.174.203.209.6811.520.326.6116.19
Montgomery County19.5612.6738.201.751.517.023.363.649.537.540.305.688.80
Bedford County15.0518.1725.782.761.753.272.392.138.8211.110.689.4113.76
Franklin County12.8215.3920.233.072.136.322.722.849.5111.450.6110.2515.47
Botetourt County13.4714.9621.963.031.414.143.603.4410.8614.090.357.4914.67
Salem city14.2513.2726.613.903.335.292.183.2210.9813.490.076.3311.34
Floyd County14.6414.2222.024.780.464.103.100.906.3510.211.2111.4621.20
Craig County14.5124.5214.120.521.327.957.810.424.6112.050.0012.2814.40
 
Comparisons to State Norms % to Total >= 150% % to Total < 50% 

Roanoke County 89.96100.42100.6379.51107.0390.8790.45124.23104.6917.6076.49119.85
Virginia 100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00
National 86.7587.52122.7580.33108.74111.1298.16108.86109.08173.76111.94125.86
Roanoke city 72.5580.55142.4774.14109.96138.12126.21112.96118.3696.6092.50157.59
Montgomery County 63.18135.1665.3156.40149.36110.45143.45111.2977.4691.9979.4285.67
Bedford County 90.5891.20103.2765.4269.5678.4683.84102.92114.09204.59131.60133.87
Franklin County 76.7571.59114.8779.60134.4589.27111.93111.01117.66185.27143.42150.58
Botetourt County 74.6077.69113.4552.7988.17118.21135.55126.72144.79106.26104.75142.75
Salem city 66.1594.15145.77124.56112.6971.60126.81128.15138.6121.2388.57110.31
Floyd County 70.9077.92178.7117.0287.27101.9735.4374.16104.85364.49160.31206.28
Craig County 122.2649.9519.3749.23169.30256.7816.7053.84123.770.00171.79140.12
 
Comparisons to National Norms % to Total >= 150% % to Total < 50% 

Roanoke County 103.69114.7381.9898.9898.4281.7792.14114.1295.9810.1368.3395.22
Virginia 115.27114.2581.47124.4991.9689.99101.8791.8691.6857.5589.3379.45
National 100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00
Roanoke city 83.6292.03116.0792.30101.12124.29128.57103.77108.5155.5982.63125.21
Montgomery County 72.83154.4253.2070.21137.3599.39146.14102.2371.0152.9470.9568.07
Bedford County 104.41104.2084.1381.4463.9770.6185.4294.54104.59117.75117.56106.36
Franklin County 88.4781.7993.5899.09123.6480.34114.03101.97107.87106.63128.12119.64
Botetourt County 85.9988.7792.4265.7281.09106.37138.09116.40132.7461.1693.58113.42
Salem city 76.25107.56118.75155.07103.6364.44129.19117.72127.0712.2279.1287.65
Floyd County 81.7389.03145.5921.1980.2591.7736.0968.1296.12209.77143.21163.90
Craig County 140.9257.0715.7861.29155.69231.0717.0149.45113.460.00153.47111.33


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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