Slate presents an interactive map using the Labor Department’s local area unemployment statistics from 2006 to October 2009.
Before you visit the map, it is important to note that although the map’s icons begin in 2007. They indicate the month’s activity from one year earlier, that same time. So, for example, beginning from the date September 2007, a peak in the employment figures for the decade, you are tracking activity for the year from September 2006, and so on.
The blue represents net increases in jobs and the red indicates job losses.
Interesting to note:
- Harris County gained jobs all the way through December 2008. The recession officially began in August 2007, almost 17 months prior to Houston feeling the effects of net job loss in the city. Locations such as Montgomery County and Fort Bend held out even longer.
- Oakland County, Michigan has lost more jobs than Harris County, Texas. Oakland County is the 4th Wealthiest County in the US, with over 1 million people. Harris County is 3X the size of Oakland County.
- Houston (including surrounding counties) recorded positive employment in the second half of 2009. This includes data provided by Costar for November and December.
- Surprising to most, Los Angeles County, has lost approximately 250,000 jobs from October 2007 to October 2008. Harris County lost approximately 50,000 during the same time.
- The biggest booming counties in 2006 were the biggest busts to today, except Houston! I hope I didn’t jinx it.
Houston’s employers have remained resilient – given the nation’s economic situation. The true test will come in the first half of 2010. As noted in my new year’s forecast, I expect Houston to record slightly negative employment numbers for most of the year, turning to a net positive by year end due to government hiring and an influx of businesses to the region.
Let’s come out firing on all cylinders on Monday!
