The labor force components measure the labor supply for our region's establishments. Labor force components break down workers into employed (people, age 16+, with a part-time or full-time job) and unemployed (people, age 16+, who are not working but are looking for a job). People not looking for a job (e.g., full-time students, retirees, stay-at-home parents) are not part of the labor force. Growth in the labor force provides the talent necessary to grow our region's economy.
Between 2022 and 2023, the total number of employed people grew by almost 67,000, while the total labor force grew by 64,000. With this boost, the region's labor force is almost back to pre-COVID levels. There are only 4,000 fewer people in the labor force in 2023 than there were in 2019. Strong labor demand fueled the latest growth in the labor market; for the the number of employed people now stands at 2.332 million, or 7,000 more than its year 2019 level.