1. Data Snapshot Spencer County, Indiana County Data Snapshot Series
Rockport - Spencer County Court House
November 2018
County Data Snapshot Series

2. 01 02 03 04 05 Table of Contents Introduction Demography Economy
Labor Market 05
Broadband
Data Snapshot //Spencer County

3. 01 Introduction Purpose About Spencer County
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4. 4
Introduction
Purpose
To strengthen the value and usability of the information, we showcase data using a variety of visual tools, such as charts, graphs and tables. In addition, we offer key points about the data as a way of assisting the user with the interpretation of the information presented. Finally, key comments and takeaways associated with the data messages are presented in the last section of this snapshot.
This document provides information and data about Spencer County that can be used to guide local decision-making activities.
The Data Snapshot showcases a variety of demographic, economic and labor market information that local leaders, community organizations and others can use to gain a better perspective on current conditions and opportunities in their county.
Data Snapshot // Spencer County

5. About Spencer County Introduction Established 1818 County Seat5
Introduction
About Spencer County
Established
1818
County Seat
Rockport
Area
sq. mi.
Neighboring Counties
Dubois, IN
Perry, IN
Warrick, IN
Hancock, KY
Daviess, KY
Metropolitan Classification
Noncore Statistical Area
EDA Distress Criteria 2016
Not Distressed
Data Snapshot // Spencer County

6. Educational Attainment02
Demography
Population Change
Population Pyramid
Generational Chart
Race
Ethnicity
Language Use
Educational Attainment

7. 7
Demography
Population Change
Total Population Projections
The total population is projected to increase by 0.8 percent between 2017 and 2020.
Components of Population Change,
The county’s total population increased by 19 percent between and From 2000 to 2017, the county didn’t experience a significant change other than increasing by only 3 persons. However, from 2010 to 2017, the county experienced a decrease of 2.7 percent (loss of 558 individuals) in its overall population. In both the and periods, a positive contributor to population growth was “Natural Increase” (births minus deaths). “International migration” (number of people moving in from outside the U.S. versus moving out to countries outside the U.S.) caused an increase during to 2010 and from 2010 to 2017, respectively. Domestic migration (number of people moving into the county minus moving out from the county to other parts of the state or the U.S.) caused major declines in population during both, 2000 to 2010 and 2010 to 2017periods.
Natural Increase
524
140
International Migration
136 6
Domestic Migration
-1,136
-668
Total Change
-568
-518
Excel file: 1.1 – Population_Spencer
Data Snapshot // Spencer County
Sources: STATSIndiana, U.S. Census Bureau – 1990 Census, 2000 Decennial Census, 2010 Decennial Census, 2017 Estimates, Estimates of the Components of Resident Population Change

8. Population Trend Demography Excel file: 1.1 – Population_Spencer 8
Data Snapshot // Spencer County
Sources: BEA

9. Population Pyramids Demography Year 2000 Year 20179
Demography
Population Pyramids
Year 2000
Year 2017
Male
Female
Excel File: PopPyramids_Spencer
The proportion of males and females in Spencer County changed slightly between 2000 and Approximately 49.9 percent of the population was female in 2000, and that slipped to 49.6 percent by Major changes, however, occurred among various age groups in the county. For example, the proportion of individuals (males and females) 50 years of age and older expanded from 29.7 percent to 42 percent from 2000 to 2017.
On the other hand, several other age categories suffered a decline. The percentage of people under 20 years old fell 4.6 percentage points from 2000 to Among them, individuals under 10 years old (age 0-9) shrank from 13.7 to 11.4 percent. How about those of prime working age – those between years of age? They, too, experienced a large downturn from 41.5 percent to 33.7 percent over the time span.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau – 2000 Decennial Census and 2017 Annual Population Estimates
Data Snapshot // Spencer County
Table names: Census 2000 SF1 QTP1, PEP2017 PEPAGESEX

10. Generational Chart, 2017 Demography10
Demography
Generational Chart, 2017
Silent Generation and Great Generation or the Lost Generation are 70 years and above. Some of them fought in Word Wars and experienced the Great Depression of 1930s.
Baby Boomers is the generation after World War II. They are now 50 to 69 years old and they are at or nearing retirement age. They experienced the U.S. economic growth and prosperity. This is a large generational cohort with strong work ethics.
Generation X is now 35 to 50 years old. This generation has experienced technological advances (internet and automation) and tries to cope up with the new technology.
Millennials are now 20 to 34 years old. This generation is diverse and has adapted to technology.
Generation Z is in the teens and the most technologically savvy generation.
Excel File: PopPyramids_Spencer
Data Snapshot // Spencer County
Source: Population Estimates, U.S. Census Bureau

11. Race Demography Year 2000 Year 201711
Demography
Race
Year 2000
Year 2017
Note: Natives are comprised of American Indian and Alaskan Native, and Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander.
Excel File: 1.3 – Race_Spencer.xlsx
The number of White residents in Spencer County decreased marginally from 97.7 percent to 97.4 percent between 2000 and 2017.
As a result, the percentage of non-White races increased between 2000 and 2017 from 2.3 percent to 2.6 percent. The number of Blacks or African Americans marginally increased by 62 individuals. The population of Asians increased by 30 individuals in The Native population marginally increased by 9 individuals. Meanwhile, individuals with two or more races decreased (0.2 percentage point with 38 less individuals) over the same time period.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau – 2000 Decennial Census and 2017 Annual Population Estimates
Data Snapshot //Spencer County
Table names: Census 2000 SF1 P008, PEP2017 PEPSR6H

12. 12
Demography
Ethnicity
Hispanics are individuals of any race whose ancestry is from Mexico, Puerto Rico, Cuba, Spain, the Dominican Republic or any other Spanish-speaking Central or South American country.
There were 303 Hispanics residing in Spencer County in This figure doubled by 2017, growing to 606 individuals. In terms of percentage growth, the Hispanic population expanded by nearly 1.5 percentage points between 2000 and As such, the Hispanic community represented nearly 3 percent of Spencer County’s population in 2017.
Excel File: 1.3 – Race_Spencer.xlsx
Data Snapshot // Spencer County
Source: Decennial Census, Population Estimates, U.S. Census Bureau

13. Educational Attainment13
Demography
Educational Attainment
Spencer County’s share of adults (25 years and older) with bachelor’s or higher degree increased by nearly 2 percentage points (467 more individuals) from 2000 to The proportion of adults 25+ years of age with a high school education only increased by 1 percentage point between 2000 and Residents with less than a high school education dipped by almost 8 percentage points over this period. There were 2,541 adult individuals who did not have a high school degree in 2000 and that number dropped to 1,531 individuals by The number of adults with an associate’s degree increased by 567 more individuals growing from 7 percent in 2000 to 10 percent in Adults with some college education also increased by 360 more individuals in between 2000 and 2016, growing from 18 to 20 percent of adults (25+ years old) in the county.
2000
2016
Excel File: EdAttainment_Spencer.xlsx
Source: U.S. Census Bureau – 2000 Decennial Census and 2016 ACS
Data Snapshot // Spencer County
Table names: Census 2000 SF4 QTP20, ACS 2016 S1501

14. 03
Economy
Establishments
Industries
Income and Poverty
Occupations

15. Components of Changes in Jobs15
Economy
Components of Changes in Jobs
Changes in Jobs ( )
Jobs
Gained by
New Start-ups
8,855
Spin-offs
1,010
Expansion
5,463
In-migration
1,017
Lost by
Closings
8,926
Contractions
4,438
Out-migration
909
Net Change
2,072
How to Interpret the Accompanying Table
New Start-ups A completely new business from births/openings without any affiliation to an existing business.
Spin-offs New businesses that were spun off from existing businesses.
Expansions Existing businesses that have expanded in jobs.
In-migration Businesses that have moved-in from outside of the county.
Closings Closure of existing businesses.
Contractions Existing businesses that have shed/reduced jobs.
Out-migration Businesses that have moved- out from the county.
Excel File: Estab&Employ__Spencer.xlsx
Data Snapshot // Spencer County
Source: YourEconomy.org

16. Establishment Distribution by Stages16
Economy
Company Stages
An establishment is a physical business location. Branches, standalones and headquarters are all considered types of establishments.
Definition of Company Stages
Stage 0
Self-employed
Stage 1
2-9 employees
Stage 2
10-99 employees
Stage 3
employees
Stage 4
500+ employees
Establishment Distribution by Stages
Indiana, 2016
Data Snapshot // Spencer County
Note: Based on Edward Lowe’s research,

17. 17
Economy
Number of Establishments, Jobs, Sales by Stage/Employment Category in the County
Stage
Establishments 2016
% Change ( )
Jobs* 2016
Sales 2016
($ 2016, Million)
% Change ( ,
$ 2016)
Stage 0
137
-3.5%
27.7
-51.2%
Stage 1
680
61.1%
2,611
58.3%
509.9
-48.3%
Stage 2
149
38.0%
3,326
19.3%
746.2
9.9%
Stage 3 15
25.0%
2,702
-12.2%
657.7
114.0%
Stage 4 2
100.0%
1,800
153.0
-11.6%
Total
983
43.5%
10,576
23.6%
2,095
-4.9%
Excel File: Estab&Employ__Spencer.xlsx
*Includes both full-time and part-time jobs
Note: The change in jobs from 2000 to 2016 might not match with the components of change in jobs because of residuals.
Data Snapshot // Spencer County
Source: YourEconomy.org

18. Top Five Industries 2003 2016 Economy18
Economy
Top Five Industries
Half of all jobs are tied to one of the top five industries in Spencer County
The top industry in Spencer County is Manufacturing, which accounts for more than 13 percent of the total jobs. Government ranks second, providing 1,080 jobs in Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation represents about 9 percent of the total jobs. Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting; and Retail Trade respectively, complete the top five industries in Spencer County.
Together the top five industries provided 4,607 jobs in Two of the top five industries lost jobs between 2003 and 2016 time period (see next page).
2003
2016
Excel File: 2.2 – Industry.xlsx
Data Snapshot //Spencer County
Source: EMSI – – QCEW Employees, Non-QCEW Employees, Self-Employed, and Extended Proprietors

19. Top Five Industries Jobs Trend (2001-2016)19
Economy
Top Five Industries Jobs Trend ( )
Excel File: 2.2 – Industry.xlsx
Data Snapshot // Spencer County
Source: EMSI– – QCEW Employees, Non-QCEW Employees, Self-Employed, and Extended Proprietors

20. Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation Health Care and Social Assistance20
Economy
Industry distribution and change
Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation
+402
Educational Services
+269
Employment Increase
Industries with the largest gains and losses in employment numbers between 2003 & 2016
Employment Decrease
Manufacturing
-442
Health Care and Social Assistance
-295
The largest percentage gains in employment occurred in
Educational Services (+1,223%)
Management of Companies and Enterprises (+167%)
The largest percentage losses in employment occurred in
Health Care and Social Assistance (-38%)
Wholesale Trade (-27%)
Excel File: 2.2 – Industry.xlsx
Data Snapshot // Spencer County
Source: EMSI – – QCEW Employees, Non-QCEW Employees, Self-Employed, and Extended Proprietors

21. Top Five Occupations 2003 2016 Economy21
Economy
Top Five Occupations
The top five occupations in Spencer County represent more than half of all jobs.
Management Occupations (1,065 jobs) is the top occupation, which accounts for 11 percent of the total jobs. Production Occupations rank second, providing 1,045 jobs. Sales and Related Occupations represent 11 percent of all jobs in the county. Office and Administrative Support Occupations and Transportation and Material Moving Occupations complete the top five occupation groups in Spencer County. Together the top five occupation groups represented 4,879 jobs in 2016.
Worth noting is that four of the top five occupation groups lost jobs between and 2016.
2003
2016
Excel File: 2.3 – Occupation_Spencer.xlsx
Data Snapshot //Spencer County
Source: Economic Modeling Specialists International (EMSI) – – QCEW Employees, Non-QCEW Employees, Self-Employed, and Extended Proprietors

22. Occupation distribution and change22
Economy
Occupation distribution and change
Excel File: 2.3 – Occupation_Spencer.xlsx
Data Snapshot //Spencer County
Source: Economic Modeling Specialists International (EMSI) – – QCEW Employees, Non-QCEW Employees, Self-Employed, and Extended Proprietors

23. Occupation distribution and change23
Economy
Occupation distribution and change
Education, Training, and Library Occupations +122
Employment Increase
Occupations with the largest gains and losses in employment numbers between 2003 & 2016
Employment Decrease
Production Occupations
-350
Healthcare Support Occupations
-96
Building and Grounds Cleaning and Maintenance Occupations
+210
The largest percentage gains in employment occurred in
Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations (+91%)
Building and Grounds Cleaning and Maintenance Occupations (+65%)
The largest percentage losses in employment occurred in
Healthcare Support Occupations (-42%)
Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations (-29%)
Excel File: 2.3 – Occupation_Spencer.xlsx
Data Snapshot // Spencer County
Source: EMSI – – QCEW Employees, Non-QCEW Employees, Self-Employed, and Extended Proprietors

24. Income and Poverty Economy 2000 2008 2016 Total Population in Poverty24
Economy
Income and Poverty
2000
2008
2016
Total Population in Poverty
7.1%
9.3%
9.1%
Minors (Under Age 18) in Poverty
8.9%
13.1%
11.2%
Real Median Household Income ($2016)*
$61,054
$59,952
$58,217
Real Per Capita Income ($2016)*
$34,464
$38,415
$42,013
Percent of Household in Upper Income Bracket ($100,000 +)**
6.5%
16.6%
18.0%
Percent of Household in the Lowest Income Bracket (Less than $10,000)**
6.8%
5.6%
Median household income in Spencer County dropped by $2,837 between 2000 and 2016 in real dollars (that is, adjusted for inflation), while average income per person increased by $7,549 in real dollars over the same period.
The total population in poverty increased from 7.1 percent to 9.1 percent between 2000 and Child poverty grew at a slightly faster pace, expanding by nearly 2.3 percentage points during this same time period.
The GINI Index of income inequality for households in Spencer County was in 2016 (ACS ), a marginal increase of nearly 2 percent from in 2011 (ACS ).
Excel file: 2.4 – Income&Poverty__Spencer.xlsx
*Real median household income is the middle income value in the county. Half of the county’s households fall above this line and half below. Real per capita personal income is the average income per person in the county.
**Percent of household in upper income bracket: 2016 is 5 year ACS, 2008 is 3 year ACS, 2000 is Census summery file 3 (SF-3).
Source: SAIPE, ACS , BEA- Regional Personal Income Summary
Data Snapshot // Spencer County

25. Income and Poverty (3 years rolling average)25
Economy
Income and Poverty (3 years rolling average)
Median household income in Spencer County has been generally declining for the past 16 years with some fluctuations witnessed after the Great Recession. Real per capita personal income has been increasing at a moderate pace since The poverty rate for all ages has been on the rise since 2000, but has experienced some improvement since Poverty among minors (children under 18 years of age) has been increasing, peaking at 14.5 percent in The rate has decreased after 2009 to 12% in 2016 (2014 to 2016 period).
Excel file: 2.4 – Income&Poverty_Spencer.xlsx
Note: Ending point is shown as the time period.
Data Snapshot // Spencer County
Source: SAIPE, BEA- Regional Personal Income Summary

26. 04 Labor Market Labor Force & Unemployment Commuteshed
Workforce Inflow/Outflow
Laborshed

27. Labor Force and Unemployment27
Labor Market
Labor Force and Unemployment
The number of individuals in the labor force of Spencer County increased between 2003 and 2016.
The number of individuals in the county’s labor force increased by 193 individuals between and Among all the individuals in the labor force, 94.8 percent were employed in and 95.9 percent in Worth noting is that the labor participation rate increased between 2003 and There may be a variety of factors associated with this trend.
2003
2010
2016
Labor Force
10,794
10,996
10,987
Unemployment Rate
5.2%
8.8%
4.1%
Labor Force Participation Rate
86.3%
91.1%
Excel File: LaborForce__Spencer.xlsx
Source: BLS, Stats Indiana
Data Snapshot // Spencer County

28. Unemployment Rate Labor Market28
Labor Market
Unemployment Rate
Unemployment rate increased dramatically, peaking at 9.2 percent in Since that time, the rate has been on a steady decline, dropping to 4.1 percent.
Excel File: LaborForce__Spencer.xlsx
Source: BLS
Data Snapshot // Spencer County

29. Journey to Work Labor Market29
Labor Market
Journey to Work
Spencer County has more workers commuting out than commuting into the county for work.
Net commuting is negative with a deficit of 3,480 commuters. For every 100 resident workers, Spencer County has only 63 jobs. This suggests that the county is not serving as a job center for the region, but primarily as a bedroom community for workers employed in Evansville or counties in Kentucky.
3,302
In-Commuters
2015 Count
Proportion
Living in Spencer County
9,442
100.0%
Both living and employed in the County
2,660
28.2%
Living in the County but employed outside
6,782
71.8%
Employed in Spencer County
5,962
Both employed and living in the County
44.6%
Employed in the County but living outside
3,302
55.4%
2,660
Same Work/Home
Excel File: 3.2 – OTM__Spencer.xlsx
6,782
Out-Commuters
Source: On The Map
Data Snapshot // Spencer County

30. Commuteshed & Laborshed in 201530
Labor Market
Commuteshed & Laborshed in 2015
6,782
3,302
Excel File: 3.2 – OTM__Spencer.xlsx
Data Snapshot // Spencer County
Source: On The Map

31. Section 05
Broadband 31
Data Snapshot // Spencer County

32. Population with no access to broadband 25/332
Broadband
Population with no access to broadband 25/3
Data Snapshot // Spencer County
Source: FCC; 2016 Tiger/Lines Census Tracts

33. A Look at the Digital Divide Index33
Broadband
A Look at the Digital Divide Index
The Digital Divide Index, or DDI for short, ranges in value from 0 to 100, where 100 indicates the highest digital divide. It is composed of two scores: (1) The Infrastructure/Adoption (INFA) Score; and (2) The Socioeconomic (SE) Score. As noted, both have a value between 0 and The following offers more information on each score
The INFA Score groups four variables related to broadband infrastructure and adoption:
percentage of total 2010 population without access to fixed broadband of at least 25 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload
number of residential broadband connections with at least 10 Mbps download and 1 Mbps upload
average maximum advertised download speeds; and
average maximum advertised upload speeds.
The SE Score groups four variables known to impact technology adoption:
percent population ages 65 and over
percent population 25 and over with less than high school
individual poverty rate; and
percent of noninstitutionalized civilian population with a disability.
In other words, these variable indirectly measure adoption since they are potential predictors of lagging technology adoption.
These two scores are combined to calculate the overall DDI score. If a particular county or census tract has a higher INFA score versus a SE score, efforts should be made to improve broadband infrastructure. If on the other hand, a particular geography has a higher SE score versus an INFA score, focus should be given to improving digital literacy and exposure to the technology’s benefits.
Data Snapshot // Spencer County
Source: DDI, PCRD

34. 2016 Digital Divide Profile for Spencer County34
Broadband
2016 Digital Divide Profile for Spencer County
Score
Digital Divide Index
67.36
Score
Infrastructure/Adoption Score
80.78
Average maximum advertised download speed in Mbps
10.4
Average maximum advertised upload speeds in Mbps
1.9
Households with a 10/1 broadband connection %
People without access to fixed broadband of at least 25/3 Mbps
69.2%
Score
Socioeconomic Score
57.38
Population ages 65 and older
17.8%
Ages 25 and older with less than a high school degree
10.6%
Individuals in poverty
9.9%
Noninstitutionalized civilian population with a disability
13.9%
Data Snapshot // Spencer County
Source: FCC Form 477; ACS

35. 35
Concluding Comments
Data Snapshot // Spencer County

36. Population Race and Ethnicity Education36
Demography: Concluding Comments
Population
Race and Ethnicity
Education
Spencer County’s population has increased with varying growth rates since the decade of the 1970s, including important changes in the age distribution of its population. Post 2010 resident populations in Spencer County seem to be in decline with marginal increase predicted for The matured population (50 years or older) reaching retirement age has become the largest share of the county’s population since That shift may have important implications regarding the need for health care, housing, transportation options, and more.
The slow erosion (loss of 7.8 percentage points) of the number of people of prime working age ( years old) could hamper efforts to attract new or expand existing businesses in the county. This means that businesses in the county may have an increasing dependence on workers living outside of the county.
Nearly 1 in 4 persons are 19 years of age or younger, meaning that education, recreational activities, child care, and after-school programs for young people will continue to be important issues to address.
Racial composition in Spencer County remained almost unchanged between 2000 and Nearly, 2.3 percent of the resident populations were non-white in 2000, which increased marginally to 2.6 percent in 2017.
Blacks, Natives, and Asian races increased marginally in numbers and proportion between 2000 and Individuals of two or more races declined in both, number and percent.
In addition, Spencer County has also experienced growth in its ethnic diversity over the last 17 years. About 3 percent of Spencer County’s residents is now of Hispanic origin, while it was 1.5 percent level in This suggests that the county will have to determine how to address the needs of a growing population where English may not be the primary language.
The proportion of adults 25 years of age or older with an associate’s degree improved nearly 3 percentage points between 2000 and 2016.
The 15 percent attainment rate of adults with a bachelor’s degree or higher is lower than Indiana’s figure for adults (25.6%) in But, the county is making strides, increasing the number of Spencer County adults with this level of education by 2 percentage points between 2000 and 2016.
Regardless of the growth in adult with some type of college education or more, nearly 44 percent of the adults in the county had a high school education only in with additional 11 percent adults with less than a high school education. Without question, this could serve as a barrier to securing good paying jobs or attracting employers with jobs that demand people with some type of post-secondary education.
Nearly 1 in 5 adults have some college education. Exploring ways to assist some of these individuals to complete an associates or a technical degree could position the county to retain and attract good paying jobs requiring workers with solid middle-level skills.
Data Snapshot // Spencer County

37. Establishment and Industry37
Economy: Concluding Comments
Establishment and Industry
Occupation
Income and Poverty
Spencer County experienced a positive growth in both the number of establishments and jobs between and A large proportion of the growth was created by stage 1 and stage 2 enterprises (startups and small businesses), the very companies that often get overlooked by the local government and economic development authorities when exploring ways to add jobs to the local economy.
Stage 1 (2-9 employees) added 962 jobs whereas Stage 2 (10-99 employees) experienced a growth of 537 new jobs. However, Stage 3 lost 375 jobs in the 16 year period. Exploring ways to retain, strengthen, and grow Stage 1 and 2 enterprises may be worthwhile for Spencer County.
Manufacturing has been a significant sector in the county, employing 1,291 individuals with annual earnings of $63,518. Unfortunately, Manufacturing and Retail Trade sectors, two of the top five industries, lost nearly 631 jobs between 2003 and Focusing on strategies to diversify the local economy with export- oriented industries and expanding Arts, Entertainment and Recreation, a top five sector, will be important in the years ahead.
Building and Grounds Cleaning and Maintenance Occupations experienced the highest growth, adding 210 jobs during time period, whereas Production Occupations suffered the maximum loss of nearly 350 jobs in that time period. It is worth noting that Education, Training, and Library Occupations added 122 jobs, the second highest, from 2003 to Whereas, Healthcare Support Occupations lost 96 jobs, the second highest in that period. Spencer County gained maximum jobs in relatively low paying occupations ($11 per hour) and lost jobs in higher paying occupations ($17 per hour), such as Production Occupations.
Spencer County has experienced a decline in high skilled jobs in Architecture and Engineering and Healthcare Practitioners and Technical occupations. The county has gained jobs in middle skill and trade-related occupations, such as Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Occupations. Considering that nearly 55 percent of the adults have high school or less education, the county may need to figure out how to match the skills of adult labor force with requirements of the existing employers.
The overall poverty rate for individuals increased by 2 percentage points from 2000 to 2016, whereas child poverty grew by 2.3 percentage points in the same time period. Uncovering the factors that are fueling the growth of individual and child poverty in the county is something worth exploring.
Real median household income decreased in the county by $1,102 between 2000 and 2008, followed by a further decrease of $1,735 between 2008 and Overall, the real median household income decreased by $2,837 in the 16-year time period. On the other hand, real per capita income increased by $3,951 from 2000 to 2008, with further increase of $3,598 by This seemingly conflicting trend indicates that there may be a presence of income inequality between households in the county. This means that there is a segment of the population that is becoming wealthier while another segment is losing ground and becoming poorer.
A case in point are residents who fall in the upper income ladder. The percent of household in the upper income bracket has increased by 11.5 percentage points from 2000 to Comparatively, the decline in the lowest income bracket was only by 1.2 percentage point.
Data Snapshot // Spencer County

38. Labor Force and Unemployment38
Labor Market: Concluding Comments
Labor Force and Unemployment
Commuteshed and Laborshed
Broadband
Spencer County experienced a high unemployment rate of 9.2 percent in Since that time, the county has made significant progress given that the unemployment rate has now tumbled to 4.1 percent as of slightly lower than the U.S. and Indiana’s rate (4.9 percent and 4.4 percent).
In 2003, 10,794 individuals were part of labor force and which slightly increased to 10,987 in In the same time, the labor participation rate also increased by 4.8 percentage points. This increase may be due to more matured age people participating in the labor force and actively looking for work. Coupled with a low unemployment rate of 4.1 percent, it indicates that nearly 96 out of 100 laborers seeking employment are gainfully employed in Spencer County.
Despite marginal declines in populations and total jobs in the last 16 years and proportionate increase in low paying occupations, labor market indicators are relatively stronger in Spencer County.
Other than Spencer County, Dubois, Warrick, and Vanderburgh counties in Indiana and Daviess County in Kentucky are the major destinations for Spencer County’s resident workers. Dubois and Perry counties in Indiana and Daviess County in Kentucky are also major sources of the labor force.
More than 55 percent (3,302 individuals) of Spencer County’s employees are coming from surrounding counties. It may be worthwhile to asses how interested these individuals might be in moving to Spencer County at some point in the future, and if not, what factors are preventing them from doing so.
Nearly 72 percent of residents from Spencer County are working outside of the county. It may be valuable to get a handle on the education and skill levels of these individuals. Is the outflow of labor due to the fact that these individuals have a good education and cannot find a local job that aligns with their education and/or experiences? Or is it due to the fact that Spencer County serves as a bedroom community for Evansville labor market? Addressing these questions could prove valuable.
The census tract level data from FCC (Federal Communications Commission ) indicate that northern areas of Spencer County are not connected at all. This area is comprised of the water park, recreational facilities, state park, and agricultural fields. The southern census tracts have relatively larger populations with connectivity to the 25/3 broadband. One tract located to the Southwest has 27 percent of residents without connection to 25/3 broadband (25 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload).
Spencer County has on average 69 percent of the resident population without access to fixed broadband of at least 25/3 Mbps – the rate that is required to have a decent broadband service per FCC guidelines.
Spencer County has a Digital Divide Index of nearly 67, where 100 indicates the largest digital divide. Similarly, the infrastructure/adoption score for the county is 81 compared to the socioeconomic score of nearly 57. Since the infrastructure score is higher, it would make sense to focus on providing the broadband access to those parts of the county with higher population densities and no coverage at all.
Data Snapshot // Spencer County

39. Appendix

40. Average Total Earnings 201640
Appendix
Economy - Industry Distribution and Change
NAICS Code
Description
Jobs 2003
Jobs 2016
Change ( )
% Change ( )
Average Total Earnings 2016 11
Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting
640
717 77
12%
$37,314 21
Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction
130
249
119
92%
$22,005 22
Utilities
251
263 12 5%
$133,387 23
Construction
465
461 -4
-1%
$40,755 31
Manufacturing
1,733
1,291
-442
-26%
$63,518 42
Wholesale Trade
540
393
-147
-27%
$43,487 44
Retail Trade
847
658
-189
-22%
$23,607 48
Transportation and Warehousing
326
425 99
30%
$53,063 51
Information
129
103
-26
-20%
$63,688 52
Finance and Insurance
234
294 60
26%
$30,180 53
Real Estate and Rental and Leasing
194
296
102
53%
$29,347 54
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
179
202
13%
$27,663 55
Management of Companies and Enterprises 32 20
167%
$66,824 56
Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services
410
-130
-24%
$30,487 61
Educational Services
291
269
1,223%
$42,822 62
Health Care and Social Assistance
775
480
-295
-38%
$37,638 71
Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation
460
862
402
87%
$16,756 72
Accommodation and Food Services
490
-30
-6%
$15,656 81
Other Services (except Public Administration)
581
615 34 6%
$33,622 90
Government
1,062
1,080 18 2%
$39,770
All
Total
9,608
9,583
-25 0%
$40,013
Data Snapshot // Spencer County
Note: Average total earnings include wages, salaries, supplements and earnings from investments and proprietorships.

41. QCEW Average Total Earnings 201641
Appendix
Economy - Industry Distribution and Change
NAICS Code
Description
QCEW Jobs
QCEW Jobs
QCEW Jobs % Change ( )
Total Jobs 2003
Total Jobs 2016
Total Jobs % Change ( )
QCEW Average Total Earnings 2016 11
Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting 55
139
1.53
640
717
12%
$50,243 21
Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction 40
<10
Insf. Data
130
249
92% 22
Utilities
251
259
0.03
263 5%
$134,995 23
Construction
274
290
0.06
465
461
-1%
$49,776 31
Manufacturing
1,708
1,256
-0.26
1,733
1,291
-26%
$64,565 42
Wholesale Trade
512
341
-0.33
540
393
-27%
$46,362 44
Retail Trade
582
384
-0.34
847
658
-22%
$29,057 48
Transportation and Warehousing
240
302
0.26
326
425
30%
$59,921 51
Information
115 91
-0.21
129
103
-20%
$70,238 52
Finance and Insurance
157
0.21
234
294
26%
$41,890 53
Real Estate and Rental and Leasing 16 26
0.63
194
296
53%
$34,611 54
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services 85 74
-0.13
179
202
13%
$29,994
Management of Companies and Enterprises 12 29
1.42 32
167%
$70,003 56
Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services
453
328
-0.28
410
-24%
$35,182 61
Educational Services
270
21.50
291
1223%
$45,657 62
Health Care and Social Assistance
715
386
-0.46
775
480
-38%
$33,487 71
Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation
419
790
0.89
460
862
87%
$17,445 72
Accommodation and Food Services
457
433
-0.05
490
-6%
$14,576 81
Other Services (except Public Administration)
220
0.14
581
615 6%
$60,001 90
Government
992
1,017
1,062
1,080 2%
$40,908
All
Total
7,289
6,829
-0.06
9,608
9,583 0%
$46,041
Data Snapshot // Spencer County
Note: Average total earnings include wages, salaries, supplements and earnings from investments and proprietorships.

42. Median Hourly Earnings 2016 (Total Jobs)42
Appendix
Economy - Occupation Distribution and Change
SOC
Description
Jobs 2003
Jobs 2016
Change ( )
% Change ( )
Median Hourly Earnings 2016 (Total Jobs) 11
Management Occupations
987
1,065 78 8%
$16.53 13
Business and Financial Operations Occupations
313
346 33
11%
$24.09 15
Computer and Mathematical Occupations 66 72 6 9%
$24.82 17
Architecture and Engineering Occupations
170
146
-24
-14%
$33.93 19
Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations 34 -1
-3%
$27.22 21
Community and Social Service Occupations 79 89 10
13%
$16.73 23
Legal Occupations 32 31
$27.67 25
Education, Training, and Library Occupations
397
519
122
31%
$18.00 27
Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations
175
206
18%
$13.39 29
Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations
286
202
-84
-29%
$21.79
Healthcare Support Occupations
230
134
-96
-42%
$10.70
Protective Service Occupations
135 35
26%
$14.82
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations
570
526
-44
-8%
$8.76 37
Building and Grounds Cleaning and Maintenance Occupations
322
532
210
65%
$10.72 39
Personal Care and Service Occupations
380
452
19%
$9.15 41
Sales and Related Occupations
1,021
1,009
-12
-1%
$13.80 43
Office and Administrative Support Occupations
1,034
959
-75
-7%
$14.01 45
Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations 82
157 75
91%
$12.64 47
Construction and Extraction Occupations
479
433
-46
-10%
$15.53 49
Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Occupations
495
554 59
12%
$20.20 51
Production Occupations
1,395
1,045
-350
-25%
$16.71 53
Transportation and Material Moving Occupations
843
800
-43
-5%
$17.58 55
Military occupations 70 62 -8
-11%
$17.52
All
Total
9,608
9,583
-25 0%
Data Snapshot // Spencer County
*Management occupations include farm managers, so changes in jobs may be related to changes in the number of farm proprietorships.

43. Median Hourly Earnings 2016 (QCEW Jobs)43
Appendix
Economy - Occupation Distribution and Change
SOC
Description
QCEW 2003 Jobs
QCEW Jobs
QCEW Jobs % Change ( )
Total Jobs 2003
Total Jobs 2016
Total Jobs % Change ( )
Median Hourly Earnings 2016 (QCEW Jobs) 11
Management Occupations
304
315 4%
987
1,065 8%
$33.12 13
Business and Financial Operations Occupations
219
220 0%
313
346
11%
$23.38 15
Computer and Mathematical Occupations 55 57 66 72 9%
$27.10 17
Architecture and Engineering Occupations
156
134
-14%
170
146
$35.28 19
Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations 20 5% 34 33
-3%
$22.29 21
Community and Social Service Occupations 44 47 7% 79 89
13%
$17.18 23
Legal Occupations 24
-17% 32 31
$23.67 25
Education, Training, and Library Occupations
376
483
28%
397
519
31%
$18.50 27
Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations 74
-11%
175
206
18%
$14.75 29
Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations
270
179
-34%
286
202
-29%
$20.43
Healthcare Support Occupations
117
-47%
230
-42%
$10.74
Protective Service Occupations
167
25%
135
26%
$14.81 35
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations
552
514
-7%
570
526
-8%
$8.74 37
Building and Grounds Cleaning and Maintenance Occupations
255
449
76%
322
532
65%
$11.28 39
Personal Care and Service Occupations
165
222
35%
380
452
19%
$9.30 41
Sales and Related Occupations
581
478
-18%
1,021
1,009
-1%
$10.94 43
Office and Administrative Support Occupations
944
855
-9%
1,034
959
$13.77 45
Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations 51 94
84% 82
157
91%
$12.46
Construction and Extraction Occupations
318
278
-13%
479
433
-10%
$17.32 49
Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Occupations
438
491
12%
495
554
$21.35
Production Occupations
1,349
993
-26%
1,395
1,045
-25%
$16.80 53
Transportation and Material Moving Occupations
737
629
-15%
843
800
-5%
$16.44
Military occupations 70 62
$0.00
All
Total
7,289
6,829
-6%
9,608
9,583
Data Snapshot // Spencer County
Note: Average total earnings include wages, salaries, supplements and earnings from investments and proprietorships.

44. 44
Appendix
Notes
LAUS (Local Area Unemployment Statistics): LAUS is a U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) program that provides monthly and annual labor force, employment and unemployment data by place of residence at various geographic levels. LAUS utilizes statistical models to estimate data values based on household surveys and employer reports. These estimates are updated annually. Annual county-level LAUS estimates do not include seasonal adjustments. LEHD (Longitudinal Employer-Household Dynamics): LEHD is a partnership between U.S. Census Bureau and State Department of Workforce Development (DWD) to provide labor market and journey to work data at various geographic levels. LEHD uses Unemployment Insurance earnings data and Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages from DWDs and census administrative records related to individuals and businesses. SAIPE (Small Area Income and Poverty Estimates): SAIPE is a U.S. Census Bureau program that provides annual data estimates of income and poverty statistics at various geographic levels. The estimates are used in the administration of federal and state assistance programs. SAIPE utilizes statistical models to estimate data from sample surveys, census enumerations, and administrative records. EMSI (Economic Modeling Specialists International): The jobs, earnings and labor market data for Industries and occupations are obtained from EMSI. It provides unsuppressed data at North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) 6-digit and Standard Occupation Classification (SOC) at 5-digit level for every county in the U.S.
OTM (On the Map): OTM, a product of LEHD program, is used in the county snapshot report to develop commuting patterns for a geography from two perspectives: place of residence and place of work. At the highly detailed level of census blocks, some of the data are synthetic to maintain confidentiality of the worker. However, for larger regions mapped at the county level, the commuter shed and labor shed data are fairly reasonable. OTM includes jobs for a worker employed in the reference as well as previous quarter. Hence, job counts are based on two consecutive quarters (six months) measured at the “beginning of a quarter.” OTM data can differ from commuting patterns developed from state annual income tax returns, which asks a question about “county of residence” and “county of work” on January 1 of the tax-year. OTM can also differ from American Community Survey data, which is based on a sample survey of the resident population. YourEconomy.org (YE): YE, an online tool by the Business Dynamics Research Consortium at the University of Wisconsin – Extension, provides data on the employment, sales, and number of establishments at numerous geographic levels in the United States. A major data source for YE is the Infogroup Historical Database and additional Infogroup data files on establishments. This means that each entry is a different physical location, and company-level information must be created by adding the separate establishment components.
Data Snapshot // Spencer County

45. Report Contributors Data Analysis Authors/Editors Report Design45
Appendix
Report Contributors
This report was produced by the Purdue Center for Regional Center and the Purdue Extension Community Development Program. Funds to support the preparation of this report were provided, in part, from Purdue Extension, Purdue Center for Regional Development, and the Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA).
Data Analysis
Yong Jee Kim
Ben St. Germain
Andrey Zhalnin, PhD
Indraneel Kumar, Ph.D.
Authors/Editors
Bo Beaulieu, Ph.D.
Report Design
Tyler Wright
Data Snapshot // Spencer County

46. Purdue Center for Regional Development Contact Us46
Purdue Center for Regional Development
Contact Us
1341 Northwestern Avenue
Purdue Schowe House
West Lafayette, IN 47906
seeks to pioneer new ideas and strategies that contribute to regional collaboration, innovation and prosperity.
Purdue Extension Community Development
works to strengthen the capacity of local leaders, residents and organizations to work together to develop and sustain strong, vibrant communities.
Front cover court house photography is courtesy of Lee Lewellen.
Back cover Schowe House photography is by PCRD staff.