Licking County unemployment at record low 2.7%; Will there be enough workers for Intel?

Kent Mallett, Newark Advocate
·4 min read
Gov. Mike DeWine speaks during an event where Intel announced it will be investing 20 billion dollars building two computer chip factories in Jersey Township, in Licking County, at the Midland Theatre in Newark, Ohio on Jan. 21, 2022.
Gov. Mike DeWine speaks during an event where Intel announced it will be investing 20 billion dollars building two computer chip factories in Jersey Township, in Licking County, at the Midland Theatre in Newark, Ohio on Jan. 21, 2022.

NEWARK — Licking County's unemployment rate fell to an all-time low of 2.7% in December, beating the previous low of 2.8% in November and April 2019.

There were 2,500 unemployed in the county, fewer than the 3,000 Intel plans to hire when it begins production at its computer chip facility in Jersey Township in 2025. The company expects to hire 3,000 high-tech workers but will first need an estimated 7,000 construction workers. And, the development will create 10,000 indirect jobs.

There were 88,300 employed and 90,700 in the Licking County labor force in December. Two years earlier, before the pandemic, the county unemployment rate was 3.4%, with 88,100 employed and 91,200 in the workforce.

John Fisher, executive director of the Licking County Job & Family Services, said the county's workforce will grow substantially due to the Intel announcement. Rush-hour traffic won't all be heading west to Franklin County.

"I think, historically, Licking County always had a significant number of workers in the labor force that are commuters going to Columbus," Fisher said. "I think you'll see Licking County a more stable workforce and an attractor from neighboring counties into Licking County. You'll be drawing from a multi-county area, probably a 25- to 50-mile radius.

"The Licking County labor force has an exceptionally low unemployment rate, but when these major employers come to town, they'll attract from a broader region. People from throughout the state and nation will come to Licking County seeking housing and employment there (at Intel)."

Licking County's population grew by 7.2% from 2010 to the 2020 census, reaching a population of 178,519. From December 2011 to December 2021, the workforce grew by 4.6%, to the current 90,700. From the 2000 census to 2020 census, the county's population increased 23%. The workforce grew by 15% from December 2001 to December 2021.

The most ever employed in the county was 88,400 in November. The county's largest labor force was 92,100 in February 2020, just before the pandemic disrupted the operations of many employers.

Although the unemployment rate is low and the workforce is near its all-time high, Fisher said some Licking Countians still may not have returned to the workforce due to COVID or child-care issues. And, some who are employed, may have switched from full-time to part-time.

More: Licking County parents forced into stressful work-life balancing act during COVID era

"What a great opportunity for these people who are under-employed or unemployed and those thinking about re-entering the workforce," Fisher said of Intel. "What a wonderful time to do that."

Also, some of the Licking County residents who commute to Columbus may decide it's time for a change.

"If you have an opportunity to work where you live and have a shorter commute time, I think you'll have a lot looking at that," Fisher said.

The ODJ&FS labor market review showed employment in the devastated leisure and hospitality industry increased 12.7%, compared to December 2020, in the 10-county Columbus Metropolitan Statistical Area. The leisure and hospitality numbers included a 15% employment increase in the last year in accommodation and food service.

The transportation and warehousing industry increased employment by 12.2% in the Columbus MSA in the last year. The Columbus MSA includes the counties of Delaware, Fairfield, Franklin, Hocking, Licking, Madison, Morrow, Perry, Pickaway and Union.

Licking County's highest unemployment rate ever was 13.7% in March 1976, followed by 13.3% in April 2020 when the COVID shutdowns began. There were 11.600 unemployed in April 2020.

The December unemployment rates for counties adjacent to Licking: Delaware 2.3%, Franklin 2.9%, Fairfield 2.9%, Knox 2.9%, Muskingum 3.8%, Perry 4.0% and Coshocton 4.2%. The Ohio rate was 4.5% and the U.S. was 3.9%.

The Ohio Department of Job & Family Services began reporting county unemployment rates in 1970.

The Advocate compares the initial numbers released by the state for Licking County, but the state revises those numbers the following month and at the end of each year, typically for two years.

kmallett@newarkadvocate.com

740-973-4539

Twitter: @kmallett1958

This article originally appeared on Newark Advocate: Licking County unempoyment rate fell to all-time low 2.7% in December