Talent + Housing = Employment and Economic Vitality

31 Oct 2024


BEDC

Our people are our strength. Monroe County is a hub on the innovation and talent corridor that runs from Indianapolis to NSWC Crane, at the crossroads of thec orridor that connects Brown County to Owen County. Over 93,000 individuals working in Monroe County. While roughly 17% of Monroe County’s workforce commutes into the County, our largest employers report half of their staff come from surrounding counties. Over 48% of Monroe County’s population has a bachelor’s degree or higher, compared to over 33% of the US population (Source: US Census Bureau). At the same time, Monroe County’s working age population is being offset by growth in its aging and age 65+ population. As we face a wave of retirements, this poses challenges for community succession planning. The County added just over 5,000 people aged 65+ from 2012-2022,with a relatively flat overall population (Source: US Census S2301 employment status table). Projectionsby the Indiana Business Research Center (IBRC) at Indiana University forecast a slight population decline between 2020 and 2030, with the 65+ demographic expected to grow by another 4,000 people by 2030 compared to 2020. Gains in labor force participation amongst some groups like women have been offset by losses in other segments. Meanwhile, Bloomington continues to produce highly educated graduates who tend to leave the area for opportunities elsewhere. (Source: Andrew Butters, Indiana University Business Research Center) We can help our current neighbors thrive IN Monroe County, care for our older citizens, and foster the next generation.

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