In Merced County, jobs in the utility system construction pay the highest wages

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People with jobs in the utility system construction industry wages were the highest in Merced County for the 2nd quarter of 2006. The average worker in the industry in Merced County earned an annual wage of $57,247 in 2006. The annual wage is less than the average industry wage in the State of California of $59,362 and greater than then the pay for jobs in this industry in the United States of $48,011.

Other top-pay jobs in Merced County, California are present in insurance carriers ($54,559), nondepository credit intermediation ($51,268), management of companies and enterprises ($49,490) and lawn and garden equipment and supplies stores ($48,719) industries. Note: Click the above Graphic for Detail Comparison

About: These facts are part of the eCanned.com Industry Analysis Series.

Datasource: U.S. Department of Labor. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW). Private Sector Employment Only.

Merced County Wages have increased by 24.2% Since 2001

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From the second quarter of 2001 to the second quarter of 2006, industry wages have increased in Merced County, California by a total of 24.2%. This is greater than the growth in industry wages for California and greater than the growth in industry wages across the US.

About: These facts are part of the eCanned.com Industry Analysis Series.

Datasource: U.S. Department of Labor. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW). Private Sector Employment Only.

Merced County Industry Wages Lag Behind California, and Wages Lag Behind the United States

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The overall industry wages in Merced County, California when analyzed can be described as medium-low when analyzed with other Counties in the state. The overall wages are 38.1 percent lower than the reported averages in the state of $45,358. The average pay was less than the industry average in the US of $40,259.

About: These facts are part of the eCanned.com Industry Analysis Series.

Datasource: U.S. Department of Labor. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW). Private Sector Employment Only.

Merced County Five-Year Industry Employment Change

Total Five-Year Employment Decline in Merced County

Of the area's industries (4-digit NAICS), the Fruit and vegetable preserving and specialty industry has lost the most employment with a total loss of 993 jobs in that time period. The declines in the Fruit and vegetable preserving and specialty industry make up 29.4 percent of the jobs lost during the period in Merced County, California.

Top 5 Industries
1. Fruit and vegetable preserving and specialty (993 jobs lost)
2. Other crop farming (515 jobs lost)
3. Fruit and tree nut farming (415 jobs lost)
4. Residential mental health facilities (234 jobs lost)
5. Advertising and related services (120 jobs lost)

Total Five-Year Employment Growth in Merced County

From the industries (4-digit NAICS) in the area, the Support activities for crop production industry has accounted the most employment growth with a total of 583 jobs added during the time period. These new jobs in the Support activities for crop production industry makes up 10.7 percent of the total number of new jobs in Merced County.

Top 5 Industries
1. Support activities for crop production (583 new jobs)
2. Building foundation and exterior contractors (383 new jobs)
3. Building equipment contractors (313 new jobs)
4. Residential building construction (299 new jobs)
5. Cattle ranching and farming (255 new jobs)

Out of the 107 industry sectors (4-digit NAICS) with employment figures reported by the BLS in each quarter, 45 showed an escalation in the number employed, while 62 industries reported employment loss in the period.

In Merced County, California, the total number of workers for all sectors has increased by 3,910 total jobs from 2001 to 2006.

Merced County Five-Year Percentage Growth in Employment

The Offices of real estate agents and brokers industry has witnessed the largest percentage of employment expansion, increasing by 196.0 percent from the 2001 (Q2) to the 2006 (Q2). This industry in Merced County has grow faster than the industry job growth experienced in California, where this industry saw a gain of 45.1 percent. The Offices of real estate agents and brokers industry in Merced County outpaced the US in terms of percent growth of industry employment. During this period, the US gained 28.5 percent of the industry employment.

Top 5 Industries
1. Offices of real estate agents and brokers (196.0 percent gain)
2. Other general merchandise stores (141.9 percent gain)
3. Other financial investment activities (104.0 percent gain)
4. Waste collection (98.0 percent gain)
5. Ship and boat building (82.5 percent gain)

Merced County Five-Year Percentage Decline in Employment

The Plastics product manufacturing industry has lost the biggest percent of jobs, losing 76.4 percent from 2001 (Q2) to 2006 (Q2). The losses of the area have declined faster than the industry has seen in the California, where the it saw a loss of 21.3 percent. The losses in the Plastics product manufacturing industry in Merced County outpaced the United States in terms of percentage decline of industry employment. In this period, the United States lost 9 in percent of workers in the Plastics product manufacturing industry.

Top 5 Industries
1. Plastics product manufacturing (76.4 percent decline)
2. Greenhouse and nursery production (69.2 percent decline)
3. Residential mental health facilities (59.4 percent decline)
4. Advertising and related services (56.5 percent decline)
5. Other animal production (55.1 percent decline)

Employment for all industries has increased by 7.7 percent from 2001 (2nd Quarter). These figures are greater than percent in California, experiencing a gain of 2.8 percent from 2001 (2nd Quarter). The gains the area experienced were greater than than the gain reported at the US level of 2.6 percent.





About: This report is part 2 of 6 in the eCanned.com Industry Analysis Series.

Datasource: U.S. Department of Labor. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW). Private Sector Employment Only.

Merced County One-Year Industry Employment Change

Employment for all industries has increased by 3.1 percent from 2005 (2nd Quarter). These figures are greater than percent in the State of California, experiencing a gain of 2.1 percent since the 2nd Quarter of 2005. The gains the area experienced were greater than than the gain seen for the United States of 2.0 percent.

Merced County One-Year Percentage Decline in Employment

The Employment services industry has seen the largest percentage drop in employment, losing 54.1 percent of the jobs from the 2nd quarter of 2005 to 2nd quarter of 2006. The losses of the area have declined faster than the industry has seen in the California, where the industry felt a gain of 4 percent. The losses in the Employment services industry in Merced County outpaced the losses of nation as a whole in the industry. In this time period, the nation gained 3.1 in percent of workers in the Employment services industry.

Top 5 Industries
1. Employment services (54.1 percent decline)
2. Nonresidential building construction (43.6 percent decline)
3. Drinking places, alcoholic beverages (27.1 percent decline)
4. Accounting and bookkeeping services (22.4 percent decline)
5. Professional and similar organizations (20.6 percent decline)

Merced County One-Year Percentage Growth in Employment

The Community care facilities for the elderly industry has witnessed the largest percentage of employment expansion, increasing by 35.8 percent from the 2005 (Q2) to the 2006 (Q2). This industry in Merced County has added employment faster than the industry job growth experienced in California, where the industry felt a gain of 4.2 percent. The Community care facilities for the elderly industry in Merced County outpaced the national average, which felt a gained 3.9 percent of the industry employment.

Top 5 Industries
1. Community care facilities for the elderly (35.8 percent gain)
2. Offices of real estate agents and brokers (33.3 percent gain)
3. Limited-service eating places (23.3 percent gain)
4. Offices of other health practitioners (18.0 percent gain)
5. Sawmills and wood preservation (11.5 percent gain)

Given the 32 industries with industry data reported by the BLS in each quarter, 16 showed an escalation in the number employed, while 15 industry sectors accounting for employment declines during that time period.

Total One-Year Employment Growth in Merced County

Of the industries (4-digit NAICS) in the area, the Limited-service eating places industry has brought the most jobs with a total of 47 total jobs brought in during the period. The growth in the Limited-service eating places industry makes up 42.3 percent of the total employment growth in Merced County.

Top 5 Industries
1. Limited-service eating places (47 new jobs)
2. Sawmills and wood preservation (19 new jobs)
3. Full-service restaurants (10 new jobs)
4. Community care facilities for the elderly (8 new jobs)
5. Machinery and supply merchant wholesalers (6 new jobs)

In Merced County, California, the total number of jobs throughout all industries has increased by 3 jobs between mid-2005 and mid-2006.

Total One-Year Employment Decline in Merced County

The Household and institutional furniture mfg. industry experienced most substantial job loss, losing 43 jobs. The declines in the Household and institutional furniture mfg. industry make up 27.9 percent of the total employment decline in Merced County, California.

Top 5 Industries
1. Household and institutional furniture mfg. (43 jobs lost)
2. Employment services (33 jobs lost)
3. Professional and similar organizations (15 jobs lost)
4. Gasoline stations (12 jobs lost)
5. Drinking places, alcoholic beverages (11 jobs lost)





About: This report is part 1 of 6 in the eCanned.com Industry Analysis Series.

Datasource: U.S. Department of Labor. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW). Private Sector Employment Only.

Income and Poverty in Merced County, California

Contrasted against to other counties (or parishes) throughout the US, Merced County, California can be understood to have a relatively high rate of poverty among its population, accounting a rate of 21.7 percent of people living in a family with an income below the poverty level in 1999. The Asian race/ethnicity population category, holds the highest rate of poverty with 38.8 percent of the population in 2000 living in poverty. Individuals aged Under 5 years are experiencing most percent people in poverty in Merced County, accounting 30.5 percent of this age group in the area living in poverty.

When analyzed against other counties (and parishes) in the US, Merced County reported a medium-high median income for all households of $41,572 (Adjusted to 2005 Dollars). This figure is 33.7 percent lower than the household income median in State of California of $55,567 and the median household income is 18.2 percent lower than the median for the rest of the nation, which is a reported $49,133.

The poverty rate in Merced County, California has declined by 3.6 percent since the 2000 rates, moving from 21.7 percent to 18.1 percent.

Black or African American headed households had median income levels that were 28.4 percent less than the all population median published in the 2000 Census, with a median of $29,781. In Merced County, California White headed households reported a median household income (2005 Dollars) of $45,775 according to the 2000 Dencennial Census, which was 10.1 percent greater than the median income in 2000. Hispanic in Merced County, California , according to the 2000 census, had a median household income of $34,964, this income level is 15.9 percent less than the areas median income level for all households. The American Indian and Alaska Native headed households in Merced County had a median income of $36,228, this level was 12.9 percent less than the median for all households. It was reported in 2000 that the Asian headed households had median household incomes of $35,685. This median income level is 14.2 percent less than the reported median household income for all households in the area.

As the median income level saw a decline during the period of 2000 to 2005 in Merced County, California, the Race/Ethnicity group that experienced the largest decline in median income was the White category. This group felt a decline of 7.3 percent from 2000 to 2005. The Asian Race/Ethnicity group has been least impacted by the median income decline in Merced County, seeing a 29.8 percent increase in median income, since the values reported in the 2000 Decennial Census.

The median household income has declined from the values (adjusted for inflation) in 2000. The median has decreased to $40,281, representing a 3.1 percent decline. Merced County, California, when comparing total percent of decline, ranks 15 of 23 counties in percent of decline for household income in California. Merced County ranks 556 of 668 counties (or parishes) when analyzing the decline in median income level for the United States.

Datasource: U.S. Bureau of the Census. 2000 Decennial Census. 2005 American Community Survey.

Higher Education in Merced County, California

Merced County, California is made up of a less-educated 2000 population, with 11 percent of the population (+25) having received a BA or higher, as reported the 2000 Decennial Census. Merced counted a lower percent of population with high education level than the State of California's proportion of 26.6 percent and a lower percent than United States proportion of 24.4 percent.

Since 2000, Merced has increased in the population percent with a Bachelors of Higher. This population percent has grown by 2.6 percent to a total of 13.6 in 2005. The American Community Survey reports that the proporation of the 2005 population that is highly educated is less than the porportion in the State of California percent of 29.6 and less than the United States percent of 27.2.

In Merced County, California as reported in the 2000 Census, 13.8 percent of the White Alone, 11 percent of Black or African American, 13.4 percent of the Asian alone and 3.4 percent of the Hispanic or Latino (+25) has achieved at least a Bachelors Degree.

According to the 2000 Decennial Census in Merced County, California, many men in the area have reached the Less than High School category, with 37.2 percent obtaining this level of education. The women in Merced on average have achieved a lower level of higher education (Bachelors or Higher) than men -- 11.8 percent (Men) versus 10.2 percent (Women). Many of the women in the area achieving a Less than High School, with 35.2 percent of the female population achieving this education level.

From 2000 to 2005, the percent of the male population that can be considered highly educated has increased by 0.6 percent. By 2005, 12.6 percent of total male population (over 25), in this area, held at least a Bachelors Degree. At the same time, the percent of women (over 25) holding a BA or higher has increased by a total of 4.2 percent. By 2005, a total of 14.4 percent of the female population having received at least a Bachelors Degree.

Datasource: U.S. Bureau of the Census. 2000 Decennial Census. 2005 American Community Survey.

Demographic Profile for Merced County, California

The population division of the Census Bureau estimates in 2005 a median age in Merced County, California to be 28.9 years of age. The median in Merced is less than the median age in the State of California of 34.4. From 2000, the area has seen a decline in the median age, at that time the median was 29.0 years old. With 32.7 percent of the 2005 population being comprised of individuals under the age of 18, Merced can be understood as having a relatively high percent of individuals under 18. The working age population group (18-64) has a medium-low presence of the population, with 58.4 percent of the population within the age category. People 65 years old and older make up 8.8 percent of the population. When compared to other counties in the United States, this represents a relatively low proportion of the area population base.

Estimated since the year 2000, a very high amount of people have migrated to Merced from another country. The international migration into Merced makes up 0.5 percent of immigration into the State of California. This level of international migration can be considered very high when comparing levels of immigration per population in 2005.

Merced County, California had a total estimated population of 241,706 in 2005. The total population has increased sharply, since the 2000 total population of 211,661. This growth represents an increase of 14.2 percent. Merced ranks 15 of 58 counties by growth in total population in California and the county ranks 103 of 3,141 counties when calculating the total change in county population across the US.

In terms of total land area, Merced covers a total land area of 1929 total square miles. The area has a medium-low density of 125 persons per square mile. Other counties with similar densities in the US include: -- more densely populated -- St. Joseph, MI (125 per sq. mile ), Scioto, OH (125 per sq. mile ), Scott, IN (125 per sq. mile ), -- less densely populated -- Maury, TN (124 per sq. mile ), Limestone, AL (124 per sq. mile ), Boone, IN (123 per sq. mile ).

Merced County, California has a population that is made up of 36.6 percent White, 3.5 percent African American, 6.2 percent Asian, and 51.4 percent Hispanic. The area population base can be described as having a very high level of racial and ethnic diversity, with 61.1 percent of the population being minorities. This is greater than the State of California percent of 53.4. Since 2000, Merced has increased in diversity when 56.0 percent of the total population were minorities.

Datasource: Population Estimates Program, U.S. Bureau of the Census.

Housing Report for Merced County, California

The residential real estate values in Merced County, California have increased very sharply from the real estate values reported in 2000. The valuations have increased by $194,200, or 174.8 percent, from their 2000 value of $111,100.

Merced County had an owner-occupied dwelling median in 2005 of $305,300, reported by the American Community Survey. This home value is less than the California 2005 home value of $477,700 and greater than median home value of $167,500 for the rest of the nation in that year.

The State of California, Merced County is positioned 6 of 58 by percent in growth of new residential structures. The county places 247 of 3,141, comparing the percentage change in residential in other US counties.

In Merced County, the U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division accounted for a total of 77,571 housing structures in 2005. The area has seen growth in housing units, adding a total of 7,638 residential structures since 2001, a change of 10.9 percent.

There is a limited amount affordable residential real estate in Merced County, California. In 2005, 8.2 percent of housing was valued under $125k.

Merced County is made up of a very high percentage of high-priced residential real estate. In 2005, the American Community Survey reports that 16.1 percent of the houses are valued over a half a million dollars.

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau

Employment Report for Merced County, California -- Annual 2005 Industry Summary

In Merced County, Manufacturing, Other services, except public administration and Management of companies and enterprises have the highest US LQ in 2005. The Manufacturing industry has an LQ of 1.54. This means the percent of total employment in the Manufacturing industry is 1.54 times more than the average percent in the United States, revealing signs that Merced County produces more than its local requirement of products and/or services of Manufacturing.

In Merced County, Manufacturing, Retail Trade, and the Health care and social assistance sectors, in terms of total employment, are the largest. Manufacturing provides the most jobs and contributes 19.7 percent of total employment in the county, making up 10,813 jobs. The Retail Trade and Health care and social assistance sectors provide 13.6 and 9.5 percent of all employment.

The Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting has seen the largest decrease in industry presence in Merced County, since the year 2001, moving from making up 21.7 percent of total employment in 2001 to 0 percent in 2005.

Management of companies and enterprises has the largest businesses in Merced County, with the industry averaging 102 jobs per place of business. This is greater than the industry's average in the United States of 40 and greater than the California typical size of 54 for the Management of companies and enterprises industry.

Information has seen the highest growth in employment from the years 2001-2005 in Merced County, with an industry growth of 260.3 percent. This is greater than the industry employment change in the United States of -14.9 percent. The State of California had an industry job change of -11.1 percent, during the period of 2001 to 2005.







Datasource: U.S. Department of Labor. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW).