In Buncombe County, jobs in the securities and commodity contracts brokerage pay the highest wages

(Click Image to Enlarge Graph)

Individuals that are employed in the securities and commodity contracts brokerage industry paid the average highest wages in Buncombe County for the 2nd quarter of 2006. The average worker in the industry in Buncombe County received an annual wage of $82,010 in 2nd quarter of 2006. The pay is less than the industry wage in North Carolina of $101,998 and less than then the pay for jobs in this industry in the United States of $138,150.

Other top-pay jobs in Buncombe County, North Carolina may be found in offices of physicians ($67,470), metal and mineral merchant wholesalers ($60,187), other financial investment activities ($59,895) and insurance carriers ($58,095) 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.

Buncombe County Wages have increased by 16.5% Since 2001

(Click Image to Enlarge Graph)

From 2001 to 2006, average industry wages increased in Buncombe County, North Carolina by a total of 16.5%. This is greater than the growth in industry wages for the State of North Carolina 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.

Buncombe County Industry Wages Lag Behind North Carolina, and Wages Lag Behind the United States

(Click Image to Enlarge Graph)

Total wages in all industries in Buncombe County, North Carolina when analyzed can be described as relatively high when analyzed with other 2nd quarter of 2006 County wages throughout the state. The average pay is 12.6 percent lower than the state, which accounted an average of $35,650. The industry 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.

Buncombe County Five-Year Industry Employment Change

In Buncombe County, North Carolina, the total number of workers for all sectors has increased by 4,987 jobs from mid-2001 to mid-2006.

Total Five-Year Employment Decline in Buncombe County

Of the area's industries (4-digit NAICS), the General freight trucking industry has lost the most employment with a total loss of 988 jobs. The declines in the General freight trucking industry make up 14.2 percent of the total employment decline in Buncombe County, North Carolina.

Top 5 Industries
1. General freight trucking (988 jobs lost)
2. Fabric mills (667 jobs lost)
3. Other support services (473 jobs lost)
4. Medical and diagnostic laboratories (245 jobs lost)
5. Building foundation and exterior contractors (227 jobs lost)

Total Five-Year Employment Growth in Buncombe County

The Employment services industry has grown the most with 1,799 jobs added during the time period. These new jobs in the Employment services industry makes up 14.4 percent of the total growth in Buncombe County.

Top 5 Industries
1. Employment services (1,799 new jobs)
2. Limited-service eating places (1,100 new jobs)
3. Home health care services (985 new jobs)
4. Management and technical consulting services (848 new jobs)
5. Full-service restaurants (794 new jobs)

Given the 141 industries (4-digit NAICS) with sufficient data reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) in each quarter, 69 accounted an for increase in employment during the period and 72 industries reported a drop in employment.

Buncombe County Five-Year Percentage Growth in Employment

The Independent artists, writers, and performers industry has witnessed the largest percentage of employment expansion, increasing by 353.3 percent from 2001 to 2006. This industry in Buncombe County has increased employment faster than the growth seen in the industry for North Carolina, where the industry felt a gain of 36.9 percent. The Independent artists, writers, and performers industry in Buncombe County outpaced the United States, which experienced a gained 26.9 percent of the employment in this industry.

Top 5 Industries
1. Independent artists, writers, and performers (353.3 percent gain)
2. Waste collection (341.3 percent gain)
3. Management and technical consulting services (238.6 percent gain)
4. Outpatient care centers (238.3 percent gain)
5. Individual and family services (191.1 percent gain)

Buncombe County Five-Year Percentage Decline in Employment

The Cut and sew apparel manufacturing industry has lost the largest percent of jobs, losing 85.8 percent from 2001 (Q2) to 2006 (Q2). The losses of the area have declined faster than the industry has seen in the North Carolina, where the it saw a loss of 60.8 percent. The losses in the Cut and sew apparel manufacturing industry in Buncombe County outpaced the losses of nation as a whole in the industry. In this time period, the nation lost 45.7 percent in terms of employment in the Cut and sew apparel manufacturing industry.

Top 5 Industries
1. Cut and sew apparel manufacturing (85.8 percent decline)
2. Electric goods merchant wholesalers (73.3 percent decline)
3. Glass and glass product manufacturing (71.7 percent decline)
4. General freight trucking (69.4 percent decline)
5. Semiconductor and electronic component mfg. (68 percent decline)

Employment for all industries has increased by 5.5 percent from 2001 (2nd Quarter). These figures are greater than growth in the State of North Carolina, which went through a gain of 1.9 percent from 2001 (2nd Quarter). The gains the area experienced were greater than than the gain seen for the United States 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.

Buncombe County One-Year Industry Employment Change

Total One-Year Employment Growth in Buncombe County

From the industries (4-digit NAICS) in the area, the Employment services industry has brought the most jobs with a total of 702 new jobs created in the period. The job growth in the Employment services industry makes up 15.4 percent of the total number of new jobs in Buncombe County.

Top 5 Industries
1. Employment services (702 new jobs)
2. Limited-service eating places (285 new jobs)
3. Scheduled air transportation (227 new jobs)
4. Individual and family services (215 new jobs)
5. Commercial equip. merchant wholesalers (200 new jobs)

Total One-Year Employment Decline in Buncombe County

The Highway, street, and bridge construction industry has lost the most employment with a total loss of 180 jobs during the time period. The jobs lost in the Highway, street, and bridge construction industry make up 9.2 percent of the employment lost during the period in Buncombe County, North Carolina.

Top 5 Industries
1. Highway, street, and bridge construction (180 jobs lost)
2. Management and technical consulting services (151 jobs lost)
3. Civic and social organizations (133 jobs lost)
4. Building equipment contractors (111 jobs lost)
5. Motor vehicle and parts merchant wholesalers (110 jobs lost)

In Buncombe County, North Carolina, the entire sum of jobs in all industries overall has increased by 3,031 total jobs between the 2nd Quarter of 2005 and 2nd Quarter of 2006.

From the 152 industries (4-digit NAICS) with sufficient data reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) in each quarter, 58 showed an escalation in the number employed, while 89 industries reported a drop in employment.

Buncombe County One-Year Percentage Growth in Employment

The Electronic shopping and mail-order houses industry has witnessed the largest percentage of employment expansion, increasing by 212.5 percent from the 2005 (Q2) to the 2006 (Q2). This industry in Buncombe County has expanded faster than the industry job growth experienced in North Carolina, where the industry took a gain of 16.2 percent. The Electronic shopping and mail-order houses industry in Buncombe County outpaced the nation in terms of industry employment growth . During this period, the nation gained 1.4 percent of the employment in this industry.

Top 5 Industries
1. Electronic shopping and mail-order houses (212.5 percent gain)
2. Promoters of performing arts and sports (101.5 percent gain)
3. Performing arts companies (77.1 percent gain)
4. Scheduled air transportation (75.0 percent gain)
5. Commercial equip. merchant wholesalers (59.4 percent gain)

Buncombe County One-Year Percentage Decline in Employment

The Cut and sew apparel manufacturing industry has lost the biggest percent of jobs, losing 45.5 percent of the jobs from 2005 to 2006. These have declined faster than the industry sector has gone through in the North Carolina, where the industry felt a loss of 18.5 percent. The losses in the Cut and sew apparel manufacturing industry in Buncombe County outpaced the United States in terms of percentage decline of industry employment. In this period, the United States lost 7 percent in terms of employment in the Cut and sew apparel manufacturing industry.

Top 5 Industries
1. Cut and sew apparel manufacturing (45.5 percent decline)
2. Chemical merchant wholesalers (43.7 percent decline)
3. Highway, street, and bridge construction (33.2 percent decline)
4. Motor vehicle and parts merchant wholesalers (32.7 percent decline)
5. Office administrative services (29.5 percent decline)

Total employment has increased by 3.2 percent from the reported values in 2005. These values are greater than growth in the State of North Carolina, which went through a gain of 2.7 percent from 2005 (2nd Quarter). The gains felt were greater than than the gain felt at the national level of 2.0 percent.





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 Buncombe County, North Carolina

The areas median household income has declined from the inflation-adjusted 2000 income levels. The income level has decreased to $40,513, which amounts to a 5.6 percent decline. Buncombe County, North Carolina, in terms of percentage of decline, ranks 33 of 36 counties in percent of decline for median household income in the State of North Carolina. Buncombe County ranks 433 of 668 counties (or parishes) when comparing the decline in median income in the US.

Black or African American householders reported a median household income that was 41.7 percent less than the total 2000 reported median, with a their median reported to be $25,020. Hispanic households in Buncombe County, North Carolina , according to the 2000 census, had a median household income of $37,648, this median household income is 12.2 percent less than the reported median household income for all households in the area. The American Indian and Alaska Native householders in Buncombe County had a median income of $40,138, this was 6.4 percent less than the areas median level for all households. In Buncombe County, North Carolina White headed households reported household income (in 2005 Dollars) of $44,320 according to the Decennial Census of 2000, which was 3.3 percent greater than the median in the year 2000. According to the 2000 Census, the Asian headed households in the area have median household incomes of $49,822. This income level is 16.1 percent greater than the reported median household income for all households in the area.

The poverty rate in Buncombe County, North Carolina has increased by 0.1 percent from the rates reported in the Decennial Census, moving from 11.4 percent to 11.5 percent.

Contrasted against to other counties (or parishes) throughout the US, Buncombe County, North Carolina can be understood to have a medium-low poverty rate amongst the population, with a poverty rate of 11.4 percent of people living in a family with an income below the poverty level in 1999. The Black or African American race/ethnicity demographic group, represents the largest rate of poverty with 29.3 percent of the population in 2000 living in poverty. Individuals aged Under 5 years are experiencing most percent people in poverty in Buncombe County, with 17.9 percent of this age group in the area living in poverty.

Compared to other counties (and parishes) throughout the nation, Buncombe County accounted a medium-high median household income of $42,899 (Adjusted to 2005 Dollars). This is 6.9 percent lower than the median in North Carolina of $45,845 and the median is 14.5 percent lower than the median in the US, which is $49,133.

While the median household income saw a decline since 2000 in Buncombe County, North Carolina, the Race/Ethnicity group that experienced the largest decline in the household income level was the Hispanic category. This category saw a decline of 34.9 percent since 2000. The American Indian and Alaska Native Race/Ethnicity category has been least effected by the income level decline in Buncombe County, seeing a 158.9 percent increase in median household income from 2000 to 2005.

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

Higher Education in Buncombe County, North Carolina

Since the year 2000, Buncombe has increased in the percent of the total population (+25) with a BA or Higher. The portion of this population has grown by 6.0 percent to a total of 31.2 percent in 2005. According to the American Community Survey, the proportion of the population in 2005 with a BA or Higher is greater than the State of North Carolina percent of 25.2 and greater than the United States percent of 27.2.

The 2000 Decennial Census reported that in Buncombe County, North Carolina, many men in the area have reached the High School Diploma category, with 27.8 percent obtaining this level of education. The women in Buncombe have achieved a lower level of higher education (Bachelors or Higher) than men; 26.4 percent (Men) versus 24.4 percent (Women). A high proportion of the female population in the area has reached the Some College or Associates Degree category, with 29.2 percent of the women population in the area achieving this level of education.

In Buncombe County, North Carolina according to the Decennial Census of 2000, 26.4 percent of the White Alone, 10 percent of Black or African American, 41.8 percent of the Asian alone and 13.6 percent of the Hispanic or Latino population (over 25) has obtained a Bachelors Degree or Higher.

Buncombe County, North Carolina can be considered to have a highly-educated population of the working age, with 25.2 percent of the over 25 years old population having a Bachelors Degree or Higher, according to the 2000 Decennial Census. Buncombe was reported to have a higher percent of highly educated individuals than the State of North Carolina's proportion of 22.4 percent and a higher percent than the US proportion of 24.4 percent.

From the years 2000 to 2005, the proportion of the male population that could be considered highly educated has increased by 5.4 percent. In the year 2005, 31.4 percent of area's male population (+25) achieved a BA or Higher. During the same period, the percent of women (+25) that have earned a BA or higher has increased by a total of 6.6 percent. By the year 2005, a total of 31 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 Buncombe County, North Carolina

In terms of total land area, Buncombe covers a total land area of 656 square miles. The county has a medium-high average population density of 334 persons per square mile. Other counties with similar densities in the US include: -- more densely populated -- Houston, GA (335 per sq. mile ), Adams, CO (335 per sq. mile ), Scott, MN (336 per sq. mile ), -- less densely populated -- Cabell, WV (334 per sq. mile ), Harrison, MS (334 per sq. mile ), Hernando, FL (331 per sq. mile ).

In the year 2005, the population division of U.S. Census Bureau estimates the median age in Buncombe County, North Carolina to be 39.4 years old. The median in Buncombe is greater than the median age for the State of North Carolina of 36.2. Since 2000, the area has experienced an increase in this median, when at that time it was 38.9 years old. With a total of 21.8 percent of the population in 2005 being comprised of children and youth younger than 18, Buncombe can be described as having a medium-low proportion of youths. The 18 to 64 years old population group has a medium-high presence of the population, with 62.9 percent of the population within the age category. People 65 years old and older make up 15.3 percent of the total population in the area. Compared to other counties in the US, this represents a medium-high percent of the population base.

From 2000, a high number of individual migrated to the Buncombe internationally. The international migration into Buncombe totals 1.6 percent of the total international migration into the State of North Carolina. This level of international migration can be considered high when analyzed against the base population in the year 2005 and compared to other counties across the US.

Buncombe County, North Carolina has a population that is made of 86.6 percent White, 7.3 percent African American, 0.9 percent Asian, and 3.7 percent Hispanic. This area can be considered to have a modest amount of racial and ethnic diversity, with 11.9 percent of the population made up of minorities. This is less than the State of North Carolina percent of 29.6. Since 2000, Buncombe has increased the percent of minority makeup when 11.0 percent of the people were minorities.

Buncombe County, North Carolina had a total estimated population of 218,876 for the year 2005. The total population has increased sharply, from the population in the year 2000 of 206,973. This growth signifies an increase of 5.8 percent. Buncombe ranks 13 of 100 counties when analyzing total population change in North Carolina and the county ranks 287 of 3,141 counties when analyzing total county population change across the nation.

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

Housing Report for Buncombe County, North Carolina

In Buncombe County, the census reported 103,252 housing units in the year 2005. This represents a growth in housing units, adding all together 7,213 housing units since the year 2001, or 7.5 percent.

Buncombe County had a median home value in the year 2005 of $152,200, according to the American Community Survey. This is greater than the North Carolina 2005 home value of $127,600 and less than median home value of $167,500 across the nation during that year.

The owner-occupied dwellings in Buncombe County, North Carolina have seen large increases since their reported values in 2000. The values have increased by $32,600, or 27.3 percent, since their values in that year of $119,600.

The State of North Carolina, Buncombe County stands 32 of 100 in terms of percentage growth in new housing structures. The county ranks 485 of 3,141, compared to change in residential structure growth in counties throughout the Unities States.

There seems to be a fair amount affordable residential real estate in Buncombe County, North Carolina. In 2005, 36.4 percent of owner-occupied dwellings were valued under $125k.

Buncombe County has a relatively high proportion of residential real estate that is high priced. In 2005, the American Community Survey reports that 6 percent of the homes were valued over $500,000.

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau

Employment Report for Buncombe County, North Carolina -- Annual 2005 Industry Summary

In Buncombe County, Health care and social assistance, Retail Trade, and the Manufacturing industries have the largest percent of jobs of all industries. The Health care and social assistance is the largest employment industry and makes up 19.6 percent of total employment in the county, making up 18,339 employees. The Retail Trade and Manufacturing industries total 15.1 and 13.4 percent of industry employment.

In Buncombe County, Health care and social assistance, Accommodation and food services and Arts, entertainment, and recreation have the highest US LQ in 2005. The Health care and social assistance industry has an LQ of 1.51. In other words, the percent of total jobs in the Health care and social assistance sector is 1.51 times more than the average percent in the United States, revealing signs that Buncombe specializes in Health care and social assistance.

Utilities has the largest businesses in Buncombe County. In the County, the industry averages 79 employees per business. This is greater than the industry's average at the national level of 34 and greater than the State of North Carolina establishments size average of 37 for the Utilities industry.

Professional and technical services is the industry with the largest change in employment since the year 2001 in Buncombe County, rising by 38.1 percent. This is greater than the United States change in the sector jobs of 2.6 percent. The State of North Carolina experienced a change in employment in the sector of 6.9 percent, during the time since 2001.

Manufacturing saw the largest loss of employment between the years 2001-2005 in Buncombe County. The sector dealt with a loss of 2,863 employees during the period, or 18.5 percent of industry's employment. The industry declines made up 56.7 percent of all county employment losses since 2001.







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