The LEAD Feed
LEAD releases 2015 Military Impact Report
New report estimates the impact of the military on the North Carolina economy and details the state's large and important military presence, including its impacts on the private sector.
The Digital Divide: North Carolina Is No Exception
Significant increases in broadband availability have been achieved in recent decades; however, some groups have benefited more from these increases than others. The present article explores the digital divide in North Carolina.
What’s Up with North Carolina’s Unemployment Rate?
North Carolina’s unemployment rate has increased from a low of 5.3% in February to 5.8% in June. What does this tell us about the state’s labor market? This article explores several possible explanations and refutes some common myths about this emerging economic trend.
LEAD Adds 'Star' Quality to NC Occupations
This past week, LEAD released its Star Jobs occupations, identifying promising occupations for North Carolininans. Star ratings range from 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest), and are assigned based on wages, projected growth rate, and projected job openings.
Economic Dynamism in North Carolina’s (other) Cities
Three of North Carolina’s metro areas get a lot of attention in the media these days: Charlotte, Raleigh, and Durham. However, some of the state’s other cities have also been experiencing growth and improved prosperity over the last decade. So let’s take a look at some of North Carolina’s “other” metro areas in terms of population, job, and wage growth.
Rural Center Expands Its Classification of North Carolina Counties
The Rural Center has expanded its system for classifying North Carolina’s counties to reflect the growing number of suburbanized counties in our state. This post looks at the Rural Center’s new county distinctions and points to a variety of other definitions used to designate rural areas of North Carolina.
Three Key Ways Broadband Impacts North Carolina’s Economic Growth
Broadband impacts economic growth by creating jobs, boosting productivity among businesses, and driving increases in household income.
OnTheMap — the Go-To Tool for Analyzing Commuting Patterns
The relationship between where people work and where people live is one of many important factors to understanding your local economy. The U.S. Census Bureau’s OnTheMap tool provides this and other data that is essential for local analysis.
Southern Compensation Costs Are Rising, Yet Remain Lowest Among Regions
Boosted by growing benefits, the South’s total compensation paid by private sector employers rose in March, but was lowest among regions.
The Widening Gap Between High- and Low-Paying Companies in North Carolina
How can we explain increasing wage inequality in North Carolina? This article shows that the inequality trend is being driven not by disparities between you and your boss, but rather between you and workers at other companies.