Workers Remain in High Demand

By Teri Drew

The Yavapai County employment rate is at 97.3% and the unemployment rate is at 2.7%, which, by most definitions, equals full employment. Since the pandemic, Yavapai County has had disparity between the number of jobs in demand and the number of workers actually seeking employment. Employers in our area have been creative and innovative in their quest to attract and retain workers. Some examples of creativity and innovation include hiring bonuses, increased wages, temporary housing solutions, moving expenses and most importantly, there have been large investments in up-skilling job candidates and tenured workers. Our most recent data calculated our labor force at 70,300 individuals in non-farm employment and our average wage is stable at $23.24 per hour. The current worker population demographic is almost equal between 18- to 35-year-olds and 35- to 60-year-olds and 65 or older rounding out at 31.6%. These changes would indicate an increase in population below 65 or possibly fewer retirees returning to work.

The top five industries in the county include food and accommodations, construction, retail trade, administrative and waste services, and real estate rental and leasing services. According to the Arizona Office of Economic Opportunity, the healthcare, utility, art and recreation employer sectors are in decline, especially with recent events.

Our most recent data calculated our labor force at 70,300 individuals in non-farm employment and our average wage is stable at $23.24 per hour. The current worker population demographic is almost equal between 18- to 35-year-olds and 35- to 60-year-olds and 65 or older rounding out at 31.6%.

The ARIZONA@WORK, Yavapai County servicer hosts a Rapid Response process for employers who are laying off workers and for workers being furloughed, permanently laid off or individuals who have been separated from their income. These services offer businesses and workers