Berks & Beyond Blog

It’s ironic that the last post I wrote about Harrisburg’s economic situation came the day after a 265-point stock market drop.  At that time, the Bureau of Labor Statistics Economic Indicators were not very encouraging.

So how are things today, exactly one year later?

To see how the Harrisburg-Carlisle Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) stacks up against Pennsylvania and the nation, download the “Harrisburg-Carlisle.pdf” file on this Selected BLS Economic Indicators page, last updated August 5, 2011.

The Harrisburg-Carlisle MSA’s unemployment rate was 7.4% as of June, 2011.  This is slightly lower than both the state of Pennsylvania and the nation as a whole – and is down .9% from this time last year.  However, total nonfarm employment is down .3% in the Harrisburg area from this time last year, while the state’s employment actually increased slightly (+.9%).  For comprehensive employment statistics, follow this link:

Bureau of Labor Statistics Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA: Nonfarm employment and labor force data

Taking all of these statistics into account, it’s easy to see that the Harrisburg market – like much of our nation – is still struggling to gain momentum after a lengthy recession.  We’ll have to wait and see how the raised debt ceiling, downgraded credit rating and subsequent stock market turmoil will affect the recovery.

Want to learn more?

Contact us and a Berks and Beyond staffing professional will show you how our services can help you make the most of our current economy – by saving you money, reducing your risks and keeping your workforce lean and flexible.

According to a recent article by Dan Miller posted on pennlive.com, experts say that the midstate jobless rate will be better this year.

Ryan Sweet, an economist who covers Pennsylvania’s midstate region for Moody’s Analytics, sees encouraging signs that private-sector hiring is picking up – although it’s not gained enough momentum to substantially lower unemployment yet.  Sweet predicts that unemployment in Central Pennsylvania will begin falling in the second part of 2011 and that conditions will continue to improve, if slowly, throughout 2012.

To see how the Harrisburg-Carlisle Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) has fared over the last few months, download the “Harrisburg-Carlisle.pdf” file on this Selected BLS Economic Indicators page, last updated January 19, 2011.

The Harrisburg-Carlisle MSA’s unemployment rate was 7.4% as of November 2010 – slightly lower than both the state of Pennsylvania and the nation as a whole.  For comprehensive employment statistics, follow this link:

Bureau of Labor Statistics Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA: Nonfarm employment and labor force data

Want to learn more?

Contact us and a Berks & Beyond staffing professional will show you how our services can help you make the most of our current economy and get poised for the recovery ahead.

Did yesterday’s 265-point stock market drop leave you wondering what’s happened to our supposed economic recovery?  Unfortunately, this month’s Bureau of Labor Statistics Economic Indicators are not any more encouraging.

To see how the Harrisburg-Carlisle Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) stacks up against Pennsylvania and the nation, download the “Harrisburg-Carlisle.pdf” file on this Selected BLS Economic Indicators page, last updated July 20, 2010.

The Harrisburg-Carlisle MSA’s unemployment rate was 8.3% as of May, 2010 – slightly lower than both the state of Pennsylvania and the nation as a whole.  However, total nonfarm employment is down 1.1% in the Harrisburg area from this time last year, while the state’s employment increased slightly (+.5%).  For comprehensive employment statistics, follow this link:

Bureau of Labor Statistics Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA: Nonfarm employment and labor force data

Want to learn more?

Contact us and a Berks and Beyond staffing professional will show you how our services can help you make the most of our current economy – by saving you money, reducing your risks and keeping your workforce lean and flexible.