Counties in Profile: Platte, page 2

   Chart 3: Total Employment, 1969-1999

Chart 3 highlights employment in Platte County. Employment is one of the most commonly used measures of health in a community. It gives a quick snap shot of the percentage of the population working and whether more or less jobs are available   over time. The chart above shows "total employment" which includes both full and part-time jobs. Employment in Platte county during this period shows the effect of the construction of the Missouri Basin Project (1976-1982). Note how the number of jobs rose and fell during the construction phase but left the overall trend in employment intact. Overall job growth was 81% or 2.6% annually. This compares with the statewide value of 104% or 3.2% annually.

Chart 4: Population, 1969-1999

Chart 4 shows the population for Platte county. As with employment, the population graph shows the influence of construction on local population. Despite the spike during construction years, population has continued to trend slightly upwards The population in 1969 was 6,380 and in 1999 had grown to just 8,612. This represents a 35% increase or a growth rate of 1.1% per year.