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Economy: Unemployment Indicator DuPage County’s unemployment rate was higher in 2002--and closer to state and national figures---than in previous years.
ABOUT THE INDICATOR Although many statistics can be used to measure the strength of the local economy, the unemployment rate is easily understood and tells us a significant amount about the economy. Even though the unemployment rate is relatively straightforward, it is important to note that it does not include individuals who are not currently looking for jobs, or those who are underemployed (that is, people who are forced to take jobs that are well below their skill levels or less than full time just to have a job and a paycheck). OBSERVATIONS Historically, DuPage County has remained stable during uncertain economic times. Unemployment figures suggest, however, that DuPage has been less insulated from the most recent economic downturn. Specifically, although the unemployment rate in DuPage County remains below state and national rates, DuPage’s growth in unemployment has outpaced growth at state and national levels. As a result, the gap between the U. S. unemployment rate and DuPage County’s rate narrowed from 2 percent in 1996 to 0.7 percent in 2002. During the same time period, the gap between Illinois’ unemployment rate and DuPage County’s rate declined from 1.9 percent to 1.4 percent. TAPESTRY Unemployment trends are directly related to the state of an economy. As economic conditions deteriorate, employers are often forced to downsize, as numerous organizations across many industries have done in recent years. One hard-hit sector has been the technology sector, which is a major source of employment for residents of DuPage County. While a weak economy may be the cause of unemployment, the effects of unemployment extend beyond the economic to various other indicators of community health. The economic effects of unemployment are obvious: individuals who are unemployed are in a precarious financial situation; they have less discretionary income and may be at greater risk of losing their homes. According to the Center for the Advancement of Health, unemployment also can have serious health consequences—not only for the individual who has lost his or her job, but for the loved ones of the unemployed as well. Unemployment can lead to depression or substance abuse, and specific correlations also have been found between unemployment and such indicators as low birth weight, high stress levels, and physical and mental health impairments. COMMENTARY “Employment Rate for Disabled Population in DuPage” By Ken Skord, Project Manager, AbilityLinks “It is estimated that more than 13 million work-age Americans are unemployed, and the overwhelming majority of these individuals (72 percent) indicate that they would prefer to work if there were opportunities. Locally, evidence also shows high unemployment among the disabled. In DuPage County, according to the 2000 Census, at least 46 percent of individuals with disabilities that affect their ability to work are unemployed. Underemployment is also a significant problem among individuals with disabilities. Nearly 30 percent of all working people with disabilities earn incomes below the poverty level. HOW TO GET INVOLVED OR LEARN MORE
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