Year-over-year employment increased in 300 of the 369 largest U.S. counties in new data. And while Arlington and Fairfax counties were among those rising, their rates of growth were less than that of the nation as a whole.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics on Aug. 21 reported that, for the quarter ending in March, Arlington recorded total employment of 175,200 and Fairfax 628,400 – increases of 1.1 percent and 0.3 percent, respectively.
Nationally, total employment rose 1.3 percent to 153.6 million in the federal Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages program. Figures in the report count where an individual is employed, not where one lives. The minimum employment count for a locality to make the listing is 75,000.
Of the 369 largest localities (counties and, in Virginia, independent cities), Arlington ranked 187th and Fairfax 278th in year-over-year growth rate.
Among other Virginia jurisdictions in the survey, total recorded employment was 192,700 in Loudoun County (up 2.6%, 35th in the survey); 185,600 in Henrico County (+0.7%, 234th); 176,100 in Virginia Beach (+1%, 197th); 164,400 in Richmond (+2.7%, 30th); 143,800 in Norfolk (+0.7%, 234th); 143,000 in Chesterfield County (+1.3%, 161st); 141,100 in Prince William County (+2.8%, 27th); 104,200 in Chesapeake (+0.6%, 245th); 102,000 in Newport News (+1.1%, 187th); and 81,100 in Alexandria (-0.7%, 349th).
Monterey, Calif., and St. Johns, Fla., had the largest over-the-year increases in employment, with gains of 4.8 percent each.
Joining the list for the most recent quarter, having jobs totals exceeding 75,000 for the first time, were Martin, Fla.; Sarpy, Neb.; Doña Ana, N.M.; Kent, R.I.; Ector, Texas; Gregg, Texas; and Racine, Wisc. No localities dropped off the list.
