Good economic development planning requires good data.
Each of us, through our daily lived experience, comes into contact with certain aspects of the regional economy. There is tremendous value in reflecting on this first-hand knowledge and what it tells us about the current status of the region’s economy and where it’s heading. We each, however, have our blind spots. We may not completely grasp the full scope of economic issues impacting our communities. Data helps test our assumptions and expand our perspectives on regional economic issues. Both quantitative data (hard numbers) and qualitative data (descriptive information) are critical for sound economic development planning and decision-making.
The catalogue below is a working inventory of key metrics and analysis intended to inform the later stages of Our Economy, e.g. vision development, setting goals and objectives, and creating an action plan. The catalogue will expand over the course of the project.
Demographics
Southwest NH’s population is changing. These changes have significant, long-term implications for the regional economy. The entries below explore notable demographic trends.
Southwest NH Sees Population Bump Over Course of Pandemic
Recent gains represent a shift from previous years.
School Enrollment Shrinking at Most Southwest NH Districts
Enrollment across the region has shrunk faster than the statewide average.
Growth in Diversity in Southwest NH
While the region as a whole faced a small decrease in population from 2010-2020, the share of the region's population that identifies as a racial or ethnic minority has doubled over this same time period.
Southwest NH Population Sees Slight Decline over last Decade
Certain communities, however, see growth.
International Migration is the Sole Source of Population Growth in Most of Southwest NH
What are the implications for long-term demographic trends?
Jobs and Workforce
The economy of Southwest NH is changing, and with it, the number, type, and location of jobs that are available. The region’s workforce is also changing, raising the question of whether we as a region will be able to attract and retain the workers necessary for ensuring future prosperity.
New Economic Insights Provided by TracktheRecovery.org
As of June 2022, Cheshire County has seen growth in employment rates (when compared to January 2020) exceeding all other counties in NH. This
Major Shifts Anticipated in the Region’s Workforce Demands
Understanding local workforce needs and trends is an ever-present challenge for educators, employers, and policy makers but
Southwest NH Sees Long-Term Decline in Labor Force Participation
Fundamental demographic shifts may be a primary cause.
Southwest NH Communities Face Slow, Disparate Growth in Wages
Southwest NH faces stark wage disparities for workers across the region, with only moderate increases in earnings over the past twenty years
Job Growth Uneven Across Southwest NH
Long-term trends show cause for concern even prior to the pandemic.
Education
Education, by necessity, will be a cornerstone of future prosperity in Southwest NH. The posts below focus on topics such as educational attainment, school enrollment and the growing importance of 2-year degrees.
Higher Education Has Become the Norm in Southwest NH
Since 2000, those with a post-secondary education have grown to be the majority share of the population over 25 in Cheshire County. This is good news for the future of the workforce and local employers.
Municipal Policy and Finance
In addition to a thriving private sector, prosperity requires strong public institutions such as local government. Examining municipal policy and finances can help reveal vulnerabilities that our region may need to address.
Assessed Property Value in Decline Across the Monadnock Region
A critical stock of community wealth has dropped in most Southwest NH communities over the last decade.
Physical Infrastructure
The roads, pipes, and wires that form the physical foundation of our communities play a large role in shaping the nature and pattern of regional economic development. Understanding the current extent and character of this infrastructure can help identify opportunities for efficient, context-sensitive growth and potential barriers to enhanced prosperity.
Infrastructure Availability Across Southwest NH
Water, sewer and three-phase power infrastructure is key for many forms of commercial development, but access to this infrastructure changes significantly between communities in Southwest New Hampshire.