Tag: United States Migration Patterns

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Domestic Relocation Domestic Relocation Tips Domestic Relocation Trends Job Market Job Seekers Labor Force United States Economy

Federal Agency Relocation to Move Jobs Outside the Beltway

A new Bill sponsored by two United States Senators will result in federal agency relocation outside of the Washington, D.C. beltway area. The Bill calls for enactment of the “Helping Infrastructure Restore the Economy (HIRE) Act.” One goal of the HIRE Act is to help certain areas of the country build necessary infrastructure. As a result, this will support future economic growth. Another goal of the HIRE Act is to provide access to good jobs for a greater number of Americans throughout the nation. Several states will see an influx of high paying jobs to economically distressed areas.

The HIRE Act will move policymakers directly into communities impacted by their policies. This should help them see how policies their agency creates affect local areas outside of the beltway. There may also be long term savings for the agencies in a number of other areas including labor, maintenance, and energy costs.

Federal Agency Relocation: The Bill and its Sponsors

Bill:

Helping Infrastructure Restore the Economy (HIRE) Act

Requires federal agency relocation for headquarters and permanent duty stations of its employees.

Sponsors:

Senator Josh Hawley, Missouri

Senator Marsha Blackburn, Tennessee

Ten Agencies Subject to the HIRE Act

The HIRE Act identifies ten federal agencies that may be subject to relocation:

The Departments of

  1. Agriculture
  2. Commerce
  3. Education
  4. Energy
  5. Health and Human Services
  6. Housing and Urban Development
  7. Interior
  8. Labor
  9. Transportation
  10. Veterans Affairs

Ten States Stand to Benefit from Federal Agency Relocation

The HIRE Act identifies ten states with significant economic distress over the past decade:

  1. Indiana
  2. Kentucky
  3. Michigan
  4. Missouri
  5. New Mexico
  6. Ohio
  7. Pennsylvania
  8. South Carolina
  9. Tennessee
  10. West Virginia

Of these ten states, eight share borders and are situated in the Midwestern region of the country. South Carolina is located along the Southeastern coast, and New Mexico is located in the Southwest.

Economically Distressed Areas Defined

The HIRE Act defines the criteria that will determine economic distress. These criteria are further segmented into “Priority Criteria” and “Secondary Criteria.”

Priority Criteria include low rates of education, workforce participation, and income. Poverty rates and housing vacancies are also in this criteria.

Secondary Criteria include current infrastructure, ability to expand infrastructure, and the size of the local workforce.

Additional Points for Federal Agency Relocation

Further to the criteria that determines economic distress, the HIRE Act includes a specific limitation:

  • No location may be within 30 miles of a city with over 800,000 residents

The HIRE Act requires the relocation proposal to focus on as small a geographic size as possible. For example, within the state of Indiana, “southern Indiana” would most likely be considered too large a geographic size. However, the town of Lyons in Greene County may qualify.

Federal Agency Relocation Example: Lyons, Indiana

Economically Distressed Area

Lyons has a “Distress Score” of 123.23, the highest such score in Indiana. Lyons is about 87 miles from Indianapolis, IN; 260 miles from Chicago, IL; and 95 miles from Evansville, IN. However, Lyons is only about 50 miles from Terre Haute, IN (60,000 residents). Lyons is also about 50 miles from Bloomington, IN (85,000 residents). As a result, there are two cities of substantial size within less than an hour’s drive for residents of Lyons. Lyons appears to meet the geographic limitation of the HIRE Act.

Workforce and Infrastructure

While Lyons’ population is approximately 700 residents, Greene County has about 32,000 residents. Lyons is also near two major Interstate Highways: I-70 is to the north, and I-69 is to the south. U.S. Highways 150 and 231 are also nearby. The county’s workforce size may suffice for federal agency relocation. Depending on the definition of infrastructure, highways and airports near Lyons may also meet the HIRE Act’s criteria.

Opportunity to Double the Impact of a Federal Agency Relocation

The town of Switz City has a “Distress Score” of 120.97, the second highest such score in the state. Switz City is located only about 4 miles from Lyons. Federal Agency Relocation to Greene County Indiana near or between the towns of Lyons and Switz City initially seems possible. A federal agency setting its headquarters and job location for employees in this area would have a positive economic impact on the two towns in the state of Indiana with the highest Distress Scores. The HIRE Act notes that Health and Human Services would relocate to Indiana. This federal agency relocation could result in the move of thousands of employees to this region.

What Should Employers do?

Employers in the ten states identified as economically distressed by the HIRE Act should expect a rise in demand for workers due to federal agency relocation. Companies should examine their corporate growth initiatives to ensure they can remain competitive as the local labor market changes.

Companies that interact with federal agencies in their current location should review their relocation programs. Employers may need to consider relocation for employees to be near the agency’s new headquarters location.

Industry Benchmarking Studies Help Employers Compare Their Relocation Program

GMS has recently published several Industry Benchmarking Studies to help employers learn whether their company’s relocation program is designed following industry-specific best practices. There are many benefits to a corporate relocation policy benchmarking.

Industry best practice is to schedule a relocation program and policy review every 12 to 18 months to ensure your company maintains its competitive position. This review will also help your company learn about how the relocation industry is evolving to meet increased employee demands.

Conclusion

GMS’ team of corporate relocation experts has helped thousands of our clients understand how to respond to labor and economic market forces such as federal agency relocation. Our team can help your company by using industry best practices to design your relocation program.

GMS was the first relocation company to register as a .com, created the first online interactive tools and calculators, and revolutionized the entire relocation industry. GMS continues to set the industry pace as the pioneer in innovation and technology solutions with its proprietary MyRelocation™ technology platform.

Global Mobility Solutions is proud to be named and ranked #1 Overall, and #1 in Quality of Service by HRO Today’s 2019 Baker’s Dozen Customer Satisfaction Survey.

Contact our experts online to discuss your company’s interest in learning more about federal agency relocation due to the HIRE Act and its impact on local areas and labor markets, or give us a call at 800.617.1904 or 480.922.0700 today.

Request your complimentary relocation policy review

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Corporate Relocation Corporate relocation tips Domestic Relocation Domestic Relocation Challenges Domestic Relocation Tips Domestic Relocation Trends Household Goods United States Economy

Tri-State Regional Economy May Encourage Relocation Opportunities

The tri-state regional economy encompassing New York, Connecticut, and New Jersey may encourage future relocation opportunities. This area includes large swaths of southeastern New York, as well as parts of the Hudson River Valley. It also includes the western end of Long Island, northern New Jersey, and southwestern Connecticut.

This large and dynamic metropolitan area accounts for nearly 10% of the United States entire Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Within the state of New York, the city of New York serves as the center of activity. As a result, commuting patterns across the area reflect the draw of New York City as an engine of job growth.

Tri-State Regional Economy: Industries

Several industries maintain a major global presence in New York City and throughout the metropolitan region, including:

Annually, the overall tri-state regional economy produces goods and services valued at $1.5 trillion. This is more than most other nations, placing this region within the world’s twenty largest economies.

Tri-State Regional Economy: Housing

The cost of living in New York City is 148% of the US average, making it the most expensive. The largest component of this cost of living is the cost of housing. Demand for housing near employment centers tends to drive up its cost. The tri-state regional economy reflects significant differences in housing costs. These costs often vary widely based on several factors including proximity to New York City, access to transportation networks, variety and availability of the local housing stock, amount of household goods to move, local neighborhood amenities, and overall desirability of the location.

Median Home Values (reported by Zillow/October 2019)

New York City/Manhattan: $1,190,800

Hudson River Valley/Sleepy Hollow: $730,800

Western Long Island/Hempstead: $375,300

Northern New Jersey/Englewood: $381,200

Southwestern Connecticut/Stamford: $284,800

Apartment Rents (reported by RentCafe/October 2019)

New York City/Manhattan: $4,336

Hudson River Valley/Sleepy Hollow: $2,046

Western Long Island/ Hempstead: $1,877

Northern New Jersey/Englewood: $2,322

Southwestern Connecticut/Stamford: $2,459

Industry Growth Leads to Outsize Commuting Patterns

The tri-state regional economy is highly diverse. This diversity benefits the area’s overall growth, as job seekers can easily find opportunities. Commuting patterns reflect the status of New York City as the region’s engine for jobs. The state of New York taxes income that commuters from New Jersey and Connecticut make from jobs they hold in New York. As a result, the New York state government gains significantly more tax revenue.

Nonresidents account for approximately 15% of total income taxes owed to New York, in the amount of $6.2 billion. Of this $6.2 Billion:

  • New Jersey residents account for $3.1 Billion, 50% of the total
  • Connecticut residents account for $1.2 Billion, nearly 20% of the total

Financial Impact on Commuters in the Tri-State Regional Economy

Due to differences in tax rates and other factors, the financial impact on commuters into New York may be difficult to discern. Some states give credit for taxes paid to other jurisdictions. However, the state of New York does not offer any credit for commuters.

New York City generates a large number of high-paying jobs, and wages for many occupations are higher in the city than elsewhere around the tri-state regional economy. Residents in New Jersey and Connecticut who obtain jobs in New York City may initially look at the cost of a train ticket or a few added toll costs as their only additional expense. However, the true costs may include:

Direct Costs

  • Parking costs at transportation system lots
  • Train, subway, or bus ticket costs
  • Car maintenance costs for driving to lots or into the city
  • Toll costs
  • Automobile insurance costs
  • Extra tax liability to New York State government
  • Extra tax liability to New York City government
  • Higher costs for food and drinks purchased in New York City
  • Increased taxes on goods purchased in New York City
  • Higher costs for employee’s share of employer-provided benefits

Indirect Costs

  • Loss of time for family and social obligations due to increased length of commute
  • Increased exposure to occupational stress factors such as crowds and noise
  • Higher tendency to develop stress-related illness

Some estimates of the true costs of commuting indicate a cost of $795 or more for each mile someone lives from their job. Assuming someone’s job is at 14 Penn Plaza, 225 West 24th Street, in New York City, estimates from these locations following the fastest route using Google maps might indicate the following:

New York City/Manhattan: 2.9 miles, $2,305.50

Hudson River Valley/Sleepy Hollow: 28.8 miles, $22,896.00

Western Long Island/Hempstead: 27.3 miles, $21,703.50

Northern New Jersey/Englewood: 14.7 miles, $11,686.50

Southwestern Connecticut/Stamford: 40.5 miles, $32,197.50

Relocation Opportunities in the Tri-State Regional Economy

Relocation Outside the Region

Employers that have large numbers of workers who commute into New York City should determine if the company can benefit from relocation. Advances in technology permit many functions to be easily and seamlessly performed regardless of location. Many firms based in New York City or that have significant operations there have embarked on similar initiatives, hoping to leverage technology while reducing costs. Relocation may include global destinations such as the country of Poland or domestic destinations such as Salt Lake City, Utah.

Relocation Within the Region

Even within the tri-state regional economy, relocation might be local in nature. It may include moving corporate functions from New York City to New Jersey or Connecticut. Alternatively, it may include moving those functions from these states to New York City. For example, Diageo is relocating from Norwalk, Connecticut, to New York City, to help the firm find a stronger base of employees with marketing talent. Wright Investors’ Service is relocating from Greenwich, Connecticut, to Shelton, Connecticut, because many of the firm’s employees live in that area and the move will help the company reduce long in-state commuting patterns. Credibility Capital relocated from New York City to Newark, New Jersey with the aid of a significant state incentive in the amount of $6.5 million.

What Should Employers do About the Tri-State Regional Economy?

Companies in the tri-state regional economy should examine their need to maintain operations in a specific location. For example, some companies have operations that function in a distinct location such as the New York Stock Exchange. There may be opportunities to utilize relocation for operations that support the positions that remain tied to this location. As a result, both the organization and many employees may benefit from reduced direct and indirect costs related to commuting patterns

Companies should also work with a qualified and experienced Relocation Management Company (RMC). RMCs can help companies design a robust talent acquisition program. Also, RMCs can help a company design an industry-leading relocation program that will give them a competitive advantage in the market for highly skilled employees.

Industry Benchmarking Studies Help Employers Compare Their Relocation Program

GMS has recently published several Industry Benchmarking Studies to help employers learn whether their company’s relocation program is designed following industry-specific best practices. There are many benefits to a corporate relocation policy benchmarking. For example, employers can learn how their relocation program compares to those offered by competitors in their specific industry.

Companies that relocate to gain access to a base of talent with knowledge and skills should review their relocation program to ensure that at a minimum it matches what competitors provide. RMCs may provide specific recommendations to help the company’s relocation program excel in talent acquisition based on specific industry practices.

Industry best practice is to schedule a relocation program and policy review every 12 to 18 months to ensure your company maintains its competitive position. This review will also help your company learn about how the relocation industry is evolving to meet increased employee demands. Importantly, it will also include a review of commuting costs and patterns in the tri-state regional economy.

Conclusion

GMS’ team of corporate relocation experts has helped thousands of our clients understand how to leverage relocation in the tri-state regional economy to gain benefits, reduce costs, and attract and retain talent. Our team can help your company by using industry best practices to design your relocation program. This will increase your company’s ability to attract and retain new employees.

GMS was the first relocation company to register as a “.com.” The company also created the first online interactive tools and calculators, and revolutionized the entire relocation industry. GMS continues to set the industry pace as the pioneer in innovation and technology solutions with its proprietary MyRelocation® technology platform.

Global Mobility Solutions is proud to be named and ranked #1 Overall, and #1 in Quality of Service by HRO Today’s 2019 Baker’s Dozen Customer Satisfaction Survey.

Contact our experts online to discuss your company’s interest in learning more about relocation opportunities in the tri-state regional economy, or give us a call at 800.617.1904 or 480.922.0700 today.

Request your complimentary relocation policy review

Categories
Domestic Relocation Domestic Relocation Challenges Domestic Relocation Tips Domestic Relocation Trends United States Economy

Los Angeles Housing Options for Relocating Employees: Part 3, Apartments

In part 3 of our series on Los Angeles Housing Options for relocating employees, we focus on apartments. There are many reasons why clients should encourage transferees to buy instead of rent. For those employees who are not ready or prepared to buy, renting an apartment may be helpful for several reasons.

Advantages to Renting Apartments in Los Angeles

No Maintenance and Upkeep

Renting apartments basically frees the renter from ownership responsibilities. Those who own apartments must take care of the following:

  1. Maintenance of the building
  2. Structural issues including anything that might break
  3. Upgrades to fixtures and decorating
  4. Incidentals such as light bulbs and batteries
  5. Landscaping and upkeep of grounds, yards, trees
  6. Secure access
  7. Parking areas

Access to Amenities

Many apartments are located in or near areas with direct access to desirable amenities. Renters often benefit from being near:

  1. Tennis courts
  2. Swimming pools
  3. Hot tubs
  4. Playgrounds
  5. Parks
  6. Trails for walking, hiking, biking
  7. Shopping areas

Relocating employees may benefit from renting in an area if they are unsure where to settle down. A short-term rental with a plan to buy in six months or a year offers transferees flexibility and time to further research locations for the best fit.

Rents in some markets exceed the cost of home ownership. Relocating employees who choose to rent do not build equity since they do not own the property. They also are not able to claim home mortgage interest as a deduction; this is a major benefit to those who buy homes.

Budget-Friendly Neighborhoods for Los Angeles Apartments

Several neighborhoods in Los Angeles are known for lower costs and budget-friendly rental rates on apartments. Each neighborhood is distinctly different in character and amenities, so transferees can usually find one that meets their preference.

San Fernando Valley

Lake Balboa is a district in the San Fernando Valley. The neighborhood is known for a large amount of park area including Sepulveda Basin Recreation Area, Lake Balboa, and Woodley Park. The area has many charming post-war houses in a suburban setting.

Van Nuys is a mostly residential area centrally located in the San Fernando Valley with mid-priced homes and apartments. Van Nuys Boulevard is known as a great street for shopping. Woodley Park features baseball diamonds, play areas, barbecue pits, an archery range, and cricket fields.

Close to Hills, Parks, and Mountains

Tarzana is named after Tarzan, the main character in the book “Tarzan of the Apes” by Edgar Rice Burroughs. The area is close to many parks, and offers easy access to hiking in the nearby hills. This is a quiet and suburban area located just north of the Santa Monica Mountains.

Central Los Angeles Location

Koreatown is known for its lively nightlife. It also has a wide variety of shopping malls, stores, and markets. Various architectural styles give clues to the neighborhoods history, once the center of the Golden Age of Hollywood.

Near the Pacific Ocean

San Pedro is known for having a number of locally-owned shops in town, with bakeries, butchers, and a small-town feel. It is located on the harbor, with Rancho Palos Verdes to the west, and Long Beach to the east. San Pedro is home to the Korean Bell of Friendship, given as a gift to the US by the South Korean government to symbolize friendship between the two nations.

Los Angeles neighborhoods have much to offer residents and visitors. Transferees looking for apartments should work with a Realtor® that has knowledge of the city and the market for apartments in various neighborhoods.

Expert Tips about Los Angeles Apartments

GMS spoke with Erik R. Brown of Douglas Elliman Real Estate, Realtor®, TV host, speaker, and author of “One in a Million: Everything You Need to Know to Find the Best Realtor®.” Erik agreed to share his industry knowledge and market expertise on Los Angeles housing options for relocating employees.

Erik knows that researching the particulars of a local market provides renters with the knowledge they need to be successful in their search. As Erik notes, “Moving to Los Angeles? Then you’ll want to know these top tips as you decide to make the move.” In part 3 of a 3 part series, Erik shares his 9 top tips for finding and renting apartments in Los Angeles.

Los Angeles Housing Options: Apartments

9 Top Tips for Finding and Renting Apartments in Los Angeles

1. Set your parameters.

Good process makes good business, so set the stage right to map your way to success. Since Los Angeles vacancy rates are so low and bidding wars are common, start by setting your parameters: How much do you want to spend? Try using a Rent Calculator to determine how much you want to spend on an apartment. How many bedrooms do you need? What amenities do you want?  What location is best for proximity to work and recreation?

2. Review and create realistic expectations.

Here are some good examples:

  • Expectation #1: LA is one of the most expensive cities in the US. You won’t find apartments as nice as what you are used to unless you’re moving from NY.
  • Expectation #2: You might have to buy or rent a refrigerator, washer, dryer, and in rare cases a stove.
  • Expectation #3: If you rent a single family house, you will most likely have to pay for water and all the utilities.

3. Understand looking in Los Angeles.

Los Angeles is unlike large East Coast cities where the majority of rentals are listed on a central listing system like the Multiple Listing Service (MLS). In these cities, you can work with one broker to show you what is on the market. Either the tenant pays the broker fee or the landlord does. By comparison, the majority of landlords in the current Los Angeles market advertise their property for free on the internet, without the use of a broker or MLS-type service.

4. Get to know your neighborhood options.

Los Angeles is a huge city comprised of several large and small neighborhoods. Many of these neighborhoods are actually sub-cities. Initially, getting to know them all can seem overwhelming. To help your search, do this: gear up your Google skills. Schools, safety ratings, walkability, traffic maps, local amenities, and many other lifestyle questions differ by area. Know as well that “LA traffic” is a real challenge. Having a shorter commute can make or break your daily life in Los Angeles. If you’re having trouble choosing among the more than 450 neighborhoods, contact me directly and I will send you a “Neighborhood Knowledge Checklist” I share with my clients.

5. Begin your search.

The internet is by far the most helpful resource to find apartments. Websites such as those listed below are popular for various rental types.

Rental Sites for Apartments and Homes:

www.rent.com

www.Westsiderentals.com

www.Padmapper.com

www.Craigslist.org (be careful of scams)

www.apartments.com

Rental Sites for Short Term Rentals:

https://www.plumguide.com/los-angeles/short-stay

https://zeusliving.com/

https://www.apartments.com/los-angeles-ca/short-term/

https://www.nestpick.com/los-angeles/

https://www.stayaka.com/ (luxury)

http://www.ihg.com/staybridge/hotels/us/en/reservation

http://www.extendedstayamerica.com/hotels/mn

http://www.airbnb.com

Rental Sites for Rooms:

https://www.spareroom.com/los-angeles

https://flip.lease/s/Los-Angeles

However, you should understand that many landlords in Los Angeles are “old school.” Many landlords don’t have email or own a computer. All they have to do is put a “For Rent” sign in the front yard and the place is rented within 24 hours. And that’s exactly what they do. After you have narrowed down the area you are looking in, start driving around. Be on the lookout for “For Rent” signs and start calling about apartments right away.

6. Be prepared to get your move on. 

Los Angeles tenants give 30-day notices to move out and most landlords wait until the tenant has moved out before they list the property for rent. Once a property hits the market, it rents out typically very quickly. Many times, vacancies rent within 24 hours. It typically takes under 30 days from the time a landlord lists a property to the time the new tenant moves in.

That means: be prepared to move quickly once you start looking. We cannot stress enough the importance of being prepared to apply. We deliver this message every day, over and over and over. So many unfortunate renters miss out on rentals because they had to go home, fill out an application and gather their documentation. Every landlord will ask you for the same information, so why wait to get your documentation in order? As difficult as it is finding suitable apartments, once you find the right space, you want to be 100% prepared to get it.

7. On the flip side, do not attempt to find a decent rental months in advance.

Since it can take less than 30 days to find a rental, it is nearly impossible to search in advance. If you have been looking within 30 days of your move-in date and you are down to the wire, you need to check your expectations.

8. See the place in person. 

Once you find a place you like, call or email and ask to set up a time to view it. You will likely deal directly with the property owner, on-site manager, or a management company. This is key to ensuring you will not get scammed or deceived by an online listing.

9. Speaking of…Avoid These Rental Scams.

Before signing the lease, run through these telltale signs to spot a rental scam:

  • The rent is below market rate. If it looks too good to be true, it probably is. Many times, rental scammers in Los Angeles will list a home below market and ask for a money wire transfer before they let you view the property. Although affordable rates are not a guaranteed verdict of a rental scam, it is a sign to investigate further.
  • Inability to prove ownership: A landlord who you have never met at the door, spoke with on the phone, or who has no reputable online reviews is suspicious. Be cautious when a landlord cannot provide proof of management.
  • Inaccessible landlord “Owners” who claim they cannot meet you at the property because they just left the country or they are traveling are most likely a scam. We recommend calling them directly to verify they actually exist.
  • Viewing fees: Any landlord or homeowner who requests money to view apartments is most likely running a scam. No landlord would ask for money upfront before a renter files paperwork and sees the property.

What Should Employers do?

Employers should share helpful information about apartments in Los Angeles with their relocating employees. This will help transferees and their family members learn about neighborhoods and amenities in the city. As a result, relocating employees will have valuable information to help them easily find several apartments that meet their requirements.

Employers should also provide as much information about the new location as possible. They should work with a qualified and experienced Relocation Management Company (RMC) that can provide many useful resources to assist relocating employees and their family members. Destination spotlights that highlight many aspects of a location are helpful reference materials to share with transferees during their pre-decision process. Video destination spotlights are a great resource to visually show employees and their family members their new location.

Conclusion

Global Mobility Solutions’ team of corporate relocation experts has helped thousands of our clients understand how to identify and share valuable real estate and neighborhood information with transferees. Our team can help your company share helpful information on apartments in Los Angeles that will give transferees peace of mind as they go through their relocation process.

GMS was the first relocation company to register as a “.com.” The company also created the first online interactive tools and calculators, and revolutionized the entire relocation industry. GMS continues to set the industry pace as the pioneer in innovation and technology solutions with its proprietary MyRelocation® technology platform.

Global Mobility Solutions is proud to be named and ranked #1 Overall, and #1 in Quality of Service by HRO Today’s 2019 Baker’s Dozen Customer Satisfaction Survey.

Learn best practices from Global Mobility Solutions, the relocation industry and technology experts. Contact our experts online to discuss your company’s need for information about apartments in Los Angeles to share with your transferees, or give us a call at 800.617.1904 or 480.922.0700 today.

Request your complimentary relocation policy review

Categories
Domestic Relocation Domestic Relocation Trends Talent Mobility United States Economy

United States Demographic Trends and Immigration Patterns

A recent report by the Economic Innovation Group describes United States demographic trends. As a result of these trends, several of the country’s cities, counties, and states experience declining population. Declining population negatively impacts economic growth in several ways:

Impacts of Declining Population

  • Housing market demand falls
    • Downward effect on home prices
  • Local government finances decline
    • Higher taxes to maintain current level of government services
    • Reduction in government services
  • Population of working age adults declines
    • Productivity falls
    • Economic opportunities stagnate
    • Reduced business startups

United States Demographic Trends: States and Territory Losing Population

According to the United States Census Bureau, nine states and one territory lost population in 2018. While the nation’s total population grew by 0.6%, the following states and territory experienced significant declines:

  • Puerto Rico: -129,848 -3.91%
  • New York: -48,510 -0.25%
  • Illinois: -45,116 -0.35%
  • West Virginia: -11,216 -0.62%
  • Louisiana: -10,840 -0.23%
  • Hawaii: -3,712 -0.26%
  • Mississippi: -3,133 -0.10%
  • Alaska: -2,348 -0.32%
  • Connecticut: -1,215, -0.03%
  • Wyoming: -1,197 -0.21%

Of particular note, Puerto Rico’s population has been declining over the past decade. However, Hurricane Maria in 2017 accelerated the population decline even during the recovery period.

Counties with Declining Population

The Economic Innovation Group reports that all states have areas with declining population. As a result of uneven population growth as well as migration patterns, the United States demographic trends from 2007 to 2017 resulted in:

  • 50% of states losing working age population
  • 43% of counties in the average state losing population
  • 76% of counties in the average state losing working age population

Possible Solution for United States Demographic Trends

There is a possible solution that might help states and counties experiencing population decline. For example, a visa program that specifically targets immigration to these places with a range of incentives might bring new residents. Highly skilled immigrants currently gravitate to leading tech centers such as San Francisco, Washington D.C., and Boston/Cambridge.

A “Heartland Visa” program as described in the Economic Innovation Group’s report might provide incentives for other areas of the country to benefit from highly skilled immigrants. Canada actively pursues immigration as a solution to temper the effects of an aging population, and to ensure future success from immigrant’s contributions. Ontario province is seeking to attract highly skilled immigrants to smaller cities and towns. A similar program might help alter United States demographic trends so that states and counties losing population could lessen its impact, if not reverse the trends.

What Should Employers do?

Employers in locations experiencing population decline due to United States demographic trends should investigate all of the current United States visa programs. They also might consider advocating for a targeted visa program with incentives that would encourage highly skilled immigrants to migrate to their specific area.

Employers should also review their talent acquisition and management programs to ensure they remain competitive to attract and retain new hires and transferees. Relocation Management Companies (RMCs) can provide expert assistance to employers to benchmark their relocation policies and add enhancements that attract talent.

Conclusion

GMS’ team of global relocation experts has helped thousands of our clients develop relocation programs that attract and retain qualified employees. Our team can help your company determine how to leverage United States migration patterns for talent acquisition and management.

GMS was the first relocation company to register as a .com, created the first online interactive tools and calculators, and revolutionized the entire relocation industry. GMS continues to set the industry pace as the pioneer in innovation and technology solutions with its proprietary MyRelocation™ technology platform.

Global Mobility Solutions is proud to be named and ranked #1 Overall, and #1 in Quality of Service by HRO Today’s 2019 Baker’s Dozen Customer Satisfaction Survey.

Learn best practices from Global Mobility Solutions, the relocation industry and technology experts who are dedicated to keeping you informed and connected. Contact our experts online to discuss your company’s relocation and visa program needs. Since United States demographic trends may result in challenging employment situations, companies should verify their relocation program supports talent acquisition. Give our experts a call at 800.617.1904 or 480.922.0700 today.

Request your complimentary relocation policy review

Categories
Domestic Relocation Trends Job Market Job Seekers Labor Force Talent Mobility

Why is Maricopa County the Fastest Growing County in the US for the 2nd Year in a Row?

For the 2nd year in a row, Maricopa County is the fastest growing county in the US. Located in Arizona, Maricopa County includes the city of Phoenix and its surrounding metropolitan area. The county has a large number of thriving cities and towns, including:

Select Cities in Maricopa County

  • Chandler
  • Glendale
  • Mesa
  • Paradise Valley
  • Phoenix
  • Scottsdale
  • Tempe

Select Towns and Communities in Maricopa County

  • Anthem
  • New River
  • Rio Verde
  • Sun City
  • Sun Lakes
  • Tonopah
  • Wittman

The population of Maricopa County is currently estimated in 2018 to be 4,410,824 residents. After rising to become the fastest growing county in the US in 2017, the county added another 81,244 residents during the next year, for a growth rate of 1.9%.

These 81,244 new residents of Maricopa County represent:

  • 21,644 growth in births over deaths
  • 49,423 growth in US migration
  • 9,902 growth in international migration
  • 275 growth in other categories

Putting Maricopa County Growth into Perspective

To put things into perspective, Maricopa County’s population growth in one year is larger than the entire current population (72,710 residents) of the city of New Britain, Connecticut. New Britain has seen swings in population from growth to loss over the past several years. Starting in 1980 when the city noted a loss of 9,601 residents from 1970, the next decades saw minimal years of population growth and several years of population loss. New Britain’s economy has focused on hardware manufacturing, and the city is the corporate home of Stanley Black & Decker. The city is also home to Central Connecticut State University, Charter Oak College, Creed Monarch, Guida’s Dairy, and Polamer Precision.

The state of Connecticut has lost population for five years in a row. In 2018, Connecticut was the only state in the New England region of the US to record a lower population than the year before. As recently as March 2019, the state of Connecticut continues to experience job losses.

Why Maricopa County Continues to Grow

There are many reasons why Maricopa County continues to grow. The former mayor of Phoenix, Greg Stanton, noted that the city and region has worked to build a sustainable economy focused on areas such as education and export promotion. Also, population has increased as Phoenix has made investments in infrastructure and transportation.

Businesses and residents are prospering due to Maricopa County’s focus on developing amenities and resources, including:

District 1: Ahwatukee, Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, Queen Creek, Tempe

Development of two key parks to provide multi-use recreational areas. The two parks are currently flood control basins that will be transformed to be functional during storms, and useful to the community year-round with the addition of baseball fields, playgrounds, and tennis courts.

District 2: Apache Junction, Carefree, Cave Creek, Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation, Fountain Hills, Gilbert, Mesa, Paradise Valley, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community Scottsdale

Development of a new East Valley animal shelter to increase the quality of care the County provides to rescue animals, reduce the length of stays, and improve the customer adoption experience.

District 3: Anthem, Desert Hills, New River, Paradise Valley, Phoenix

Expanding access to health care, with HonorHealth opening a sixth hospital in North Phoenix, just south of Anthem. The hospital will provide more than 40 beds and a 24-hour emergency room.

District 4: Avondale, Buckeye, El Mirage, Glendale, Goodyear, Litchfield Park, Peoria, Sun City, Sun City West, Surprise, Wickenburg, Youngtown

Creating a pilot program at Luke Air Force Base for a Military Veteran Success Center – West Valley. The Center will provide case management, education and career information, job placement services, and other helpful resources for transitioning military, veterans, and their spouses.

District 5: Avondale, Buckeye, Gila Bend, the Gila River Indian Community, Glendale, Goodyear, Guadalupe, Phoenix, Tolleson, and many smaller communities

Approval for a 950-acre site for the newest utility-scale solar electric generating station in Maricopa County. The Sun Streams Solar 150-megawatt facility will include large-scale battery technology for energy storage, and is the most recent in a long list of solar generating facilities in west-central Maricopa County. This facility reinforces Maricopa County as an economic and technological leader for solar energy development.

What Does This Mean for Maricopa County Employers and Job Seekers?

Employers in Maricopa County may benefit from an influx of job seekers moving to the region. Employers may be able to use Pre-Hire Assessments to identify qualified candidates.

Job seekers may have a number of opportunities to find employment in Maricopa County as population growth continues to increase demand for housing and services. Job Seekers should utilize career resources and a number of job and employment networking sites.

What Should Employers and Job Seekers in Maricopa County do?

Employers in Maricopa County should examine their corporate initiatives to ensure they can leverage the county’s population growth. They should work with a qualified Relocation Management Company (RMC) that can provide a full range of pre-decision services.

Employers may consider relocating new hires or transferees to fill positions in these cities as growth continues. They should provide transferees and their family members with as many valuable resources as possible to help increase relocation success.

Job seekers looking for opportunities should consider cities that rank high as a best place to find a job, such as Scottsdale. Other cities in Maricopa County also rank high as good places to find a job, including Gilbert, Chandler, and Tempe.

Conclusion

GMS’ team of global relocation experts has helped thousands of our clients understand how to fill positions in their local markets, including Maricopa County. Our team can help your company understand how to use pre-hire assessments to identify qualified candidates. Also, we can help your company design a relocation program following industry best practices that results in higher relocation success rates and greater transferee satisfaction.

Global Mobility Solutions is proud to be named and ranked #1 Overall, and #1 in Quality of Service by HRO Today’s 2019 Baker’s Dozen Customer Satisfaction Survey.

Learn best practices from Global Mobility Solutions, the relocation industry and technology experts who are dedicated to keeping you informed and connected. Contact our experts online to discuss your company’s need to find qualified candidates for positions in Maricopa County, or give us a call at 800.617.1904 or 480.922.0700 today.

Request your complimentary relocation policy review

Categories
Buy a Home Domestic Relocation Domestic Relocation Trends Job Market Job Seekers Talent Mobility United States Economy

United States Migration Patterns: Where are People Moving To?

United States Migration Patterns: Where are People Moving To?

A recent study by United Van Lines tracking 2018 United States migration patterns shows which states people are moving to.  According to the study, the top 5 states experiencing the highest rates of inbound migration are:

Top 5 States Growing due to United States Migration Patterns

  1. Vermont
  2. Oregon
  3. Idaho
  4. Nevada
  5. Arizona

To understand these patterns, it is best to look at a number of local as well as national trends and how these trends impact each state.

Vermont

Vermont benefits from United States migration patterns impacting employment and jobs. This state has a relatively small population compared to other states. Therefore, significant growth in employment is due mostly to people moving to the state to take new jobs or as a transferee within their company. Vermont industries experiencing exceptional growth include:

  • Renewable and Clean Energy including the highest number of solar jobs per capita in the nation
  • Tourism and Outdoor Recreation including top destinations for skiing, camping, and hiking
  • Food Processing including craft beer, cheeses, and maple products
  • Financial Services and Insurance including #1 ranking in the world for assets under management in captive insurance

Vermont is also well known for its beauty, with mountains, lakes, and four distinct seasons. The state has many pristine areas, and tourism is a significant industry. As a result, retirement is another factor driving United States migration patterns with Vermont as a choice retirement destination.

Oregon

Oregon benefits from United States migration patterns impacting employment and jobs. The state’s economy is one of the fastest-growing in the nation. This is due in part to significant job growth in the manufacturing sector including:

  • Computer and electronic products
  • Machinery
  • Primary metal

Oregon’s landscape includes mountains, lakes, rivers, forests, and waterfalls. The natural areas encourage an outdoor lifestyle, and several state parks are ideally situated for camping, hiking, biking, and boating.

Idaho

Idaho has seen growth from United States migration patterns relating to retirement. More than half of movers into the state were in the age range between 55 an 74 years old. New residents to Idaho gain access to several lifestyle features they could not have in more populated areas, including:

  • Outstanding National Parks
  • Mild climate with four seasons
  • Neighborhood walkability
  • Low cost of living
  • Educational and cultural centers

Idaho has a relatively low estimated population of 1,790,000 residents. Comparing Idaho to other states, population density is 19.8 people per square mile versus the national average of 434.9 people per square mile. New York by comparison has 419.0 people per square mile. Idaho is known for wide open spaces.

Nevada

Nevada benefits from United States migration patterns impacting employment and jobs. Most migration to the state is for people to take a new job. The state’s growth industries include:

  • Tourism including Gaming
  • Clean Energy Initiatives including Solar, Wind, and Geothermal
  • Mining including Gold, Silver, and Lithium
  • Aerospace and Defense including several Air Force Bases
  • Information Technology powered by a strong Digital Infrastructure

With no income tax, low property taxes, and a warm climate, retirees find Nevada a welcoming place. Around half of movers into the state were in the age range between 55 an 74 years old.

Arizona

Arizona benefits from United States migration patterns relating to retirement. Most of the moves to Arizona were for retirement, followed closely by moves for a new job or as a transferee. There are several reasons people choose Arizona for retirement, including:

  • Generally pleasant climate
  • Exceptional natural attractions such as the Grand Canyon
  • Low cost of living
  • Greater number of retirees for social groups
  • Tax-friendly policies

Arizona is increasingly diversifying its economy, with growth in a number of industries including:

  • Bioscience Research and Development
  • Technology and Innovation
  • Manufacturing including High Tech
  • Aerospace and Defense including top ranking University Programs
  • Business and Financial Services including Data Centers

According to a new economic report by State Policy Reports, Arizona ranks #3 in the nation for economic momentum. The momentum is based on Arizona’s growth in categories such as population, employment, and personal income.

What Do United States Migration Patterns Mean for Employers?

Employers in the states of Vermont, Oregon, Idaho, Nevada, and Arizona benefit from United States migration patterns that draw a variety of new residents. Growing industries with burgeoning job opportunities tend to generate additional jobs. As a result, communities grow in population and related services are needed such as housing, retail, insurance, and child care. Demand for employees may be strong in these states and many other locations, especially during tight labor markets.

What Should Employers do About United States Migration Patterns?

Employers in locations that benefit from United States migration patterns should review their company’s growth plans and requirements for jobs across all levels of skill sets. A company’s growth plans will impact the number and type of jobs required to meet business plans and goals.

Since the nation is experiencing low unemployment, employers should review their talent acquisition and management programs to ensure they remain competitive to attract and retain new hires and transferees. Relocation Management Companies (RMCs) can provide expert assistance to employers to benchmark their relocation policies and add enhancements that attract talent.

Conclusion

GMS’ team of corporate relocation experts has helped thousands of our clients develop relocation programs that attract and retain qualified employees. Our team can help your company determine how to leverage United States migration patterns for talent acquisition and management.

GMS was the first relocation company to register as a .com, created the first online interactive tools and calculators, and revolutionized the entire relocation industry. GMS continues to set the industry pace as the pioneer in innovation and technology solutions with its proprietary MyRelocation® technology platform.

Learn best practices from Global Mobility Solutions, the relocation industry and technology experts who are dedicated to keeping you informed and connected. Contact our experts online to discuss your company’s relocation program needs. Since United States migration patterns may lead to a growing local population and potential future workforce, be sure your company’s relocation program supports talent acquisition. Give our experts a call at 800.617.1904 or 480.922.0700 today.

Request your complimentary relocation policy review

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