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Census Data A Reminder There Is Still Work To Do Locally

The most recent U.S. Census Bureau estimates for Chautauqua County are a reminder that there is still a lot of work to be done.

Estimates from the most recent American Community Survey indicate the county is still hemorrhaging population while seeing an increase in the wages of residents left here. Increases in income are a welcome sight for those who work in Chautauqua County, but satisfaction with those gains is tempered by the realization the county still isn’t keeping those who earn college degrees, particularly bachelor’s degrees. The percentage of those age 25 and over with an associate’s degree decreased over the past six years from 14.4 percent to 12.6 percent while the number of people with bachelor’s degrees decreased from 13.1 percent in 2010 to 11.7 percent in 2016. Of course, the biggest gains in income came for those who entered the workforce armed with a bachelor’s degree.

In short, the numbers aren’t good.

Statistics for Jamestown aren’t available through the most recent American Community Survey, but Jamestown is a significant driver of such statistics. New York state has devoted millions of dollars to economic development in the city and to reversing the decades-long struggle with ever-increasing poverty in Jamestown. It is up to local officials to make the best use of those dollars they can. It would be a nice change to see the next release of Census Bureau statistics show some of these trends moving in a positive direction for a change.

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