94-01-25 New U.Va. Center for Public Service Report Gives In-Depth Economic Profile for Fifth Planning District

NEW U.VA. CENTER FOR PUBLIC SERVICE REPORT
GIVES IN-DEPTH ECONOMIC PROFILE OF FIFTH PLANNING DISTRICT

     CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va., Jan. 25 -- The Roanoke-Covington-Clifton Forge
area has
experienced only moderate employment growth in recent years but still ranks
high in per capita
personal income, according to an economic profile by the University of
Virginia's Center for Public
Service.
     The profile of the Fifth Regional Planning District, in the latest
edition of the center's
"Virginia's Local Economies" series of occasional economic reports on each of
the state's 21
planning districts, shows that the area experienced a 2.2 percent annual
employment growth rate
between 1980 and 1991, the same as the national rate but lower than the
statewide rate.
     But with personal income of $18,864 per capita in 1991, the district
ranked fourth in the
state, according to U.Va. economist John L. Knapp, director of the studies.
     The planning district includes the cities of Clifton Forge, Covington,
Roanoke and Salem,
and the counties of Alleghany, Botetourt, Craig and Roanoke.
     Although the area has a long history of railroading and manufacturing,
the dominant
industries are now private services (including health services) and
retailing.  Together, they account
for 46 percent of total employment.
     The study cites projections from a private forecasting firm that the
planning district will see
a 1 percent average annual employment growth rate for the rest of the decade,
compared to the 1.5
percent rate projected for the state.
     Population in the region is projected to rise very little throughout
this decade.
     The "Virginia's Local Economies" series includes updated comparative
data on all planning
districts and local government finances, as well as projections of
population, employment, income
and school enrollment, and additional information about each locality in a
region.  The series is
aimed at community planners, economic developers, business and government
officials, educators,
libraries and residents seeking local economic information.
     Cost is $12 per report, or $200 for the set of 21 reports.  For
additional information contact
the U.Va. Center for Public Service at (804) 982-5638.
                               ###
                                                 January 24, 1994
     EDITORS, REPORTERS:  John Knapp may be reached at the above number.

[Submitted by: Karen A. Castle  (kac@uva.pcmail.virginia.edu)
               Wed, 26 Jan 94 10:16:52 EST]