Labor Statistics and Availability
Labor Availability
In August, 2008 a Labor Availability Report 
was conducted by Kenneth M. Lemke, Ph.D. The report concluded that an employer offering attractive working conditions with competitive wages and employee benefits in Phelps County would be able to select from a substantial pool of applicants. In fact, the report states, "…a prospective new employer providing job opportunities with competitive wages and benefits and offering career opportunities would be a welcome addition to the employment base in Phelps County. The response to such employment opportunities would be substantial, and as this report shows, there is a sizeable labor force and population base living within the Phelps County Labor Area."
Phelps County's primary labor pool is drawn from a geographic area including Phelps County and its contiguous seven counties; but, existing employers attract a labor force from an even larger area. With minimal road congestion and convenient access to I-80 existing employers are able to attract qualified employees from a 60-mile radius: a commute time of around 60 minutes.
Although nearly 49% of workforce-age residents do work in Phelps County, there is untapped potential in the 14.5% who are employed at least 30 minutes from home.
Labor statistics
For a full rundown of Phelps County labor market statistics or to compare Phelps County to the region, Nebraska, or other locations, click on this link to Nebraska Workforce Development 