Summary of Employment, Demographics, and Commuting Patterns for St. Lucie County
March 16, 2021
A labor shed analysis is defined as where workers work and where workers live relative to a user-defined selection area. This analysis helps to determine where a labor market draws its commuting workers. Labor shed studies can draw comparisons between various geographies including state, Congressional District, Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA), county, Workforce Investment Area (WIA), Zip Code, and Census tract. By indicating how many of the selection area workers work outside the area, labor sheds can help identify potential pools of workers who would be available for work in the user-defined area.
Labor shed studies provide economic developers and existing or prospective employers a tool to understand the local labor market and make informed expansion and site selection decisions. In addition, labor shed studies can help indicate potential impacts from environmental, social, or economic incidents.