Employment growth was the greatest in the services, manufacturing, and construction sectors. Between 1996 and 2000, the percent change in wage and salary employment is expected to be 6.9 percent. Placer County is recognized for employment opportunities. For over a decade, job-seeking migrants have been absorbed into the labor force. Statistics show that, since 1985, the unemployment rate in the region has been consistently below the state level.
Industry is attracted by a well-educated labor force.
To prepare workers for local industry, Placer County offers job training through technical schools, universities, and colleges, as well as private industry councils. As Placer County becomes a major market, corporate attention increasingly focuses on the region. The availability of comparatively inexpensive land and low-cost commercial and industrial space makes the area a prime choice for industrial and office development. Retail inventory exceeded three million square feet and between 1990 and 1997, rent increases for this space have been modest. Affordable residential real estate continues to be a positive factor in recent population and economic growth.