DATA ACCESSIBILITY Access to this information is only possible because of the responses collected from residents by the U.S. Census Bureau. Next year marks 10 years since the last census, which means it will once again be time for the constitutionally mandated decennial census. We will all have the unique opportunity to provide input about how we live our lives so that insights like these can begained, andmore importantly, soour representation in federal, state, and local government can be accurately determined. In an effort to support the 2020 Census, the West Michigan Research Network, with funding from the West Michigan Prosperity Initiative, has built a data tool and website to provide municipal leaders with a one- stop-shop to get critical information and resources to ensure our residents are counted once and in the right place. Learn more at www.becountedwestMI.org .
WHY IT MATTERS While on an individual basis, most people don’t have a need to consider commutes outside of their own, understanding the commuting trends of the county is just as important. As the volume and direction of commuting patterns fluctuate, it will affect every commuter, regardless of where they work. Commuting patterns also serve as a critical piece of information for transportation planning. Municipalities have to evaluate how the commuting trends are changing for their regions and determine the best way to accommodate these changes as they develop over time. This information is also important for businesses, especially if they are considering relocating or expanding their operations elsewhere in the region. Understanding the commute that current and potential future employees would be faced with is something that ultimately plays into the decision-making process.
KENT COUNTY RESIDENT COMMUTE ANALYSIS
As of 2017, approximately 45% of workers employed in Kent County lived outside of the county, while roughly 55% of workers lived and worked in the county. This data is represented in Figure 1 . As for the residents of Kent County, roughly 27% of themworked at an employer located outside of the county, and 73% both lived and worked within the county. So where are those 27% of individuals working outside of the county going every day? The top 10 cities and counties that these Kent County residents commute to are as follows: Cities 1. Holland, MI 2. Allendale, MI
3. Lansing, MI 4. Zeeland, MI 5. Jenison, MI 6. Kalamazoo, MI 7. Detroit, MI 8. Southfield, MI 9. Greenville, MI 10. Muskegon, MI Counties 1. Ottawa County 2. Oakland County 3. Wayne County 4. Allegan County 5. Ingham County 6. Kalamazoo County 7. Muskegon County 8. Montcalm County 9. Macomb County 10. Ionia County
INFLOW/OUTFLOW JOB COUNTS 2017
184,283 – Employed in Selection Area, Live Outside 81,742 – Live in Selection Area, Employed Outside 224,441 – Employed and Live in Selection Area
9
DATACONOMY: COMMUTING PATTERNS
Made with FlippingBook - Online Brochure Maker