FACTS
Public Administration facts clearly confirm the importance of MSU, local Government and MCCH to the local economy employing 25% of all direct jobs in the County and 28.33% of direct income. The fact that the percentage of income is higher than the percentage of employment says that these are GOOD jobs that contribute a disproportionate share of income to the economy. Total jobs and income (which includes jobs and incomes from “linked” industry) is more of a measure of “spin off” jobs. Total jobs from direct and indirect activity related to Public Administration are 8610.

Manufacturing directly employs 2792 which is 13.25% of all local employment. The income from these jobs represents over 20% of all direct income which is a clear indicator that the quality of manufacturing jobs we have in Calloway County is quite good and that those jobs are creating a very disproportionately large share of income to the local economy. Perhaps the most interesting thing about manufacturing is that it shows a huge spin off effect with total related jobs at 11,577 and 31% of all income in the County.

As you might expect, Retail employs a significant number of people in the County at 2554 which is 9.8% of direct employment. Retail does not necessarily have a great spin off effect in terms of additional jobs and income from related activities but clearly is important to the overall quality of life.

Food and hotel is also a significant employer but has limited spin off effects. Of course, without this sector, the general business climate would be severely impacted in a negative way.

Transportation & warehousing is quite strong in our County with a very high spin off impact. To at least some degree, this sector and manufacturing can almost be combined.

SUMMARY
Clearly, our local economy is quite diverse and this is among the reasons that we have a growing economy and unusually strong quality of life for what is essentially a rural community. Along with the major drivers of manufacturing, transportation & warehousing, Murray State University, Murray-Calloway County Hospital, and government services, we have numerous other sectors that play an important role in maintaining our positive economic climate. Agriculture continues to provide diversity in our economy and is crucial to our well being. Our strong construction sector is a direct reflection of the economic health of all other facets of the economy. And the contributions of Professional and Medical services are inestimable to our high quality of life.