Phelps Laborshed

The Phelps County Labor Area labor force totaled 58,117 in 2012, with 56,173 local residents employed in jobs either within or outside the area.A labor availability study was conducted by Kenneth M. Lemke, Ph.D. in 2013.  He 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."

Employable Commuters: Phelps County's primary labor pool is drawn from the geographic area illustrated above. With minimal road congestion and convenient access to I-80, existing employers are able to attract qualified employees from a 40-mile radius: a commute time of approximately 45 minutes.

For more detailed information, download the Labor Availability Report.

Population

Total Population

79,648

Population
Growth Rate

0.23%

Median Age

37

Diversity Index

55.500

Source: ESRI, 2026-09-09

Housing & Income

Households

31,573

Total Housing Units

34,674


Owner Occupied

20,829

Renter Occupied

10,744

Vacant

3,101

Median Home Value

$240,076


Average Home Value

$283,588

Income
Growth Rate

Median
Household Income

0.00%


Per Capita Income

2.39%

Income Projection

Median Household

$75,556 $82,990


Average Household

$97,690 $109,158


Per Capita

$38,958 $43,851

Source: ESRI, 2026-09-09

Workforce

Total Businesses

3,989

Total Employed

43,539

Workers 16+

41,309

2026 HealthCare / Social Assistance

cp-industries

Businesses

418

Employed

7,559

2026 Retail Trade Businesses

cp-industries

Businesses

507

Employed

6,440

2026 Educational Services - Businesses

cp-industries

Businesses

114

Employed

4,455

2026 Accommodation / Food Service

cp-industries

Businesses

279

Employed

3,629

2026 Public Administration

cp-industries

Businesses

235

Employed

2,989

2026 Food Service / Drinking Est.

cp-industries

Businesses

214

Employed

2,956

Some
High School

1,991

Graduated
High School

11,750

Associates
Degree

6,028

Bachelor's
Degree

11,326

Graduate
Degree

5,392

Average Commute Time

0 min.



Resident Commuters

33,759

Non-Resident Commuters

7,307

Drive Alone

33,089

Carpooled

4,623

Public

81

Work At Home

1,945

Source: ESRI, 2026-09-09