We set out to create a tool to track the economic recovery in Northern Colorado and selected a set of indicators that represent critical aspects of the Larimer and Weld County economies, are based on data that is accessible in a useable format, and updated frequently with little lag time. 

The selected indicators are updated at least monthly with no more than a two-month lag and are primarily available at the county level. They provide almost real-time insights about economic conditions and recovery status. 

They address the following questions:

  • Are residents engaged in the labor market and do they have jobs? 
  • Are regional businesses able to maintain their workforce? Are they hiring?
  • Are consumers spending money in our economy? 
  • Are visitors coming back? 
  • Is our real estate market stable? Are businesses closing and leaving unoccupied commercial spaces?
  • Is the construction industry active and purchasing materials to support future growth?

This list of indicators is not exhaustive but does represent well-rounded measures that can signal areas of strength or weakness in the recovery from the economic shock induced by the COVID-19 Pandemic.

     

     

    Unemployment Rate
    Labor Force
    Job Postings
    Nonfarm Employment
    Bankruptcies
    Retail Sales
    Mobility
    Hotel Occupancy and Revenue
    Visitors to Rocky Mountain NP
    Median Home Price
    Commercial Vacancy Rates
    Building Materials Use Tax
    Status
    Mixed
    High
    High
    Mixed
    Low
    High
    Mixed
    Mixed
    High
    High
    High
    High
    Trend