The brunt of the losses was disproportionately felt by the Foothills and far-western counties. |
The region is declining as part of the state's overall labor market. |
Though not all people leaving the work force leave the area, a persistent reduction in the labor force may indicate an outward migration of skilled labor. |
With the sustained weakness in the metro area's labor market, it appears Hickory has experienced an out-migration of workers - most likely the area's more skilled workers. |