Carbon County Unemployment Drops to 3.9%

The job market in Carbon County has undergone significant changes over the past few decades, moving from a landscape dominated by large employers like New Jersey Zinc and Bethlehem Steel to a more diversified economy with a current unemployment rate of 3.9%. Despite the disappearance of many traditional industries, the labor force has managed to reduce unemployment significantly, with 1,300 out of 32,600 people currently unemployed. The article highlights the evolution of major employers over the years, reflecting the broader trend of industries relocating overseas and the impact of economic shifts on local job opportunities. The comparison of employer lists from 1990, 2000, and 2024 illustrates a stark transformation in the local economy. The author notes that while many of the historical employers have vanished, the region has adapted to the changing economic landscape. Overall, it raises questions about the sustainability of job growth in the face of ongoing industrial change.