The Dynamic Great Lakes Economy: Employment Trends From 2009 To 2018

Analysis of 2018 economic data shows that more than 1.3 million jobs are directly connected to the Great Lakes states, generating $82 billion in wages; 139,490 jobs have been added since 2009. The Great Lakes are a vital natural resource to the eight states (Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin) that border the inland seas. Their abundant freshwater provides a backbone for the region%u2019s economy and has shaped the culture and history of communities. People are attracted to live and visit in this region because of the growing innovation in industries and diverse recreational opportunities. The goal of this report is to provide a conservative estimate of the number of United States jobs for Great Lakes connected sectors. This report provides a summary of the total 2018 direct employment data for sectors in coastal counties and compares these totals with 2009 and provides analysis and insights related to these trends.