The Population section consists of two graphs with total population and population by age groups. Iowa City and Johnson County have both experienced increases in total population. A significantly high percentage of the population is in the 18-24 year old age group. Obviously, the presence of a community college and major university in the area have an important impact on the area's population demographics.

The Employment section summarizes the makeup and welfare of the local workforce. Johnson County for many years has had an unemployment rate that is much lower than the national average. This is a result of a local economy that has been able to withstand national and regional recessions. However, the low unemployment rate also works as a double edged sword. The local community benefits as citizens are employed and productive. The downside is that businesses face a tight labor market. Despite this the area continues to experience economic growth as local businesses expand and major corporations move into the area. The surrounding areas help to provide the workforce that is needed to make the local economy expand. There have been increases in the resident civilian labor force and total employment nearly every year in the past decade. Expansions in the Nonmanufacturing and Government workforces have helped lead the way for a growing local economy.

The Income section provides an analysis of the trends in earnings for the local population. Increases in total personal earnings have been particularly strong in the Nonmanufacturing and Government sectors. Average weekly wages for all industries combined have steadily risen year after year. The Government sector has had the highest average weekly wages for a number of years. Per capita incomes in Johnson County have consistently been above per capita incomes for the State of Iowa. They have been slightly below national per capita incomes.

The Construction section contains a number of graphs depicting the total value and number of various building permits. In many of the categories, the total value and number of Iowa City permits peaked in the years 1992 through 1994. Iowa City has seen small declines in total value the last few years. An overall trend across all categories for Coralville is not as easily seen. In many, but not all of the categories, North Liberty has experienced similar trends to Iowa City.

Retail Sales for the area have increased steadily through this decade. Johnson County retail sales have increased in ten of twelve categories since 1992. This is the result of growth in retail sales in Johnson County's two major retail trade areas, Iowa City and Coralville.

The Home Sales Report summarizes trends in home sales for Iowa City, Coralville, and North Liberty. Iowa City easily has the largest number of residential home sales and the largest total sales volume. Iowa City also has the highest average sale price for residential homes. Iowa City sells the largest amount of its homes in the $100,000 to $149,999 price range. North Liberty has experienced increases in the number of residential home sales since 1991, but the average sale price has decreased since 1994. Coralville has had increases in the average price of residential home sales. The number of residential home sales and total sales volume for Coralville have stayed fairly constant since 1992.

The Education section describes the high level of quality that is present in the local educational institutions. Iowa City's composite ACT scores are higher than the state and national averages. Johnson County and Iowa City also have a higher percentage of citizens with high school and bachelor degrees. Impressively, over 53% of Iowa Citians have a bachelor's degree. The Iowa City area has a well educated workforce that is prepared for current and future challenges.

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