Economist sees job and population growth for Manatee County in 2015

From a financial forecast perspective, Manatee County's climate is sunny.

Economist Dr. Henry "Hank" Fishkind spoke about the county and state's economic status at the Bradenton Area Economic Development Corp.'s economic forecast presentation, Jan. 15, at Manatee Technical College's State Road 70 campus.

To Fishkind, living in Manatee County is an investment, and not just because of low interest rates.

Throughout his two-hour presentation, Fishkind cited job growth and population increases in 2014 locally, due to housing and other development projects countywide. Last year, health and education jobs saw the biggest boost in employees, with the addition of more than 1,500 field jobs.

Population numbers have been increasing since 2010. The local job market started its climb in 2011.

Fishkind expects similar movement this year as well. He anticipates a population growth spurt in Manatee County of about 3,000, along with more than 1,000 new jobs in 2015 as well.

The growth in employment opportunities will domino into more single-family home sales throughout the year, he added. Fishkind expects the housing market to continue on its uptick until 2016.

Local trends are following the state's lead. 

Florida's population spiked by more than 75,000 from 2013 to 2014. The state's overall population increased by 350,000, Fishkind reported.

The economist with more than 30 years experience expects the state to only become more popular in upcoming years. Florida's high population numbers are primarily results of individuals moving from other states, followed by individuals from other countries and then births.

Statewide, jobs increased by 230,000.

Contact Amanda Sebastiano at [email protected].