Population growth and state / regional / local market economic vitality are near and dear to the heart and vision of the emerging market investor. 

There is no question that many features of the nation’s economy currently pose stiff headwinds for states and communities these days.  The mantra of sobering news seems to continue incessantly – foreclosures continue to mount, the Alt-A loan tremors have yet to fully blossom, financial markets are teetering, and the equities markets have started what appears to be a genuine bear run, and the Saudi’s had a vision this week for $170 / barrel oil.  Ouch.   

Yet clearly not all states and not all markets are in such dire straights; a simple glance at the free lists we prepare and post every month detailing the six month rolling averages of total nonfarm employment growth and total unemployment by state show a huge range among the fifty states.  

Like many, we’ve spent some time pontificating as to why, and there are undoubtedly many facets of truth in the answer. 

We’re working on a couple of research projects correlating health and stability in multifamily and single family markets to free trade engagement by states, as well as to the right to work status of the state(s).  It’s quite interesting, and we should have some data published in one or more of the major economic newspapers / journals this month. 

Here’s an interesting link to an op-ed today regarding the state of Ohio and it’s travails…..

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