Definitions of economic indicators

South Dakota Business Review, June, 2008

Personal Income

Income received by persons from ali sources. It is measured before the deduction of personal income taxes and other personal taxes and is reported in current dollars. Data is published by the Bureau of Economic Analysis, U.S. Department of Commerce.

Nonfarm Wage & Salary Employment

The number of wage and salaried workers on nonfarm establishment payrolls. Persons are counted by place of work regardless of the residence of workers. (Multiple jobholders are counted more than once.) Figures are collected and tabulated by the Labor Market Information Center, South Dakota Department of Labor.

Total Employment

Also known as resident employment, this indicator measures the number of residents who have jobs somewhere--workers are counted only once by their primary job. Figures are produced using survey data and are published by the South Dakota Department of Labor.

Unemployment Rate

The percentage of the resident labor force who do not have jobs but are actively seeking jobs. Data is published by the South Dakota Department of Labor.

Building Permits (Housing Starts)

Data reported includes the estimated dollar value of construction as shown on the building permit for single family homes and multiple family buildings. Data is received from the Bureau of the Census, Building Permits Branch.

New Car & Truck Registration

Number of titles issued for new cars and trucks. Includes registrations of various makes of vehicles except "other" category which combines cars and trucks. Data is received from the Department of Revenue, Division of Motor Vehicles.

Taxable Sales

The amount of sales and use taxable sales subject to the 4% tax rate as reported by the South Dakota Department of Revenue.