What does this measure?

The cumulative percentage change in average salary since 2000.

Why is this important?

Salaries are a gauge of overall economic health and a measure of the degree to which employees are sharing in the prosperity of a community. They also indicate the vitality of a region and its ability to compete and attract workers.

How are Cayuga and Seneca counties performing?

From 2000 to 2010, average salaries increased 4% in Cayuga and 8% in Seneca, compared to growth of 4% nationally and 5% in the state (excluding New York City). In comparison counties, the change ranged from a decline of 2% in Oswego to growth of 12% in Wayne. However, average salaries in Cayuga and Seneca remained below state and national levels, at about $36,000 compared to $46–47,000.

Notes about the data

Data have been converted to 2010 dollars.