A PittsburghTODAY article released this week offers a revealing look at how Marcellus Shale drilling is perceived by Greater Pittsburgh residents, including those in Washington County, where drilling is highly concentrated. While more than 7 in 10 see drilling as a significant to moderate opportunity to boost the region's economy, half of all residents see it as a threat to the environment and public health. The survey was conducted in partnership with the University of Pittsburgh Center for Urban and Social Research.

The total nonfarm job figure for October 2012 in the Pittsburgh region was 1,176,600, and the year-over-year job growth rate was 0.5 percent, which was below the benchmark average of 1.1 percent. Cincinnati had the highest year-over-year job growth rate at 2.8 percent.

 

Manufacturing jobs increased year-over-year by 700 jobs. Other sectors that are doing well include financial activities (up 5.0 percent), professional and business services (up 2.0 percent), and leisure and hospitality (up 3.2 percent). Eds and meds lost ground again year-over-year, declining by 0.7 percent, as did natural resources, mining and construction, which declined 3.9 percent.