This opinion article was contributed by Marty Richman. The opinions expressed do not necessarily represent BenitoLink or other affiliated contributors.
The Department of Commerce estimates the annual worker’s earning flows of county in-commuters and out-commuters. In 2016 Santa Clara County’s total earnings inflows were $15.3 billion while their total earnings outflows were $37.8 billion. Much of that that enormous outflow of earnings goes to commuters from nearby counties like San Benito.
In 2016 San Benito commuters brought $1.13 billion into the county which translates to more commuter income per county resident, $19,260, than any other county in the area. Simplified, that translates to 11,300 jobs for San Benito commuters if they averaged $100,000 each. Second place for local per capita in-flow was Santa Cruz County at $13,763. Most of our county’s commuters work in Santa Clara County. Putting those two together, we are the local county most dependent on the Santa Clara economy; if Santa Clara County catches cold, we’re going to get pneumonia.
Santa Clara’s attractions are lots of jobs and better pay, it certainly isn’t the thrill of the trip. How much opportunity and pay are actually available in Santa Clara County which has 32 times San Benito County’s population? If you check the charts you’ll get the answer.
The number of jobs and the pay scales for in-demand skills in Santa Clara County are truly amazing. People commute to work there for the same reason Willie Sutton said he robbed banks; that’s where the money is.
Click charts to enlarge slide show. Data Source: Bureau of Economic Analysis, U.S. Department of Commerce.