Kern Economic Journal

KERN ECONOMIC JOURNAL is a quarterly publication (February, May, August, November) of California State University, Bakersfield. Its purpose is to track local trends and analyze regional, national, and global issues that affect the economic well-being of Kern County. The journal provides useful information and data that can help the community make informed economic decisions. Sources of funding for this journal include university contributions and sponsorship and subscription fees.

Economy at a Glance

U.S. GDP increased at an annual rate of 6.4 percent in the first quarter of 2021. In the fourth quarter of 2020, real GDP increased by 4.3 percent. The increase in first-quarter GDP reflected the continued economic recovery driven by efforts to reopen businesses and continued government response related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Tracking Kern’s Economy

Labor Market

We adjust published data in three ways. First, we average monthly data to calculate quarterly data. Second, we recalculate quarterly data to take into account workers employed in the “informal” market (i.e., self-employed labor and those who work outside their county of residence). Finally, we adjust quarterly data for the effects of seasonal variations.

Labor Force

The civilian labor force increased by 667 members, from 375,500 in the fourth quarter of 2020 to 376,167 in the first quarter of 2021. The labor force estimates are similar to those recorded in the first quarter of 2014 (375,130) and have been steadily increasing over the last three quarters. The Bureau of Labor Statistics defines the labor force participation rate as the proportion of the working-age population that is either working or actively looking for work. Recessions tend to push labor force participation down.

Kern Economic Journal cover
Kern Economic Journal 2022 Second Quarter
 
We have expertise in areas of:
  1. Economic and fiscal impact study
  2. Cost-benefit analysis
  3. Economic and financial feasibility study
  4. Business forecasting
  5. Survey research and market study
We have conducted research for public organizations and private enterprises in California such as:
  1. Probability of Teacher-Principal Promotion in Kern County’s Unstable Economy, The Law Office of Robinson & Keller, 2011
  2. The Socioeconomic Profile of Kern County, California, Kern County Council, 2010
  3. Examination of Proposed Budgets for Kern County Facilities Security, Trans West Security Services Inc., 2009
  4. The Economic and Fiscal Impacts of San Diego First 5 Program on San Diego County, California, San Diego First 5, 2009
  5. The Economic and Fiscal Impacts of First 5 Kern Program on Kern County, California, First 5 Kern, 2008
  6. The Economic and Fiscal Impacts of the NASCAR Raceway on Kern County, California, Kern Economic Development Corporation, 2007 (with D. Berri)
  7. An Assessment of the Housing Market: National and Regional Perspectives, Castle and Cooke, 2006
  8. An Economic Analysis of Rate Adjustment for Garbage Hauling Services in Kern County, Kern County Department of Waste Management, 2005.
  9. An Economic and Fiscal Impact Study of Tejon Industrial Complex, Tejon Ranch Company, 2005
  10. A Preliminary Market Feasibility Study for Residential Real Estate Development in Kern County, California, Urban Pacific Partners LLC, 2005
  11. The Feasibility of the California State University, Bakersfield Athletic Program Moving to NCAA Division I, Athletic Department and Office of University Advancement, 2005(with D. Berri)
  12. Economic Impacts and Alumni Contributions of California State University, Bakersfield on the City of Bakersfield and County of Kern, Office of University Advancement, 2004
  13. Cost of Residential Development: A Case Study of Bakersfield, California, The Great Valley Center, 2001 (with S. Khé)
  14. Economic and Fiscal Impacts of California State University, Bakersfield and Survey of the University Alumni, Office of University Advancement, 2001
  15. Welfare to Work in California: Final Report for Employment Readiness Demonstration Project, Applied Research Center, 2001 (with K. Nyberg, L. Hecht, D. McMillin, E. Sasaki, and M. Evans)
  16. Cost-Benefit Study of Welfare Reform in California: Cost Calculation Methodologies with Preliminary and Partial Estimates for Employment Readiness Demonstration Project, Applied Research Center, 2000 (with M. Evans)
  17. Labor Market Trends in Engineering and Information Science in Kern County, CSUB, 2000 (with M. Evans)
  18. Barriers to Job Creation in the San Joaquin Valley, California, Central California Futures Institute, 1998
1998-1999
  • 1st Quarter
  • 2nd Quarter
  • 3rd Quarter
  • 4th Quarter

1999-2000
  • 1st Quarter
  • 2nd Quarter
  • 3rd Quarter
  • 4th Quarter

2001-2002
  • 1st Quarter
  • 2nd Quarter
  • 3rd Quarter
  • 4th Quarter

2002-2003
  • 1st Quarter
  • 2nd Quarter
  • 3rd Quarter
  • 4th Quarter

2003-2004

2004-2005

2005-2006

2006-2007

2007-2008

2008-2009

2009-2010

2010-2011