Where the Jobs Are

Especially in a tough economy, plentiful job opportunities are key to being a great place to live. These counties have experienced the most job growth over the last seven years.

1. Tooele County, UT

Courtesy: Tooele County

Towns include:  Tooele
Job growth (2000-2007): 123.35%

Historically a mining area, Tooele County has recently struck gold with scientific and technical businesses as well. Increased development has also meant an influx of service jobs.

This year, the county will see the opening of several national chains, including a Gold's Gym, a La Quinta Inn and a Radio Shack. Manufacturer Syracuse Castings opened a Tooele location last year. Top employers include the Department of Defense, the Tooele County School District and EG&G Defense Materials. --B.B.

2. Kendall County, IL

Towns include:  Oswego
Job growth (2000-2007): 63.69%

A population boom in this rural area just outside of Chicago has meant boom times for businesses. Kendall County's employment growth reflects a healthy restaurant trade, gains in construction and an influx of malls, shopping centers and big-box stores.

The population spike has meant a major infrastructure boost, including highway improvements and a $30 million courthouse expansion. The county is considering extending the commuter rail line from Chicago, which could fuel even more growth. Top employers include home-improvement chain Menard, heavy-equipment maker Caterpillar and energy provider ANR Pipeline. --B.B.

3. Flagler County, FL

Towns include:  Palm Coast
Job growth (2000-2007): 61.78%

Corporate jet-setters may need to add a new stop to their itineraries. This county on central Florida's eastern coast hopes to attract more business travelers to its local airport thanks to the addition of a new $3 million air-traffic control tower.

The county has recently attracted several big-box stores and a retail shopping center. Tourism is also a major industry, as visitors and residents alike take advantage of Flagler County's three state parks, 19 miles of beaches and 165 holes of golf. --B.B.

4. Loudoun County, VA

Photo: Jim Kerby/Courtesy: Loudoun Convention & Visitors Assoc.

Towns include:  Leesburg
Job growth (2000-2007): 58.94%

Located in Virginia's wine country, 25 miles from Washington, D.C., this affluent county's economic growth gives residents reason to toast. Private industry is buying in, while government-related development has exploded, driving growth in defense and biomedical industries.

The county's highly educated population helps. Loudoun's "Learning Corridor," located along Route 7, serves as home to nearly a dozen post-secondary academic institutions. Major employers include Loudoun County School District, America Online and county offices. --B.B.

5. Washington County, UT

Towns include:  St. George
Job growth (2000-2007): 57.74%

Despite its reputation as a region for retirees, Washington County, Utah, has nearly doubled its population in each of the past three decades - in part by attracting young workers.

Retail and service jobs have grown with the region's development as a tourist destination, while the area has attracted other businesses as well.

A 1999 expansion of its Fort Pierce Industrial Park created a mammoth, 250-acre site that has since become home to more than 50 companies. The county expects business opportunities to grow further after the 2010 completion of a new airport in St. George. --B.B.

6. St. Lucie County, FL

Courtesy: City of Port St. Lucie

Towns include:  Port St. Lucie
Job growth (2000-2007): 50.26%

St. Lucie County in southeastern Florida is working to attract telecommunications and life sciences firms after the housing market bust left construction reeling and tourism in decline.

The public school system and local hospitals are its largest employers, and it's home to a Wal-Mart distribution center due to the county's proximity to interstate crossroads. Its largest private employers include Publix supermarkets, QVC, Riverside National Bank and Harbor Federal Savings Bank. --L.M.

7. Douglas County, CO

Towns include:  Castle Rock, Highlands Ranch, Parker
Job growth (2000-2007): 46.63%

Situated 45 miles between the state's two largest cities, Denver and Colorado Springs, "Dougco" has shifted from its ranching roots to urban life. The population has sharply increased since 2001, making it one of the state's fastest-growing metropolitan areas.

The county's largest employer is its public school district, along with telecom firms such as EchoStar Communications and Avaya and engineering firm CH2M Hill. Health care, professional services and hotel and food services are also strong. The county's state parks and open spaces are prized by the community. --L.M.

8. Lee County, FL

Towns include:  Bonita Springs, Cape Coral, Fort Myers, Lehigh Acres
Job growth (2000-2007): 46.37%

Lee County's white sand beaches and golf courses are attracting more foreign tourists with the growth of its Southwest Florida International airport with direct flights to Europe and Canada.

The Cape Coral-Fort Myers area has been hit by the crumbling housing market, with construction down and foreclosures up. The public school system and health care sectors remain the county's largest employers, and supermarket chain Publix and Wal-Mart are among the major private employers. --L.M.

9. Rockwall County, TX

Towns include:  Rockwall
Job growth (2000-2007): 45.98%

Rockwall county has one of the fastest growing populations in Texas, which retailers have been quick to capitalize on. The City of Rockwall, the county's largest, has seen an explosion of new retail outlets as expanding businesses attract more families.

The city's Economic Development Corporation has also been actively courting the high tech industry. Meanwhile, spillover from the neighboring metropolis of Dallas has also bumped up the county's population growth. --K.M.

10. Collier County, FL

Courtesy: Naples Marco Island Everglades CVB

Towns include:  Golden Gate, Naples
Job growth (2000-2007): 43.88%

The seasonal nature of Collier's tourism industry has gradually given way to a more even economy as more people take up permanent residence there. The county has seen rapid growth in its service industry.

Retail, construction and hotel businesses are the major employers, but health care and professional services businesses have been growing rapidly. The Chamber of Commerce for the City of Naples, which serves the entire county, has been registering between 30 and 40 new businesses per month. --K.M.