- Page 5 - From 1980 to 1990 the percentage of younger adults, those 18-20, declined 17.8% and those 21-24 declined 15.1%. The percentage of adults, 35-54 increased 32.3%. The population as a whole grew just 3.9% compared with 4.0% growth for the state and 9.7% for the nation. The aging population and workforce were commonly mentioned in planning documents through the period 1988-90. From 1990 to 1998, the population age 55+ has increased by 11.1%, or slightly lower than the 12.7% growth rate during this period. During the ten years following the 1980 Census, the minority population of the region grew 38% compared to a statewide increase of 14%. B. Economic and Business Conditions Labor Market Condition Employment Trends: Labor Force Trends   1990 1998 % Change Lake 2,775 3,200 15.3% Mason 12,425 14,500 16.7% Mecosta 16,500 17,850 8.2% Newaygo 17,650 20,575 16.6% Osceola 8,900 10,950 23.0% Michigan Works! Region 58,150 67,075 15.3% State of Michigan       9.4% National      9.4% [PY2000 Annual Planning Information Report] The labor force is growing at a faster rate than the population (15.3% versus 12.7% from 1990 to 1998). It appears that the older population may still be increasing at about the same rate as from 1980 to 1990, but growth in the workforce and families is increasing faster. So, how many of these people are employed, and where are they working?   1990 1998 Employed Workforce 52,875 63,050  Employed in Region 35,400 66.95% 44,625 70.78% [PY2000 Annual Planning Information Report] A larger percentage of the employed labor force is employed in the area, but a significant percentage of area workers leave the region to go to work in adjacent or nearby labor market areas. While employment has increased by 19.2% from 1990 to 1998, the number of workers employed in the region has increased by 26.1%. Michigan Works! West Central