As a result of previous recessions and a changing economy, employment in Stark County as in the nation, has been shifting away from manufacturing. In Stark County and the nation, high wage manufacturing jobs have, in some cases, been replaced by lower paying jobs. Some of the job losses in manufacturing have been made up with gains in employment in the service, health and education sectors. For the first time, in 2007, the health care and social assistance industry had more employees than the manufacturing industry in Stark County. Job projections for Stark County suggest that there will continue to be high demand for skilled workers, especially replacement jobs as a result of an aging workforce and the out-migration of those 25 to 44 years of age.

Unemployment is at near historic highs, increasing to approximately 11 to 12 percent of the workforce during the summer of 2009. Population estimates from the Census Bureau show that Stark County is losing population between 25 and 44 years of age. To counteract this trend there is an active attempt at bringing talent to Stark County through company recruitment and personnel recruitment. Economic development organizations are active in regional recruitment efforts. However, recruitment can be complicated by the amount of information available and old prejudices such as “rust belt” and “high taxes” which may be less applicable to the area than in the past.