Jobs density
Jobs density provides a measure of the balance between the supply of labour and jobs in an area. It is calculated as the number of workplace-based jobs divided by the number of residents aged between 16 and 64. A jobs density of 1.0 would mean that there is one job for every resident in an area.
Not all residents aged 16 to 64 will be employed or seeking work and some residents may commute to a workplace (or work remotely) outside of their area of residence. Jobs densities can indicate whether there are differences in labour flow between areas, with a higher jobs density figure suggesting a greater in-flow of labour to an area and a lower jobs density figure suggesting a greater out-flow of labour. Local demographics should also be considered alongside the jobs density figure to better understand the supply of labour in an area.
The latest figures are for 2024 and are provisional.
Key figures
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The jobs density in Lancashire-12 was 0.75. This was below the England figure of 0.86, meaning there were fewer workplace jobs per resident in Lancashire than in England overall.
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The highest jobs densities were in Preston (0.97) and Fylde (0.96), indicating there was a greater in-flow of workers who travelled to or worked remotely for businesses in these areas.
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The lowest jobs densities were in Rossendale (0.50), Pendle (0.55), and Hyndburn (0.59), indicating that in these areas there was a greater out-flow of workers who travel to or work remotely for businesses elsewhere.
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Compared to the previous year, the jobs density decreased by 1.3% in Lancashire-12 (England = 1.1% decrease). This means that there were fewer workplace jobs per resident compared to 2023.
Source: Jobs density from the Office for National Statistics, via the National On-line Manpower Information System (Nomisweb).
Further information
The total number of jobs is a workplace-based measure and includes employees, self-employed, government-supported trainees and HM Forces. The number of jobs in an area is composed of jobs done by residents (of any age) and jobs done by workers (of any age) who commute into the area.
The total jobs numbers are greater than the employment estimates derived from the business register employment survey which can be found in the workplace-based employment article. The total jobs estimate used in jobs density figures uses a wider definition of the jobs market that includes the self-employed who are not registered for VAT or PAYE schemes, government-supported trainees and HM Forces.
Jobs densities can indicate whether there are likely to be more residents in an area who travel outside of their area of residence for work (or work remotely) or whether more workers travel into an area for work. However, local demographics and other economic measures should also be considered to fully understand the labour market in an area. For example, an area with a lower jobs density may have greater levels of economic inactivity or unemployment.
Page updated 21 April 2026