The U.S. Census Bureau has recently released updated County Business Patterns data for county and ZIP Code-level geographies for 2023. These data show detailed annual information on the number of establishments, employment during the second week of March, and first quarter and annual payroll at the national, state, MSA, CSA, and county and congressional district levels for nearly 1,000 industries. 

The data are useful for studying economic activity of small areas. Federal agencies use the data to determine employee concentrations and trends by industry. Private businesses use the data to analyze market potential, measure the effectiveness of sales and advertising programs, set sales quotas, and develop budgets. State and local government offices use the data to assess business changes, develop fiscal policies and plan future policies and programs. 

CBP data are from the Business Register (BR), a database of all known single- and multi-establishment employer companies maintained and updated by the Census Bureau. It contains non-survey data, usually tax return information. 

Payroll Establishments by the numbers in Oakland County: 

39,792 – The number of employer establishments in Oakland County in 2023, a slight increase from the 2022 figure of 39,501. 

733,671 – The number of paid employees in Oakland County in 2023, 5.0% more than in 2022. 

$53.2 billion – Estimated annual payroll of establishments in Oakland County 

Related resources and information: 

K2B Event Presented by Oakland County Tech Collaboration
Empowered by Design: AI, Security, and Career Excellence
Sept. 25, 2025  |  2:30 - 6:30 PM
OneStream Headquarters | 191 N. Chester Street, Birmingham 

Join us for an afternoon of insights, inspiration, and connection with OneStream technologists. Gain practical knowledge to strengthen your impact and advance your career.  

Register at: Tinyurl.com/yk982tmb
Cost: Free | Space is limited, so registration is required Beverages and light snacks included 

Learn more about all the OC Tech Collaboration has to offer at: OakGov.com/OCTechCollaboration

Join the discussion on LinkedIN: Linkedin.com/groups/14428618/

Check out the updated Advantageoakland.com, Oakland County’s Economic Development site selection website offering industry trends, business climate, data and showcasing available properties in Oakland County.

A huge thank-you to everyone who joined us on July 17 at the Project DIAMOnD Digital Transformation Center (DTC) Open House. We loved seeing so many local business leaders, manufacturers and innovators exploring the future of additive manufacturing together. Couldn’t make it? You’re still in luck—Phase 2 applications are open now. This is your chance to receive a grant-funded 3D printer and additive manufacturing training through Project DIAMOnD.

In addition to training, the DTC is also available to help participating companies produce parts on-site. If you're interested in using the DTC for prototyping or small-batch production, reach out to contact@projectdiamond.org to learn more.

Join the largest distributed 3D printing network in the country and get your business future-ready.

Apply Today at: ProjectDiamond.org/join-project-diamond-application 

Opinion: 'Vibe manufacturing' is coming, and Michigan companies must seize the moment. Read it here: Tinyurl.com/yeysfrur

The Clinton River Trail is 16-miles long and spans across five cities in central Oakland County—Sylvan Lake, Pontiac, Auburn Hills, Rochester Hills and Rochester.  Popular among cyclists and pedestrians, this recreational rail-trail was built nearly 20 years ago on the former Grand Trunk Railroad and frequently parallels the Clinton River. 

After a heavy rainfall last summer, an estimated one-million gallons of water burst through a section of the Clinton River Trail in the City of Rochester.  This catastrophic failure occurred a half mile west of Dequindre Road and created a gap in the trailway nearly 120 feet long and 10 feet deep.  This incident has caused a one-mile stretch of trail to be closed for the past year while funds were being raised to repair the washout and the city’s engineer assessed the damage and conducted preliminary engineering. 

This part of the trail is surrounded by mature hardwood trees that provide an “Up North” feel.  It is also home to a wetland with a great blue heron rookery—where these large, majestic birds build hefty stick nests in the standing dead trees and raise their chicks.  This area has experienced an increase in stormwater runoff and the pressure from the standing water caused the breach in the trail and several of the heron nesting trees to wash away.    

The city’s engineer has been working on a design to remediate the washed-out section of trail, stabilize the embankment, and restore the trail surface—all while protecting and preserving the sensitive surrounding natural environment. Once the necessary permits are obtained from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), the construction documents will be finalized, and the project will be put out to bid. Construction could begin as soon as late fall or early winter, weather permitting.  

Trail users are eager to have the work completed. The Clinton River Trail is a key link between the Paint Creek, West Bloomfield, and Macomb Orchard trails.  The closed segment also impacts two cross state trails, the Great Lake-to-Lake Trail Route #1 and the Iron Belle Trail-Biking Route.   

Questions? Contact: Tyrone Jordan
jordant@oakgov.com | (248) 285-8016 

Learn More at: tinyurl.com/mt6yhmj7

LANSING, Mich.  – The Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency (MVAA) has granted $1.5 million from the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Michigan Veteran Homelessness Prevention Grant (MiVHPG) to six nonprofit organizations across Michigan. The MiVHPG is made available to provide financial assistance to in-state nonprofits that assist veterans and their families who are facing homelessness. 

The FY 2025 MiVHPG recipients are: 

• Barry County United Way 

• Center for Higher Education Achievement 

• Disability Network Eastern Michigan 

• 8Cap 

• Mid-Michigan Community Action Agency 

• Upper Peninsula Commission for Area Progress (UPCAP) 

“We are excited to continue offering this grant to help provide additional housing and assistance within Michigan and to better serve veterans facing homelessness,” said Cassie Smith, MVAA homeless veteran coordinator. “Every connection we make and resource provided is a step toward ensuring that no veteran is left behind.” 

More information about the MiVHPG is available by emailing MVAAGrants@michigan.gov

Read the Press Release: 01b71f77.pdf

LANSING, Mich. — The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) and its Veterans’ Employment Services (VES) team offers a full spectrum of support, including: 

• Comprehensive assessments to identify career goals and barriers 

• Personalized career guidance and Individual Employment Plans (IEPs) 

• Resume-building assistance, interview coaching and job search strategies to improve marketability 

• Labor market insights and connections to training programs for high-demand fields 

• Case management and outreach to ensure veterans receive ongoing support 

“Veterans bring leadership, discipline and adaptability—skills every Michigan employer needs,” said LEO Director Susan Corbin. “Helping them overcome employment barriers is the right thing to do and it also strengthens our economy, fills critical workforce gaps and connects businesses with top-tier talent.” 

Veterans’ Employment Services aligns closely with Michigan’s Statewide Workforce Plan, supporting the state’s broader commitment to building an inclusive, opportunity-driven workforce.  

“Veterans’ Employment Services play a critical role in supporting thousands of veterans and their families across Michigan each year,” said Stephanie Beckhorn, Deputy Director of LEO’s Office of Employment and Training. “By providing tailored support—like career planning, skills training and employer advocacy— we’re helping veterans find jobs, stability and purpose after service. It’s a powerful example of what happens when we prioritize people and potential.” 

For additional information on training and employment services available to veterans, visit Michigan.gov/VES or your local Michigan Works! Service Center.