A new piece of research shows the number of jobs and people employed in the Yass Valley are on the rise.
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The report from the Australian Bureau of Statistics found the number of jobs in the region increased by 4.4 per cent to 13,076 in 2016-17.
They had also increased by 6.1 per cent over the previous six years.
Yass Valley Business Chamber president Brad Davis said the chamber had also seen an increase in local jobs, driven by growth in the construction industry and opening of new businesses right across the region.
He said, "it was very pleasing to see" and an "indicator" of the region's future growth.
The Jobs in Australia report by the Australian Bureau of Statistics showed the number of employed people in the Yass Valley (population of 16,142) had also risen by 4.1 per cent to 9,100 in 2016-17.
While that's more good news, those figures also mean nearly half of the region's population is unemployed.
The Tribune asked Mr Davis if this was due to a mismatch between the skills residents here have and those local jobs require.
"I don't believe there is a mismatch in this area. I believe we have seen a growth in families moving to the area, possibly with more children than adults in each household, and we also have an ageing community," Mr Davis said.
The research showed people aged 45 to 49 held the highest number of jobs, around 1700. The number of people who held jobs from the age of 50, however, began to drop off.
The industries with the most jobs included public administration and safety (18 per cent), professional, scientific and technical services (eight per cent) and accommodation and food services (seven per cent).
Men were more likely to be employed as managers, technicians and trades workers, machinery operators and drivers, and labourers.
While women were more likely to be employed as professionals, community and personal service workers, clerical and administrative workers and sales workers.
Mr Davis said he felt the Yass Valley was in a strong position for employment and business opportunities.
"We have seen a number of people looking to gain employment back in Yass over Canberra due to the travel each day and this will open up more opportunities for employment in the future.
"There is also growth in young and middle-aged people looking to start businesses in Yass and the number of people working remotely, which again will create more opportunities for our community."
