A 16-month study that was recently revealed had some good news about Allegany County, reflecting significant improvements over what was learned following the 2000 census.

Some of it indicates that — contrary to popular belief — our area is being recognized as an attractive one for job hunters.

More than 44 percent of those who responded to a survey about what has happened since the last census are people who once lived elsewhere, but now are employed in Allegany County — and they didn’t necessarily live across the river in Mineral County, W.Va.

Another positive sign is that 27.7 percent of the county’s available work force holds a four-year degree, nearly twice the 14 percent recorded by the 2000 census. Part of that is being attributed to the presence of Allegany College of Maryland and Frostburg State University.

David Nedved, economic development representative and statistics expert for Allegany County government, said this indicates “a clear message of the importance of education and a path by which to enter higher education.”

Preliminary results of the study also indicate that 78.5 percent of the local work force is employed within the county. The Department of State planning places that figure at 85.1 percent, the highest of all Maryland counties.

Also, 47.8 percent of the county’s work force is employed by companies that have 50 or fewer on their staffs. That indicates a healthy small business environment, which also bodes well for us and our economy.