Intel means $17 billion to Oregon economy

In 2009, it was estimated that the Hillsboro Intel presence has made an impressive $17 billion impact on the local area economy. 

D1X construction Oct 2011, from Synopsys

A report, produced by Eugene-based research firm ECONorthwest, shows that the chip-maker is responsible for nearly 26 percent of all economic activity in Washington County, almost 10 percent in the Portland area and 5.6 percent statewide. (This report was done well before the announcement that Intel was expanding D1X, adding $3 billion in spending thru 2013) 

Intel may hold its HQ in the San Francisco bay area, however, its largest concentration of employees is right here in the Hillsboro area.  Currently they employ over 15,000 employees over 6 campuses in the Washington County area, just 15 miles West of downtown Portland. 

These are the facts that many people already know.  The study was to show the impact that Intel has on the community.  Other than what's on the payroll and the income taxes spent, how far does Intel's reach span into the area's economy. 

1. Start with consumer spending.  Intel's employees average $117,000 annually.  More than twice the average income in the county.  Intel employees help local retail businesses.
2. Next, for every job created in Intel, another 3.1 jobs are created in another area of the state's economy.  That's just amazing.  Think about that.  If Intel announced, that D1X, the new Fab, will employ another 1000 jobs in the next few years, that's saying, another 3100 jobs, making a total 4,100 new jobs in the area.
3. Housing.  More than half of the Intel employees on the 6 campuses, live in the Beaverton, Hillsboro area.  That's a huge impact on the Washington county.  I'll bet that the other half lives in the 97229, Bethany to Forest Heights area.  Which is another huge affect on Washington County.

It's great news for the area to have such a partner.  But it's always scary to have one company make such an impact too.  Good thing we have Nike.