ORANGE COUNTY IN BANKRUPTCY : Fiscal Fitness

Despite its bankruptcy, Orange County’s overall ability to raise revenue remains strong, judging from its rebounding sales and property tax base. Retail sales and value of new commercial property, for example, have recovered from the recession amid rising employment and personal income.

TAXABLE RETAIL SALES

In billions of dollars:

1980: $8.45

1996: $19.76

VALUE OF NEW NON-RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS

In millions of dollars:

1980: $707.9

1996: $781.0

NON-AGRICULTURAL EMPLOYMENT

Average annual number, in thousands:

1980: 836.4

1996: 1,174

PERSONAL INCOME

In billions of dollars:

1980: $25.6

1996: $74.8

Note: For all charts, 1994 figures are estimates; 1995 and 1996 are forecasts.

Source: Jack Kyser, Economic Development Corp. of Los Angeles County