Results of the American Community Survey 2005-2007 show they also have far fewer workers in service industries and in construction.

The survey found that Temple had about 26,000 people in the workforce over age 16. In Killeen, the number is close to 35,000; in Copperas Cove, it’s 11,780; and in Harker Heights it’s 8,000.

More than one-third of those employed in Temple worked in educational services, health care and social assistance jobs. The number is far lower in Killeen, where 23 percent are in those fields, Cove where 24 percent are so occupied and Harker Heights where the number is 28 percent.

When it comes to certain occupational fields, Temple experiences “leakage.” That is, some people work in Temple but live elsewhere, according to the just-released Choices ’08 Temple Comprehensive Plan, a product of the city.

“Comments heard during focus group meetings indicate that a large portion of health care professionals working locally choose to live outside of Temple,” the plan states. “Therefore, both the city and Temple (Independent School District) should continue striving to improve their image within the region.”

Several goals set for achievement in the plan refer to those efforts.

Carroll Wilson