One measure used to determine how an area's economy is doing is the number of construction permits issued.
A recent report to the Oneida county board by the Planning and Zoning department showed an increase in permits in 2017.
Department Director Karl Jenrich said Minocqua lead the way with 294 permits last year, followed by the towns of Newbold and Three Lakes. Total permits were just over 1,100 in the county, with the city of Rhinelander having 662. Contrasted against the year 2012, the number in the county then was 879 and Rhinelander 669.
Jenrich says the value of the property is also rising...
"...In 2017, Oneida county permits totaled about $73 million. Of that, 80 percent was residential. I've said it before, the lakes drive our construction, at least in Oneida county...."
Jenrich says there were 251 citations issued in 2017. 211 citations were issued for failure to pump or inspect a septic system as required by the state.