A newly released study conducted by the Marist College Bureau of Economic Research found year-over- year total personal income (TPI) in the Hudson Valley increased 1.59% from 2007 to 2008, the smallest year-over-year change since the .58% decline recorded in 2002.

Within the region, TPI in Westchester was the lowest of 7 counties at .44 percent.

Commuter income also fell in Westchester County according to Bureau Director Dr. Christy Huebner Caridi, who says over the same period, Westchester commuter income declined by $200 million and unearned income fell $156 million.  Commuter income is income earned by residents in a county other than their home county.

Caridi says, " The decline in both commuter income and unearned income can be traced to Westchester's strong ties to the financial sector in general."

That said, Westchester continued to enjoy the highest per-capita TPI--$77,192--in the region.

Management salaries in Westchester were also the highest, with the average wage of $198,343. The county also had the highest share of manufacturing jobs at 31.46%. Average wages in the manufacturing sector were $97,295.