Regional Analysis

by Amanda Rohrer - amanda.rohrer@state.mn.us
February 2010

Monthly analysis is based on unadjusted employment data.

Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA)

Employment in the Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington MSA declined 2.1 percent (34,800) over the month of January and by 3.7 percent (63,300) over the year. Government employment fell 1.9 percent (4,600) over the month from losses in both state government (down 3.3 percent, 2,300) and in local government (down 1.7 percent, 2,400). In the private sector monthly employment declined in most industries but most substantially in trade, transportation, and utilities (down 2.6 percent, 8,000), in mining, logging, and construction (down 10.7 percent, 5,200), and in professional and business services (down 2.4 percent, 5,900). In all three the monthly losses are less substantial than is typically seen in January, likely because employment in those industries has now been depressed for an extended period of time.

Duluth-Superior MSA

Employment in the Duluth-Superior MSA declined 2.4 percent (3,000) in January and by 3 percent (3,900) over the year. The losses were proportionately split between government and private employment both for the month and the year. Over the month, government employment declined 2.1 percent (550), with about half coming from state government (down 3.9 percent, 310) and half from local government (down 1.7 percent, 290). Federal government employment saw a slight gain. Although most private sector industries saw moderate losses between 2 and 4 percent, the most substantial numeric monthly declines were in trade, transportation, and utilities (down 3.2 percent, 760), in mining, logging, and construction (down 8.1 percent, 1,900), and in leisure and hospitality (down 2.6 percent, 340).

Rochester MSA

Employment in the Rochester MSA declined 0.8 percent (850) in January and 1.3 percent (1,300) over the year. Government employment grew 0.9 percent (110) over the month with the gain coming primarily from state government employment (up 6.8 percent, almost 100). The private sector industries that saw the largest monthly losses were trade, transportation, and utilities (down 2.9 percent, 450), mining, logging, and construction (down 12 percent, 370), and leisure and hospitality (down 2.3 percent (190). The only industry that saw much growth was educational and health services, gaining 0.6 percent (250) over the month.

St. Cloud MSA

Employment in the St. Cloud MSA declined 2 percent (1,960) over the month of January and 0.7 percent (700) over the year. The monthly loss was fairly balanced between government (down 1.7 percent, 280) and private employment (down 2 percent, 1,680). Government losses were split between local government employment (down 1.6 percent, 160) and state government employment (down 2.6 percent, 140). The majority of private sector losses were in mining, logging, and construction, which fell 10.1 percent (410) over the month. Trade, transportation, and utilities also fell 2.3 percent (470).

Fargo-Moorhead MSA

Employment in the Fargo-Moorhead MSA declined 2.6 percent (3,160) over the month of January and 0.5 percent (600) over the year. Government employment fared slightly better, losing only 1.4 percent (250), with the losses split between state government (down 2.3 percent, 150) and local government (down 1.4 percent, 120). Major monthly private sector losses came from trade, transportation, and utilities (down 4.1 percent, 1,110), leisure and hospitality (down 4.1 percent, 540), and mining, logging, and utilities (down 7.9 percent, 450). No industries saw an over-the-month gain.

Grand Forks MSA

Employment in the Grand Forks MSA declined 2.9 percent (1,540) over the month of January but gained 0.2 percent (90) over the year. The monthly losses were fairly proportionately split between the private sector and government, with government declining 3.1 percent (450). The most substantial private sector monthly losses were in trade, transportation, and utilities (down 4.5 percent, 500) and in leisure and hospitality (down 4 percent, 240). No industries saw an over-the-month gain.