Regional Analysis

by Amanda Rohrer- amanda.rohrer@state.mn.us
February 2011

Monthly analysis is based on unadjusted employment data.

Minneapolis-St. Paul Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA)

Employment in the Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington MSA declined 2.3 percent (38,200 jobs) over the month of January and increased by 0.3 percent (4,870) over the year. The monthly decline is somewhat less substantial than is typical for January. Major over-the-month declines were in mining, logging, and construction (down 8.7 percent, 4,130), trade, transportation, and utilities (down 3.5 percent, 10,880) — driven by post-holiday retail employment declines — administrative and waste management (down 7.8 percent, 7,510), and leisure and hospitality (down 3.2 percent, 4,730). State government employment also fell by 3.9 percent (2,670) over the month. Other industries experienced significant declines in percentage terms and numerically, but the declines were less than these major losses. Employment changes in all industries were consistent with historical trends.

Duluth-Superior MSA

Employment in the Duluth-Superior MSA declined 2.9 percent (3,800) over the month of January but grew 0.6 percent (700) over the year. Significant monthly losses were in mining, logging, and construction (down 8.7 percent, 630), in trade, transportation, and utilities (down 4.1 percent, 990), in leisure and hospitality (down 2.3 percent, 290), and in state government (down 11.3 percent, 910). All of these were in line with typical January declines. All other industries also fell over the month but more moderately.

Rochester MSA

Employment in the Rochester MSA fell 1.2 percent (1,230) over the month of January and increased 0.4 percent (390) over the year. Government employment grew 0.9 percent (100) over the month, unusual in a month that nearly always sees slight employment declines in the industry. These were mostly the result of normal state government growth (up 6.1 percent, 80) that was not counterbalanced by losses in local government (up 0.2 percent, 10). The largest monthly private sector losses were in trade, transportation, and utilities (down 4.1 percent, 650) and in mining, logging, and construction (down 12 percent, 360), both in line with typical January trends. With the exception of educational and health services (up 0.5 percent, 200), all other private sector industries declined or were flat for the month.

St. Cloud MSA

Employment in the St. Cloud MSA declined 2.2 percent (2,220) over the month of January and increased 2.2 percent (2,090) over the year. The monthly loss was concentrated in the private sector with trade, transportation, and utilities falling 3.3 percent (670), a typical seasonal loss that reflects the post-holiday retail employment reductions. Mining, logging, and construction fell 11.9 percent (480), also in line with normal January losses. Government employment declined moderately (1 percent, 170) over the month with losses split evenly between state government (down 1.8 percent, 90) and local government (down 1 percent, 100).

Fargo-Moorhead MSA

Employment in the Fargo-Moorhead MSA fell 2.4 percent (3,000) over the month of January and increased 1.3 percent (1,500) over the year. Government employment over the month was dominated by losses in state government of 4.4 percent (315). Significant monthly private sector losses were in mining, logging, and construction (down 8.2 percent, 500), in retail trade (down 4.9 percent, 320), and in administrative and waste services (down 4.6 percent, 230). No industries gained employment over the month of January.

Grand Forks MSA

Employment in the Grand Forks MSA fell 2.4 percent (1,280) over the month of January but increased 1.6 percent (810) over the year. Government employment declined 2.3 percent (330) over the month and 0.2 percent (30) over the year. The private sector industries that saw significant over-the-month losses were similar to other metro areas — mining, logging, and construction (down 7 percent, 170), retail trade (down 4.5 percent, 340), and leisure and hospitality (down 2.4 percent, 140).

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