Regional Analysis

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

Monthly analysis is based on unadjusted employment data.

Minneapolis-St. Paul Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA)

Employment in the Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington MSA grew 1.6 percent (26,220) over the month of May but was still down 1 percent (17,520) over the year. Government employment accounted for a disproportionate share of the monthly employment growth, going up 2.5 percent (6,000). Half of that, though, can be attributed to temporary Census workers, with federal government employment increasing 13.2 percent (2,970). Local government employment was also up by 2 percent (3,010) over the month, a relatively normal seasonal change. The most substantial private sector growth came in industries with significant seasonal May growth, such as leisure and hospitality (up 5.4 percent, 8,390), and mining, logging, and construction (up 12.1 percent, 5,340). Mining, logging, and construction has, however, performed poorly over the last few years and, despite this month’s growth, is still down 17 percent (10,000) over the year and 31.4 percent (22,630) since May 2008. The only significant monthly decline was in educational services (down 2.1 percent, 860).

Duluth-Superior MSA

Employment in the Duluth-Superior MSA grew 1.7 percent (2,180) over the month of May and was flat over the year. The monthly gain was largely private-sector growth, with the most significant increases in mining, logging, and construction (up 11.6 percent, 670) and in leisure and hospitality (up 6.1 percent, 810). In both those industries substantial May employment growth is a typical seasonal pattern. Despite a somewhat large decline of 6.2 percent (510) in state government employment, government employment overall was up slightly. Federal government (largely Census) employment accounted for a growth of 300 jobs (12.1 percent), while strong seasonal growth in local government employment added another 330 jobs (1.9 percent).

Rochester MSA

Employment in the Rochester MSA grew 1.1 percent (1,160) over the month of May and 0.6 percent (670) over the year. Government employment grew 1.5 percent (180) over the month, mostly driven by seasonal growth in local government employment (up 1.6 percent, 140) and federal government Census employment (up 10.8 percent, 120). State government employment declined 5.2 percent (80). Most private-sector industries saw at least some growth, but the most substantial over-the-month numeric gains were in mining, logging, and construction (up 10.8 percent, 300) and in leisure and hospitality (up 3.5 percent, 300).

St. Cloud MSA

Employment in the St. Cloud MSA grew 1.4 percent (1,400) from April to May, and 1 percent (970) over the year. Despite temporary Census employment that raised federal government employment by 6.8 percent (150) over the month, seasonal state employment declines of 4.2 percent (230) pushed overall government employment down slightly, causing private-sector employment to carry most of the monthly gain. While most industries saw moderate increases, the most substantial over-the-month growth was in mining, logging, and construction, which was up 12.7 percent (480), in line with the May average growth of 13.1 percent.

Fargo-Moorhead MSA

Employment in the Fargo-Moorhead MSA grew 1 percent (1,230) over the month of May, but was still down 0.2 percent (220) over the year. Gains were fairly proportionately split between public and private employment. Census hiring contributed to some government gains, but a loss in state government employment (down 3.3 percent, 240) was outpaced by a gain in local government employment (up 4.5 percent, 390), for an overall government employment growth of 1.8 percent (330) over the month. Like in other metros, the most significant employment change in the private sector was in mining, logging, and construction (up 11.9 percent, 700).

Grand Forks MSA

Employment in the Grand Forks MSA grew by 1 percent (540) over the month of May and by 0.7 percent (360) over the year. Government employment fared worse over the month, declining 1.7 percent (240), with moderate gains in local government and federal government (mostly Census employment) offset by a loss of 5.1 percent (380) in state government employment. Most private industries saw moderate monthly employment gains or very small losses. The most significant changes were in mining, logging, and construction (up 15 percent, 350) and in leisure and hospitality (up 3.3 percent, 190).

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