Regional Analysis

by Amanda Rohrer
March 2011

Monthly analysis is based on unadjusted employment data.

Minneapolis-St. Paul Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA)

Employment in the Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington MSA increased 0.2 percent (3,700) over the month of February and 0.6 percent (9,350) over the year. While the numeric gain seems insubstantial, it’s the largest February increase since 2000. Perhaps a better gauge of the health of the MSA is the annual growth, which was positive in February for the first time in three years, indicating a return to more nearly normal trends. Significant changes for the month occurred in trade, transportation, and utilities (down 1.5 percent, 4,480), state government (up 4.4 percent, 2,950), and local government (up 1.6 percent, 2,430). Most other industries saw moderate change of less than 1 percent, either growth or decline.

Duluth-Superior MSA

Employment in the Duluth-Superior MSA increased 1.1 percent (1,350) over the month of February and by 0.5 percent (620) over the year. The largest growth was in state government employment, which increased by 17.2 percent (1,220), which is seasonally appropriate. Local government employment also grew by 2 percent (350). Major changes in private-sector industries included a decline in mining, logging, and construction (down 2.9 percent, 190), and in trade, transportation, and utilities (down 0.9 percent, 220), and an increase in educational and health services (up 0.6 percent, 170).

Rochester MSA

Employment in the Rochester MSA fell by 0.2 percent (190) in February but increased by 0.7 percent (740) over the year. The monthly decrease was moderate, compared to a typical seasonal February decrease of 0.5 percent. Manufacturing fared better than expected, growing 0.17 percent (110) over the month, contributing to an increase of 3.7 percent (370) over the year. In a typical February, manufacturing loses employment, and because it has been declining overall for several years, even a slight increase is an exception. Other industries that saw significant change were local government (up 1.4 percent, 120), trade, transportation, and utilities (down 1.7 percent, 260), and mining, logging, and construction (down 3.5 percent, 90).

St. Cloud MSA

Employment in the St. Cloud MSA increased 0.4 percent (350) over the month of February and increased 2.4 percent (2,270) over the year. The largest growth came from an abnormally large increase in local government employment – up 4.2 percent (400) over the month. State government also grew by 3.6 percent (180). Private-sector industries fared less well. Mining, logging, and construction declined 3.7 percent (140) over the month, and trade, transportation, and utilities fell 1.3 percent (260) over the month. Employment in all other industries was either flat over the month or increased by less than 1 percent.

Fargo-Moorhead MSA

Employment in the Fargo-Moorhead MSA increased 0.3 percent (400) over the month in February and by 1 percent (1,200) over the year. Major gains were in state government employment (up 4 percent, 275) and in education and health services (up 0.8 percent, 150). Significant losses were in mining, logging, and construction (down 4.1 percent, 230) and in information (down 1.1
percent, 40).

Grand Forks MSA

Employment in the Grand Forks MSA decreased by 0.1 percent (30) in February and increased by 1.2 percent (630) over the year. There was moderate growth in government employment over the month, driven by an increase of 2.9 percent (210) in state government. Significant monthly declines were in mining, logging, and construction (down 2.4 percent, 50), manufacturing (down 3.3 percent, 120) and trade, transportation, and utilities (down 0.4 percent (40).

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