Regional Analysis

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

Monthly analysis is based on unadjusted employment data.

Minneapolis-St. Paul Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA)

Employment in the Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington MSA declined 0.4 percent (7,450) over the month of September and gained 0.3 percent (4,870) over the year. Despite its over-the-year growth, employment in the Twin Cities is still down by 109,000 jobs from its September peak in 2007. Major over-the-month losses occurred in professional and business services (down 2.3 percent, 6,060) and in leisure and hospitality (down 3.5 percent, 6,100). In both those industries the loss was only slightly larger than is typical for September, and there was an over-the-year gain. Government employment grew 4.1 percent (9,000) over the month, but declined 4.1 percent (9,800) over the year. State government contributed the most growth – 10.9 percent (6,900) over the month. Seasonal local government education employment growth of 14.9 percent (9,380) disguised a weak month in overall local government employment (up 1.8 percent, 2,420) since over half of local government employment falls in the education subcategory.

Duluth-Superior MSA

Employment in the Duluth MSA grew 0.8 percent (1,080) over the month of September and 1.2 percent (1,560) over the year. The monthly gain is nearly as high as pre-recession growth rates, although Duluth has seen employment growth in September every year since 1998. The growth was concentrated in the public sector, with private-sector employment declining 0.6 percent (610) over the month, mostly in leisure and hospitality (down 5.1 percent, 770) and in retail trade (down 2 percent, 300). In both of these industries the decline was slightly greater than is typical for September. Educational and health services grew substantially (up 1.9 percent, 570) over the month, a somewhat stronger increase than in any of the last five years. Government employment grew 6.8 percent (1,700) over the month, significantly less than is normal for September. Most of the growth was in state government (up 15.4 percent, 1,060), although local government employment was also strong, growing 4.9 percent (790).

Rochester MSA

Employment in the Rochester MSA was down 1.1 percent over the month (1,190), but up 1.5 percent (1,500) over the year. The largest growth was in state government which increased 6.3 percent (90) over the month. In the private sector monthly losses were primarily in educational and health services (down 1.1 percent, 470) and in leisure and hospitality (down 3.5 percent, 320). Both of these industries typically see a seasonal loss in September and have overall annual gains.

St. Cloud MSA

Employment in the St. Cloud MSA decreased 0.2 percent (200) over the month, but was up 0.3 percent (300) over the year. The majority of the monthly loss came from government, which was down 1.1 percent (170). State government grew 6.9 percent over the month (280), while large declines in local government (down 5.1 percent, 440) accounted for the overall loss. In the private sector the most substantial change was in educational and health services, which was up 2.4 percent (410) over the month. While the monthly growth was larger than any September in the last five years, employment in the industry is still down 0.2 percent (40) over the year.

Fargo-Moorhead MSA

Employment in the Fargo-Moorhead MSA increased 2.5 percent (2,960) over the month and 0.4 percent (430) over the year. The monthly gain was mostly from strong local government performance; employment increased 22.8 percent over the month (1,570). State government also increased 10.4 percent (670). In the private sector retail trade (up 2.9 percent, 400) and leisure and hospitality (up 2.7 percent, 310) both performed strongly in monthly gains.

Grand Forks MSA

Employment in the Grand Forks MSA grew 4.8 percent (2,460) over the month and 0.2 percent (120) over the year. The gain was mostly in local government, up 39.5 percent (1,440) over the month, although state government increased 10 percent (660). In the private sector overall gains and losses were less than 3 percent over the month, with the strongest showing in leisure and hospitality (up 2.83 percent, 160) and the weakest showing in mining, logging, and construction (down 2.8 percent, 80).

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