The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development released the December 2018 employment figures today. The Mankato – North Mankato Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) saw a gain of 2,379 jobs or 4% year-over-year in the month of December, which led all metropolitan areas in the state. Mankato-North Mankato has lead the state in job growth every month of 2018. 

Highlights:

• Largest rate of job growth in December in the last 20 years
• Private sector employment (an increase of .1% from Nov. to Dec. 2018) bucked the regular seasonal trend of employment declining from November to December. It’s the first time since 2006 this has happened.
• Manufacturing (5.6% growth year-over-year) was the largest increase since 1997.

Here is a preliminary recap of employment change among Minnesota. Mankato-North Mankato led all regional centers (Duluth, Rochester, St. Cloud) in Greater Minnesota in both total jobs and percent growth, despite being half the size of the others.

Employment trend graphs >>