Change is in the Air
This month's Local Look blogs explore long-term employment projections in Central, Northeast, and Southwest; increasing in-migration in Northwest, demographic changes in the Construction industry in Southeast, and resources for workers with disabilities in the Twin Cities. For more local information, please reach out to your Regional Analyst!
Central Minnesota is poised for robust job growth over the next decade, likely outpacing all other regions in the state. DEED's newly released regional Employment Projections forecast a 5.2% increase in employment by 2032. At that rate, the region is expected to add just over 16,300 new jobs, which would bring its total employment to above 332,000 jobs.
October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), a time to celebrate the value and talent workers with disabilities add to America's workplaces and economy. This year's theme, "Access to Good Jobs for All", was chosen to highlight our commitment to ensuring disabled workers have access to good jobs every month of the year. Along with the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy, DEED recognizes the importance that workers with disabilities bring to the state's labor market and economy. Through DEED's online resources, including Vocational Rehabilitation Services, those with disabilities can develop work skills, find suitable jobs and live as independently as possible. DEED also has resources for employers looking to hire and retain workers with disabilities.
Regional projections for Northeast Minnesota forecast the addition of more than 5,000 net new jobs between 2022 and 2032, equaling a percent growth of 3.3%. Compared to historical employment growth, the 2022-2032 period is expected to be below the robust rate of recovery from the pandemic-induced recession, but would exceed the growth seen in the years leading up to 2020. Long-term growth is limited by the demographic realities of a slowly growing and aging population.
From 2020 to 2023, Northwest Minnesota's population grew by more than 5,900 people, or 1%. All this growth is attributable to more people moving into the region than moving out — positive net migration. Increased net migration to rural counties has been a trend in Minnesota statewide, as well as nationally. People moving for quality-of-life factors, so called "amenity migration," has been long recognized as a draw to rural areas. Natural beauty and outdoor recreation of lakes, forests and prairielands in Northwest Minnesota have drawn retirees, and now remote work allows for more locational freedom.
In recent years, much has been said about the aging workforce in various industries. However, few sectors have experienced as dramatic a shift as the Construction industry, particularly when it comes to young workers. A dive into employment data from 2005 to 2023 reveals a trend that was exacerbated by the housing market downturn and the subsequent 2008 recession, though recent years have shown signs of recovery.
The job market in Southwest Minnesota is projected to experience moderate growth over the next decade, highlighted by substantial gains in the Health Care & Social Assistance, Manufacturing, and Transportation & Warehousing sectors. According to newly released regional employment projections, Southwest Minnesota may gain more than 5,500 new jobs from 2022 - 2032, a 2.8% growth rate.
Fall LMI Training Sessions
DEED's Regional Analysts have scheduled a set of Labor Market Information training sessions for the fall of 2024. These hands-on training sessions - whether virtual or in-person - will help attendees learn where to find and how to use DEED’s labor market information data tools. Attendees will navigate data tools on our website (mn.gov/deed/data/) and learn how to use them to understand the local economy and provide guidance to jobseekers and others.
Please note that there are a variety of options available for different audiences including DEED and partner staff; workforce development, human resource, and economic development professionals; and other partners in the system. Check the title and location when registering for the session that works best for you.
Depending on the session, topics covered may include:
- Occupations in Demand and Current Job Vacancy Results
- Occupational and Industry Employment Trends and Projections
- Cost of Living and Wage and Salary Data
- Labor Force, Employment, and Unemployment Statistics
- Demographic and Social Characteristics
Please reach out to your regional analyst if you or your staff would be interested in having a customized LMI training session. We would be happy to accommodate your training requests, either on LMI Data Tools or local economic conditions!
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