MN Unemployment Drops Down To 3.1 Percent

MINNESOTA — Minnesota's unemployment rate moved down two-tenths of a percentage point to 3.1 percent, according to numbers released Thursday by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).

The state's unemployment rate is lower than the overall national rate, which currently sits at 3.9 percent.

Minnesota’s labor force participation rate is 67.7 percent, which beats out the national rate of 61.9 percent.

"Today’s jobs report is a reminder that economic progress in these times is not a straight line,” said DEED Commissioner Steve Grove in a news release.

"The good news remains that our economy is bursting with great job opportunities, and DEED will continue our proactive programs to Minnesota job-seekers across the state.”

In December, five of Minnesota's "supersectors" lost jobs, five gained jobs, while mining and logging remained level with November.

December saw losses in:

• Financial Activities field, which was down 900 jobs
• Professional & Business Services, down 1,800 jobs
• Manufacturing, down 900 jobs
• Trade, Transportation & Utilities was down 800 jobs
• Leisure & Hospitality was down 600 jobs.

December saw gains in:

• Information, up 300 jobs
• Other Services, up 400 jobs
• Education & Health Services, up 1,800 jobs
• Government, up 200 jobs
• Construction, up 300 jobs