Minnesota’s job growth was flat in January while the state’s unemployment rate rose to 4.4%, according to new data from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development.
The rate increased two tenths of a percentage point over the month, while the national unemployment rate dipped slightly to 4.3%.
Minnesota’s private sector lost about 900 jobs in January on a seasonally adjusted basis, while government employment added roughly 1,000 jobs.
Job gains were led by the educational and health services sector, which added 5,000 positions and construction, which added 3,700 jobs. Losses were reported in several sectors, including leisure and hospitality, trade, transportation and utilities and financial activities.
Over the past year the state added more than 13,000 jobs, representing a 0.4% increase. Private sector employment accounted for the majority of those gains.
State labor officials say the date points to a softening labor market, with slower job growth and a rising unemployment rate compared to recent years.
Minnesota’s labor force also declined by more than 4,500 people over the month and the labor force participation rate edged down to 68.2%.
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