Minnesota’s unemployment rate increased to 9.9% as Minnesota’s economy slowly reopened, according to the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). The U.S. unemployment rate, however, slightly declined from 14.7% in April to 13.3% in May.
Minnesota added 27,500 jobs in the private sector on a seasonally adjusted basis in May. However, overall, the state was down 393,101 jobs since May 2019. This data shows the continuing economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the ensuing shutdowns imposed. Also, this data reflects early steps of reopening throughout the state.
“Our economy is facing an unprecedented challenge, which these numbers reflect. Slight job increases this month are a positive sign, but the employment rebound will continue to vary greatly by sector,” said DEED Commissioner Steve Grove.
Construction in Minnesota recorded a 6.4% employment loss since May 2019. All other industries saw sharp declines in their workforce. Leisure & Hospitality was down 50.2% since last year. Local government lost 16,300 jobs.
In the Metropolitan Statistical Areas, employment growth rates were all down: Minneapolis-St. Paul MSA (down 12.9%), Rochester MSA (down 9.6%), St. Cloud MSA (down 10.8%), Duluth-Superior MSA (down 14.2%), and Mankato MSA (down 11.4%).
