In November, Minnesota’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased to 3.1 percent, slightly below the 3.2 percent rate recorded the previous month. The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development confirmed that the state added 9,500 jobs during this period, reducing the state’s unemployment rate. Commissioner Matt Varilek noted the ongoing growth as an excellent indicator for Minnesota workers and the economy. Job growth, he highlighted, relies on the availability of workers to fill open roles.

Comparatively, Minnesota’s unemployment rate is lower than the national average, which stands at 3.7 percent. The jobless rate in the state has been approximately 3 percent for over two years. Notable job growth was seen in several sectors, including trade, transportation, utilities, education, health services, government, and manufacturing. Conversely, there was a slight drop in the financial activities sector.

State leaders are optimistic about Minnesota’s demographics, highlighting recent U.S. Census Bureau data showing population growth of 24,000 from 2022 to 2023. The increase was attributed to higher birth rates and increased international immigration. Angelina Nguyễn, the Director of Labor Market Information, emphasized that this development could have long-term positive implications for Minnesota’s labor force. Commissioner Varilek noted that new policies providing school lunches, college tuition support for low-income families, and paid medical and caregiving leave could make Minnesota more competitive.