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25 cities adding (and losing) the most jobs in 2017

U.S. unemployment dropped to 4.1% in October, the lowest since December 2000.
Buildings and city streets are still under floodwater as the sun sets on May 4, 2010 in Nashville, Tennessee. 

2017 may stand out for many events and developments, and among them is the exceptional year turned in by the labor market. For one, U.S. unemployment dropped to 4.1% in October, the lowest since December 2000.

Barring a massive exodus of workers from the labor force, falling unemployment almost always reflects increased hiring, which in turn bodes well for the economy. But while national conditions are favorable, trends vary substantially across the country, and not all local economies have been doing as well.

24/7 Wall St. reviewed monthly metro area employment figures in 2017 from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. From January through October, employment — the number of Americans currently employed — rose by 1.2%. Employment rose faster over that period in 187 of the nation’s 388 metro areas. It declined in 78 metro areas.

Most of the cities adding the most jobs in 2017 reported uninterrupted employment increases over the course of the year, but this was not always the case. Both Yuma, Arizona and Corvallis, Oregon reported among the largest employment increases this year, yet had some fairly dramatic employment fluctuations. In Yuma, for example, seasonally adjusted employment levels dropped for four consecutive months in the summer before rising again in September and October.

Similarly, while the trend in most cities losing the most jobs was one of steady decline, in several job changes were somewhat erratic. Employment in the St. Joseph metro area, on the border of Montana and Kansas, for example, surged in July before dropping in October.

Cities adding the most jobs

25. Janesville-Beloit, Wisc.

  • Employment change: 2,826 (+3.5%)
  • Jan. 2017 employment: 80,978
  • Oct. 2017 employment: 83,804
  • Unemployment, Oct. 2017: 3.4%
  • Strongest sector: Mining, logging, and construction (+11.5% employment chg.)

24. Corvallis, Ore.

  • Employment change: 1,627 (+3.6%)
  • Jan. 2017 employment: 45,537
  • Oct. 2017 employment: 47,164
  • Unemployment, Oct. 2017: 3.3% (lowest 25%)
  • Strongest sector: Mining, logging, and construction (+8.3% employment chg.)

23. Yuma, Ariz.

  • Employment change: 2,883 (+3.6%)
  • Jan. 2017 employment: 79,504
  • Oct. 2017 employment: 82,387
  • Unemployment, Oct. 2017: 17.4% (highest 10%)
  • Strongest sector: Mining, logging, and construction (+4.5% employment chg.)

22. Johnson City, Tenn.

  • Employment change: 3,147 (+3.7%)
  • Jan. 2017 employment: 84,679
  • Oct. 2017 employment: 87,826
  • Unemployment, Oct. 2017: 3.6%
  • Strongest sector: Government (+11.1% employment chg.)

21. Chattanooga, Tenn.-Ga.

  • Employment change: 9,377 (+3.8%)
  • Jan. 2017 employment: 249,982
  • Oct. 2017 employment: 259,359
  • Unemployment, Oct. 2017: 3.5%
  • Strongest sector: Mining, logging, and construction (+8.2% employment chg.)

20. Eugene, Ore.

  • Employment change: 6,475 (+3.8%)
  • Jan. 2017 employment: 172,152
  • Oct. 2017 employment: 178,627
  • Unemployment, Oct. 2017: 4.6%
  • Strongest sector: Mining, logging, and construction (+13.7% employment chg.)

19. Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, Ore.-Wash.

  • Employment change: 46,621 (+3.8%)
  • Jan. 2017 employment: 1,230,028
  • Oct. 2017 employment: 1,276,649
  • Unemployment, Oct. 2017: 4.2%
  • Strongest sector: Mining, logging, and construction (+19.4% employment chg.)

18. Bremerton-Silverdale, Wash.

  • Employment change: 4,366 (+3.9%)
  • Jan. 2017 employment: 111,618
  • Oct. 2017 employment: 115,984
  • Unemployment, Oct. 2017: 4.6%
  • Strongest sector: Mining, logging, and construction (+7.1% employment chg.)

17. Naples-Immokalee-Marco Island, Fla.

  • Employment change: 6,466 (+4.1%)
  • Jan. 2017 employment: 158,952
  • Oct. 2017 employment: 165,418
  • Unemployment, Oct. 2017: 3.4%
  • Strongest sector: Mining, logging, and construction (+9.1% employment chg.)

16. Auburn-Opelika, Ala.

  • Employment change: 2,938 (+4.2%)
  • Jan. 2017 employment: 70,002
  • Oct. 2017 employment: 72,940
  • Unemployment, Oct. 2017: 3.1% (lowest 25%)
  • Strongest sector: Government (+10.9% employment chg.)

15. Bend-Redmond, Ore.

  • Employment change: 3,684 (+4.2%)
  • Jan. 2017 employment: 87,205
  • Oct. 2017 employment: 90,889
  • Unemployment, Oct. 2017: 4.2%
  • Strongest sector: Mining, logging, and construction (+22.8% employment chg.)

14. Morristown, Tenn.

  • Employment change: 2,043 (+4.2%)
  • Jan. 2017 employment: 48,359
  • Oct. 2017 employment: 50,402
  • Unemployment, Oct. 2017: 3.6%
  • Strongest sector: Education and health services (+14.5% employment chg.)

13. Olympia-Tumwater, Wash.

  • Employment change: 5,548 (+4.4%)
  • Jan. 2017 employment: 125,170
  • Oct. 2017 employment: 130,718
  • Unemployment, Oct. 2017: 4.7%
  • Strongest sector: Mining, logging, and construction (+18.8% employment chg.)

12. Longview, Wash.

  • Employment change: 1,885 (+4.5%)
  • Jan. 2017 employment: 41,617
  • Oct. 2017 employment: 43,502
  • Unemployment, Oct. 2017: 5.6% (highest 25%)
  • Strongest sector: Mining, logging, and construction (+6.5% employment chg.)

11. Nashville-Davidson-Murfreesboro-Franklin, Tenn.

  • Employment change: 43,392 (+4.6%)
  • Jan. 2017 employment: 949,989
  • Oct. 2017 employment: 993,381
  • Unemployment, Oct. 2017: 2.4% (lowest 10%)
  • Strongest sector: Mining, logging, and construction (+7.2% employment chg.)

10. Spokane-Spokane Valley, Wash.

  • Employment change: 11,114 (+4.6%)
  • Jan. 2017 employment: 242,457
  • Oct. 2017 employment: 253,571
  • Unemployment, Oct. 2017: 5.0% (highest 25%)
  • Strongest sector: Mining, logging, and construction (+20.3% employment chg.)

9. Greeley, Colo.

  • Employment change: 6,953 (+4.7%)
  • Jan. 2017 employment: 147,003
  • Oct. 2017 employment: 153,956
  • Unemployment, Oct. 2017: 2.7% (lowest 10%)
  • Strongest sector: Mining, logging, and construction (+10.1% employment chg.)

8. Sebring, Fla.

  • Employment change: 1,635 (+4.8%)
  • Jan. 2017 employment: 34,407
  • Oct. 2017 employment: 36,042
  • Unemployment, Oct. 2017: 4.4%
  • Strongest sector: Professional and business services (+5.0% employment chg.)

7. Daphne-Fairhope-Foley, Ala.

  • Employment change: 4,208 (+4.9%)
  • Jan. 2017 employment: 85,678
  • Oct. 2017 employment: 89,886
  • Unemployment, Oct. 2017: 3.2% (lowest 25%)
  • Strongest sector: Other services (+10.4% employment chg.)

6. Athens-Clarke County, Ga.

  • Employment change: 4,632 (+5.0%)
  • Jan. 2017 employment: 92,496
  • Oct. 2017 employment: 97,128
  • Unemployment, Oct. 2017: 4.1%
  • Strongest sector: Government (+8.1% employment chg.)

5. St. George, Utah

  • Employment change: 3,330 (+5.0%)
  • Jan. 2017 employment: 66,477
  • Oct. 2017 employment: 69,807
  • Unemployment, Oct. 2017: 3.3% (lowest 25%)
  • Strongest sector: Mining, logging, and construction (+15.0% employment chg.)

4. Mount Vernon-Anacortes, Wash.

  • Employment change: 2,752 (+5.0%)
  • Jan. 2017 employment: 54,870
  • Oct. 2017 employment: 57,622
  • Unemployment, Oct. 2017: 5.0% (highest 25%)
  • Strongest sector: Mining, logging, and construction (+10.8% employment chg.)

3. Fort Collins, Colo.

  • Employment change: 9,330 (+5.0%)
  • Jan. 2017 employment: 185,803
  • Oct. 2017 employment: 195,133
  • Unemployment, Oct. 2017: 2.4% (lowest 10%)
  • Strongest sector: Mining, logging, and construction (+10.9% employment chg.)

2. Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, Ark.-Mo.

  • Employment change: 13,385 (+5.2%)
  • Jan. 2017 employment: 258,191
  • Oct. 2017 employment: 271,576
  • Unemployment, Oct. 2017: 2.6% (lowest 10%)
  • Strongest sector: Government (+9.2% employment chg.)

1. Bellingham, Wash.

  • Employment change: 5,609 (+5.5%)
  • Jan. 2017 employment: 102,069
  • Oct. 2017 employment: 107,678
  • Unemployment, Oct. 2017: 4.5%
  • Strongest sector: Mining, logging, and construction (+16.9% employment chg.)

Cities losing the most jobs

25. Great Falls, Mont.

  • Employment change: -436 (-1.2%)

  • Jan. 2017 employment: 36,971
  • Oct. 2017 employment: 36,535
  • Unemployment, Oct. 2017: 3.7%
  • Weakest sector (employment chg.): Trade, transportation, and utilities (0.0%)

24. Shreveport-Bossier City, La.

  • Employment change: -2,159 (-1.2%)
  • Jan. 2017 employment: 177,180
  • Oct. 2017 employment: 175,021
  • Unemployment, Oct. 2017: 5.2% (highest 25%)
  • Weakest sector (employment chg.): Mining, logging, and construction (-3.4%)

23. Muskegon, Mich.

  • Employment change: -902 (-1.2%)
  • Jan. 2017 employment: 73,617
  • Oct. 2017 employment: 72,715
  • Unemployment, Oct. 2017: 5.7% (highest 10%)
  • Weakest sector (employment chg.): Trade, transportation, and utilities (-0.7%)

22. Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, Iowa-Ill.

  • Employment change: -2,357 (-1.3%)
  • Jan. 2017 employment: 181,756
  • Oct. 2017 employment: 179,399
  • Unemployment, Oct. 2017: 4.3%
  • Weakest sector (employment chg.): Trade, transportation, and utilities (-0.3%)

21. St. Joseph, Mo.-Kan.

  • Employment change: -885 (-1.4%)
  • Jan. 2017 employment: 63,050
  • Oct. 2017 employment: 62,165
  • Unemployment, Oct. 2017: 3.0% (lowest 25%)
  • Weakest sector (employment chg.): Trade, transportation, and utilities (-3.6%)

20. Beckley, W.Va.

  • Employment change: -600 (-1.4%)
  • Jan. 2017 employment: 42,224
  • Oct. 2017 employment: 41,624
  • Unemployment, Oct. 2017: 5.6% (highest 25%)
  • Weakest sector (employment chg.): Government (-2.2%)

19. Williamsport, Pa.

  • Employment change: -787 (-1.4%)
  • Jan. 2017 employment: 54,456
  • Oct. 2017 employment: 53,669
  • Unemployment, Oct. 2017: 5.4% (highest 25%)
  • Weakest sector (employment chg.): Trade, transportation, and utilities (-2.8%)

18. Parkersburg-Vienna, W.Va.

  • Employment change: -559 (-1.5%)
  • Jan. 2017 employment: 36,615
  • Oct. 2017 employment: 36,056
  • Unemployment, Oct. 2017: 5.3% (highest 25%)
  • Weakest sector (employment chg.): Other services (-0.7%)

17. Champaign-Urbana, Ill.

  • Employment change: -1,742 (-1.5%)
  • Jan. 2017 employment: 114,026
  • Oct. 2017 employment: 112,284
  • Unemployment, Oct. 2017: 4.2%
  • Weakest sector (employment chg.): Manufacturing (0.0%)

16. Lansing-East Lansing, Mich.

  • Employment change: -3,781 (-1.6%)
  • Jan. 2017 employment: 240,368
  • Oct. 2017 employment: 236,587
  • Unemployment, Oct. 2017: 4.6%
  • Weakest sector (employment chg.): Manufacturing (-1.9%)

15. Pocatello, Idaho

  • Employment change: -656 (-1.6%)
  • Jan. 2017 employment: 40,390
  • Oct. 2017 employment: 39,734
  • Unemployment, Oct. 2017: 2.8% (lowest 25%)
  • Weakest sector (employment chg.): Manufacturing (0.0%)

14. Casper, Wyo.

  • Employment change: -615 (-1.6%)
  • Jan. 2017 employment: 37,419
  • Oct. 2017 employment: 36,804
  • Unemployment, Oct. 2017: 5.2% (highest 25%)
  • Weakest sector (employment chg.): Government (-3.4%)

13. Niles-Benton Harbor, Mich.

  • Employment change: -1,173 (-1.7%)
  • Jan. 2017 employment: 70,864
  • Oct. 2017 employment: 69,691
  • Unemployment, Oct. 2017: 5.0% (highest 25%)
  • Weakest sector (employment chg.): Trade, transportation, and utilities (-0.9%)

12. Altoona, Pa.

  • Employment change: -993 (-1.7%)
  • Jan. 2017 employment: 57,178
  • Oct. 2017 employment: 56,185
  • Unemployment, Oct. 2017: 4.6%
  • Weakest sector (employment chg.): Financial activities (-6.3%)

11. Midland, Mich.

  • Employment change: -734 (-1.9%)
  • Jan. 2017 employment: 39,169
  • Oct. 2017 employment: 38,435
  • Unemployment, Oct. 2017: 4.7%
  • Weakest sector (employment chg.): Professional and business services (-1.2%)

10. Dubuque, Iowa

  • Employment change: -1,051 (-2.0%)
  • Jan. 2017 employment: 53,463
  • Oct. 2017 employment: 52,412
  • Unemployment, Oct. 2017: 2.9% (lowest 25%)
  • Weakest sector (employment chg.): Trade, transportation, and utilities (-2.4%)

9. Decatur, Ill.

  • Employment change: -1,032 (-2.2%)
  • Jan. 2017 employment: 46,897
  • Oct. 2017 employment: 45,865
  • Unemployment, Oct. 2017: 5.4% (highest 25%)
  • Weakest sector (employment chg.): Trade, transportation, and utilities (-0.9%)

8. Grand Forks, N.D.-Minn.

  • Employment change: -1,243 (-2.2%)
  • Jan. 2017 employment: 56,231
  • Oct. 2017 employment: 54,988
  • Unemployment, Oct. 2017: 2.7% (lowest 10%)
  • Weakest sector (employment chg.): Mining, logging, and construction (-5.3%)

7. Bay City, Mich.

  • Employment change: -1,112 (-2.2%)
  • Jan. 2017 employment: 49,591
  • Oct. 2017 employment: 48,479
  • Unemployment, Oct. 2017: 5.6% (highest 25%)
  • Weakest sector (employment chg.): Trade, transportation, and utilities (-5.2%)

6. Springfield, Ill.

  • Employment change: -2,518 (-2.3%)
  • Jan. 2017 employment: 108,353
  • Oct. 2017 employment: 105,835
  • Unemployment, Oct. 2017: 4.2%
  • Weakest sector (employment chg.): Trade, transportation, and utilities (-3.3%)

5. Portsmouth, N.H.-Maine

  • Employment change: -1,768 (-2.4%)
  • Jan. 2017 employment: 74,624
  • Oct. 2017 employment: 72,856
  • Unemployment, Oct. 2017: 2.6% (lowest 10%)
  • Weakest sector (employment chg.): Trade, transportation, and utilities (-1.1%)

4. Michigan City-La Porte, Ind.

  • Employment change: -1,223 (-2.7%)
  • Jan. 2017 employment: 45,178
  • Oct. 2017 employment: 43,955
  • Unemployment, Oct. 2017: 4.9%
  • Weakest sector (employment chg.): Government (-3.1%)

3. Danville, Ill.

  • Employment change: -890 (-2.8%)
  • Jan. 2017 employment: 32,311
  • Oct. 2017 employment: 31,421
  • Unemployment, Oct. 2017: 6.3% (highest 10%)
  • Weakest sector (employment chg.): Financial activities (-9.1%)

2. Cheyenne, Wyo.

  • Employment change: -1,731 (-3.6%)
  • Jan. 2017 employment: 48,028
  • Oct. 2017 employment: 46,297
  • Unemployment, Oct. 2017: 3.8%
  • Weakest sector (employment chg.): Other services (+1.5%)

1. Cape Girardeau, Mo.-Ill.

  • Employment change: -2,708 (-5.8%)
  • Jan. 2017 employment: 46,357
  • Oct. 2017 employment: 43,649
  • Unemployment, Oct. 2017: 3.2% (lowest 25%)
  • Weakest sector (employment chg.): Government (-34.9%)

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