Quick Facts About Louisiana's Economy

Louisiana Leads Nation in Construction Jobs

       Louisiana added more construction jobs than any state in August, one of the only bright spots in an industry that has been hard hit by the national recession. The state had 4,400 more construction jobs last month than it did in August 2008, according to an analysis from the Associated General Contractors of America. 

Lake Charles cited as strongest market
       According to BusinessWeek magazine, Lake Charles is the nation's strongest construction market right now. The city saw the highest increase in building permits issued during the first six months of this year of any community in the country. Permits were up nearly 123% from the first half of 2008. The magazine notes the Lake Charles economy still is rebuilding from Hurricane Rita in 2005 and Hurricane Ike last year. Also bolstering construction were the new nuclear power fabrication facility now under construction, and an 870% jump in building permits for apartments compared to the same period a year ago.

More People Moving in Than Moving Out

       A new report by a moving company found the percentage of people moving into Louisiana increased during the first eight months of 2009. The Mayflower customer Relocation Survey found that 56.9% of the moves through the end of August were people coming into Louisiana, as opposed to 43.1% moving out of the state.During the first eight months of 2008, 55.8% of the moves were into Louisiana, while 44.2% were outbound. "As long as Louisiana's economy continues to outperform the Southern and national economies, these positive in-migration trends will continue," said Stephen Moret, Louisiana Economic Development secretary.

Information derived from the Louisiana Home Builders Association's e-mail dated Tuesday, September 29, 2009 8:27 AM.