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State Maintains Healthy Growth Rate

Apr. 2, 2002
No. 02-23

April's Alaska Economic Trends Reviews Year 2001

The year 2001 marked the thirteenth consecutive year of job growth in Alaska, the second longest period of expansion in the state's history, according to this month's issue of Alaska Economic Trends.

According to the Department of Labor and Workforce Development's monthly publication, 2001 also marked the state's second lowest unemployment rate in its history at 6.3 percent.

Among 2001's highlights:

--Alaska was one of only a few states whose unemployment rate did not increase.

--A good year for the oil industry, which added another 1,000 jobs.

--A strong year for construction.

--The services sector contributed the biggest portion of the year's job growth, adding 2,700 jobs, led by health services, social services, and engineering and management services.

Geographically, the northern region of the state, where most of the oil industry jobs were located, accounted for the highest percentage of job growth at 5.5%, followed by more broad-based growth in Anchorage at 2.6%, Fairbanks at 2.5% and statewide at 2.1%.

The April issue of Alaska Economic Trends also focuses on the Census and Geographic Information Network's online information, employee benefits, and employment scene.

Alaska Economic Trends is available online.

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