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Demographics
  
At the end of January 2010, there were 31,500 workers employed in the Bemidji laborshed area. There was also an overall 8.5% growth in the working age population in that laborshed over the last four years with an 11.1% growth rate in Beltrami County. The City of Bemidji / Beltrami County Labor Market Area (LMA) includes Beltrami, Hubbard and Clearwater Counties. Census commuting data shows that Beltrami County draws 16% of its workers from surrounding counties, mainly Hubbard (7.8%) and Clearwater (3.4%). Growth in the working-age population and relatively higher unemployment indicates worker availability. The growth trend of the Beltrami County LMA working-age population demonstrates the ability to supply workers for new and expanding businesses. In addition, unemployed workers are available. The higher unemployment rate compared to Minnesota and the U.S. indicates a relatively loose labor market.
Labor Statistics,
May, 2010 |
| County |
Labor Force |
Employed |
Unemployed |
| Number |
Rate |
| Beltrami |
21,292 |
19,702 |
1.590 |
7.5% |
| Hubbard |
9,368 |
8,542 |
826 |
8.8% |
| Clearwater |
4,192 |
3,655 |
527 |
12.6% |
| LMA Total |
34,852 |
31,899 |
2943 |
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| Unemployment Rate Comparison |
Minnesota |
6.4% |
| U.S. |
9.3% |
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| Source: Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). |
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