some south dakota professionals in short...

Some South Dakota professionals in short supply

From the November 2008 South Dakota e-Labor Bulletin

As our working population ages and nears retirement, South Dakota is facing the loss of a wealth of experienced people. Having a shortfall of workers is of even more concern in rural areas of the state, especially in certain occupations.

Veterinarians

Veterinarians is one such occupation. According to the first quarter 2008 South Dakota Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages data there are 141 establishments classified within the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code entitled "Offices of Veterinarians." These offices employ 845 people. The bigger question is: are these offices evenly distributed around the state to provide good health to our companion animals, health and profitability to our farmers and ranchers, and safety to our food supply? The distribution actually proves to be uneven, which can cause distress for some farmers and ranchers in more rural areas. In the event of an outbreak of disease in larger animals, veterinarians, in partnership with food inspectors, serve as the first line of defense in controlling the outbreak.

Examination of the distribution of veterinary offices shows Pennington County and the Sioux Falls Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) are home to most of these offices. As these areas are home to the state's two largest cities, this is not surprising. Thirty nine percent of the veterinary offices, which employ 42 percent of the workers in this industry classification, are located in these areas. Recent studies by the American Veterinary Medical Association indicate the national demand for veterinarians will increase by as much as 14 percent by 2016. South Dakota employment projections indicate employment of veterinarians will increase 32 percent during the 2006 to 2016 time period, from 235 workers to 310. The nation's 28 veterinary schools graduate about 2,500 veterinarians annually, a number that has remained stable for at least a couple of decades. The reason the number of graduates isn't increasing is simply a matter of space, which does not allow for larger classes.

In recent years, more of the graduating veterinarians have been women, who tend to practice in small companion animal clinics in the more metropolitan areas. Large animal doctors face long hours, hard physical labor and often long drives to worksites. These are seen as drawbacks to a young woman veterinarian who is trying to balance a career and a family. Being a large animal veterinarian is probably the most physically demanding job of all the areas of practice. Another factor in recently graduated doctors going into

November 2008

Labor Market Information Center South Dakota Department of Labor

South Dakota e-Labor Bulletin November 2008

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predominately small animal practices is that owners of companion animals are more likely to spend hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars on their care. For owners of larger animals, economics plays a bigger role in decisions about treating the animal.

Students also come out of school with a large debt and are looking for the fastest way to pay off that debt. A clinic for small animals is usually more lucrative than a practice for large animals.

As a nation, we are being drawn away from our rural roots and into urban areas. This leaves fewer people on the farm and a diminished pool of candidates for veterinary school, as it has been found students who grew up on a farm around large animals are more inclined to be interested in practicing veterinary medicine with large animals. Another draw to urban areas for veterinarians is the likelihood a spouse will find better job opportunities.

For all of these reasons it has been noted large animal veterinarians are, on average, older than small animal vets. With an aging workforce and baby boomers starting to retire, it is becoming a critical issue more graduates of veterinary medicine focus their practice on larger animals. Several states, schools and national organizations are brainstorming ideas to address this issue. Some schools are trying to add classes and enlarge facilities. South Dakota State University has a pre-veterinary medicine program and tries to immerse students in large animal work at an early point in their studies. South Dakota, along with several other states, has programs in place to reduce the cost of veterinary school for students in return for agreeing to practice in rural areas with large animals. There are national plans in the works to provide grants to schools for use by students who are willing to go into large animal practice, but the structure and funding are not yet established.

Attorneys

South Dakota is facing a similar situation with attorneys in rural areas. There are currently 439 law offices which employ 1,564 employees. According to the first quarter 2008 Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages data, there are nine counties which do not have any lawyer offices; only two of these counties are in the East River area. The Sioux Falls MSA and Pennington County account for 45.8 percent of all law offices in the state. The counties which house the two interstates which cross South Dakota account for 86.3 percent of all lawyer offices in the state. This leaves some large areas underserved by legal representation. Research indicates this is a global problem. Articles in trade journals and newspapers from Japan, England, Australia and the Middle East address the dire need for lawyers in rural areas.

As is true with veterinarians, unless a recently graduated law student has ties to a rural area, he or she is likely to settle in the more populated areas of the state where a spouse can find work and a steadier income allowing for the repayment of student loans. The cost of malpractice insurance and dues are the same no matter where you practice, although the cost of setting up a practice would probably be lower in a more rural area. Studies have shown since the early 1990s about 60 percent of law school graduates have been women,many of which take a hiatus from the profession when they start raising families and find it difficult to balance work and family obligations.

One option to alleviate the shortage of attorneys in rural areas is to make more use of video conferencing. As technology and access to these services improves, it becomes easier to utilize. A web cam mounted on a rancher's computer to communicate with a lawyer is almost as good as sitting in the attorney's office, and much more economical than traveling a hundred miles and at least a half a day for a meeting.

Another option being endorsed by paralegal assistance organizations is to make greater use of this profession; much like is being done with physician assistants. These individuals can do much of the preparatory, consultation and information gathering before an attorney becomes involved with a case. They draft court documents, wills and correspondence. They can interview the individuals involved and do research. All of these


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tasks help free up an attorney's time for more pressing issues. There was a time when paralegals were not seen as having the right or knowledge necessary for these undertakings, but times are changing and these practices are becoming more accepted.

Healthcare Providers

The aging population and the desire of individuals to stay as healthy and active as long as possible are the primary reasons the healthcare industry is expected to grow. For the 2006-2016 time period, it is expected there will be 11,190 jobs added to the healthcare industry in South Dakota. The demand for these workers exists across the state, but especially in the rural areas. The demand for healthcare workers includes several occupations, such as doctors, nurses, physical therapists, physical therapy assistants and pharmacists. Healthcare establishments in South Dakota often use temporary help agencies to assist in meeting staffing needs, sometimes even workers from other states, to help staff rural clinics and hospitals. These workers serve an area for several weeks up to several months before being transferred to their next assignment.

A solution to help address the demand for pharmacists is the utilization of telepharmacy centers. North Dakota uses this program to help alleviate the shortage of pharmacists; South Dakota is looking at the program as well. Telepharmacy centers allow pharmacy technicians to validate prescriptions with licensed pharmacists using remote cameras. When the prescription is approved, the patients use the same electronic link or remote video to have a consultation with the pharmacist at the "hub pharmacy," after which the pharmacy technician fills the prescription. At this time several states are considering making use of the same system. This means it is no longer necessary for patients to travel long distances, sometimes in winter conditions, to fill prescriptions or to plan far enough ahead to order them by mail.

South Dakota is feeling the pain of understaffed occupations in rural areas, and only a few have been examined in this article. Many, if not all, states and even foreign countries with rural or isolated areas are feeling the same pains. Partner agencies involved in the Workforce 2025 initiative are developing strategies to help alleviate the situation. Ideas such as adding space in college programs to graduate more professionals, loan forgiveness or reductions for working in rural areas, internships and programs to encourage high school students toward these fields of study are being examined. Continued technological advancements coupled with South Dakotans' ingenuity and resourcefulness will no doubt be invaluable in developing and implementing these and additional solutions to challenges of occupational supply in our rural areas.

Overview of the Labor Market in October

Labor Supply

The number of South Dakotans who would be available to staff a new or expanding business, or South Dakota's labor supply, was estimated at 72,270 in October. Included in this labor supply are those who currently hold jobs (and would like to change) and those who, for a variety of reasons, do not have jobs. (See related data.)

Labor Force

South Dakota's seasonally adjusted labor force of 447,000 in October 2008 was up from the October 2007 estimate of 444,000. This was influenced by increases in both the employed and unemployed.

The corresponding October 2008 seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 3.3 percent is higher than the rate of 2.9 percent for October 2007. Despite this increase, the current South Dakota unemployment rate of 3.3 percent remains significantly lower than the national rate of 6.5 percent. (See related data.)


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The concepts and definitions underlying the state labor force data come from the Current Population Survey (CPS), the household survey which is the official measure of the labor force for the nation. The statewide estimate of the number of nonfarm jobs is a component of the model used to produce the labor force estimates. Other data used in this model include the number of initial unemployment insurance claims and survey data from the Current Population Survey (CPS) which is specific to the state.

Although state specific data is used in the production of the labor force estimates for South Dakota, the state monthly model estimates are controlled in "real time" to sum to national monthly labor force estimates from the CPS. Therefore, variation in the estimates of the employed and unemployed are somewhat controlled by what is happening nationally. (See methodology.)

As of October 2008, South Dakota had one of the lowest unemployment rates in the nation. (See national news release.)

South Dakota Nonfarm Wage & Salaried Workers by Industry

This data is not seasonally adjusted.

Over-the-month comparisons

Based on a monthly survey of South Dakota establishments where employment data is collected for the pay periods that occur during the 12th of the month, preliminary estimates show total nonfarm wage and salaried workers decreased by 2,400 workers (or 0.6 percent) from September 2008 to October 2008. (See table of related data.)

The seasonal loss is within historical patterns derived from previous September to October employment level changes, but it is one of the higher losses for this time period. (See related historical data.)

It is likely poor economic news at the national and world levels, along with a tight election season where businesses were unsure of our nation's future direction, had many South Dakota businesses being more conservative than usual regarding expansion.

Leisure and hospitality, along with professional and business services, were the two super sectors producing most of the over-the-month job losses. Leisure and hospitality showed an estimated 2,000 worker (or 4.4 percent) seasonal loss, which was well within historical limits for this time frame. Professional and business services produced an unusually sharp September to October worker drop of 800 workers (or 2.8 percent). The noticeable decline will likely be revised to some degree next month, as there were a number of reporters which did not submit their survey data before estimations were produced. The December 2008 news release, which will include revised September to October final estimates and October to November 2008 preliminary estimates, will provide a much better picture of what is really happening in this industry.

Government education showed the largest increases, with more work study students and support staff being hired as the new school year continues. State government education added 700 workers (or 8.0 percent), and local government education added 800 workers (or 3.2 percent).

Over-the-year comparisons

Based on a monthly survey of South Dakota establishments, preliminary estimates show total nonfarm wage and salaried workers increased by 4,900 employees (or 1.2 percent) from October 2007 to October 2008.


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South Dakota's increasing growth is in sharp contrast to national total nonfarm estimates, which have shown five months of over-the-year worker losses that have been getting more pronounced as time progresses. (Click here for national estimates.)

The construction, manufacturing and financial activities industries at the national level continue with a long-established negative worker trend, while the same industries in South Dakota have remained stable or are producing some of the strongest over-the-year growth.

As customary, preliminary benchmark revisions are being released so over-the-year growth can be compared more accurately. The final CES benchmark revisions will be published in March 2009 with the publication of January 2009 employment data.

Preliminary Benchmark Results for October 2007 Preliminary benchmark results show October 2007 total nonfarm employment will be revised upward by 100 workers (or 0.0 percent) to a new level of 410,300 total nonfarm employees. Preliminary Benchmark Results for March 2008 Preliminary benchmark results show March 2008 total nonfarm employment will be revised upward by 400 workers (0.1 percent) to a new level of 403,600 total nonfarm employees and a March 2007 to March 2008 growth of 7,200 workers (or 1.8 percent).

Preliminary Benchmark Results for June 2008 Preliminary benchmark results show June 2008 total nonfarm employment will be revised downward by 100 workers (0.0 percent) to a new level of 421,100 total nonfarm employees and a over-the-year growth of 4,500 workers (or 1.1 percent).

As you can see, the benchmark revisions are small, and at this time the Department of Labor would like to thank all of those businesses that report their data and which made these accurate estimations possible.

Natural resources, mining and construction grew by 300 workers (or 1.2 percent). According to the U.S. Census Bureau, South Dakota's new housing permits are down this year. It is probable the worker growth is coming from increased new business building, mining expansions and business and home improvements. South Dakota is fortunate its better paying industries are still expanding and hiring more workers, which is allowing more spending by certain businesses and consumers on construction projects.

Manufacturing showed its 10th consecutive month of over-the-year growth by producing an October 2007 to October 2008 worker gain of 1,100 workers (or 2.6 percent). With even more planned large manufacturing businesses coming on-line in the future, the industry is looking good overall. An in-depth analysis by the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis shows surveyed manufacturers in South Dakota are expecting solid growth in 2008, despite a slowing national economy. (See the survey.)

Worker levels in the financial activities industry grew by 500 workers (or 1.6 percent) over the year. In the 1990s, financial activities was one of South Dakota's fastest growing industries. The growth was a result of banking reform laws easing competition restrictions while allowing institutions to expand their financial services. During the 1990s and into 2001, the industry enjoyed over a 60 percent increase in workers. As with most rapidly expanding industries, major mergers and reorganizations started taking place, which basically stagnated or decreased worker growth from 2002 to 2004. From 2004 to date, South Dakota financial activities have been growing. The current national financial crisis has not affected South Dakota financial activities to near the degree as many other states. South Dakota financial activity businesses apparently were much more cautious on their loaning procedures, and the businesses have not suffered from non-collectable loans to near the degree as national financial activity businesses.


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Professional and business services added 400 workers (or 1.5 percent), which is good news, as it indicates other industries are still expanding to the point they need additional help from professional and business services.

The health care and social services industry produced an increase of 2,000 workers (or 3.7 percent) over the year. South Dakota healthcare worker numbers have increased every year since the specific data was first recorded in 1972.

Nonfarm Wage and Salaried Workers in the Metropolitan Statistical Areas

Rapid City MSA

Based on preliminary estimates from the monthly survey of Rapid City MSA establishments, the total nonfarm wage and salaried worker count from September 2008 to October 2008 decreased by 600 workers (or 1.0 percent). The seasonal loss is within historical patterns derived from previous September to October employment level changes and was made up entirely by non-government businesses. (See related data.).

From October 2007 to October 2008, the Rapid City MSA nonfarm wage and salaried worker levels increased by 900 employees (or 1.5 percent). Considering the Rapid City MSA is known as a tourist attraction, the MSA has been doing well over the year. (See related historical data.)

Sioux Falls MSA

Based on preliminary estimates from the monthly survey of Sioux Falls MSA establishments, the total nonfarm wage and salaried worker count from September 2008 to October 2008 decreased by 400 workers (or 0.3 percent). (See related data.)

From October 2007 to October 2008, the Sioux Falls MSA had a 2,200 (or 1.6 percent) nonfarm wage and salaried worker increase. Except for leisure and hospitality, all industries showed growth or were unchanged. (See related historical data.)


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South Dakota Nonfarm Worker Levels

Industries October

2008September

2008

October

2007

% Chg Last

Month

% ChgLast Year

TOTAL 415,100 417,500 410,200 -0.6 1.2Total Private 338,400 341,400 333,900 -0.9 1.3Goods Producing 67,800 68,300 66,400 -0.7 2.1Service Providing 347,300 349,200 343,800 -0.5 1.0Private Service Providing 270,600 273,100 267,500 -0.9 1.2Natural Resources/Mining/Construction

24,700 25,200 24,400 -2.0 1.2

Manufacturing 43,100 43,100 42,000 0.0 2.6Trade Trans/Util 82,500 82,200 82,700 0.4 -0.2 Wholesale Trade 18,900 18,700 19,000 1.1 -0.5 Retail Trade 50,200 50,100 50,800 0.2 -1.2 Trans/Warehsing/Util 13,400 13,400 12,900 0.0 3.9Information 7,000 7,000 7,100 0.0 -1.4Financial Activities 31,400 31,600 30,900 -0.6 1.6Prof Bus Services 27,900 28,700 27,500 -2.8 1.5 Educational Services 7,100 6,900 6,800 2.9 4.4 Hlth Care/Soc Assist 55,900 55,800 53,900 0.2 3.7Leisure/Hospitality 43,000 45,000 42,700 -4.4 0.7Other Services 15,800 15,900 15,900 -0.6 -0.6Government 76,700 76,100 76,300 0.8 0.5 Federal 11,300 11,500 11,100 -1.7 1.8 State 18,400 17,800 18,200 3.4 1.1 Local 47,000 46,800 47,000 0.4 0.0 2008 data is preliminary and subject to revision. Data may not sum to totals because of rounding.Produced in cooperation with the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.


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Rapid City Metropolitan Statistical Area Nonfarm Worker Levels

Industries October

2008September

2008

October

2007

% Chg Last

Month

% ChgLast Year

Rapid City MSA Total 62,000 62,600 61,100 -1.0 1.5Total Private 51,600 52,600 51,000 -1.9 1.2Goods Producing 8,300 8,400 8,600 -1.2 -3.5Service-Providing 53,700 54,200 52,500 -0.9 2.3Private Service Providing 43,300 44,200 42,400 -2.0 2.1Natural Resources/Mining/Construction

5,200 5,300 5,200 -1.9 0.0

Manufacturing 3,100 3,100 3,400 0.0 -8.8Trade/Transportation/Utilities 13,000 13,100 13,000 -0.8 0.0Wholesale Trade 2,100 2,100 2,100 0.0 0.0Retail Trade 8,700 8,800 8,800 -1.1 -1.1Transportation/Warehousing/Utilities 2,200 2,200 2,100 0.0 4.8Information 1,000 1,100 1,100 -9.1 -9.1Financial Activities 3,800 3,900 3,700 -2.6 2.7Professional/Business Services 4,700 4,800 4,400 -2.1 6.8Educational/Health Services 9,500 9,400 9,300 1.1 2.2Leisure/Hospitality 8,500 9,100 8,200 -6.6 3.7Other Services 2,800 2,800 2,700 0.0 3.7Government 10,400 10,000 10,100 4.0 3.0

2008 data is preliminary and subject to revision. Data may not sum to totals because of rounding.The Sioux Falls MSA includes the following counties: Lincoln, McCook, Minnehaha and Turner.Produced in cooperation with the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.


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Sioux Falls Metropolitan Statistical Area Nonfarm Worker Levels

Industries October

2008September

2008

October

2007

% Chg Last

Month

% ChgLast Year

Sioux Falls MSA Total 137,100 137,500 134,900 -0.3 1.6Total Private 124,700 125,100 122,700 -0.3 1.6Goods Producing 21,300 21,300 21,100 0.0 0.9Service-Providing 115,800 116,200 113,800 -0.3 1.8Private Service Providing 103,400 103,800 101,600 -0.4 1.8Natural Resources/Mining/Construction

8,200 8,300 8,200 -1.2 0.0

Manufacturing 13,100 13,000 12,900 0.8 1.6Trade/Transportation/Utilities 29,000 28,800 28,900 0.7 0.3Wholesale Trade 6,800 7,000 6,800 -2.9 0.0Retail Trade 16,900 16,600 16,900 1.8 0.0Transportation/Warehousing/Utilities 5,300 5,200 5,200 1.9 1.9Information 3,200 3,200 3,200 0.0 0.0Financial Activities 17,100 17,200 16,700 -0.6 2.4Professional/Business Services 11,400 11,600 11,200 -1.7 1.8Educational/Health Services 25,300 25,200 24,100 0.4 5.0Leisure/Hospitality 12,700 13,200 12,800 -3.8 -0.8Other Services 4,700 4,600 4,700 2.2 0.0Government 12,400 12,400 12,200 0.0 1.6

2008 data is preliminary and subject to revision. Data may not sum to totals because of rounding.County nonfarm wage and salaried worker levels by industry are no longer available.Produced in cooperation with the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.


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South Dakota Statistical Areas Nonfarm Worker Levels

Areas October 2008 October 2007Aberdeen MiSA 22,835 22,780Brookings MiSA 20,240 19,680Huron MiSA 8,695 8,410Mitchell MiSA 13,295 13,285Pierre MiSA 11,955 11,880Spearfish MiSA 12,280 12,165Vermillion MiSA 7,270 7,165Watertown MiSA 18,210 18,275Yankton MiSA 13,155 13,315Rapid City MSA 62,000 61,100Sioux Falls MSA 137,100 134,900Dewey-Ziebach LMA 2,350 2,370Aurora County 805 725Bennett County 855 885Bon Homme County 1,835 1,905Brule County 2,285 2,290Buffalo County 455 490Butte County 2,985 2,910Campbell County 455 455Charles Mix County 3,425 3,430Clark County 930 930Corson County 925 915Custer County 2,675 2,620Day County 2,135 2,100Deuel County 1,725 1,670Douglas County 1,110 1,105Fall River County 2,765 2,690Faulk County 620 605Grant County 3,800 3,815Gregory County 1,600 1,625Haakon County 760 755Hand County 1,265 1,250Harding County 380 410Hutchinson County 2,665 2,660Hyde County 540 540Jackson County 760 775Jerauld County 1,515 1,375Jones County 490 500Kingsbury County 1,865 1,830Lake County 5,170 5,185Lyman County 1,625 1,600McPherson County 650 675Marshall County 1,430 1,415Mellette County 400 390


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Miner County 920 865Moody County 2,360 2,365Perkins County 1,205 1,215Potter County 905 930Roberts County 3,815 3,770Sanborn County 735 780Shannon County 3,975 3,985Spink County 2,365 2,425Sully County 495 505Todd County 2,975 2,975Tripp County 2,230 2,270Union County 10,495 9,865Walworth County 2,340 2,395

2008 data is preliminary and subject to revision. Data may not sum to totals because of rounding.County nonfarm wage and salaried worker levels by industry are no longer available.The Sioux Falls MSA includes the following counties: Lincoln, McCook, Minnehaha and Turner.


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South Dakota Labor Supply

October 2008

South Dakota 72,270 Hanson County 135Rapid City MSA 10,430 Harding County 70Sioux Falls MSA 22,620 Hughes County 1,475Aurora County 165 Hutchinson County 385Beadle County 1,405 Hyde County 85Bennett County 375 Jackson County 270Bon Homme County 385 Jerauld County 165Brookings County 3,010 Jones County 60Brown County 3,315 Kingsbury County 310Brule County 370 Lake County 735Buffalo County 380 Lawrence County 2,280Butte County 585 Lyman County 360Campbell County 85 McPherson County 165Charles Mix County 700 Marshall County 295Clark County 210 Mellette County 160Clay County 1,425 Miner County 170Codington County 2,510 Moody County 425Corson County 345 Perkins County 210Custer County 435 Potter County 165Davison County 1,990 Roberts County 870Day County 395 Sanborn County 120Deuel County 230 Shannon County 1,995Dewey County 785 Spink County 440Douglas County 170 Stanley County 245Edmunds County 215 Sully County 85Fall River County 580 Todd County 1,175Faulk County 125 Tripp County 430Grant County 525 Union County 1,725Gregory County 265 Walworth County 440Haakon County 95 Yankton County 1,920Hamlin County 320 Ziebach County 270Hand County 190


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United States & South Dakota Seasonally Adjusted Labor Force

October 2008*

October 2007

Areas Labor Force Employment Unemployment Rate Labor Force Employment Unemployment RateUnited States 155,038,000 144,958,000 10,800,000 6.5% 153,306,000 146,016,000 7,291,000 4.8%South Dakota 447,000 432,400 14,500 3.3% 444,000 431,000 12,900 2.9%

Estimates for 2000 to 2007 have been recently updated.Produced in cooperation with the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.


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South Dakota & Counties Not Seasonally Adjusted Labor Force

October 2008

October 2007

Areas Labor Force Employment Unemployment Rate Labor Force Employment Unemployment RateSOUTH DAKOTA 447,745 435,100 12,645 2.8 443,970 432,955 11,015 2.5Aurora County 1,480 1,430 50 3.2 1,405 1,365 40 2.8Beadle County 9,790 9,570 220 2.2 9,440 9,230 210 2.2Bennett County 1,360 1,290 70 5.1 1,445 1,395 50 3.4Bon Homme County 2,965 2,845 120 4.0 2,960 2,855 105 3.5Brookings County 20,600 20,185 415 2.0 19,795 19,395 400 2.0Brown County 21,255 20,790 465 2.2 21,145 20,720 425 2.0Brule County 2,800 2,730 70 2.5 2,715 2,650 65 2.3Buffalo County 465 405 60 13.2 480 430 50 10.1Butte County 5,495 5,355 140 2.6 5,525 5,395 130 2.3Campbell County 840 815 25 3.1 860 840 20 2.3Charles Mix County 3,995 3,840 155 3.9 4,020 3,890 130 3.2Clark County 1,815 1,755 60 3.4 1,855 1,805 50 2.8Clay County 7,750 7,555 195 2.5 7,640 7,455 185 2.4Codington County 16,825 16,395 430 2.6 17,050 16,685 365 2.2Corson County 1,350 1,295 55 4.2 1,445 1,370 75 5.3Custer County 4,810 4,680 130 2.7 4,565 4,450 115 2.5Davison County 11,335 11,060 275 2.4 11,105 10,875 230 2.1Day County 2,915 2,815 100 3.5 2,860 2,760 100 3.5Deuel County 2,775 2,705 70 2.6 2,695 2,630 65 2.4Dewey County 2,450 2,250 200 8.1 2,575 2,385 190 7.3Douglas County 1,675 1,630 45 2.7 1,620 1,580 40 2.4Edmunds County 2,130 2,070 60 2.9 2,120 2,060 60 2.7Fall River County 3,720 3,600 120 3.3 3,730 3,615 115 3.0Faulk County 1,155 1,120 35 3.0 1,075 1,045 30 3.0Grant County 4,180 4,065 115 2.8 4,160 4,060 100 2.4Gregory County 2,430 2,365 65 2.7 2,405 2,335 70 2.9Haakon County 1,150 1,125 25 2.1 1,140 1,115 25 2.1Hamlin County 3,005 2,925 80 2.7 3,055 2,980 75 2.5Hand County 1,890 1,845 45 2.3 1,785 1,740 45 2.6Hanson County 2,020 1,960 60 2.9 1,985 1,930 55 2.7Harding County 720 700 20 2.9 720 700 20 2.5Hughes County 10,125 9,905 220 2.2 10,470 10,255 215 2.1Hutchinson County 3,715 3,615 100 2.7 3,680 3,585 95 2.6Hyde County 720 700 20 2.9 725 705 20 2.8Jackson County 1,255 1,165 90 7.1 1,230 1,180 50 4.0Jerauld County 1,450 1,420 30 2.0 1,340 1,310 30 2.1Jones County 685 670 15 2.2 730 715 15 1.9Kingsbury County 3,070 2,990 80 2.6 2,920 2,845 75 2.5Lake County 7,000 6,805 195 2.8 6,915 6,745 170 2.4Lawrence County 13,650 13,265 385 2.8 13,440 13,115 325 2.4


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Lincoln County 21,565 21,070 495 2.3 21,340 20,885 455 2.1Lyman County 2,010 1,935 75 3.8 2,000 1,925 75 3.8McCook County 3,140 3,005 135 4.2 3,050 2,980 70 2.2McPherson County 1,105 1,065 40 3.5 1,130 1,090 40 3.4Marshall County 2,080 2,000 80 3.8 2,075 2,010 65 3.1Meade County 13,000 12,610 390 3.0 12,860 12,525 335 2.6Mellette County 910 865 45 5.2 930 895 35 3.7Miner County 1,300 1,250 50 3.7 1,220 1,185 35 2.8Minnehaha County 100,920 98,400 2,520 2.5 99,640 97,535 2,105 2.1Moody County 4,105 3,960 145 3.5 4,225 4,095 130 3.1Pennington County 54,525 52,985 1,540 2.8 54,005 52,630 1,375 2.5Perkins County 1,615 1,575 40 2.5 1,625 1,580 45 2.7Potter County 1,300 1,260 40 2.9 1,370 1,335 35 2.6Roberts County 5,020 4,845 175 3.4 4,985 4,845 140 2.8Sanborn County 1,425 1,385 40 2.9 1,455 1,420 35 2.3Shannon County 3,850 3,480 370 9.6 3,825 3,550 275 7.2Spink County 3,320 3,230 90 2.8 3,430 3,335 95 2.8Stanley County 1,925 1,880 45 2.2 1,985 1,945 40 1.9Sully County 1,005 980 25 2.4 1,055 1,035 20 1.9Todd County 3,480 3,215 265 7.6 3,585 3,400 185 5.2Tripp County 2,965 2,885 80 2.6 2,955 2,880 75 2.5Turner County 4,775 4,640 135 2.8 4,715 4,600 115 2.5Union County 7,965 7,720 245 3.1 8,045 7,840 205 2.5Walworth County 2,660 2,570 90 3.4 2,705 2,625 80 2.9Yankton County 12,110 11,785 325 2.7 12,040 11,750 290 2.4Ziebach County 865 810 55 6.5 920 860 60 6.4

Estimates for 2000 to 2007 have been recently updated.Produced in cooperation with the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.


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South Dakota Areas Not Seasonally Adjusted Labor Force

October 2008*

October 2007

Areas Labor Force Employment Unemployment Rate Labor Force Employment Unemployment RateRapid City MSA 67,525 65,595 1,930 2.9 66,865 65,155 1,710 2.6Sioux Falls MSA 130,405 127,120 3,285 2.5 128,745 126,005 2,740 2.1Aberdeen MiSA 23,385 22,860 525 2.2 23,270 22,785 485 2.1Brookings MiSA 20,600 20,185 415 2.0 19,795 19,395 400 2.0Huron MiSA 9,790 9,570 220 2.2 9,440 9,230 210 2.2Mitchell MiSA 13,360 13,025 335 2.5 13,090 12,805 285 2.2Pierre MiSA 12,050 11,785 265 2.2 12,455 12,200 255 2.0Spearfish MiSA 13,650 13,265 385 2.8 13,440 13,115 325 2.4Vermillion MiSA 7,750 7,555 195 2.5 7,640 7,455 185 2.4Watertown MiSA 19,830 19,320 510 2.6 20,105 19,660 445 2.2Yankton MiSA 12,110 11,785 325 2.7 12,040 11,750 290 2.4Dewey-Ziebach LMA 3,310 3,055 255 7.7 3,495 3,245 250 7.1

Estimates for 2000 to 2007 have been recently updated.Estimates for the latest year are subject to revision early the following calendar year.Produced in cooperation with the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.


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South Dakota Cities Not Seasonally Adjusted Labor Force

October 2008*Areas Labor Force Employment Unemployment Rate

Aberdeen City 14,880 14,545 335 2.3%Brookings City 13,940 13,660 280 2.0%Huron City 6,855 6,690 165 2.4%Mitchell City 8,810 8,595 215 2.5%Pierre City 8,540 8,355 185 2.2%Rapid City City 36,015 34,880 1,135 3.2%Sioux Falls City 88,495 86,190 2,305 2.6%Sioux Falls City - Lincoln 8,700 8,490 210 2.4%Sioux Falls City - Minnehaha 79,800 77,705 2,095 2.6%Spearfish City 5,390 5,220 170 3.2%Vermillion City 6,095 5,950 145 2.4%Watertown City 13,095 12,735 360 2.8%Yankton City 7,675 7,450 225 2.9%

*Data is preliminary and subject to revision. Data may not sum to totals because of rounding. Produced in cooperation with the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.


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South Dakota Annualized Pay of Covered Workers

April 2007 to March 2008* Statewide $32,048 Hutchinson County $24,447Rapid City MSA $31,523 Hyde County $26,414Sioux Falls MSA $36,444 Jackson County $23,511Aurora County $24,022 Jerauld County $26,118Beadle County $29,980 Jones County $21,384Bennett County $23,616 Kingsbury County $26,684Bon Homme County $24,093 Lake County $28,016Brookings County $32,712 Lawrence County $27,120Brown County $30,695 Lincoln County $34,777Brule County $22,654 Lyman County $22,118Buffalo County $31,613 McCook County $24,716Butte County $25,006 McPherson County $20,858Campbell County $21,187 Marshall County $26,432Charles Mix County $24,448 Meade County $29,932Clark County $23,943 Mellette County $20,300Clay County $28,422 Miner County $25,393Codington County $29,900 Minnehaha County $36,971Corson County $25,632 Moody County $29,996Custer County $26,503 Pennington County $31,731Davison County $28,977 Perkins County $22,068Day County $22,792 Potter County $22,591Deuel County $31,467 Roberts County $24,560Dewey County $29,161 Sanborn County $23,525Douglas County $24,018 Shannon County $31,003Edmunds County $24,590 Spink County $25,148Fall River County $28,039 Stanley County $25,890Faulk County $23,166 Sully County $23,399Grant County $30,070 Todd County $28,909Gregory County $23,037 Tripp County $24,255Haakon County $25,261 Turner County $25,711Hamlin County $26,923 Union County $39,320Hand County $23,789 Walworth County $22,977Hanson County $25,443 Yankton County $30,540Harding County $28,383 Ziebach County $28,906Hughes County $32,730 *This data is updated quarterly.


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South Dakota Local Office Activities

October 2007 -

September 2008

October 2006 - September

2007% Chg

Last Year

ActivitiesJob Seekers 74,571 76,101 -2.0%Entered Employments 28,011 27,699 1.1%Job Openings Received 89,189 85,298 4.6%


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South Dakota Department of Labor Unemployment Insurance Activities

October

2008September

2008October

2007% Chg

Last Month

% ChgLast Year

Unemployment Insurance ActivitiesInitial Claims 1,838 1,046 1,391 75.7% 32.1%Weeks Claimed 5,900 5,363 4,441 10.0% 32.9%Amount of Benefit Payments $1,016,169 $1,089,876 $762,277 -6.8% 33.3%Unemployment Trust Fund Balance $29,550,622 $28,245,182 $26,034,586 4.6% 13.5%


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Unemployment Insurance Weeks Claimed South Residents By County

October 2008

Aurora 31 Fall River 30 Marshall 26Beadle 79 Faulk 3 Meade 195Bennett 65 Grant 35 Mellette 30Bon Homme 29 Gregory 25 Miner 30Brookings 82 Haakon 1 Minnehaha 1487Brown 108 Hamlin 31 Moody 53Brule 16 Hand 6 Pennington 842Buffalo 69 Hanson 29 Perkins 4Butte 50 Harding 4 Potter 12Campbell 6 Hughes 43 Roberts 87Charles Mix 71 Hutchinson 27 Sanborn 22Clark 16 Hyde 6 Shannon 224Clay 58 Jackson 68 Spink 36Codington 251 Jerauld 6 Stanley 15Corson 0 Jones 0 Sully 0Custer 43 Kingsbury 35 Todd 156Davison 115 Lake 116 Tripp 8Day 59 Lawrence 195 Turner 51Deuel 19 Lincoln 193 Union 87Dewey 59 Lyman 37 Walworth 28Douglas 13 McCook 115 Yankton 129Edmunds 19 McPherson 16 Ziebach 10


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National Economic Indicators

October

2008September

2008October

2007% Chg

Last Month% Chg

Last Year

Consumer Price Index 216.6 218.8 208.9 -1.0% 3.7%Nonfarm Payroll Employment 137.7 137.4 138.8 0.2% -0.8%Privately Owned Housing Starts 791 828 1,275 -4.5% -38.0%Bank Prime Loan Rate 4.56 5.00 7.74 -8.8% -41.1%


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