Newly released 2025 annual employment and wage data provides a detailed look at Southeast Minnesota's economy. This comprehensive dataset, which covers about 95% of all jobs in the region, tracks covered employment and wages at establishments across every industry. Southeast performed well in 2025, with nearly 249,000 jobs spread across almost 13,700 establishments (Table 1). The region added 1,700 jobs over the year, a 0.7% increase, which was the largest gain among all six planning regions in Minnesota. This steady growth reflects a diverse economy, even as individual industries chart vastly different courses.

Top Three Growing Industries

Mining led all industries in percentage terms, posting a 6.6% increase, though the sector added only 14 jobs due to its small employment base in the region. Southeast Minnesota's mining activity centers on silica sand extraction and limestone quarrying for construction materials.

Construction claimed the second spot with 411 added jobs, a 4% increase that was the strongest performance of any planning region in the state. The gains were heavily concentrated at Specialty Trade Contractors, which includes site preparation, plumbing, electrical work, roofing and excavation. This subsector alone contributed 257 net new jobs, while Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction added another 125 positions. This growth reflects ongoing investment in both residential and commercial development throughout Southeast Minnesota.

Finally, Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services rounded out the top three with 283 new jobs, a 3.9% increase over the year. Administrative and Support Services drove the growth, adding 296 jobs. This sector's expansion often reflects broader business activity, as growing companies require more administrative, staffing, and business support services.

Bottom Three Declining Industries

On the other end of the spectrum, Information experienced the steepest decline, losing 367 jobs or 16.8% over the year. Not only was it the worst performing industry in the region, it was also the worst performance among all planning regions. The Telecommunications subsector bore the brunt of this loss, shedding 300 jobs. These establishments provide voice, data, text, sound, and video transmission services.

Wholesale Trade posted the second-largest decline with 327 jobs lost, a 4.9% reduction. This pattern extended across Minnesota, with all planning regions except Central Minnesota experiencing job cuts in Wholesale Trade. The subsector Merchant Wholesalers of Durable Goods accounted for 261 of these lost jobs.

Other Services completed the bottom three, declining by 130 jobs or 1.9%. Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations drove much of this decrease. Notably, every planning region in the state saw job losses in this industry as well from 2024 to 2025.

Overall, Southeast Minnesota led the state with the highest percentage job growth in 2025, adding 1,711 jobs for a 0.7% increase. Yet that headline masks divergent industry trends. Construction posted the state's strongest gains, Administrative Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services expanded alongside growing business demand, and even small sectors like Mining recorded notable growth. Meanwhile, Information shed many jobs and Wholesale Trade declined statewide. The region's varied industry mix allowed growth sectors to drive overall job gains in the region despite these setbacks.

For more information about industry employment statistics in Southeast Minnesota, contact Amanda Blaschko at Amanda.Blaschko@state.mn.us.