Louisiana population gains fuel job growth

Louisiana continues to have more people moving into the state than moving out, contributing to a job growth rate twice that of the rest of the South, according to data released by the U.S. Census Bureau. Louisiana gained more than 6,100 people in the 12-month period that ended July 1, and more than 12,000 people from April 1, 2010 through July 1, 2011. This latest measure of population growth continues a strong trend for Louisiana, which had experienced more than 20 consecutive years of population declines. The positive in-migration numbers have accompanied economic growth. For example, Louisiana has had 14 consecutive months of year-over-year private-sector job growth. Over the past 12 months, Louisiana has experienced a 2.5% job growth rate, while the South and the U.S. as a whole grew by 1.2%. Additionally, Louisiana and Texas are the only two states in the South that have more jobs today than at the beginning of the national recession. Since 2008, the state says it has attracted business development projects that will result in more than 46,000 new jobs and more than $10.5 billion in private capital investment.