economy

January 12, 2026

Jobs data shows Louisiana 'muddling through': Economist

(The Center Square) − Louisiana’s job market showed modest improvement over the past year, but the state’s economy remains mostly stagnant, an LSU Shreveport economist says.

Jobs data shows Louisiana 'muddling through': Economist

TL;DR

  • Louisiana's unemployment rate decreased to 4.3% in November, below the national average.
  • The number of unemployed individuals in Louisiana declined year-over-year.
  • Louisiana's labor force remained relatively flat over the past year.
  • An LSU Shreveport economist described the state's economic growth as 'muddling through' rather than strong.
  • The state's real GDP and personal income outpaced the U.S. average in the second quarter of 2025.
  • Several major investment projects, including data centers and LNG facilities, have been announced.
  • The growth in the labor force without a rise in unemployment suggests more people are entering the job market.

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