For the last two weeks, I reported the 2024 growth in total employment numbers for the Augusta Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA). This week, I will examine which sectors contributed the most to the overall growth in 2024.
Education and health services saw the largest change in employment and the largest percentage change. Employment increased by over 2,300 in this sector, or 6.0%. (SEE CHARTS BELOW)
The growth in this sector represents somewhat of a double-edged sword for the economy. Some of the growth no doubt comes from changing demographics, such as an aging population. However, some of the growth may be because residents in Augusta are unhealthy. According to County Health Rankings, in Richmond County, premature death and the percentage of the population self-reporting poor or fair health are above state and national averages. Smoking and obesity, are also above average. In Columbia County, these health statistics are generally better than the national and state average, with the exception of obesity which is the same.
The second largest increase in employment was in professional and business services, which grew by just under 700, or 2.0%. The second highest percentage change in employment was in financial activities at 2.7%, or 200 jobs.
Manufacturing employment grew by 130 (0.5%) and government employment increased by just under 500 (1.1%). State and local government employment increased by 205 (1.0%) and 286 (2.2%) respectively, while federal government employment was unchanged. Given the Presidential executive orders, it will be interesting to watch the federal government employment numbers this year. Currently, federal government employment is 10,000.
All other sectors lost employment or remained unchanged. Mining, logging, and construction witnessed the largest fall in employment of just under 400 which was also the largest percentage decline (-2.6%). Transportation and utilities employment fell 200 (-2.2%) and leisure and hospitality employment fell 161 (-0.6%). Retail and wholesale trade employment each fell by 100.