Paychex | IHS Small Business Jobs Index Indicates Continued Growth, Despite Short-Term Declines - Seite 2

State Employment Trend
Washington increased its sizable lead among states, up 0.58 percent from August. At 104.91, Washington's index represents the highest level ever achieved by a state index. Virginia showed sustained strength, increasing 3.46 percent in the past 12 months to 102.79, an 11-year high for the state. Texas continued to decline, down 0.89 percent for the month and 2.44 percent for the year, as its economy weakens more broadly with losses beyond the energy sector. Michigan and Illinois have declined significantly from last year (1.76 percent and 1.32 percent, respectively), joining neighboring Indiana with the lowest-ranked state indexes.

Note: Analysis is provided for the 20 largest states based on U.S. population.

Metropolitan Employment Trend
Seattle remained the top-ranked metro area, with its index increasing 0.44 percent from the previous month and reaching 105.39, an all-time high for the metro. Continuing to demonstrate strength, Atlanta, at 103.43, and Phoenix, at 101.79, round out the top three. Mirroring the decline in their state, Dallas and Houston have both experienced significant losses, down 3.87 percent and 3.46 percent, respectively, in the past 12 months. Houston remains the lowest-ranked metro index for the second straight month. Following recent gains, Chicago fell 0.98 percent from August to September with its index below 100 at 99.26. Detroit also closed September among the lowest-performing metro areas, down 2.34 percent from last year, at 99.06.

Note: Analysis is provided for the 20 largest metro areas based on U.S. population.

Industry Employment Trend
Six out of eight industry sectors declined in September, with only Education and Health Services and Financial Activities experiencing modest increases. Leisure and Hospitality had the largest one-month decline among the industry sectors, down 0.55 percent. Leading the industries is Other Services (except Public Administration) at 104.70. Down 0.84 percent in the past three months, Construction continues to hold its position as the second-highest ranked industry sector with an index level of 101.36.