Area Development
While much talk among economists indicates an end to the current recession, total job growth among the nation's 377 metropolitan areas is still mostly nonexistent. This brief report shows that only a handful of metros are experiencing total net job growth.

As of December 2009, four metros have experienced 5-6 months of year-over-year total job growth during the second-half of the year. Another 4 metros had 4 months of year-over-year total job growth over the same period. In all, 349 metros (93%) have experienced no total job growth though out the second-half of 2009. 

In spite of the overall lack of total job growth, there are some industries that are adding jobs within most U.S. metros. In December 2009, 240 metros (64%) had added jobs in the Health Services & Private Education industry sector. Over the year, government employment had increased in 160 metros (42%).