NM's Economy Still Worst In Region

New Mexico had a 1.1 percent job growth rate (9,600 jobs) in the year that ended Nov. 30, but as it has been for the past decade, it was the poorest performing economy of any state in the region.

And the Albuquerque metro area's economy sputtered as well, adding 3,000 jobs over the year for a 0.8 percent growth rate, according to figures released Friday by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Statewide, three sectors lost jobs – oil and gas, information and government – and one – manufacturing – had no change.

Seven sectors gained jobs, with the biggest winner being construction, which grew by 3,000 jobs, or 6.7 percent.

Despite the modest job gains, New Mexico has yet to reach its pre-recession jobs level of 849,200, in December of 2007.

Here's a look at how surrounding states performed in terms of job growth in both numbers and percentages: