Maine to maintain job growth

A state-by-state look at the economies of New England states, from Thursday’s forecast by the New England Economic Partnership:

. Maine: The state has posted fairly steady job growth over the past year that is expected to be maintained over the next several years. Maine added nearly 3,000 jobs last year, higher than had initially been forecast. The slump in the housing market has largely been confined to the southern part of the state and is not likely to prevent the state from posting overall economic growth.

. Connecticut: Although the state has experienced one of the slowest recoveries from a recession that hit in 2001, job growth has recently picked up with a gain of 17,600 jobs in 2006. Employment growth has continued this year, rising by 1,500 jobs so far. Through 2011, Connecticut is expected to post personal income growth of 2.8 percent per year, above the national rate of 2.5 percent.

. Massachusetts: The Bay State in 2006 enjoyed its strongest year of recovery from the recession that began in 2001 by measures including employment and population growth. The pace of expansion has been much slower than growth in the 1980s and 1990s, and Massachusetts has followed a path of slow, steady growth since 2003. Robust national and international demand for technology products made in Massachusetts is helping prevent the state’s housing market slump from hurting the overall economy.

. New Hampshire: The state’s overall economy is expected to outperform the New England economy through 2011 and match the nation’s growth rate. Recent years’ decline in manufacturing jobs in New Hampshire will slow to a 0.5 percent loss each year, while the professional and business services sector will grow at 2.9 percent per year. Housing prices will decline modestly through the rest of this year and the first half of 2008 before rebounding in the second half of next year.

. Rhode Island: Although the state’s 4.2 percent unemployment rate in March was Rhode Island’s lowest monthly rate since October 2000, job growth has been slow so far this year. Manufacturing employment is expected to decline by 1,200 jobs this year with construction jobs falling by 1,000 because of the slow housing market. The state’s fastest-growing job sectors are in financial activities, professional and business services, education and health services, and leisure and hospitality.

. Vermont: The state’s economic growth will slow this year, but post faster growth each year through 2011. Job growth is expected to remain between 0.5 percent and 1 percent per year through the forecast period, while personal income is expected to grow at relatively healthy rates of 2.3 percent to 3.5 percent per year. Manufacturing employment is expected to increase slightly for the next two years, but will be offset by declining construction employment.