Leaders for a Better Louisiana has released its First Quarter 2025 Economic Dashboard, offering a data-driven look at the state’s economic recovery and ongoing challenges. For the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic, Louisiana has fully regained the jobs it lost—marking a key milestone in the state’s long road back to economic stability.
According to the report, Louisiana saw 1.1% growth in the last year, and eight of ten metro regions experienced job gains, with Lafayette, Hammond, Slidell, and New Orleans leading the way. The state also reversed years of population decline, buoyed by a surge in international migration.
However, Louisiana has ground to make up, as its recent gains come after recent years of weak performance. Since 2018, Louisiana has lagged behind most Southern states in long-term job growth and new business formation. While wages have risen 19% over the past four years, that growth is only middle-of-the-pack when compared to other Southern states.
“Reaching this milestone for economic recovery is also a call to action,” said Adam Knapp, CEO of Leaders for a Better Louisiana. “We’re no longer losing ground—but we’ve got a long way to go. Louisiana can build upon this positive last year of performance and new strategic plan to drive aggressively forward for multiple years. This 2025 legislative session can provide further momentum for our state.”
Full report available online here
Other key findings include:
- Growth in healthcare, education, and government sectors
- Slower expansion in high-growth sectors like logistics, finance, and technology.
- Louisiana added 13% more business establishments since 2020, but at a pace below regional averages.
- Residential construction remains low, limiting housing supply and impacting affordability.
- Despite these hurdles, the cost of living in most Louisiana metros remains below the national average.
The Economic Dashboard provides quarterly updates to help business and policy leaders make informed decisions aimed at building a more competitive and equitable economy for all Louisianans.