The Market Watch report uses select measures of economic activity and demographics to give a brief synopsis of economic health in Saint Paul. For 2017, these figures show a robust and stable local economy, a healthy real estate market, and a population that is diversifying and growing.
A few highlights from each section of the report are below. The up or down arrows are shaded red or green, depnding on whether the trend is a generally positive indicator, or a generally negative indicator for the health and well-being of the city.
| Building and Development | ||
|---|---|---|
| Statistic | Value | Trend |
| Total value of permits | $436.7 million | 
|
| Number of major construction project permits | 145 | 
|
| Value of permits for single-family homes | $56.6 million |
|
Trends above compare 2016 to 2015 data.
| Real Estate Market | ||
|---|---|---|
| Statistic | Value | Trend |
|
Total number of foreclosures, vacant buildings, and demolitions
|
1363 | 
|
Trend above compares 2016 to 2015 data.
| Employment, and Wages | ||
|---|---|---|
| Statistic | Value | Trend |
| Annual average unemployment | 3.6% |
|
| Jobs in Saint Paul | 180,965 |
|
| Average weekly wages | $1,125 |
|
Trends above compare 2016 to 2015 data.
| Demographics | ||
|---|---|---|
| Statistic | Value | Trend |
| Percent of families living below 50% of the poverty level | 9.1% |
|
| Population | 304,442 |
|
| Residents with a bachelors degree or higher | 71,944 |
|
Trend above for population compares 2016 estimate to 2015 estimate.
Other trends compare 2013 to 2012 data.