July 26, 2025

Shreveport, Louisiana Experiences Economic Growth

News Summary

Shreveport, Louisiana, is witnessing significant economic growth, characterized by job increases and rising college enrollment. The state has surpassed 2 million non-farm jobs for the second time in history, with healthcare and manufacturing sectors leading the charge. Job postings for healthcare professionals, particularly registered nurses, are surging, and college enrollment has also risen markedly, showcasing a positive trend despite some regional declines. While challenges remain, the outlook for Shreveport’s economy appears promising.

Shreveport, Louisiana Experiences Economic Growth: Job Increases and Rising College Enrollment

Shreveport, Louisiana, is witnessing a notable upswing in its economy, marked by significant job growth and rising college enrollment figures. Recent data indicates that Louisiana has achieved a historic milestone, with over 2 million non-farm jobs for only the second time in state history. This achievement has been supported by a report from Leaders for a Better Louisiana, which reveals that the state has experienced 51 consecutive months of job gains. The healthcare sector, in particular, is seeing robust growth, with many employers actively seeking new employees.

From June 2024 to June 2025, the demand for healthcare professionals has surged, with 33,563 job postings for registered nurses, making it the most sought-after position in the state, according to analyses by Lightcast. Meanwhile, Louisiana’s rapid economic changes are reflected in the manufacturing sector, where it boasts the second-highest share of manufacturing GDP in the United States. Notable increases in job postings have also been recorded for automotive and watercraft service technicians (up 446%), healthcare support workers (up 410%), and speech pathologists (up 265%). Retail continues to expand as well, with over 15,400 postings for retail salespeople.

Job growth has not been uniform across the state; however, every area has experienced some increase. Shreveport reported a 1% growth, while Slidell led with a 2.1% increase. If Louisiana can lower its current unemployment rate of 4.5% to the Southern average of 3.8%, it is estimated that an additional 15,000 people could find employment. This is particularly significant given that the unemployment rate soared to nearly 14% during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

Alongside job growth, the state is seeing higher college enrollment numbers. According to statistics from the Board of Regents, enrollment in two- and four-year colleges has increased by an average of 3.5%. Specifically, LSU Shreveport noted an impressive 11.5% increase, while LSU Health Sciences Center experienced a 5.6% rise. Despite some declines at other institutions, like Southern University at Shreveport (down 6.5%), the overall trend is encouraging. The growth in college enrollment can be partially attributed to the greater availability of online courses.

Economic Context

Despite recent successes, Louisiana’s economy still faces challenges compared to other Southern states. For instance, the growth in the finance and insurance sectors in neighboring states is at 22%, while Louisiana only managed a 6% increase. The transportation and warehousing sectors saw job growth of 7%, trailing the 33% average growth of top Southern states. Additionally, while health care jobs increased by 8,000 over the past year, further improvements are essential for maintaining sustainable growth.

Home prices in Louisiana have increased significantly, by 24% since 2019, yet the state remains the second most affordable in the South, next to West Virginia. Despite overall increases in housing prices, Louisiana’s home insurance rates remain the highest in the South, averaging over $6,000 for a $300,000 home. This high rate is believed to have contributed to the state’s slow population growth of just 0.2%, the lowest among Southern states. In contrast, South Louisiana, particularly Lake Charles, is witnessing population growth.

As the economic climate shifts, a proposed legislative bill aims to enhance economic development incentives for higher-paying jobs, which may contribute to better job opportunities. The Shreveport area continues to have a relatively low cost of living, being 4.3% below the national average:

A Better Louisiana stresses the importance of sustained economic growth over the next decade.
Wages in Louisiana have risen 19% since 2020, although neighboring states have seen higher increases.

In conclusion, Shreveport, along with the broader state of Louisiana, is on a path of economic recovery and growth. With improved job prospects and increasing college enrollments, the region’s future looks promising, even as challenges remain.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

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Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE SHREVEPORT WRITER

The SHREVEPORT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREShreveport.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Shreveport, Caddo Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mudbug Madness Festival, Red River Revel Arts Festival, and Independence Bowl. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Shreveport-Bossier Chamber of Commerce and Shreveport Regional Arts Council, plus leading businesses in gaming, healthcare, and energy that power the local economy such as Horseshoe Casino, Ochsner LSU Health, and Atmos Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBatonRouge.com and HERENewOrleans.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.

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STAFF HERE SHREVEPORT WRITER

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