The St. Cloud job market is looking strong considering current economic conditions.

St. Cloud State economists King Banaian and Rick MacDonald say job creation in the area expanded at a 2.9 percent pace during the year ending in April. This pace is much faster than the statewide growth rate of 1.5 percent.

Also to note, research shows an unemployment rate of 4.6 percent for the month of April. This is a one percent drop since last April’s 5.6 percent unemployment rate.