14 Anchorage, Alaska
The service sector is on a roll, with strong growth in health care, professional services, tourism, and trade. High energy prices have sparked demand for engineers and consultants for oil and gas exploration.
15 Pensacola-Ferry Pass-Brent, Florida
A major hurricane hit Pensacola in 2004, but the area rebounded thanks to investments in the rebuilding of homes, office buildings, and highways. An influx of call centers has come to the region, and major health care facilities are expanding.
16 Charles-Prince George's, Maryland
Just outside Washington, D.C., the counties of southern Maryland rely heavily on the federal government, defense contractors, and tech companies. High concentrations of engineers and scientists make the area a hotbed for medical and defense research, which drives entrepreneurial activity.
17 Tacoma, Washington
Last year, the Port of Tacoma opened three new terminals to handle more international container business, which grew 20 percent. That's creating jobs at the docks, as well as in warehouses and distribution centers around the region. Reasonably priced homes attract transplants from Seattle.
18 Ogden-Clearfield, Utah
An outdoors paradise, Ogden is now working to attract the companies that make equipment for all the fun and games. So far, a ski-pole maker and an outdoor apparel company have moved in and bicycle manufacturer Scott USA recently decided to build a production and distribution center there.
19 Huntsville, Alabama
A number of high-tech companies, such as Dynetics, are building their headquarters in this region, which boasts the second largest science and technology research park in the nation. Manufacturing got a lift when a number of auto suppliers added jobs, and local military contractors also have been thriving.
20 Portland, Maine
Portland recently opened a $25 million road that connects its busy waterfront with Interstate 295, the area's major highway, giving easier access to truckers picking up cargo at the docks. Health care and financial services also are bright spots.
2006
Rank |
City, State |
Overall
Rank |
1-Year
Job
Growth |
5-Year
Job
Growth |
Index
Score |
| 21 |
Modesto, CA |
104 |
1.5% |
9.4% |
63.2 |
| 22 |
Stockton, CA |
106 |
1.6% |
8.4% |
62.8 |
| 23 |
Knoxville, TN |
107 |
1.5% |
7.9% |
62.8 |
| 24 |
Trenton-Ewing, NJ |
111 |
1.3% |
8.7% |
62.3 |
| 25 |
Springfield, MO |
113 |
2.0% |
7.2% |
61.6 |
| 26 |
Honolulu, HI |
120 |
2.8% |
6.9% |
61.0 |
| 27 |
Madison, WI |
122 |
1.5% |
6.7% |
60.3 |
| 28 |
Des Moines, IA |
129 |
1.6% |
4.9% |
58.4 |
| 29 |
Albuque
|
