Report: Baton Rouge Among Top 10 Metro Economies - Project Economy ...

The Brookings Institution has released an economic assessment of the nation's 100 largest metropolitan areas. Analysts studied four areas: job growth, gross metro product, unemployment change and home price change.

Overall, it rated Baton Rouge eighth.

The study cited a thriving construction industry and the influence of state government and two major universities as contributing factors. It also noted new projects, such as a refinery in nearby Plaquemine, that are tapping post-Katrina financing programs.

Baton Rouge scored best in the area of job growth, where it ranked fourth. Home prices in the area grew 3.3 percent in the second quarter of 2009 compared to the same period the year prior.

Source: Report: Baton Rouge Among Top 10 Metro Economies - Project Economy ...