St. Tammany EDC Releases Fourth Quarter 2025 Economic Trends Report
Year-End Data Reflects Strong Workforce Engagement and Continued Demand Entering 2026
Media Contact: Kristin Durand
Immediate Release: March 3, 2026
Covington, La. – The latest edition of The AnalyST, St. Tammany Economic Development Corporation’s quarterly digital economic research publication, provides a data-informed snapshot of economic conditions through the fourth quarter of 2025. Developed with research insights from Economic Leadership, LLC - a national economic development and strategic planning consultancy - the report explores a range of topics, including inflation, labor market conditions, housing trends, consumer spending, and industry-specific developments.
By analyzing these trends across local, state, and national economies, the report identifies key shifts impacting workforce dynamics, business growth, and consumer behavior.
Key takeaways from this report include:
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Labor Market: St. Tammany ended the year with one of its lowest unemployment rates in recent months and its highest labor force level ever recorded in November 2025; however, rising unemployment claims in January suggest modest softening may occur early in 2026.
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Business & Industry: Entrepreneurial activity remains strong, with 900 new business incorporations averaging 60 new business filings per week and self-employment accounting for a significant share of the parish’s workforce.
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Inflation & Wages: Inflation in the Southern region has moved closer to the Federal Reserve’s target and housing-related price pressures have eased, offering some relief to households, though elevated energy costs persist and average wages in St. Tammany remain below regional benchmarks despite stabilized wage growth.
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Real Estate & Construction: Steady housing construction, increased home sales activity, and record retail collections reflect continued underlying demand in the parish economy. National manufacturing indicators strengthened entering 2026, even as local manufacturing unemployment rose in late 2025.
“The fourth quarter data reflects a year that closed with meaningful momentum in workforce engagement and consumer activity,” said Russell Richardson, President and CEO of St. Tammany Economic Development Corporation. “As we enter 2026, we remain focused on ensuring this strength translates into sustained opportunity for both businesses and residents.”
This edition of The AnalyST can be accessed at www.sttammanyedc.org/the-analyst.
Please reach out directly to St. Tammany Economic Development Corporation Director of Communications, Kristin Durand, for any media inquiries or to schedule interviews.