America’s 15 Most Recession-Resistant Cities

Note: Changes in employment and GMP compare the peak period vs. Q1 2009, while unemployment rate and house price changes cover Q1 2008 to Q1 2009.Photo: Des Moines Guy Some cities have been hit much harder than others during the recession. Cities in California, Florida and Michigan, for instance, have been particularly hard hit, while others have seen their economy grow. In a recent Brookings Institution study, researchers gathered key economic statistics about the 100 largest US metro areas, including employment, home values and Gross Metropolitan Product (GMP). Among the surprising results — 38 metro areas recorded an increase in home values, even though the national average declined 6%. So, what are America’s most recession-resistant cities? Click ahead to find out!  By Paul ToscanoPosted 22 June 2009

Photo: Daniel Schwen Change in Employment: -1.6%Change in Unemployment Rate: 2.6%Change in GMP: -1.6%Change In Housing Prices: -2.1%

Photo: AP Change in Employment: -0.6%Change in Unemployment Rate: 2.7%Change in GMP: -0.1%Change In Housing Prices: -8.8%

Photo: Tim Kiser Change in Employment: -1.3%Change in Unemployment Rate: 1.2%Change in GMP: -3.5%Change In Housing Prices: 0.1%

Photo: Hugh Mason Change in Employment: -0.5%Change in Unemployment Rate: 2.7%Change in GMP: -4.4%Change In Housing Prices: 3.3%

Photo: Ppntori Change in Employment: -0.7%Change in Unemployment Rate: 2.5%Change in GMP: -1.0%Change In Housing Prices: -1.5%

Photo: Iulus Ascanius Change in Employment: -1.0%Change in Unemployment Rate: 1.5%Change in GMP: -2.2%Change In Housing Prices: 0.4%

Photo: Magnus Manske Change in Employment: -0.6%Change in Unemployment Rate: 2.9%Change in GMP: -1.7%Change In Housing Prices: 3.0%

Photo: Michael Maples Change in Employment: -0.3%Change in Unemployment Rate: 1.5%Change in GMP: -2.3%Change In Housing Prices: 2.0%

Photo: Jake73127 Change in Employment: -0.3%Change in Unemployment Rate: 3.1%Change in GMP: At PeakChange In Housing Prices: 2.3%

Photo: Zereshk Change in Employment: -1.5%Change in Unemployment Rate: 1.4%Change in GMP: -2.2%Change In Housing Prices: 2.8%

Photo: fcn80 Change in Employment: -1.0%Change in Unemployment Rate: 2.6%Change in GMP: -0.4%Change In Housing Prices: 3.4%

Photo: UTexas06 Change in Employment: -0.5%Change in Unemployment Rate: 2.3%Change in GMP: At PeakChange In Housing Prices: 2.4%

Photo: AP Change in Employment: -0.6%Change in Unemployment Rate: 2.3%Change in GMP: -0.7%Change In Housing Prices: 4.7%

Photo: Daniel Mayer Change in Employment: -0.2%Change in Unemployment Rate: 2.3%Change in GMP: -0.5%*Change In Housing Prices: 2.8%

Photo: Kkinder Change in Employment: -0.4%Change in Unemployment Rate: 1.9%Change in GMP: -0.5%Change In Housing Prices: 2.6%Cities With Most Underwater MortgagesThe Worst Expected State Budget GapsSee The Full Brookings Institution Report Replay Slideshow

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