Research Brief: Employment May 2022

Labor Slack Tightens to Pre-Pandemic Norms as Job Growth Sustains Steady Pace

May, 2022

Excerpt of Full Report:

Hiring continues amid low unemployment. Employers added 428,000 new jobs in April, on par with the previous month. While the employment base remains about 1.2 million positions short of the February 2020 headcount, multiple signs point to a recovered labor market. Last month 5.9 million people were unemployed, only 200,000 above the pre-pandemic mark. The underemployment rate also fell to 7.0 percent in April, matching the February 2020 level. This measure takes into account part-time workers seeking full-time roles and people who want a job but stopped looking. The shortfall in staffing is largely attributed to people who left the workforce entirely when the pandemic began, including early retirement. Even so, ongoing inflation may prompt some to return, especially as many companies are augmenting pay in order to fill some of the 11.5 million jobs that are currently open

Job gains bolster housing needs. Employment growth was widespread last month, ranging from leisure and hospitality to manufacturing, logistics and health care. The broad-based hiring is benefiting household formations across incomes, driving demand for all types of apartments. Class A vacancy fell 250 basis points year-over-year to 3.0 percent in March, a record low. Availability for Class B and C units fell by 200 basis points to 2.4 percent and 2.0 percent, respectively. Absorption is occurring in both the suburbs, as some households seek larger living spaces, and in urban cores, with many employees returning to workplaces. Low vacancy is, in turn, sustaining double-digit Class A and B rent growth.

Sales, hiring demonstrate retail strength. Retail vacancy continued to contract in the first quarter, falling to 5 percent as more consumers ventured out. Reflecting the added shopping activity, inflation-adjusted core retail sales are up 15.6 percent compared to pre-pandemic. About 29,000 roles were created in retail trade last month to help meet the demand. So far, operations have recovered most in suburban settings, but as more offices reopen and business events are held, foot traffic to downtown stores should improve. Rent growth is expected to exceed historical averages this year.

Developing Trends

Fed continues to tighten monetary policy. The Federal Reserve executed its second of seven planned rate hikes for this year, raising the Federal Funds rate by 50 basis points to a target range of 0.75 percent to 1.00 percent. While this action should lift interest rates more broadly, cap rates remain low. Strong underlying performance fundamentals across many commercial property types and expectations for above average rent growth continue to support elevated trading volumes. Narrowing margins may prompt buyers to further widen selection criteria, including looking to tertiary metros. This aligns with current, favorable demographic projections.

Pace of future job gains reliant on labor participation. Acute demand for labor will continue to support employment growth despite tight unemployment, although the pace of hiring may slow further. During 2018 and 2019, when unemployment was often below 4 percent, job creation averaged under 200,000 per month. That may not be the case here, especially if labor participation increases. Some evidence points to recent retirees returning to the workforce.

Denver Office:

Adam Lewis Vice President, Regional Manager

Tel: (303) 328-2000 | adam.lewis@marcusmillichap.com

Prepared and Edited By:

Benjamin Kunde Research Analyst | Research Services

For Information on national multifamily trends, contact:

John Chang Senior Vice President, National Director | Research Services

Tel: (602) 707-9700 | john.chang@marcusmillichap.com

The information contained in this report was obtained from sources deemed to be reliable. Every effort was made to obtain accurate and complete information; however, no representation, warranty or guarantee, express or implied, may be made as to the accuracy or reliability of the information contained herein. Note: Metro-level employment growth is calculated based on the last month of the quarter/year. Sales data includes transactions sold for $1 million or greater unless otherwise noted. This is not intended to be a forecast of future events and this is not a guaranty regarding a future event. This is not intended to provide specific investment advice and should not be considered as investment advice. Sources: Marcus & Millichap Research Services; Bureau of Labor Statistics; CoStar Group, Inc.; Real Capital Analytics; RealPage, Inc. © Marcus & Millichap 2021 | www.MarcusMillichap.com