(RALEIGH) -- Now that 2011 is behind us, how will it be remembered on the economic front? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden said there was some growth, but not enough for everyone's taste.

"We added jobs nationally.  We added here in North Carolina.  I know many people say, yes, but the unemployment rate went up.  Perhaps that doesn't give the best measure of the labor market.  The overall economy did grow," said Walden.

The growth has not come as quickly as many analysts expected. Walden said an average of about 125,000 jobs a month were added in 2011. Many economists figured that number would be at least 250,000.