Larimer and Weld counties' economies have outperformed others' in the state and have continued their healthy growth rate through the first quarter, the latest state figures show.

Consumer spending and residential construction activity rose in both counties and especially in Weld, according to a report released this week by the Governor's Office of State Planning and Budgeting.

The regional labor market remains positive for Larimer, while vigorous oil and gas activity continues to fuel Weld's economy, according to the report.

Retail trade sales surged more than 26 percent in Weld last year while sales in Larimer increased 7.9 percent vs. sales in 2010. Sales in both counties are tracking above statewide levels, with Weld sales rising markedly in the latter half of last year.

Housing permits were up 37.2 percent in the Fort Collins and Loveland area during the first four months of the year vs. the same period last year. Single-family permits increased more than 59 percent.

In the Greeley area, overall permits soared more than 79 percent and single-family permits increased nearly 76 percent.

"Residential construction increased sharply in both the Fort Collins-Loveland and