Texas unemployment rate remains well below national average
Texas Insider Report: AUSTIN Texas Texas total nonfarm employment increased by 32000 jobs in June representing the addition of 220000 jobs since June 2010. Texas has experienced positive annual job growth in the past 14 months resulting in annual growth rates above 2.0 percent in six of the past seven months.
Texas seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 8.2 percent in June up from 8.0 percent in May and remains a full percentage point below the nationwide unemployment rate of 9.2 percent.
Overall our Goods-Producing industries combined to add 11200 jobs in June" said Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) Chairman Tom Pauken. As businesses continue to shift resources into Texas new opportunities arise for job seekers already here and for those who come here looking for opportunity."
Among the Goods-Producing industries Texas added 8400 Manufacturing jobs in June for a total of 19300 since June 2010; Mining and Logging added 3200 jobs and had the highest industry growth rate for June at 17.2 percent.
Since January weve added 117600 jobs in Texas" said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Ronny Congleton. While no state is immune from tough economic times were still putting many Texans back to work."
Leisure and Hospitality employers added 10600 jobs to their payrolls in June for a total increase of 32300 positions over the year. Professional and Business Services grew by 700 jobs in June and maintained a strong growth rate of 3.9 percent.
The Financial Activities industry which includes commercial banks and credit unions added 700 jobs in June marking four straight months of employment increases in the industry. The Trade Transportation and Utilities industry has expanded in nine of the past 12 months including the addition of 900 jobs in June.
The Texas labor force which now stands at nearly 12.3 million individuals is evidence of Texas growth" said TWC Commissioner Representing the Public Andres Alcantar. Our local Workforce Solutions Offices are on the frontlines committed to helping people find good jobs in Texas."
The Midland Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) had the lowest June unemployment rate in the state at 5.2 percent. The Amarillo MSA came in second in June at 6.4 percent and the Odessa MSA third at 6.9 percent (not seasonally adjusted).
Audio downloads from TWC Chairman Tom Pauken on the latest labor market data are available at the following link:
http://www.twc.state.tx.us/news/press/2011/praudio11.html.
