Texas Unemployment Rate Remains Steady, Lubbock Rate Climbs Slightly

The unemployment rate in the Lone Star State remains unchanged in March.

Texas’ seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for March was 6.4 percent, unchanged from February 2013, and still down from March 2012’s 7 percent.

The seasonally adjusted nonagricultural employment for March fell by 4,100 jobs, following the addition of 79,600 jobs in February. Employers added 14,900 jobs across five major industries in March, but these gains were offset by the loss of 19,000 jobs in six other industries.

Overall, the state’s growth rate continued to be positive, with 329,500 jobs added since last year.

Locally, the unemployment rate for Lubbock was up slightly for March 2013 at 5.3 percent, up from February’s 5.1 percent, but still down from March 2012’s 5.8 percent.

The lowest unemployment rate in Texas for March is in Midland at 3.1 percent, followed by Odessa with 3.7 percent, and Amarillo with 4.6 percent.

The highest unemployment rate in the state is in the McAllen-Edinburg-Mission area at 10.6 percent, followed by the Brownsville-Harlingen area at 10.1 percent, and El Paso at 8.9 percent.

The national unemployment rate is at 7.6 percent.

“Texas has abundant opportunities, with more than 11 million jobs in the Lone Star State,” said Texas Workforce Commissioner Representing Labor Ronny Congleton. “Job seekers in our great state can visit www.WorkinTexas.com to find opportunities here.”