Texas Unemployment Rate Continues to Drop

The Texas Workforce Commission this morning released the latest employment statistics for the state. Texas employers added 27,900 jobs in February as the unemployment rate dropped 0.2 of a percent to 7.1 percent. Texas’ unemployment rate is more than a full percentage point below the national unemployment rate of 8.3 percent.

“Texas’ job growth over the past year points to a steady and sustained expansion of our state’s economy,” said Texas Workforce Commission Chairman Tom Pauken. “Texas has experienced positive annual job growth for the last 22 months, and that’s because Texas continues to be a great place to work and do business.”

The Manufacturing industry in Texas gained 24,400 jobs over the year, for an annual growth rate of 3.0 percent. Construction grew by 4,500 jobs over the month, totaling 8,100 jobs added over the past year.

“Eight of the 11 major industries in Texas added jobs in February, indicating that many different skill sets are in demand,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Ronny Congleton. “Job seekers can access thousands of these opportunities by registering on WorkInTexas.com.”

Midland continues to have the lowest unemployment rate in the state at 3.8 percent.  Lubbock's unemployment rate dropped 0.4 of a percent to 5.5 percent. Abilene's unemployment rate also droped 0.4 of a percent to 5.8 percent.

Other cities across the region include Amarillo at 5 percent unemployment, Wichita Falls at 6.4 percent, San Angelo at 5.5 percent and Odessa at 4.5 percent.

February is the sixth consecutive month that the state's unemployment rate has dropped.