Texas jobless rate drops, US rate increases
The Texas unemployment rate improved to 4 percent during June to mirror the nationwide jobless figure, the Texas Workforce Commission reported Friday.
Last month’s rate figure for Texas compares to 4.1 percent in May. The U.S. unemployment rate in May had reached an 18-year low at 3.8 percent before rising during June.
The Midland area had the lowest jobless rate in Texas last month at 2.4 percent, according to the TWC. The McAllen-Edinburg-Mission area had the state’s highest jobless rate during June at 7.2 percent.
The Texas economy added 27,200 seasonally adjusted nonfarm jobs in June, which marked 24 consecutive months of employment growth. Over the year, Texas added 359,500 jobs for an annual employment growth rate of 2.9 percent, commission officials said.
June’s annual growth in the state’s goods producing industries was strong at 5.8 percent. Mining and logging added 4,900 jobs, followed by the construction industry with 2,900 positions.
Manufacturing employment expanded by 2,600 positions in Texas during June, the TWC said.
“Private-sector employment remained strong with Texas employers adding 351,700 jobs over the year and 26,400 jobs added in June,” said Commissioner Ruth Ruggero Hughs.
July unemployment figures for Texas will be released Aug. 17.
(Copyright 2018 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
