Texas Unemployment Rate Drops to 8.0 Percent Total Nonfarm Employment increased by 32,900 in April

(TEXAS WORKFORCE COMMISSION RELEASE)
AUSTIN —The Texas seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased to 8.0 percent for April, down from 8.1 percent in March, and from 8.2 percent a year ago. April was the third consecutive month that the Texas unemployment rate decreased, as it remained well below the U.S. unemployment rate for April of 9.0 percent. Texas total nonfarm employment was up by 32,900 jobs in April for a total gain of 254,400 jobs from a year ago.

“Texas has demonstrated its ability to bounce back from the effects of the national recession through strong and consistent job growth over the past year,” said Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) Chairman Tom Pauken. “Over the past five years, Texas added more than 500,000 jobs, the largest gain for any state in the nation.”1

Employment in Trade, Transportation, and Utilities increased by 17,900 jobs in April for a total of 48,700 positions added over the year; Education and Health Services employment rose by 11,300 jobs in April for a total of 49,000 jobs added this year and an annual job growth rate of 3.6 percent.

Professional and Business Services employers added 8,000 jobs in April and showed strong over-the-year growth with 57,900 positions added. April also was this industry’s third consecutive month of jobs added.

“When more Texans are employed and providing for themselves and their families, it is good news,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Ronny Congleton. “Although much remains to be done, we have seen significant job growth over the last year, as Texas added more than 254,000 jobs.”

The Financial Activities industry added 3,900 positions in April. Businesses in this industry include insurance, real estate, rental and leasing companies; Mining and Logging employment rose for the sixth straight month, as employers added 3,700 jobs since last month and 32,800 jobs since April 2010.

“Texas continued to add jobs, with seven of the 11 major industries expanding this past month,” said TWC Commissioner Representing the Public Andres Alcantar. “The decrease in the unemployment rate over the month and over the year is another welcome sign.”

The Midland Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) had the lowest April unemployment rate in the state at 4.4 percent. The Amarillo MSA had the second lowest unemployment rate in April at 5.2 percent, followed by the College Station-Bryan MSA at 5.7 percent (not seasonally adjusted).


1. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), from March 2006 to March 2011 (preliminary), Texas added 539,500 jobs over the past five years when compared with the U.S. 50 states and Washington D.C.