Austin unemployment falls to 7.2%

Mar 25, 2010

Austin Business Journal

The Central Texas unemployment rate fell to 7.2 percent last month after increasing in January, the Texas Workforce Commission reported Thursday.

Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos area jobless rates leaped to 7.6 percent in the first month of the year from 7 percent in December. But the number improved last month as job losses slowed. The rate in February 2009 was 6.6 percent.

"While it is encouraging to see job gains in February across several major employment sectors, our job market remains tight for those seeking new opportunities in the Lone Star State,” Workforce Commissioner Representing Labor Ronny Congleton said.

The statewide rate was stable at 8.2 percent in February, though the workforce added 40,200 jobs. Texas non-agriculture industries shed 13,000 positions in February, offsetting the revised January gain of 12,600 jobs.

In the Austin area, trade, transportation and utilities lost the most non-agriculture jobs year-over-year last month, losing 4,000, followed by manufacturing, which lost 2,900. Leisure and hospitality added the most jobs year-over-year, growing by 5,000 positions.

Trade and transportation also had the most significant losses from January to February, losing about 800 positions. Education, health, leisure and hospitality added the most positions month-to-month outside of government adding 2,200 positions. Government added 3,300 people.

Nationally the jobless rate hit 9.7 percent.