Texas Unemployment Rate Nearly Two Percentage Points Below the U.S. Rate

Apr 17, 2009

Texas Workforce Commission

AUSTIN —Texas’ unemployment rate continues to trend well below the national rate. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate rose to 6.7 percent in March, while the U.S. unemployment rate climbed to 8.5 percent. The Texas unemployment rate is up from 6.5 percent in February and 4.6 percent in March 2008.

Texas’ seasonally adjusted nonagricultural employment fell by 47,100 in March, following a loss of 52,400 jobs in February. Texas recorded a net loss of 106,500 jobs in the past 12 months, compared with job losses of 4.8 million nationwide during the same period.

“The Texas unemployment rate remained well below that of the nation, although Texas suffered a net loss of jobs in March,” said Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) Chairman Tom Pauken.

“While the national recession continues to have an impact, TWC is focused on helping Texans find employment and weather these challenging economic times.”

Trade, Transportation and Utilities added 5,800 jobs in March, and the Financial Services industry grew by 3,100 jobs. Education and Health Services gained 300 jobs in March for an increase of 59,600 jobs over the year reflecting a strong job growth rate of 4.7 percent. Industry losses hit Construction and Manufacturing the hardest, down 18,800 and 11,900 jobs, respectively.

“TWC has allocated millions in federal stimulus dollars to support training and to help Texans find jobs,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Ronny Congleton. “Workforce centers across the state are ready to help job seekers with work search, skills training and other services.”

The Midland Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) experienced the lowest unemployment rate in the state at 4.3 percent (not seasonally adjusted). The Amarillo and Lubbock MSAs tied for second at 4.4 percent.

“The rising unemployment rate is cause for concern, although Texas remained nearly two percentage points below the national unemployment rate of 8.5 percent,” said TWC Commissioner Representing the Public Andres Alcantar. “Job losses in many industry sectors in March draw attention to the broad-based effect of the national economic situation.”

The Texas Workforce Commission is a state agency dedicated to helping Texas employers, workers and communities prosper economically. For details on TWC and the services it offers in unison with its network of local workforce development boards, call (512) 463-8556 or visit www.texasworkforce.org.