Texas Jobless Rate for June Steady at 5.1 Percent

The statewide unemployment rate for June held steady at 5.1 percent, the Texas Workforce Commission reported Friday.

Last month's seasonally adjusted figure matched the May jobless rate for Texas, halting three months of declines in statewide unemployment rates. The nationwide jobless rate for June was 6.1 percent.

The Texas economy added 19,100 seasonally-adjusted total nonfarm jobs in June for a total of 371,000 jobs added in the past year, according to the Austin-based TWC.

"The positive news continues as the Lone Star State's jobs grew at 3.3 percent annually, with 371,000 jobs added over the last year," said Andres Alcanar, TWC chairman. "Every major industry expanded over the year, with mining and logging leading the way at a 7 percent annual growth rate."

Seven of the 11 major industries in Texas showed employment increases over the month, led by a rise of 7,700 jobs in trade, transportation, and utilities.

The industry added 90,400 jobs over the year as its annual growth rate reached 4.0 percent, the highest in the industry's recorded history.

Education and health services continued to offer employment opportunities with the addition of 7,400 jobs in June. This industry has gained 52,600 jobs over the past year, bumping its annual growth rate up to 3.6 percent, its highest level since June 2010, the agency said.

"Our economy continues to offer diverse opportunities to job seekers," said Commissioner Ronny Congleton, representing labor. "From teachers and health care workers to truck drivers and accountants -- Texas is hiring."

The Midland area had the lowest statewide jobless rate in June at 2.9 percent, with neighboring Odessa at 3.6 percent unemployment.

The McAllen-Edinburg-Mission area had the state's highest jobless rate in June at 9.6 percent, the TWC said.
 

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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