The Texas unemployment rate remained at 5.1 percent in July, holding steady for the third month in a row, the Texas Workforce Commission reported Friday.
Nationwide unemployment in July rose slightly to 6.2 percent, compared to 6.1 percent in June, officials said.
Employment growth in July across Texas included 46,600 seasonally adjusted nonfarm jobs, according to the TWC.
“The only thing hotter than a Texas summer is Texas job growth, adding nearly 50,000 jobs in July," said Gov. Rick Perry in a statement. "Every major industry in Texas added jobs meaning the diversity of our workforce is strong with opportunities for employers to hire good workers, and for workers to find jobs enabling them to meet the needs of their families.”
"Texas employers continue to propel the Texas economy's expansion by adding 396,200 jobs over the last year, a 3.5 percent annual growth rate," said Andres Alcantar, TWC chairman. "The Texas economic engine is strong, with every major industry posting positive annual growth in July."
The Midland area had the lowest unemployment rate in Texas last month at 2.9 percent. The July jobless rate for neighboring Odessa was 3.6 percent.
The Brownsville-Harlingen area had the highest statewide unemployment at 8.9 percent, according to TWC figures.
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All major industries in Texas expanded last month, with professional and business services leading the way by adding 10,600 jobs in July.
"The professional and business services industry is thriving, with opportunities that range from legal advice and representation to security guards to landscaping," said Commissioner Ronny Congleton. "Industries across the board are hiring, and that is good news for job seekers in Texas."
Private employers added 42,400 jobs in July, said Commissioner Hope Andrade.
"Mining and logging posted an annual growth rate of 7.8 percent in July, which marked the 51st consecutive month of positive annual growth and underscored the industry's role in the state's overall economic success," Andrade said.
