Texas Unemployment Rate Hits Historic Low

State experiences 28 consecutive months of employment growth

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Texas Unemployment Rate Hits Historic Low

unemployment downTexas’ seasonally adjusted unemployment rate fell to 3.7 percent in October, down from 3.8 percent in September 2018. This is the lowest level since the state unemployment data series began in January 1976. In addition, the Brownsville-Harlingen MSA fell to 5.2 percent, down .7 from September and .8 from October 2017. McAllen-Ediburg Mission also posted low numbers at 5.5 percent. This is down from 6.2 percent in September and 5.9 percent one year ago.

The Texas economy added 32,300 seasonally adjusted nonfarm jobs in October. Annual employment growth for Texas was 3.1 percent in October, marking 102 consecutive months of annual growth.

“The Texas economy continues to remain strong by adding 32,300 jobs in the month of October. These numbers highlight the strategic job creation efforts of our Texas employers, and provides our world-class workforce with career options in a variety of growing industries,” said Chair Ruth R. Hughs.  “Texas is a state that always welcomes new employers and also supports our homegrown businesses, offering them the tools they need to succeed and build on our continued success as a global economic leader.”

Breaking down the numbers

October’s annual growth in the state’s Goods Producing industries was strong at 6.6 percent. Over the month, Mining and Logging also added 4,300 jobs, followed by the Construction industry with 1,500 positions.

In Texas’ Service Providing sector, Trade, Transportation, and Utilities added 8,900 positions over the month, and led all industries in job growth for October. Also within this sector, Leisure and Hospitality added 8,700 jobs, followed by Education and Health Services which added 5,100.

“Texas’ dynamic marketplace has set the standard as the Best State for Business over 14 consecutive years according to CEOs,” said TWC Commissioner Representing the Public Robert D. Thomas. “That track record of accomplishment recognizes the perseverance, resilience and hard work of our workforce, employers and collaborative partners across the state.”

To access this and more employment data, visit tracer2.com.

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