Recent numbers released by the Texas Workforce Commission revealed that the state’s unemployment rate went down in February for the sixth month in a row.
According to the report, the state’s jobless rate dropped to 4.3 percent in February. This represents a drop of .1 percent from the previous month and is significantly lower than the national unemployment average of 5.5 percent. Overall, Texas added 7,100 nonagricultural positions during February alone and 357,300 jobs since the same month last year.
Five industries experienced notable growth during this month, including the leisure and hospitality field, which grew by 9,700 positions. The trade, transportation and utilities sector added over 16,000 jobs, making it the field’s largest monthly increase in over 20 years. Financial activities, construction and other services all added a combined total of 2,800 jobs.
Geographically, the Midland Metropolitan Statistical Area had the lowest unemployment rate in the state with a jobless average of 2.8 percent. The Amarillo region followed closely behind with an unemployment rate of 3.1 percent.
“The continued decline in our state’s unemployment rate is encouraging. The Texas workforce is strong and employers know that they will find skilled workers to match their hiring needs in our state,” Ronnie Congleton, TWC commissioner representing labor, stated in the report.