12.18.09
Unemployment drops to 8% in Texas, Austin-Round Rock down to 6.9%
Great news on the employment front in Texas, via the Texas Workforce Commission, employment in Texas increased by 17,300 positions in November [.pdf].
The Texas seasonally adjusted unemployment rate declined to 8.0 percent in November, down from 8.3 percent a month ago, and continued to trend well below the U.S. seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for November at 10.0 percent. The Texas Civilian Labor Force reached its highest level ever at 12.1 million workers in November.
Total nonagricultural employment in Texas increased by 17,300 positions in November for a total of almost 70,000 jobs over the past two months, while the nation as a whole lost 122,000 jobs.
“Texas employers added a significant number of jobs in most industries during October and November,” said Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) Chairman Tom Pauken. “Job growth coupled with a lower unemployment rate indicate movement in a positive direction for Texas.”
During November, Mining and Logging employment increased by 5,100 jobs, Financial Activities employment rose by 4,700 jobs, and Professional and Business Services added 3,300 positions. Leisure and Hospitality employment increased by 4,800 positions in November.
AAS reports on the Austin-Round Rock numbers, Austin jobless rate falls, but job losses continue.
The Austin area unemployment rate fell in November, but job growth deepened, according to the Texas Workforce Commission.
The jobless rate in November was 6.9 percent, down from 7.2 percent in October but up from 4.9 percent a year earlier.
The region lost 4,300 jobs from November 2008 to last month, a loss rate of 0.6 percent.
More proof that the stimulus is working and hopefully this trend will continue.