Texas adds 46,600 jobs in July

TEXAS – Texas added 46,600 seasonally adjusted jobs in July, according to data the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) reported August 15.

The state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate held at 5.1 percent for the month, more than a percentage point lower than the nation’s at 6.2 percent. The number is a reflection of the 396,200 jobs the state has added over the past year.

Leading the job growth charge was the Midland Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA), which boasted the lowest unemployment rate for the month at 2.9 percent.

Taking second was the Odessa MSA at 3.6 percent, and taking third was the Amarillo MSA at 4.1 percent.

However, all metropolitan rates reported by the TWC are not adjusted for seasonal employment trends, such as students looking for summer jobs. For comparison, Texas recorded a 5.6 percent unemployment rate, not adjusted, up from 5.5 percent in June and down from 6.7 percent a year ago.

Source: Texas Workforce Commission

For the full August 2014 report, see Texas Labor Market Review (TLMR). Go to page 10 of the report to see unemployment rates and rankings for all MSAs.