Lubbock unemployment falls in August 2012

LUBBOCK – The Lubbock-area unemployment rate fell to 5.8 percent in August from 6.4 percent in July, but according to figures released by the Texas Workforce Commission, the decline occurred because of notable losses in both jobs and the civilian labor force.

The numbers for the Lubbock-Crosby metropolitan statistical area indicate the area lost an estimated 1,300 jobs between July and August, including 500 non-farm positions. At the same time, the area’s civilian labor force estimate decreased by 2,500.

The Lubbock area lost jobs in several sectors, including trade; transportation and utilities; education and health services; leisure and hospitality; and information. The area gained jobs in the government, mining and construction sectors.

Over the 15-county South Plains Workforce Development Area, the August unemployment rate was 5.9 percent, down from 6.6 percent in August.

Lubbock has the sixth-lowest jobless rate among the state’s metropolitan statistical areas. Midland’s is the lowest in the state at 3.8 percent, followed by Odessa at 4.5 percent and Amarillo at 5.0 percent.

Read more at the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal.