Houston adds most metro U.S. jobs since recession

HOUSTON – Houston remains the national leader for job growth over the past five years, topping a list dominated by Texas metros.

Houston added 114,800 private sector jobs between July 2007 and July 2012, a Business Journals’ On Numbers analysis of U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data shows.

Houston ranks No. 1 for total jobs added among 102 markets with populations of more than 500,000. Texas markets took the next three spots: Austin added 42,700; DFW added 33,100; and San Antonio added 25,000.

Texas also takes the top spots when the metros are ranked by percent change. Austin ranks No. 1, up 7.06 percent; El Paso ranks No. 2, up 6.9 percent; and Houston ranks No. 3, up 5.19 percent.