Texas added 165,600 nonfarm jobs over the 12 months ending in July, more than any other state, according to labor market data released by the Texas Workforce Commission.
The state’s annual growth rate of 1.2 percent outpaced the national rate by a full percentage point, TWC said in an Aug. 21 news release. Texas employers added 1,600 nonfarm jobs in July alone, bringing total nonfarm employment to 14,468,000 positions. The agency said the estimates are produced in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics and are subject to revision.
“The addition of more than 165,000 jobs over the last year highlights the growth of the Texas economy and the employers who drive it,” TWC Chairman Joe Esparza said. “By offering resources like our ASCEND grant and Skills for Success program, TWC is ensuring Texas’ workforce development efforts evolve in stride with the needs of our private sector partners.”
The state’s civilian labor force grew by 10,800 people over the month to 15,915,600 and by 17,800 over the year, according to the release. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate registered at 4.5 percent.
Private Education and Health Services posted the largest private-sector monthly gain, adding 5,900 jobs in July, followed by Professional and Business Services with 3,600 and Leisure and Hospitality with 3,400, TWC said. Among metropolitan areas, Midland recorded the lowest unemployment rate at a not seasonally adjusted 3.4 percent, followed by San Angelo at 3.8 percent and Abilene at 3.9 percent.
“With our labor force expanding by 10,800 people in July, it is evident that the volume of opportunities in Texas is a powerful draw for the American workforce,” said Alberto Trevino III, TWC commissioner representing labor.
Gov. Greg Abbott and Comptroller Don Huffines each pointed to the figures in separate statements. “The hard work of Texans powers America’s most dynamic economy,” Abbott said in an Aug. 21 news release, which noted that Texas has gained more than 2.6 million jobs during his tenure and is home to 57 Fortune 500 headquarters. In an Aug. 22 release, Huffines said the state’s job growth “remains strong and consistently outpaces national trends” and said he would work with Abbott to deliver property tax relief when the Legislature meets next year.
TWC said the Texas labor market information data for August is scheduled to be released Sept. 18.