Texas Job Growth Continues Strong; San Angelo Ties for 2nd Lowest Unemployment

SAN ANGELO, TX ⎯ Texas added 19,700 nonfarm jobs in December to reach a total of 14,341,000 positions. Over the year, the state added 132,500 jobs for an annual nonfarm growth rate of 0.9 percent, outpacing the national growth rate by half a percentage point.

The San Angelo metropolitan statistical area tied Midland for the state’s second-lowest unemployment rate at 2.9 percent in December, with a civilian labor force of 63,800 and only 1,900 unemployed.

Texas’ civilian labor force registered at 15,964,000 after adding 25,000 people over the month. This marks a new record-high level for the series. Over the year, Texas’ civilian labor force has added 236,300 people.

The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in Texas registered at 4.3 percent.

“Texas added more than 19,000 jobs in December, with growth spread across a majority of major industries,” said TWC Chairman Joe Esparza. “We are focused on ensuring Texas remains a national leader in economic opportunity through innovative, forward-looking initiatives like Skills for Small Business, the Texas Internship Network, and Texas Industry-Recognized apprenticeships.”

The Trade, Transportation, and Utilities industry had the largest private sector over-the-month increase in December after adding 9,500 jobs. Leisure and Hospitality added 3,700 jobs over the month while Professional and Business Services added 3,000. In addition, Private Education and Health Services posted an annual growth rate of 2.3 percent in December, which was the highest of any major industry.

“Tens of thousands of people joined the Texas labor force last month,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Alberto Treviño III. “To connect all segments of our growing labor force with employment opportunities, TWC offers a wide array of resources such as job fairs, labor market information, and vocational rehabilitation services to link Texans with meaningful careers.”

The Amarillo metropolitan statistical area (MSA) had the lowest unemployment rate with a not seasonally adjusted rate of 2.8 percent in December. It was followed by the Midland and San Angelo MSAs, which both registered at 2.9 percent.

“Every bit of great news and well-deserved accolades the Texas economy receives inspires our efforts,” said TWC Commissioner Representing the Public Brent Connett. “TWC will continue to help build a robust, well-trained workforce and a bigger, better, stronger economy for a more prosperous future for Texans.”

Employment estimates released by TWC are produced in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics. *All estimates are subject to revision. To access this and more employment data, visit https://TexasLMI.com.