The Texas Workforce Commission reported that the not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in Texas for August registered at 4.7 percent.
Texas had 14,347,700 total nonfarm jobs after adding 17,600 positions over the month in August.
Over the year, the state added 195,600 jobs for an annual nonfarm growth rate of 1.4 percent, outpacing the national growth rate by 0.5 percentage points.
Texas’ civilian labor force registered at 15,857,300 after adding 8,600 people over the month and reaching a new record high level for the series. Over the year, Texas’ civilian labor force has added 169,500 people.
“Texas’ expanding labor force is a testament to our state’s appeal, but it also means we have a responsibility to ensure everyone has access to the education, training, and support services they need to succeed,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Alberto Treviño III. “TWC is dedicated to removing barriers to employment and creating pathways to opportunity for all Texans." The leisure and hospitality industry had the largest over-the-month increase in August after adding 10,900 jobs. Private education and health services added 5,200 jobs over the month while construction added 1,100.
In addition, the construction industry grew by 2.2 percent over the year in Texas and outperformed the industry’s growth rate nationally by 1.5 percentage points.
Among metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) in Texas, the Amarillo, Midland, and San Angelo MSAs had the lowest unemployment rates. Each of the three MSAs registered a not seasonally adjusted rate of 3.6 percent in August.