Dateline: October 26, 2006

County jobless rate drops to 3.7 percent

AUSTIN – Donley County’s unemployment rate fell to its lowest point in 12 months in September with a smaller workforce and fewer people looking for work, according to information released this week by the Texas Workforce Commission.

Seasonally non-adjusted data from TWC showed 1,723 people employed out of a workforce of 1,790. August’s data had 1,720 employed out of a workforce of 1,806.

The actual number of people looking for work fell from 86 in August to 67 in September, bringing the local unemployment rate to 3.7 percent – its lowest point since last October’s rate of 3.4 percent.

Statewide seasonally adjusted nonagricultural employment in Texas increased by 15,200 jobs in September and 226,200 jobs over the last 12 months, representing a 2.3 percent growth rate for the year.

The nation as a whole has seen job growth of 1.3 percent during the same period. Texas employers have added jobs for 24 consecutive months and 37 of the last 38 months. A total of 676,700 jobs have been added since July 2003. The September seasonally adjusted unemployment rate dropped three-tenths of a point to 4.8 percent.

The Midland Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) experienced the lowest unemployment rate in the state at 3.3 percent (not seasonally adjusted). The Amarillo MSA was second at 3.6 percent, followed by College Station-Bryan MSA at 3.7 percent.

In September, hiring activities remained strong in Manufacturing. Employment in this industry experienced its second over-the-month job increase since July, adding 3,400 jobs. This increase brings the total employment in the Manufacturing industry to its highest level in over three years. The annual growth rate rose from 0.6 percent in August to 0.9 percent in September, representing the addition of 8,400 jobs since September 2005.

“For the first time in Texas history, nonagricultural employment reached the 10 million mark over the last two months,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Employers Ron Lehman. “With a record of 10,020,400 jobs, expansion continues to be broad-based across many industries and geographic areas.”

“A declining unemployment rate and continued job growth are both positive signs for Texas workers,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Ronny Congleton.

Initial claims for unemployment compensation in September 2006 were 47,016, down 30.1 percent from September 2005.