Dateline: April 26, 2007

Donley County jobless numbers decline

The March unemployment rate in Donley County dropped to 4.5 percent as the number of people looking for work fell to 82, according to data released last week from the Texas Workforce Commission.

The local jobless rate was down from 5.0 percent in February and 5.4 percent one year ago.

State data shows Donley County had a workforce of 1,810 with 1,728 employed in March.

In February, Donley County had a workforce of 1,840 with 92 people looking for work.

This year’s March unemployment rate is Donley County’s lowest since 2002 when the rate fell to 4.3.

The highest March local unemployment rate this decade was in 2004 when the figure was 6.3 percent and 120 people were looking for work. The lowest March Donley County unemployment rate this decade was in 2000 when the number was 4.1 percent.

Statewide, the March seasonally adjusted unemployment rate dropped to 4.3 percent, down from 4.5 percent in February and 5.0 percent a year ago. Seasonally adjusted nonagricultural employment in Texas grew by 15,000 jobs in March.

This increase followed a revised gain of 32,100 jobs in February 2007. With an annual job growth rate at 2.3 percent, the Texas economy gained 225,500 jobs over the past 12 months.

“Our falling unemployment rate and continued job growth are clear-cut indicators of a healthy Texas labor market,” said Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) Chair Diane Rath. “The Texas unemployment rate now stands at 4.3 percent, below the national unemployment rate of 4.4 percent.”

Leisure & Hospitality posted the biggest gain, adding 5,300 jobs in March. Trade, Transportation & Utilities followed with 4,400 jobs added over the month and 21,600 jobs added in the past 12 months. Professional & Business Services went up by 3,600 jobs over the month, for a 4.0 percent gain since March 2006.

“Sustained job growth drives our state’s economic development,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Employers Ron Lehman. “Employers are recording impressive annual job growth rates in industries, including Mining at 11.6 percent and Construction at 4.2 percent.”

“Employment is up, and that means more workers are finding jobs,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Ronny Congleton. “The labor force in Texas is now at an all-time record, with more than 11,078,300 workers employed.”

Initial claims for Unemployment Compensation in March 2007 were 52,901, down 2.1 percent since March 2006.