Dateline: January 3, 2008

Donley County jobless numbers up

Donley County’s unemployment rose to 4.1 percent in November, according to seasonally non-adjusted data from the Texas Workforce Commission.

The figures show Donley County with 1,738 people employed out of a workforce of 1,812 with 74 people looking for work.

October’s figures showed an unemployment rate of 3.8 percent with 67 people out of work out of a workforce of 1,785.

One year ago in November, Donley County’s unemployment rate was 3.9 percent with 71 people jobless.

Statewide, the November seasonally adjusted nonagricultural employment grew by 12,300 jobs in November.

Texas employers now have added 204,400 jobs over the past 12 months, for an annual growth rate of 2.0 percent compared with a national growth rate of 1.1 percent. The November statewide seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased to 4.2 percent, up from 4.1 percent in October, but down from 4.7 percent a year ago.

“Job growth in Texas continues to outpace the nation as employers hire workers and expand,” said Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) Chair Diane Rath. “The solid economic foundation laid in Texas over recent years is serving employers and workers well.”

The Midland Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) experienced the lowest unemployment rate in the state at 2.7 percent (not seasonally adjusted). The Amarillo, Lubbock and Odessa MSAs were second at 3.2 percent.

 “Texas employers across many industry sectors are adding jobs faster than the nation as a whole,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Employers Ron Lehman.