More Floridians are apparently finding work according to the latest state unemployment numbers.
Despite the slight rise in the local jobless numbers, only 11 of Florida’s 67 counties had lower unemployment rates that Manatee and Sarasota in June, including Pinellas, which was at 3.8 percent. The area’s unemployment rate was 4.3 percent, down 0.8 percentage point from a year ago.
Waco’s jobless rate crept upward in June, as did figures from metropolitan areas all over the state, according to monthly reports the Texas Workforce Commission and the Bureau of Labor Statistics released Friday. Florida’s unemployment rate is now below the national rate and hasn’t been at this level since before the Great Recession. The report shows 18,444 people were working, down from 18,466 in May and 18,925 previous year.
Further, Florida’s jobless rate is now below the nationwide rate of 4.4 percent. Statewide, Florida businesses created 17,800 new jobs in June and the unemployment rate dropped to 4.1 percent, the lowest rate since June 2007.
The Henderson County bump was from 4.2 percent unemployed in May to 4.6 in June.
For 63 consecutive months, Florida’s annual job growth rate of 3.1 percent is exceeding the nation’s rate of 1.7 percent.
“Private-sector employment remained strong with Texas employers adding 283,800 jobs over the year and 34,100 jobs added in June”, said TWC commissioner representing employers Ruth Hughs.
In June, mining and logging, which includes the energy industry, added 4,400 jobs, continuing a promising turnaround in goods-producing jobs.
Odessa: 2017 4.7% unemployment versus 2016 5.5%. The Bryan-College Station MSA registered a rate of 3.8 percent for June. “The Texas labor force has continued to provide employers with the skills and expertise needed to keep the Texas economy growing”.