HARLINGEN — The jobless rate for Valley workers jumped sharply higher in November, with both of the major metropolitan areas showing increases of more than 20 percent compared to the previous month.
In the Brownsville-Harlingen Metropolitan Statistical Area, unemployment figures rose from 9.3 percent in October to 11.2 percent, a 20.4-percent increase. A year ago, the jobless rate was 5.4 percent.
The McAllen-Edinburg-Mission MSA also had major percentage-point rise, going from 10.2 percent in October to 12.5 percent in November, a 22.5-percent increase. It was the second-highest jobless rate of any MSA in the state, behind only Odessa’s 13.1 percent.
Overall, the state’s private sector added 65,800 jobs in November, but the unemployment rate still jumped from 6.9 percent to 8.1 percent, the Texas Workforce Commission reported.
The national jobless rate for November was 6.4 percent.
November marked the seventh straight month for job growth in the state.
“As Texas businesses and job seekers adapt to changes in our economy, we can expect continued fluctuations, but TWC will continue to respond to trending needs and offer resources to workers and business that bolster the state’s economy,” said TWC Chairman Bryan Daniel.
Among job sectors, the Trade, Transportation, and Utilities industry added 25,800 jobs. Leisure and Hospitality added 20,400 jobs and Construction added 7,500 jobs.
“TWC continues to encourage all Texans to utilize employment resources such as WorkInTexas.com, the Skills Enhancement Initiative and Workforce Solutions Centers across the state,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Julian Alvarez.
The Amarillo MSA recorded November’s lowest unemployment rate among Texas MSAs with a non-seasonally adjusted rate of 5.4 percent, followed by the College Station-Bryan MSA at 5.6 percent.
The Austin-Round Rock MSA recorded the third-lowest rate at 5.9 percent.
Nov. jobless rates
Area Nov. 2020 Oct. 2020 Nov. 2019
Brn.-Harlingen 11.2 9.3 5.4
McAllen-Edin. 12.5 10.3 6.2
Corpus Christi 10.0 8.3 4.1
San Ant.-N. Braun. 7.3 6.2 3.0
Texas 8.0 6.7 3.4
U.S. 6.4 6.6 3.3
