HARLINGEN — The unemployment rate in Texas continued to drop in May to 6.5 percent as the state gained 34,400 non-agricultural jobs for the month.
But persistently high jobless rates continued here in the Valley despite improving over April numbers.
The McAllen-Edinburg-Mission Metropolitan Statistical Area once again posted the highest jobless rate in the state in May at 9.7 percent.
The Brownsville-Harlingen MSA recorded 8.7 percent, with the only higher numbers posted in Beaumont-Port Arthur at 9.6 percent and Odessa at 9.1 percent.
In May, the Leisure and Hospitality industry added 14,200 jobs, having recovered 264,100 jobs since May 2020. Professional and Business Services increased by 13,800 positions and Manufacturing gained 3,200 jobs over the month.
Despite its unemployment rate being the highest in the state, the McAllen-Edinburg-Mission MSA dropped from 10.5 percent in April and 16.0 percent a year ago.
Brownsville-Harlingen also saw a decrease from April, when its jobless rate was 9.3 percent. A year ago in May, the rate was 14.3 percent.
The Amarillo MSA recorded May’s lowest unemployment rate among Texas MSAs with 3.9 percent, followed by Austin-Round Rock at 4.2 percent and the College Station-Bryan at 4.5 percent.
Unemployment Rates
