STAFF REPORT
Hays County added more than 200 jobs in March — including 34 positions in Kyle — as the countywide unemployment rate fell to 5.8 percent, according to new data from the Texas Workforce Commission.
Kyle’s rate of 4.7 percent in March, meanwhile, represented the city’s best jobs performance in more than two years, when the jobless rate hit 4.4 percent in April 2009. March’s total was down from 4.8 percent in February and 4.9 percent in March 2011.
The state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate dropped to 7.0 percent in March, marking the seventh consecutive month of decline. March’s unemployment rate was down from 7.1 percent in February, and from 8.0 percent a year ago. Texas’ unemployment rate is significantly below the national unemployment rate of 8.2 percent.
Eight of the 11 major industries in Texas added jobs over the month. The leisure and hospitality sector led the way with the addition of 6,000 jobs. Over the past year, this industry has added 49,900 jobs for an annual growth rate of 4.8 percent.
“The prospects for Texas job seekers continue to improve,” TWC Labor Commissioner Ronny Congleton said in a news release. “We encourage those still searching for employment or affected by layoffs to contact a local Workforce Solutions Office to take full advantage of the services they offer.”
Texas’ manufacturing industry added 2,900 jobs in March for a total of 23,700 jobs gained over the year, and an annual growth rate of 2.9 percent.
The workforce commission does not provide unemployment data for smaller cities such as Buda.
Local job prospects improving
| March | February | Mar 2011 | |
| Kyle unemployment rate | 4.7% | 4.8% | 4.9% |
| Hays County rate | 5.8% | 5.9% | 6.6% |
Source: Texas Workforce Commission
