Austin Unemployment Rate Down - April 2009

New numbers are out and Austin's unemployment rate has dropped a little. The Texas Workforce Commission is reporting our April 2009 rate at 5.8%, down from 6.2% in March. According to TWC Chairman Tom Pauken:

"Professional and Business Services lost 20,100 jobs in April [for the entire state of Texas], followed by Trade, Transportation and Utilities with a loss of 15,400 jobs.

Manufacturing employment in Texas recorded a loss of 13,300 jobs over the month and Construction jobs here declined by 3,200.

Some industries added jobs in April. Leisure and Hospitality posted the largest industry gain with 10,600 jobs. Education and Health Services added 4,500 jobs, representing an annual job growth rate of approximately 4.5 percent."

Texas' overall unemployment rate is 6.7%, compared to the US national rate of 8.9%.