MIDLAND MSA AMONG U.S. LEADERS IN EMPLOYMENT GAINS

Midland again posted one of the highest percentages for employment growth during the month of December, according to a Bureau of Labor Statistics report this week. 

The BLS reported an over-the-year percentage gain in employment of 3.6% in December, which was among the highest 20 in the nation, according to BLS statistics. Midland also led the West Texas region and the state. The average in Texas for employment growth was 2.9 in December.

The BLS showed the number of employees in the Midland MSA increased from 118,300 in December 2022 to 122,600 in December 2023. 

Midland also posted the lowest unemployment rate in the state (2.1%). The state average was 3.5%. The BLS reported that the lowest jobless rate in the nation in December belonged to Burlington-South Burlington, Vermont (1.6%). The unemployment rate in the Midland MSA was among the 25 lowest in the nation in December.

Unemployment rates across the nation were higher in December than a year earlier in 230 of the 389 metropolitan areas, lower in 128 areas and unchanged in 31 areas, the BLS. The national unemployment rate in December was 3.5%.

Percentage growth from Dec. 2022 to Dec. 2023

Texas

Midland 3.6

Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington 3.2

San Antonio-New Braunfels 3.2

West Texas

Midland 3.6

Abilene 2.9

Odessa 2.1

Lubbock 1.4

San Angelo 1.0

Amarillo 0.5

Employees on nonfarm payrolls by state and metropolitan area, not seasonally adjusted

West Texas

Lubbock 161,900

Amarillo 129,000

Midland 118,300

Odessa 82,600

Abilene 77,400

San Angelo 53,000

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