Houston unemployment rate dips to 5.2 percent
The Houston-area unemployment rate dropped to 5.2 percent in March, the Texas Workforce Commission reported Friday. The rate, which is not seasonally adjusted, was 5.7 percent in February.
The statewide rate, however, is adjusted for typical seasonal factors such as school schedules and major holidays that affect hiring patterns. In Texas, the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in Texas dipped to 5.5 percent in March, down from February's 5.7 percent.
The U.S. unemployment rate was 6.7 percent in March.
Of the 11 key sectors in Texas, employers added new jobs in seven of them over the past month, including 5,600 new positions in professional and business services and 3,400 in both government and trade transportation and utilities.
Among sectors that pared their payrolls, the construction industry cut 5,300 jobs in March while the leisure and hospitality sector eliminated 2,600 jobs.
Editors note: This story will be updated later today on HoustonChronicle.com.
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