Unemployment rate dips

The Southeast Texas unemployment rate for March fell to 6.2%, down from February’s rate of 6.5%. According to the Current Employment Statistics report from Texas Workforce Commission, the following industries experienced job gains: Trade, Transportation, and Utilities (300); Manufacturing (100); Mining, Logging, and Construction (100); Leisure and Hospitality (100) and Other Services (100).

The Financial Activities and Professional and Business Services sectors both saw a loss of 100 jobs, while all other sectors remained unchanged.

The Beaumont-Port Arthur Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) shows an unemployment rate of 6.3% for March, down from 6.5% in February, but up from 5.8% a year ago.

For Hardin County, the unemployment rate was slightly down from 5.6% in February to 5.3%. Last year, the rate was 5.1%.

Also, Orange County’s unemployment rate dropped from 6.3% in February to 5.9%. It was 5.6 in March 2022.

The state’s overall unemployment rate was 4.2%, down from 4.5% in February, but up from last year’s mark of 3.8%.

“We’re pleased to see a decrease in the unemployment rate for March and hope this trend continues,” stated Mary Hammon, executive director of Workforce Solutions Southeast Texas. “We’re also doing our part to try to continue to aid employers and fill the gaps in our labor market. We have several upcoming job fairs scheduled that we encourage employers to participate in to connect with job seekers and help them meet their labor needs. We also have a summit scheduled for September to encourage employers, educators, and economic development leaders together to collaborate around a common vision and strategy for workforce preparation.”