Featured: Edinburg Mayor Richard García, who also serves as a member of the Board of Directors for the Edinburg Economic Development Corporation, speaking with journalists after delivering his State of the City Address at the Edinburg Conference Center at Renaissance on Thursday, May 19, 2016.

Photograph By ROBERTO GONZÁLEZ/Texas Border Business/Mega Doctor News

Edinburg’s unemployment rate for May 2016 of 4.5 percent marked the eighth consecutive month that the city posted a figure lower than five percent, with McAllen, with a 4.4 percent unemployment rate for May 2016, being the only other Valley city under five percent, the Edinburg Economic Development Corporation has announced. The May 2016 figure of 4.5 percent is the best showing for that month since May 2007, when the city posted a 4.3 percent unemployment rate. In addition, Edinburg’s unemployment rate has been under five percent during 10 months out of 17 months since January 2015. According to the latest data, which was released on Friday, June 17, 2016 by the Texas Workforce Commission, there were 36,727 people employed in Edinburg during the month of May 2016. That performance represents an increase of 615 jobs in Edinburg when comparing the employment figures for May 2016 (36,727) and May 2015 (36,112).

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Edinburg’s 4.5 percent unemployment rate for May 2016 is the best showing for that month since 2007, reports Edinburg EDC Executive Director Agustín García, Jr.

By DAVID A. DÍAZ
[email protected]

The May 2016 figure of 4.5 percent is the best showing for that month since May 2007, when the city posted a 4.3 percent unemployment rate.

In addition, Edinburg’s unemployment rate has been under five percent during 10 months out of 17 months since January 2015.

According to the latest data, which was released on Friday, June 17, 2016 by the Texas Workforce Commission, there were 36,727 people employed in Edinburg during the month of May 2016.

That performance represents an increase of 615 jobs in Edinburg when comparing the employment figures for May 2016 (36,727) and May 2015 (36,112).

Edinburg’s latest showing also is better than the U.S. unemployment rate for May 2016, which was 4.7 percent, according to the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics (http://data.bls.gov/timeseries/LNS14000000).

The city’s 4.5 percent figure in May 2016 is better than the annual unemployment rate in Edinburg for 2o15 of 5.1 percent. The 5.1 percent annual unemployment rate for the city in 2015 was the best yearly performance since 2008, when Edinburg registered a 4.9 percent annual unemployment figure.

The state’s unemployment rate in May 2016 was 4.2 percent, while the annual unemployment rate in Texas for 2015 was 4.5 percent.

The Edinburg EDC, of which Agustín García, Jr. is Executive Director, is the jobs-creation arm of the Edinburg Mayor and Edinburg City Council.

The Edinburg EDC Board of Directors is comprised of Mark Iglesias as President, Harvey Rodríguez as Vice President, Ellie M. Torres as Secretary/Treasurer, and Mayor Richard García and Richard Ruppert as Members.

Richard García and Agustín García, Jr. are not related.

“As a member of the McAllen-Edinburg-Mission MSA, Edinburg finds itself in a growing sector of the U.S. that was recently ranked second fastest growing area in Texas,” said Agustín García, Jr. “Much of the success in keeping the unemployment rates low are due to the Job Fairs the Edinburg EDC hosts quarterly in conjunction with the Michael Sekula Memorial Library and the Texas Workforce Commission.”

EDINBURG, MCALLEN CONTINUE TO POST LOWEST UNEMPLOYMENT RATES IN VALLEY

In addition to April 2016, when Edinburg’s unemployment rate of 4.5 percent was tied for lowest with McAllen, Edinburg in 2015 posted the Valley’s lowest unemployment rate in November (4.7 percent) and in September (5 percent), and tied with McAllen for the lowest monthly figures in October (4.9 percent) and January (5.2 percent), according to the latest figures released by the Texas Workforce Commission.

During this 17-month period (January 2015 through May 2016), when Edinburg did not have the lowest monthly figure, it came in a close second to McAllen.

Edinburg’s annual unemployment rate for 2015 compared favorably with the Valley’s other major cities:

• The annual unemployment rate in McAllen for 2015 was 5 percent;
• The annual unemployment rate in Edinburg for 2015 was 5.1 percent;
• The annual unemployment rate in Harlingen for 2o15 was 5.9 percent;
• The annual unemployment rate in Mission for 2o15 was 6.2 percent;
• The annual unemployment rate in Weslaco for 2o15 was 6.5 percent;
• The annual unemployment rate in Pharr for 2o15 was 6.9 percent; and
• The annual unemployment rate in Brownsville for 2o15 was 7 percent.

Edinburg’s May 2016 figure of 4.5 percent is part of a consistent pattern of positive reports, including April 2016 (4.5 percent), March 2016 (4.7 percent), February 2016 (4.5 percent) and January 2016 (4.8 percent), and 2015’s showings – December (4.7 percent), November (4.7 percent), October (4.9 percent), September (5 percent), August (5.4 percent), July (5.7 percent), June (5.5 percent), May (5 percent), April (4.7 percent), March (4.8 percent), February (5 percent), and January (5.2 percent).

Edinburg’s annual unemployment rates since 2005, which is the year in which the state government began preparing those figures using a more accurate formula, according to the Texas Workforce Commission, have registered as follows: 2015 (5.1 percent), 2014 (5.8 percent), 2013 (6.9 percent), 2012 (7.5 percent), 2011 (8.4 percent), 2010 (8.2 percent), 2009 (6.8 percent), 2008 (4.9 percent), 2007 (4.7 percent), 2006 (5.2 percent), and 2005 (4.9 percent).

The unemployment rate is a key indicator of the strength of the local economy.

The unemployment rate is the number of persons unemployed, expressed as a percentage of the civilian labor force, according to the Texas Workforce Commission. The civilian labor force is that portion of the population age 16 and older employed or unemployed. To be considered unemployed, a person has to be not working but willing and able to work and actively seeking work.

Also according to the Texas Workforce Commission, the major cities in the four-county Valley have recorded the following monthly unemployment rates in 2016, and for each month in 2015, including the annual unemployment rate for each city for 2015:

McAllen

May 2016: 4.4 percent; April 2016: 4.5 percent; March 2016: 4.6 percent; February 2015: 4.4 percent; January 2016: 4.7 percent.

Monthly Unemployment Rate 2015: December (4.5 percent), November (4.9 percent), October (4.9 percent), September (5.1 percent), August (5.2 percent), July (5.5 percent), June (5.4 percent), May (4.9 percent), April (4.5 percent), March (4.7 percent), February (4.9 percent), and January (5.2 percent).

2015 Annual Unemployment Rate: 5 percent.

Edinburg

May: 4.5 percent; April 2016: 4.5 percent; March 2016: 4.7 percent; February 2016: 4.5 percent; January 2016: 4.8 percent.

Monthly Unemployment Rate 2015: December (4.7 percent), November (4.7 percent), October (4.9 percent), September (5 percent), August (5.4 percent), July (5.7 percent), June (5.5 percent), May (5 percent), April (4.7 percent), March (4.8 percent), February (5 percent), and January (5.2 percent).

2015 Annual Unemployment Rate: 5.1 percent.

Weslaco

May 2016: 5.2 percent; April 2016: 5.3 percent; March: 6 percent; February 2016: 6 percent; January 2016: 7.1 percent.

Monthly Unemployment Rate 2015: December (6.9 percent), November (6.7 percent), October (5.9 percent), September (6.7 percent), August (6.9 percent), July (6.7 percent), June (6.4 percent), May (6.1 percent), April (5.8 percent), March (6 percent), February (6.7 percent), and January (7.4 percent).

2015 Annual Unemployment Rate: 6.5 percent.

Harlingen

May 2016: 5.3 percent; April 2016: 5.2 percent; March 2016: 5.5 percent; February 2016: 5.5 percent; January 2016: 5.6 percent.

Monthly Unemployment Rate 2015: December (5.3 percent), November (5.7 percent), October (5.7 percent), September (5.9 percent), August (6.2 percent), July (6.4 percent), June (6.4 percent), May (5.9 percent), April (5.5 percent), March (5.7 percent), February (5.9 percent), and January (6.5 percent).

2015 Annual Unemployment Rate: 5.9 percent.

Mission

May 2016: 5.7 percent; April 2016: 6 percent; March 2016: 6.3 percent; February 2016: 6 percent; January 2016: 6.3 percent.

Monthly Unemployment Rate 2015: December (6.1 percent), November (6.2 percent), October (6.1 percent); September (6.1 percent), August (6.4 percent), July (6.7 percent), June (6.7 percent), May (6.1 percent), April (5.7 percent), March (5.8 percent), February (6 percent), and January (6.4 percent).

2015 Annual Unemployment Rate: 6.2 percent.

Pharr

May 2016: 5.7 percent; April 2016: 5.9 percent; March 2016: 6.3 percent; February 2o16: 6.3 percent; January 2016: 6.8 percent.

During 2015: December (7.1 percent), November (7.1 percent), (October 6.5 percent), September (6.6 percent), August (7.3 percent), July (7.6 percent), June (7.4 percent), May (6.4 percent), April (6.2 percent), March (6.5 percent), February (6.9 percent), and January (7.7 percent).

2015 Annual Unemployment Rate: 6.9 percent.

Brownsville

May: 6.6 percent; April: 6.7 percent; March: 6.9 percent; February: 6.8 percent; January 2016: 7 percent.

Monthly Unemployment Rate 2015: December (6.9 percent), November (6.9 percent), October (6.5 percent); September (6.6 percent), August (7 percent), July (7.2 percent), June (7.2 percent), May (6.7 percent), April (6.6 percent), March (7.1 percent), February (7.3 percent), and January (8 percent).

2015 Annual Unemployment Rate: 7 percent.

ADDITIONAL REGIONAL ECONOMIC STATISTICS

All cities combined in Hidalgo County averaged a 7 percent unemployment rate in May 2016, compared with 7.2 percent in April 2016, 7.6 percent in March 2016, 7.5 percent in February 2016, and 8.1 percent in January 2016.

The combined monthly unemployment rates in 2015 in Hidalgo County were as follows: December (7.9 percent), November (7.9 percent), October (7.4 percent), September (7.7 percent), August (8.3 percent), July (8.5 percent), June (8.4 percent), May (7.6 percent), April (7.4 percent), March (7.6 percent), February (8 percent), and January (8.5 percent).

The annual combined unemployment rate in Hidalgo County for 2o15 was 7.9 percent.

All cities combined in Cameron County averaged a 6.6 percent unemployment rate in May 2016, compared with 6.7 percent in April 2016, 6.9 percent in March 2016, 6.8 percent in February 2016 and 7.1 percent in January 2016.

The combined monthly unemployment rates in 2015 in Cameron County were as follows: December (6.8 percent), November (6.9 percent), October (6.7 percent), September (6.8 percent), August (7.1 percent), July (7.4 percent), June (7.5 percent), May (6.9 percent), April (6.8 percent), March (7.1 percent), February (7.4 percent), and January (7.9 percent).

The annual combined unemployment rate in Cameron County for 2o15 was 7.1 percent.

Also for May 2016, there were 315,401 individuals employed in Hidalgo County, while 156,780 persons were employed in Cameron County during the same month.

All cities combined in Starr County averaged a 12.4 percent unemployment rate in May 2016, compared with 13.5 percent in April 2016, compared with 14.5 percent in March 2016, 13.9 percent in February 2016, and 14.3 percent in January 2016.

The combined monthly unemployment rates in 2015 in Starr County were as follows: December (13.7 percent), November (13.6 percent), October (12.9 percent), September (12.7 percent), August (13.7 percent), July (14.1 percent), June (14.2 percent), May (13 percent), April (13.1 percent), March (13.8 percent), February (13.9 percent), and January (14.4 percent).

The annual combined unemployment rate in Starr County for 2o15 was 13.6 percent.

All cities combined in Willacy County averaged a 12.4 percent unemployment rate in May 2016, compared with 12.3 percent in April 2016, 12.6 percent in March 2016, 12.1 percent in February 2016, and 12.6 percent in January 2016.

The combined monthly unemployment rates in 2015 in Willacy County were as follows: December (12.1 percent), November (12.6 percent), October (12.8 percent), September (12.6 percent), August (13.8 percent), July (14.4 percent), June (14.7 percent), May (13.5 percent), April (13.5 percent), March (13.2 percent), February (11.7 percent), and January (12.2 percent).

The annual combined unemployment rate in Willacy County for 2o15 was 13.1 percent.

For May 2016, there were 22,949 individuals employed in Starr County, while during the same month, 5,757 persons were employed in Willacy County.

More detailed information about the labor market and unemployment rates in Edinburg and neighboring major communities include:

Number of Persons Employed, May 2016:

• Brownsville: 70,958
• McAllen: 61,505
• Edinburg: 36,727
• Mission: 31,832
• Pharr: 27,650
• Harlingen: 23,596
• Weslaco: 13,718

Edinburg 2016 Employment, By Month:

• May 2016: 36,727
• April 2016: 36,608
• March 2016: 36,649
• February 2016: 36,260
• January 2016: 35,793

Edinburg 2015 Employment, By Month:

• December 2015: 35,778
• November 2015: 35,541
• October 2015: 35,540
• September 2015: 35,327
• August 2015: 35,096
• July 2015: 35,088
• June 2015: 35,710
• May 2015: 36,112
• April 2015: 35,878
• March 2015: 35,736
• February 2015: 35,451
• January 2015: 35,392

Edinburg 2014 Employment, By Month:

• December 2014: 35,572
• November 2014: 35,601
• October 2014: 35,520
• September 2014: 35,155
• August 2014: 34,739
• July 2014: 34,645
• June 2014: 35,338
• May 2014: 35,529
• April 2014: 35,497
• March 2014: 35,336
• February 2014: 35,229
• January 2014: 35,111

Edinburg 2013 Employment, By Month:

• December 2013: 35,132
• November 2013: 34,881
• October 2013: 34,445
• September 2013: 34,370
• August 2013: 33,999
• July 2013: 33,798
• June 2013: 34,382
• May 2013: 34,546
• April 2013: 34,613
• March 2013: 34,291
• February 2013: 34,227
• January 2013: 34,167

Edinburg Monthly Unemployment Rates, 2014:

• December: 4.7 percent
• November: 5.2 percent
• October: 5.5 percent
• September: 5.7 percent
• August: 6.3 percent
• July: 6.6 percent
• June: 6.6 percent
• May: 5.8 percent
• April: 5.3 percent
• March: 5.9 percent
• February: 6.2 percent
• January: 6.3 percent

Edinburg Monthly Unemployment Rates, 2013:

• December: 6.1 percent
• November: 6.4 percent
• October: 7 percent
• September: 6.9 percent
• August: 7.2 percent
• July: 7.5 percent
• June: 7.6 percent
• May: 6.9 percent
• April: 6.4 percent
• March: 6.8 percent
• February: 7.1 percent
• January: 7.2 percent

Because of substantial methodology changes between 2004 and 2005 in estimating city unemployment statistics, Texas city data is not available prior to 2005, according to the Texas Workforce Commission.
Because of substantial methodology changes in geographic areas below the state level, data from 2005 and 2004 or earlier is not considered comparable, the state agency explains.

Effective in March 2015, the TWC also notes that “for all sub-state LAUS estimates, a break in series exists between December 2009 and January 2010 due to a change in methodology used. The use of caution is advised when comparing data from prior to 2010 to that of 2010-present.

The Texas Workforce Commission data on all entities in the state, including cities and counties, is available online at:

http://www.tracer2.com/cgi/dataanalysis/AreaSelection.asp?tableName=Labforce

TEXAS ADDS 171,800 JOBS OVER PAST YEAR AS UNEMPLOYMENT RATE REMAINS UNCHANGED AT 4.4 PERCENT

Texas has added an estimated 171,800 seasonally adjusted jobs over the past year with the addition of 200 nonfarm jobs in May. The state has added jobs in 13 of the last 14 months. Texas’ seasonally adjusted unemployment rate remained unchanged at 4.4 percent in May, which is below the national average of 4.7 percent.

“Texas Workforce Solutions continues to offer market aligned services to advance local job creation efforts,” said Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) Chairman Andrés Alcantar. “We must continue to build and support partnerships that connect employers to workers efficiently and equip job seekers with skills that help them succeed.”

Employment increased in the Financial Activities industry by 4,800 jobs in May. Education and Health Services jobs continued to be in demand with the addition of 3,700 positions and having added jobs in 39 of the last 40 months. Over the year, this industry has gained 61,900 jobs.

“Connecting employers with the workforce they need is critical to our state’s success,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Employers Ruth R. Hughs. “I encourage all of our employers to take advantage of the programs we offer through the Skills Development Fund to help them create jobs and train workers with the skills needed for today’s job market.”

The Amarillo Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) recorded the month’s lowest unemployment rate among Texas MSAs with a non-seasonally adjusted rate of 2.8 percent, followed by the Austin-Round Rock and Lubbock MSAs with rates of 2.9 and 3.1 percent, respectively, in May.

“Texas’ labor force is the backbone of the Texas economy. It is made up of hard-working individuals who are eager to obtain the skills that our employers need,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Julián Álvarez. “For individuals who need assistance connecting with that perfect career opportunity, I encourage our labor force to tap into TWC’s training resources like our apprenticeship training program that can help prepare them for a good-paying career.”

Audio downloads with comments from Commissioner Álvarez on the latest labor market data are available on the TWC website press release page. Employment estimates released by TWC are produced in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics.

All estimates are subject to revision.

To access this and more employment data, visit tracer2.com.

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For more information on the Edinburg Economic Development Corporation and the City of Edinburg, please log on to http://edinburgedc.com or to http://www.facebook.com/edinburgedc