Texas jobless rate drops to 6.2 percent

AUSTIN (AP) — The Texas unemployment rate dropped to 6.2 percent in November for the third straight monthly decline. The Austin area rate fell to 4.9 percent, a 1.4 percent drop from the year before

The Texas Workforce Commission on Friday announced the latest job figure compares to 6.6 percent unemployment in October and 6.8 percent in September.

Commissioner Ronny Congleton says Texas is showing sustained economic strength.

The nationwide unemployment rate last month fell to 7.7 percent — a four-year low — from 7.9 percent in October.

The Midland area had the lowest statewide jobless rate for November at 3 percent. The Brownsville-Harlingen area had the state's highest unemployment at 9.7 percent.

TWC officials say Texas employers added 22,100 total nonfarm jobs in November for a total of 278,800 jobs added over the year.