Unemployment in the Beaumont-Port Arthur metropolitan area climbed in May, with the local rate now sitting higher than both the Texas and national averages.
While the increase is small, the Texas Workforce Commission reports the area’s unemployment rate reached 5.4 % in May, up from 5.1 % in April and 4.9% a year ago. That marks a year-over-year increase of about half a percentage point.
The number of unemployed workers in the region rose to nearly 10,000 in May, up from about 9,400 the month before and roughly 8,900 a year ago, an increase of just over 1,000 people over the past year.
Despite the higher unemployment rate, the area’s civilian labor force and number of employed workers both grew.
Roughly 185,000 people are now part of the local labor force, a slight increase from April and from a year ago. The number of employed workers also ticked up to around 175,000, similar to recent months.
By comparison, Texas posted an unemployment rate of 4.3 percent in May, while the national rate stood at 4.1 percent. Both the state and national rate held steady from April.
Among local industries, construction saw modest growth over the month, as did Other Services. Manufacturing and Financial Activities both saw declines in employment over the past year.
Statewide, the Texas Workforce Commission reported broader job growth trends for May.
TWC Chairman Joe Esparza said the addition of jobs across the state “highlights the industriousness of Texas employers and expanding opportunities for Texas’ highly skilled workforce.”
TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Alberto Treviño III added that the commission is “ensuring Texas workers have more paths than ever to build rewarding careers.”
All estimates from the Texas Workforce Commission are subject to revision.