Employment in the Houston area fell nearly one percent in July, with total job losses reaching 30,500, according to figures released by Workforce Solutions – Gulf Coast. The decline was largely tied to the end of the academic year, which typically brings seasonal shifts in the labor market.
Government Sector Drives Losses
The government sector, which includes public schools and universities, accounted for the largest portion of the drop, shedding 26,600 jobs. That figure is nearly double the long-term average July decline of 13,800, marking the largest over-the-month decrease in this sector in the past three decades.
“As the region’s population grows, more teachers and support staff are needed, leading to higher job losses during the summer months,” explained Mohammad Ahmadizadeh, principal data analyst and economist at Workforce Solutions – Gulf Coast. “The good news is, the majority of the month’s losses will be reversed with the start of the new school year.”
Last July, the sector reported 22,000 job losses, underscoring the consistent seasonal pattern.
Mixed Results Across Other Sectors
Only three of the eleven major industry sectors posted gains in July:
- Financial Activities added 900 jobs
- Private Education & Health Services grew by 600
- Information gained 100 positions
The Professional and Business Services sector reported the second-largest loss after government, cutting 1,800 jobs.
Unemployment Rate Holds Steady
The region’s not-seasonally adjusted unemployment rate ticked up slightly to 4.5 percent in July, compared to 4.3 percent in June. The seasonally adjusted rate for June held steady at 4.3 percent, unchanged from May.
Looking Ahead
Additional labor market information, including the full July report, is available online at www.wrksolutions.com/localstats. The Texas Workforce Commission will release August employment data on September 19, 202
