The rate of unemployment in Galveston County is 8.2 percent, 2.6 percentage points higher than one year ago. The unemployment rate is higher than the state’s 8.0 percent rate and the nation’s 9.7 percent rate. Total covered employment in Galveston County was down 3,782 jobs over fourth quarter 2008, down -3.9 percent. The after effects of Hurricane Ike compounded with a slow economy continue to plaque the county with Leisure & Hospitality suffering a loss of 2,549 jobs, down -16.7 percent. The fourth quarter loss in Leisure & Hospitality was more than double than that in the previous year. Adding to losses was continued declines in State Government, down 1,240 jobs or -9.3 percent, as individuals laid off from UTMB continued to drop off of payroll. Total covered employment in the county is down 5,089 jobs or -5.2 percent over the year where the losses continue to be largest in Leisure & Hospitality and State Government, down -9.9 percent and -16.4 percent respectively. The county will continue to report declines in job growth into 2009 as a result of the devastation of Hurricane Ike, a weak economy, and reductions announced by UTMB.
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JUN 2009
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MAY 2009
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JUN 2008
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Civilian Labor Force
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144,139
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142,305
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142,831
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Total Employed
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132,257
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132,075
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134,827
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Unemployed
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11,882
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10,230
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8,004
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Unemployment Rate
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8.2%
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7.2%
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5.6%
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Comparative Actual Rates
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Texas
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8.0%
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6.9%
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5.1%
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U.S.
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9.7%
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9.1%
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5.7%
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