Austin News

Governor Greg Abbott announced today that Texas has continued to outpace the nation in annual job growth, as evidenced by the release of December employment data. The state has also achieved new historic highs in terms of total jobs, the number of Texans working, and the size of the Texas labor force.

"Texas continues to grow jobs faster than the nation and smash record highs month after month," said Governor Abbott. "As a result, more Texans are working than ever before. Texas stands as a model for the nation, offering the freedom and tools for both job creators and job seekers to thrive."

According to the Texas Workforce Commission, December marked 34 consecutive months of uninterrupted job growth in Texas. The employment data for December reveals several key milestones:

- Texas reached a new historic high with a record 15,203,900 individuals in the state's labor force.

- The number of Texans working, including self-employed individuals, reached a new historic high of 14,594,900.

- The total number of jobs in Texas reached a new historic high of 14,103,300 after adding 19,100 non-farm jobs in December.

Furthermore, Texas has consistently added jobs at a faster rate than the national average over the past 12 months. From December 2022 to December 2023, the state added 369,600 jobs, growing at an annual rate of 2.7%, compared to the national growth rate of 1.7%.

Governor Abbott attributes Texas' economic success to its young, skilled, diverse, and growing workforce, as well as strategic investments in infrastructure, education, and workforce development. He believes that these factors will continue to attract innovative industry leaders to the state.

Earlier this month, Texas was named the 2023 State of the Year by Business Facilities magazine, recognizing the state's outstanding business climate and job growth. This marks the fifth time that Texas has received this prestigious accolade, more than any other state.

As the new year begins, Governor Abbott expressed his optimism for the future, stating, "We celebrate record-setting employment and the endless opportunities ahead for a bigger, better Texas."

Texas' robust job growth and thriving economy serve as a testament to the state's commitment to fostering a favorable business environment and creating opportunities for its residents.