Nearly A Year Later, Harvey Recovery Continues To Drive Houston’s Job Market

(HOUSTON) Houston-area employers reported 18,500 fewer jobs in July, most of which are attributed to seasonal declines in Local Government Educational Services, according to figures released Friday by Workforce Solutions-Gulf Coast.

However, the narrative continues for post-Harvey Houston that jobs are being filled. The greatest indicator of this is in the Construction sector. In July, 2,500 jobs were added making it the sector’s best showing ever recorded for the month. “Hurricane Harvey recovery is still ramping up business a year later,” said Workforce Solutions Senior Economist Parker Harvey.

Looking at the year-to-year numbers, the job growth is beyond estimated expectations. “Houston’s job market is the strongest it’s ever been,” said Harvey.

The biggest gains for the month of July were in the Education and Health Services sector with 2,900, or 0.8 percent. This was followed by Construction and Trade, Transportation, and Utilities which added a combined 4,400 jobs

The Houston area’s unemployment rate fell slightly to 4.4 percent for July, however the rate remains slightly higher than the state’s 4.0 percent and the nation’s 4.1 percent unemployment rate.

The Texas Workforce Commission will release employment numbers for August 2018 on September 21.