Houston Creates 57,000 New Jobs in December

While Texas lost 25,700 jobs in December, Houston employment unexpectedly increased, with employers creating 57,300 new jobs compared to December 2007 — a year-over-year increase of 2.2 percent.

This is despite mounting initial claims for unemployment benefits. The number of area residents who filed for benefits rose by 18.4% compared to October. Claims are up 101.8% from 2007.

Houston’s unemployment rate stayed steady at 5.5% in December, even as the state’s rate jumped to 6%.