The seasonally adjusted unemployment in the Brownsville-Harlingen metropolitan statistical area fell to 7.4 percent in October, down from 7.5 percent in September, but up from 5.4 percent in October 2007, the Texas Workforce Commission reported.

The McAllen-Edinburg-Mission metropolitan statistical area also saw unemployment decrease slightly in October to 7.7 percent from 7.9 percent in September, but up from 5.7 percent in October of 2007.

Statewide, the unemployment rate rose to 5.6 percent in October, up from 5.1 percent in September and 4.3 percent in October 2007.

The U.S. seasonally adjusted unemployment rate climbed to 6.5 percent in October, up from 6.1 percent in September and 4.8 percent a year ago.

"The combination of Hurricane Ike and adverse national economic trends has resulted in a .5 percent increase in the unemployment rate in Texas for October," said Tom Pauken, TWC chairman. "While Texas still has nearly a 1 percent lower unemployment rate than the rate of the nation, I would expect unemployment rates in Texas to continue to track the national trend upward in the months ahead."

According to the TWC, unemployment in the areas impacted by Hurricane Ike, including the Houston and Beaumont statistical areas, account for nearly half of the increased unemployment statewide.

Professional and business services recorded the largest gains, adding 12,200 positions in October for an industry gain of 62,000 jobs in the past year.

Education and health services grew by 3,700 jobs, bringing its 12-month total to 34,700 new jobs.

"Texas is in a better position than most other states with continued positive job growth," said Andres Alcantar, TWC commissioner representing the public. "However, we must remain diligent throughout our state, strategically connecting workers to job opportunities."

Anelsen@brownsvilleherald.com

Unemployment Rates For October 2008

Brownsville-Harlingen: 7.4 percent

McAllen-Edinburg-Mission: 7.7 percent

Texas: 5.6 percent

United States: 6.5 percent