AUSTIN, Texas (June 15, 2012)--The Texas jobless rate held steady at 6.9 percent in May, according to figures released Friday by the Texas Workforce Commission numbers released Friday that show the state adding 12,500 nonfarm jobs in May, slightly down from April but enough to keep the Texas unemployment rate below 7 percent for consecutive months for the first time since spring 2009.

Local rates, however, rose, slightly.

Waco’s rate rose from 6.1 percent in April to 6.6 percent in May. The rate was 7.1 percent in May 2011.

The Killeen-Temple-Fort Hood jobless rate rose from 7.1 percent in April to 7.6 percent in May. In May 2011 it was 7.9 percent.

Local rates are not seasonally adjusted.

The national unemployment rate is 8.2 percent.

“It is good to see Texas’ private employers continuing to add to their payrolls,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Employers Tom Pauken.

“Texas’ economy continues to stand out, as our unemployment rate remains below the national unemployment rate for the 65th consecutive month.”

Agency figures show that while five of the 11 major industries in Texas lost jobs in May, strong gains in the sectors of leisure and hospitality and professional services kept the unemployment rate from slipping.

Midland's unemployment rate of 3.8 percent remains the lowest in the state.

The highest was in the McAllen area, where the jobless rate now stands at 10.8 percent.