Longview
’s economic indicators continue to outpace the country and most of Texas as it relates to the employment growth rate. The Real Estate Center at Texas A & M just released the June 2008 Monthly Review of the Texas Economy. Longview ranked 2nd in the state with a growth rate 3.3% compared to the state average of 2.4% only being out done by Odessa. Longview’s unemployment rate continues to be below the state average (4.3%) at 3.8% ranking 10th in the state as having the lowest unemployment rate.The nonagricultural employment in the Longview MSA increased by 300 jobs in May. The growth was spread evenly across three industries, each of which grew by 100 jobs. These industries included: Leisure and Hospitality, Local Government, and Other Services. All other industries in the Longview area held steady in May. The Longview area has experienced 3,100 jobs gained over the past year. Professional and Business Service jobs exhibited the larges increase in employment over the past year, adding 800 jobs at a 10.3 percent annual growth rate.
As of December 2007 the largest private sector employers reported are: