Midland's unemployment rate fell one-tenth of a percent from 9.5% in June to 9.4% in July, according to a Facebook post by the Midland Development Corporation.
At 9.4%, Midland's unemployment rate in July was higher than the rate for Texas (8.2%) but lower than the national unemployment rate of 10.5%.
Midland's unemployment rate remains much higher than a year ago, when it was 2.2%. The COVID-19 pandemic caused unemployment rates to soar nationwide earlier this year.
Mining, logging and construction make up the largest share of Midland's employment industry at 32.1%, followed by trade, transportation and utilities at 23.4%.
The Permian Basin unemployment rate fell from 10.3% in June to 10.1% in July.
The average weekly wage in the first quarter of 2020 in the Permian Basin was $1,390, up slightly from the first quarter of 2019's weekly wage of $1,372.
Natural resources and mining make up the largest share of the Permian Basin employment at 22.3%, followed by trade, transportation and utilities at 21.3%.
Midland's skilled workforce has contributed significantly to economic growth in the region. More than 260,000 professionals are in the Permian Basin labor pool, and Midland has nearly twice the national average of engineers.
According to the Midland Development Corporation, Midland is home to internationally recognized companies, startups and family-owned businesses. Four colleges and universities within 50 miles of the city center provide opportunities for residents to study or take courses to advance their degree path. There are several workforce training programs that have contributed to Midland residents having the second-highest personal income in the U.S.
The Midland Development Corporation, created in 2002 and governed by a seven-member board appointed by City Council, promotes business expansion, job creation and capital investment, according to its website.