Job losses in public education overwhelmed any local private sector job growth during July, according to new data released today by the Texas Workforce Commission.

The Houston area lost a net 9,200 jobs last month. Despite gains in health care, manufacturing and energy exploration and production, the creation of 5,100 private sector jobs couldn't make up for the loss of 14,300 government positions.

Job losses included 14,900 in local education and 700 in state education.

At the same time, the local unemployment rate dipped slightly to 8.9 percent in July. The Houston area jobless rate, which is not adjusted for seasonal variations, was 9 percent in June.

In Texas, however, the unemployment rate increased to 8.4 percent in July. The statewide rate, which is adjusted for typical seasonal influences such as major holidays, school schedules and planting and harvesting seasons, was 8.2 percent in June.

Despite the increase in the statewide rate, July was the 10th consecutive month Texas added jobs, according to the commission, referring to a survey of employers that tracks job creation and job loss.

The Texas Tribune is reporting today:

More for you Business Houston job growth tops state's other big cities

Commission chairman Tom Pauken noted that only two major industries — construction and government - reported statewide job losses last month.

But the increase in the unemployment rate indicates that Texas continues to feel the effects of a stagnant national economy, according to Pauken, who represents employers on the three-member commission.

The Midland area reported the lowest unemployment rate in Texas at 5.1 percent last month. The highest was McAllen-Edinburg-Mission at 13.2 percent.

lm.sixel@chron.com