The unemployment rate in the Austin-Round Rock Metropolitan Statistical Area, which includes Williamson, Travis, Bastrop, Hays and Caldwell counties, increased slightly between January and February, rising from 3.5 to 3.7 percent.

But Austin-Round Rock metro's February unemployment rate is still well below the state and national rates of 5.1 and 4.9 percent, respectively, according to information released today from the Texas Workforce Commission.

Overall the Texas economy added 6,700 seasonally adjusted nonfarm jobs in February, according to the state agency.

“Texas employers added 222,400 jobs over the year in the diverse Texas economy,” Texas Workforce Commission Chairman Andres Alcantar said in a statement. “TWC will continue to focus on the workforce needs of these growing industries and build partnerships that develop a world-class workforce for Texas employers.”

The Austin-Round Rock metro was tied with Lubbock for the state’s lowest unemployment rate. The Amarillo area recorded the lowest unemployment rate in the state with a non-seasonally adjusted rate of 3.6 percent.

In February 2016, the Austin-Round Rock metro unemployment rate was 3.1 percent.

According to the announcement, the largest private-industry jobs gains were reported in the education and health services industries, which added 11,700 jobs in February. Employment in the leisure and hospitality industries grew by 4,400 jobs in February, and the manufacturing industry added 3,900 jobs in the month.

“Texas employers continue to keep our state’s economy strong with private-sector employment expanding over the year with an overall job-growth of 189,200, including 12,300 jobs added in February,” TWC Commissioner Representing Employers Ruth R. Hughs said in a statement. “[Texas Workforce Commission] is committed to offering programs that allow employers to provide customized training to meet the skills needed for today’s competitive job market.”