The Texas economy gained 2.5% from November 2012 to November 2013, but 1.7% for the United States, according to the Real Estate Center at TX A&M.  The state’s nongovernment sector grew to 2.8% compared to 2.1% nationwide.  The state’s actual unemployment rate was 5.8%.  Midland has the lowest unemployment rate, followed by Odessa, Amarillo, Abilene and Lubbock.  All Texas metro areas except Wichita Falls and Texarkana had more jobs as well.  Texas’ professional and business services industry ranked first in job creation.  Tyler and East Texas are DEFINITELY included in the uptick of jobs, but lower employment.