AUSTIN (AP) — The Texas jobless rate for December has slipped to 6.1 percent in the fourth straight month of declines.

The Texas Workforce Commission on Friday announced the latest figure compares to a 7.4 percent metro unemployment rate a year ago. The statewide jobless rate for November was 6.2 percent.

Chairman Andres Alcantar says 2012 was a strong year for the Texas economy with overall annual growth of 2.5 percent.

TWC officials in Austin say Texas employers added 4,100 total nonfarm jobs last month for a total of 260,800 jobs added over the year. Six out of 11 major industries in Texas added jobs in December, led by 13,300 jobs added in professional and business services.

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