New economic data shows a strong report for High Plains states since the beginning of the great Recession in 2007. According to The Topeka Capital-Journal,all of the states in the Southern High Plains region fell below the national average in unemployment rate. Nebraska has by far the lowest rate, with 2.9 percent. Colorado is next, with 3.8 percent, followed by Kansas at 4.1 and Oklahoma at 4.3. Texas is last among states in the HPPR listening area, with an unemployment rate of 4.2 percent. That still puts the Lone Star State below the national average of 5 percent.
When it comes to average hourly earnings in the private sector, Colorado leads at slightly over $27 per hour. Oklahoma is last among High Plains states, at $21.78.
