AQUA BOOK 2014 | Page 28

McMullen County McMullen county’s economy is dominated by a few industries. With surges in shale oil and gas extraction, the mining sector accounts for nearly one quarter of the local workforce. Other private businesses, such as those in retail trade and transportation, also operate in support of the local drilling activity. Employment Growth 2012-13 by Industry Government Other Services (except Public Admin) Accommodation & Food Services Arts & Recreation Health Care & Social Assistance Educational Services (Private) Administrative & Support Management of Businesses Professional & Scientific Services Real Estate & Rental Finance & Insurance Information Transportation & Warehousing Retail Trade Wholesale Trade Manufacturing Construction Utilities Mining Agriculture With fewer than 1,000 job positions in McMullen county, changes in the local labor market have been driven by development in its mining sector. In 2013, 13 jobs were added to oil and gas extraction. This gain accounted for more than two thirds of total job growth in the county. One additional individual worked in oil pipeline transportation. The government sector contributed to the rest of local employment growth with a total of three new positions. -15% -10% Activities in the oilfields across McMullen county have perked up local businesses, particularly gas stations, convenience stores and restaurants. Since 2010, the total sales volume of the 40 plus business establishments rose almost consecutively from one month to the next. Over those four years, business receipts expanded more than 30 times. -5% 0% 5% Sales 60 50 Volume, $mil (left scale) 400% Y-o-Y % Change (right scale) 350% 300% 40 250% 200% 30 150% 20 100% 50% 10 0% 0 -50% 2008 26 | 10% 2009 Annual Review of the South Texas Economy – 2014 Edition 2010 2011 2012 2013 15%