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Corpus Christi, Tex.

Share of jobs in strong industries: 36.9%
Number of workers: 123,835
Metro area unemployment rate: 5%
Agriculture jobs: 1.73%
Professional, Scientific, and Technical jobs (legal, accounting etc.): 4.70%
Education jobs: 10.36%
Health-care jobs: 13.13%
Public Administration (Government) jobs: 6.67%

Corpus Christi, a coastal city that is home to military bases, energy, and agriculture jobs, could do relatively well in a downturn as long as energy prices stay high and it isn't hit by more Ike-like hurricanes.