News Summary

Texas has experienced remarkable labor market growth, attracting job seekers from all over the country and beyond. Major metropolitan areas like Dallas and Austin rank high in talent attraction, while record job growth continues to boost the economy. With a stable unemployment rate and significant increases in various sectors, Texas is positioning itself as a premier destination for job seekers, showcasing a vibrant economy fueled by a robust workforce.

Texas Labor Market Reaches Historic Highs Amid Record Job Growth and Increasing Workforce

Texas has achieved a significant milestone, recording its highest employment levels in history as job growth continues to soar. As of May, the total nonfarm job count in Texas reached 14,340,800, with an addition of 28,100 positions. The total labor force has now reached a record high of 15,839,400, further showcasing the state’s vibrant economy.

Job Market Highlights

The Texas civilian labor force saw a net increase of 24,900 individuals in May, marking the 59th month of steady growth. Over the past year, the labor force has seen an increase of 270,900 people, accompanied by 213,300 new nonfarm jobs added. The annual nonfarm job growth rate stands at 1.5%, which exceeds the national growth rate by 0.4%.

Governor Greg Abbott has praised Texas’ economic vitality and the robust job market, attributing these trends to a variety of flourishing industries within the state. The Trade, Transportation, and Utilities sector led the job market for May, contributing the most with 8,400 newly created jobs, followed closely by Leisure and Hospitality with 8,200 jobs, and Private Education and Health Services adding 4,300 jobs.

Unemployment Rates

Texas maintains a 4% unemployment rate, aligning with the national average. Variants across the state show Midland with the lowest unemployment rate at 3%, while cities such as Eagle Pass have higher rates, reaching 9.9%. The cities of Amarillo and San Angelo follow closely behind Midland at 3.1%, whereas Brownsville-Harlingen and McAllen-Edinburgh-Missions report 7% and 6% respectively.

Metropolitan Area Rankings

According to a report by Lightcast, Texas excelled in labor market performance, with three out of the top 10 large metropolitan areas in the nation. The Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington area topped the list, with Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos and Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands following in second and sixth place, respectively. Florida slightly edged out Texas in overall ranking, while Greater Los Angeles plummeted to the last position at 196.

Growing Appeal

Texas has been strategically attracting workers both nationally and globally. The state’s demographic advantage includes a younger population with a significant number of individuals in childbearing age, which strengthens its potential labor base. Additionally, the absence of a state income tax enhances Texas’ attractiveness compared to states with higher living costs and taxes.

Long-Term Employment Trends

The positive employment data reflects Texas’ steady position as a leader in job creation and capital investment, as it has been recognized for twelve consecutive years in these areas. The construction industry also stands out, demonstrating a growth of 3.4% over the year, surpassing national growth figures by 1.9 percentage points.

Continued Prosperity

In June, Texas recorded a further increase in its civilian labor force by 237,800 for the year, alongside 198,300 new non-farm jobs, resulting in an annual growth rate of 1.4%. With the Midland area still showing the lowest unemployment rates and job growth thriving across various sectors, Texas continues to bolster its reputation as a prime destination for workers seeking opportunities.

Overall, Texas is proving to be a significant player in the national labor market landscape, characterized by job growth, a dynamic economy, and an expanding workforce.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

• Texas Border Business
• The Center Square
• News Channel 6
• Houston Chronicle
• Express News
• Wikipedia: Texas
• Google Search: Texas Labor Market
• Google Scholar: Texas economy
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Texas
• Google News: Texas job growth

Author: STAFF HERE GEORGETOWN

The GEORGETOWN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREgeorgetown.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Georgetown, Williamson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Red Poppy Festival, Georgetown Swirl, and Christmas Stroll. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Georgetown Association, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and tourism that power the local economy such as local wineries and historic downtown shops. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, HEREgeorgetown.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.