JOBLESS RATE UP SLIGHTLY IN MARCH

  

The Washington County’s jobless rate showed a slight increase in the month of March.

According to the Texas Workforce Commission, the county’s jobless rate of 5.3 percent last month reflects a labor force of 15,073 and 14,275 employed.

In February, the county had a workforce of 14,825, with 14,059 employed.

The county’s unemployment rate in March 2016 was 4.9-percent.

Texas’ seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased to 5 percent in March, up slightly from 4.9 percent in February.

The March jobless rate for surrounding counties include:  Austin County — 5.4 percent (5.4);  Brazos County — 3.4 percent (3.6);  Burleson County — 4.7 percent (4.9);  Grimes County — 6.7 percent (6.8);  Lee County — 4.2 percent (4.3);  and Waller County — 5.7 percent (5.8).