WASHINGTON CO. JOBLESS RATE INCREASES
Both Washington County and Texas saw increases in their unemployment rates in January.
The latest month of data available from the Texas Workforce Commission showed that Washington County’s jobless rate increased to 4 percent in January, up from 3.4 percent in December in 2018.
The total labor force in the county in January was 14,683, with unemployment at 591. December had 14,987 in the workforce, with 507 jobless.
Last January had the same unemployment rate as this January, at 4 percent. The workforce then was 14,701, with 594 unemployed.
The state’s unemployment rate rose slightly to 3.8 percent, after holding at a historic low of 3.7 for five straight months.
The state economy saw continued employment growth to begin the new year, with 15,400 seasonally adjusted nonfarm positions added. January was the 105th consecutive month of annual growth for total nonfarm employment.
The January jobless rates for surrounding counties include:
- Austin County – 4.1 percent, up seven-tenths from December.
- Brazos County – 3.1 percent, up four-tenths.
- Burleson County – 3.7 percent, up six-tenths from December.
- Fayette County – 3 percent, up four-tenths.
- Grimes County – 4.3 percent, up seven-tenths.
- Waller County – 4 percent, up two-tenths.