UNEMPLOYMENT RATES UP IN AREA FOR MAY

  

Unemployment in Washington County rose slightly during the month of May.

According to the Texas Workforce Commission, the county’s unemployment rate grew from 3.5 percent in April to 3.7 percent last month.

Countywide unemployment numbers increased from 525 in April to 552 in May.

Meanwhile, the county’s number of employed residents and its civilian labor force both dropped in May.  Employment declined to 14,300 from 14,410 in April, while the civilian labor force fell to 14,852 from April’s total of 14,935.

In May 2021, the county’s jobless rate was 5.0 percent, with 759 people out of work.

The state’s unemployment rate decreased from 4.3 percent in April to 4.2 percent last month.

Area counties’ unemployment rates include:

• Austin County – 3.8 percent, up from 3.5 percent in April.
• Brazos County – 2.9 percent, up from 2.7 percent.
• Burleson County – 3.4 percent, up from 3.2 percent.
• Fayette County – 3.2 percent, up from 3 percent in April.
• Grimes County – 4.7 percent, up from 4.4 percent.
• Lee County – 3.1 percent, up from 3 percent.
• Waller County – 4.2 percent, up from 4.1 percent.