FEBRUARY UNEMPLOYMENT RATES UP IN REGION

  

Unemployment in Washington and surrounding counties is up for the second month in a row.

February’s data from the Texas Workforce Commission shows Washington County’s unemployment rate at 4.8 percent, up from 4.3 percent in January.

The number of jobless residents grew from 655 in January to 736 last month. 

Employment numbers and the civilian labor force also increased.  The tally of employed residents went from 14,450 in January to 14,696 in February, while the total civilian labor force rose from 15,105 at the start of the year to 15,432 a month ago. 

In February 2022, the county’s unemployment rate was 4.2 percent, and 652 people were out of work. 

The state’s jobless rate went up to 4 percent in February from 3.9 percent the month prior.

Area counties’ unemployment figures include:

• Austin County – 4.4 percent, up from 4 percent in January.
• Brazos County – 3.7 percent, up from 3.4 percent.
• Burleson County – 4.2 percent, up from 3.8 percent.
• Fayette County – 4 percent, up from 3.7 percent in January.
• Grimes County – 4.9 percent, up from 4.7 percent.
• Lee County – 4.1 percent, up from 3.7 percent.
• Waller County – 5.3 percent, up from 4.9 percent.