AREA UNEMPLOYMENT RATES UP IN JANUARY

  

Unemployment rates around the region are up to start off the new year.

According to January 2024 figures released this week by the Texas Workforce Commission, Washington County’s unemployment rate was 4.0 percent, up from 3.3 percent in December 2023.

The county’s number of unemployed residents grew from 527 in December to 644 in January.

However, the county also reported gains in employment and the total civilian labor force.  Employment from December to January rose from 15,390 to 15,459, while the labor force increased from 15,917 to 16,103.

In January 2023, the county’s unemployment rate was 4.4 percent, with 667 residents out of work.

The state’s unemployment rate held at 3.9 percent in January.

The jobless rates for area counties in January include:

• Austin County – 3.8 percent, up from 3.1 percent in December.
• Brazos County – 3.2 percent, up from 2.5 percent.
• Burleson County – 3.7 percent, up from 3.1 percent.
• Fayette County – 3.4 percent, up from 2.7 percent in December.
• Grimes County – 4.4 percent, up from 3.8 percent.
• Lee County – 3.4 percent, up from 2.9 percent.
• Waller County – 4.9 percent, up from 4.1 percent.