REGIONAL UNEMPLOYMENT RATES UP IN FEBRUARY

  

Unemployment rates continue to climb around the area.

According to February’s labor market report released Friday by the Texas Workforce Commission, Washington County’s jobless rate rose from 4.0 percent in January to 4.3 percent last month.

The county’s number of unemployed residents grew from 644 in January to 711 in February.

However, overall employment numbers and the civilian labor force also increased.  The county reported employment of 15,724 and a labor force of 16,435 in February, up from respective totals of 15,471 and 16,115 in January. 

In February 2023, the county’s unemployment rate was 4.5 percent, with 707 people out of work.

The state’s unemployment rate remained unchanged at 3.9 percent.

Looking at jobless rates for surrounding counties in February:

• Austin County – 4.0 percent, up from 3.8 percent in January.
• Brazos County – 3.5 percent, up from 3.2 percent.
• Burleson County – 3.9 percent, up from 3.7 percent.
• Fayette County – 3.7 percent, up from 3.4 percent in January.
• Grimes County – 4.6 percent, up from 4.4 percent.
• Lee County – 3.6 percent, up from 3.4 percent.
• Waller County – 5.3 percent, up from 4.9 percent.