UNEMPLOYMENT RATES UP FOR AREA IN MAY

  

Washington and surrounding counties reported an increase in unemployment rates for the month of May.

According to the Texas Workforce Commission, Washington County’s unemployment rate grew from 3.3 percent in April to 3.6 percent last month.

The county’s number of unemployed residents rose from 542 in April to 590 in May.

Overall employment numbers and the total civilian labor force each dropped over that time.  Employment fell from 16,118 to 15,912, while the labor force dropped from 16,660 to 16,502. 

In May 2023, the county had an unemployment rate of 3.8 percent, with 602 people out of work. 

The state’s jobless rate remained unchanged at 4 percent.

Around the region, May’s unemployment rates include:

• Austin County – 3.4 percent, up from 3.1 percent in April.
• Brazos County – 2.9 percent, up from 2.5 percent.
• Burleson County – 3.3 percent, up from 3.2 percent.
• Fayette County – 3 percent, up from 2.9 percent in April.
• Grimes County – 3.9 percent, up from 3.6 percent.
• Lee County – 3 percent, up from 2.8 percent.
• Waller County – 4.5 percent, up from 4.1 percent.