UNEMPLOYMENT RATES GROW AROUND AREA IN MAY

  

Jobless rates for Washington and surrounding counties grew in May.

Per figures from the Texas Workforce Commission, Washington County’s unemployment rate increased from 3.3 percent in April to 3.8 percent in May. 

The county’s number of unemployed residents rose from 592 in April to 678 in May.

Employment dropped from 17,471 in April to 17,199 in May.  The total civilian labor force also decreased over that time, from 18,063 to 17,877. 

In May 2024, the county’s unemployment rate was 3.5 percent, with 610 people out of work. 

The state’s adjusted unemployment rate remained unchanged at 4.1 percent.

Around the region, jobless rates in May include:

• Austin County – 3.7 percent, up from 3.4 percent in April.
• Brazos County – 3.4 percent, up from 2.8 percent.
• Burleson County – 3.3 percent, up from 3 percent.
• Colorado County – 3.6 percent, up from 3.5 percent.
• Fayette County – 3.8 percent, up from 3.4 percent in April.
• Grimes County – 4.3 percent, up from 3.9 percent.
• Lee County – 3.3 percent, up from 2.9 percent.
• Waller County – 4.7 percent, up from 4.3 percent.