JANUARY UNEMPLOYMENT NUMBERS UP IN REGION

Josh Blaschke Send an email April 4, 2026
48
  

The first batch of 2026 job data from the Texas Workforce Commission shows increases in unemployment for Washington and surrounding counties.

Washington County’s January unemployment rate came in at 4.1 percent, up from a rate of 3.4 percent in December.

The county reported 722 unemployed residents in January, up from 607 in December.

Overall employment figures and the total civilian labor force also declined from December to January.  Employment fell from 17,249 to 16,943, while the labor force dropped from 17,856 to 17,665.

Washington County’s jobless rate for January 2026 matched that of January 2025, which also recorded at 4.1 percent.

The state’s adjusted unemployment rate held steady at 4.3 percent from December to January.

Around the region, unemployment rates include:

  • Austin County – 4.3 percent, up from 3.7 percent in December.
  • Brazos County – 3.7 percent, up from 3.1 percent.
  • Burleson County – 3.7 percent, up from 3.2 percent.
  • Colorado County – 3.8 percent, up from 3.3 percent.
  • Fayette County – 4.1 percent, up from 3.4 percent in December.
  • Grimes County – 4.9 percent, up from 4.3 percent.
  • Lee County – 4.1 percent, up from 3.3 percent.
  • Waller County – 5.7 percent, up from 5 percent.
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Josh Blaschke Send an email April 4, 2026
48