AREA UNEMPLOYMENT FIGURES IN NOVEMBER VARY FROM NO CHANGES TO SLIGHT INCREASES

  

Washington County and several area counties reported slight increases in unemployment from October to November, while other counties held steady.

Per the Texas Workforce Commission, Washington County’s jobless rate last month came in at 4.0 percent, up from 3.9 percent the month prior.

The county’s number of unemployed residents was recorded at 668 in November, an increase from 649 in October.

However, overall employment numbers also increased from 15,911 in October to 16,038 in November, while the total civilian labor force grew from 16,560 to 16,706 over that time.

In November 2023, the county reported a 3.4 percent unemployment rate, with 545 residents out of work.

The state’s adjusted unemployment rate increased from 4.1 percent in October to 4.2 percent in November.

Jobless rates for surrounding counties in November include:

• Austin County – 3.9 percent, up from 3.8 percent in October.
• Brazos County – 3.1 percent, no change from October.
• Burleson County – 3.8 percent, up from 3.7 percent.
• Fayette County – 3.5 percent, no difference from October.
• Grimes County – 4.3 percent, unchanged.
• Lee County – 3.5 percent, the same as October.
• Waller County – 5.2 percent, up from 5.1 percent.