JOBLESS RATE IN WASHINGTON CO. DROPS TO 20-YEAR LOW
The unemployment rate in Washington County has fallen to its lowest in almost 20 years.
According to data from the Texas Workforce Commission, the county had a 2.7 percent jobless rate in May, with a work force of 15,064 and 406 people out of work.
That rate is the lowest for Washington County since December of 1999, when the county had a rate of 2.6 percent, a labor force of 15,063, and 393 unemployed.
In April, the county’s unemployment rate was 2.8 percent, with a work force of 15,068 and 416 jobless.
The state set a historic low for its unemployment rate in May at 3.5 percent, which breaks the previous rate of 3.7 percent in April. Meanwhile, the state economy saw continued employment growth in May, with 19,600 seasonally adjusted nonfarm positions added.
The May jobless rates for surrounding counties include:
- Austin County – 2.8 percent, unchanged from April.
- Brazos County – 2.3 percent, up two-tenths from April.
- Burleson County – 2.5 percent, down one-tenth.
- Fayette County – 2.3 percent, unchanged from April.
- Grimes County – 3.2 percent, also unchanged.
- Lee County – 2.3 percent, down one-tenth.
- Waller County – 3.1 percent, up one-tenth.