Texas Workforce Commission reports increase in civilian labor force, unemployment rate rises

AUSTIN, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — The Texas Workforce Commission reported that the civilian labor force reached a record-high total in June and marked the 6th consecutive month of growth after adding 49,100 people over the month leading to a new high for the labor force of 15,311,500 in June.

According to the TWC, data shows that from May to June unemployment across the state registered at 4.0% which is 0.1% under the national unemployment rate with Amarillo’s unemployment rate rising to 3.4% from 2.8% in May.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate is the number of unemployed as a percentage of the labor force, which is the sum of the employed and unemployed. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics said that “people are classified as unemployed if they do not have a job, have actively looked for work in the prior 4 weeks, and are currently available for work” are considered unemployed.

According to the TWC, Texas’ seasonally adjusted total nonfarm employment decreased from 14,190,000 in May to 14,188,800 in June however, Texas’ nonfarm job count grew by 267,400 positions since June 2023. This reflected a 1.9% annual growth rate that outpaced the nation by 0.2%.

“While there was a slight decrease in employment, the civilian labor force showed strong growth last month, adding nearly 50,000 Texans,” said Bryan Daniel, TWC Chairman. “With an unemployment rate below the national figure and an increasing labor force participation rate, we see a strong Texas economy and job opportunities for many Texans.”

TWC stated in the release that construction grew by 4.4%, outpacing the national growth rate by 1.5% by adding 5,100 jobs in June and registering as the industry with the largest over-the-month increase. TWC also noted that Private Education and Health Services added 3,900 positions over the month and Manufacturing added 2,500 jobs.

“Our civilian labor force of 15.3 million people in Texas continues to prosper and break records each month,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Alberto Treviño III. “TWC and our workforce boards offer guidance and training to help Texans find job opportunities and pursue rewarding career paths.”

TWC noted that the Midland Metropolitan Statistical Area had the lowest unemployment rate among Texas MSAs with a not seasonally adjusted rate of 2.9% in June followed by Amarillo at 3.4% and the College Station-Bryan MSA at 3.7%.

“Texas employers are expanding thousands of job opportunities in the construction, private education and health, and manufacturing industries,” said Joe Esparza, TWC Commissioner Representing Employers. “With strong year-over-year growth in these sectors, I encourage Texans to consider training for in-demand occupations in their communities.”

Those seeking more employment data are encouraged to visit the Texas Labor Market Infomation website.

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