Hill and Bosque county unemployment rates were down slightly in the latest data released by the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) for October.
Hill County’s October rate was reported at 3.7%, down from September’s rate of 3.8%. It was also down from the rate one year ago, which was reported at 4.3% in October 2022.
There were 694 unemployed individuals in the county in October out of a total Hill County civilian labor force of 18,765.
To date, the county’s highest unemployment rate of 2023 was in February, when it was reported at 5%.
Bosque County’s unemployment rate was reported at 3.4% in October, with 299 unemployed individuals out of a total civilian labor force of 8,817.
That is down from both the September 2023 rate of 3.6% and the October 2022 rate of 3.5%.
Statewide, the Texas seasonally adjusted unemployment rate held steady at 4.1%.
The seasonally adjusted civilian labor force reached a new record high of 15,162,100 after growing by 20,900 people over the month in October. This marked the 10th consecutive monthly increase and included the addition of 21,100 Texans employed over the month.
Total nonfarm employment dipped slightly over the month with a decrease of 1,300 jobs. As of October 2023, the Texas seasonally adjusted job count numbered 14,048,200. Texas was first in the nation in over-the-year job growth with 391,500 jobs gained. The annual growth rate outpaced the nation’s by a full point, 2.9% compared to 1.9% nationally.
“Despite a small decrease in payroll jobs, the Texas labor force grew by nearly 21,000 people in October, with no change in the unemployment rate,” said TWC Chairman Bryan Daniel. “The Texas economy continues to grow, and there are nearly 480,000 job listings for individuals with the right skills, which TWC can help provide.”
Six of 11 major industries in Texas expanded over the month. Trade, transportation and utilities saw significant growth with 5,300 jobs added, while the information industry gained 2,100 jobs in October. Another 1,500 positions were added in professional and business services.
“Texas continues to outpace the nation in job growth as we expand workforce opportunities in multiple industries,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Alberto Treviño III. “This means doors continue to open for career pathways and for job seekers entering the workplace.”
The Midland Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) maintained the lowest unemployment rate among Texas MSAs with a not seasonally adjusted rate of 2.4% in October, followed by the Amarillo MSA at 2.9%, and College Station-Bryan at 3.0%.
“Texas remains the best state in the nation to work, live and own a business,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Employers Joe Esparza. “I encourage Texas employers, large and small, to utilize the services provided through the nearly 175 Workforce Solutions offices throughout Texas to hire skilled workers and build upon our state’s economic prosperity.”
The Lakelander 