Jobless rate at 4.2% in Hill County

Hill County’s unemployment rate was reported at 4.2% in August data released by the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) last week.

The August numbers show Hill County with 773 unemployed individuals out of a total civilian labor force of 17,573.

This is a slight increase over July’s 4.1% unemployment rate and the rate from one year ago, which was reported at 4.1% in August 2023.

Bosque County’s August rate was 3.9%, with 355 unemployed out of a total civilian labor force of 9,045.

Bosque County’s August rate was higher than July’s rate of 3.6% and the August 2023 rate of 3.8%.

Statewide, the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in Texas registered at 4.1%, which was 0.1 percentage points below the national rate.

The Texas labor market achieved a new record-high level for jobs and the civilian labor force in August. Texas’ seasonally adjusted total nonfarm employment increased to 14,239,200 after 78,000 jobs were added over the month.

Texas added 302,400 jobs from August 2023 to August 2024. Texas’ annual nonfarm growth rate currently sits at 2.2%, outpacing the U.S. growth rate by 0.7 percentage points.

Texas’ seasonally adjusted civilian labor force achieved a new record-high of 15,398,400 after adding 44,800 people over the month in August.

This marks the eighth consecutive month of growth for Texas’ civilian labor force. Over the year, Texas’ civilian labor force has added 277,900 people.

“With the addition of 78,000 new jobs last month, the Texas workforce continues its positive annual growth,” said TWC Chairman Bryan Daniel. “The Texas workforce offers many opportunities for a meaningful career.”

Leisure and hospitality added 15,500 jobs in August, registering as the industry with the largest over-the-month increase.

Professional and business services added 12,700 jobs over the month, and trade, transportation and utilities added 9,600 jobs.

With the addition of 8,300 jobs in August, construction showed 4.4% growth over the year, which outpaced the industry’s national growth rate by 1.6 percentage points.

“For the last eight months, Texas’ civilian labor force has reached record-high levels,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Alberto Treviño III. “Our partnership with the 28 Workforce Solutions Boards helps to strengthen the workforce by connecting job seekers to rewarding, in-demand careers across our great state.”