The Hill County unemployment rate was recorded at 3.5 percent in December, according to monthly data released by the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) last week.
There were 640 unemployed Hill County residents out of a total civilian labor force of 18,468, according to the report.
The December rate is down from November’s 4 percent rate, but slightly higher than the December 2023 rate of 3.3 percent.
In Bosque County, the December rate was 3.2 percent, down from November’s 3.9 percent and up slightly from the December 2023 rate of 2.8 percent.
There were 287 unemployed Bosque County residents in December out of a total civilian labor force of 8,985.
Overall, the Texas labor market achieved a new record-high level for jobs and the civilian labor force in December. The state added 37,500 positions over the month, reaching a total of 14,318,700 nonfarm jobs. Texas added 284,200 jobs from December 2023 to December 2024, bringing the annual nonfarm growth rate to 2.0 percent.
The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in Texas registered at 4.2 percent.
“This new record-high level for jobs and the civilian labor force shows the strength of Texas’ economy,” said TWC Chairman Bryan Daniel. “TWC will continue its efforts for continued economic growth by connecting job seekers with employers and providing job training for Texans.”
The professional and business services industry had the largest over-the-month increase in December after adding 17,800 jobs.
In addition, trade, transportation and utilities added 10,400 jobs over the month and leisure and hospitality added 3,700.
In Texas, financial activities grew by 3.6 percent over the year and outperformed the industry’s growth rate nationally by 3.0 percentage points.
“The Texas economy is thriving in diverse sectors,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor, Alberto Treviño III. “I encourage job seekers to leverage TWC resources to find rewarding career opportunities that best match their skills.”
The Midland Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) had the lowest unemployment rate among Texas MSAs with a not seasonally adjusted rate of 2.4 percent in December, followed by the Amarillo MSA at 2.6 percent and the College Station-Bryan MSA at 2.7 percent.
“Texas employers are creating jobs at a rate that outpaces the nation,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Employers Joe Esparza. “TWC offers a wide range of programs to meet the workforce needs of today and prepare Texans for projected job growth in the years ahead.”
The Lakelander 