The Midland metropolitan statistical area (MSA) reported the lowest unemployment rate in Texas for October, as per the Texas Workforce Commission. The report released on November 15, 2024, indicates that Midland was the only MSA in the state with an unemployment rate below 3%, standing at 2.8%. This rate surpasses Amarillo's 3.1% and places Midland ahead of College Station-Bryan (3.2%), Abilene (3.5%), and Austin-Round Rock (3.5%) in terms of low unemployment.
The state average unemployment rate for October was recorded at 4.1%, while the national average stood at 3.9%.
Additionally, the report highlights a 2.5% growth in the civilian labor force within the Midland MSA.
Comparative figures for Midland show an increase from October 2023’s rate of 2.3% to October 2024’s rate of 2.8%. In September 2024, the rate was slightly lower at 2.6%.
The civilian labor force in Midland increased from 115,400 in October 2023 to 118,400 in October 2024, with a slight rise from September's figure of 118,200.
In West Texas specifically, Midland leads with a jobless rate of 2.8%, followed by Amarillo at 3.1%, Abilene at 3.5%, Lubbock at 3.6%, Odessa at 3.7%, and San Angelo at 3.8%.
Source: Texas Workforce Commission