Regional Unemployment Rate Rises to 3.8% in May
Waco, Texas — The unemployment rate in the Heart of Texas region rose to 3.8% in May, up from 3.4% in April, with 7,023 residents unemployed and 987 continued unemployment claims filed during the month. The Waco Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) added 500 jobs in May, bringing total employment across the area to 145,100.
Unemployment rate by county:
- Bosque County: 3.8%
- Falls County: 4.0%
- Freestone County: 4.4%
- Hill County: 3.6%
- Limestone County: 4.2%
- McLennan County: 3.7%
The regional unemployment rate remains below both the statewide and national rates, which each stood at 4.0%.
For detailed information on this month’s labor market data, view our Regional Labor Market Information web page. For real-time labor market data, regional employment trends, wage/salary insights and other data, check out our new Heart of Texas Labor Market Insights labor market data visualization tool.
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Workforce Solutions for the Heart of Texas provides comprehensive services for businesses and job seekers in its six-county service area, which includes Bosque, Falls, Freestone, Hill, Limestone, and McLennan counties. Workforce Solutions for the Heart of Texas is one of 28 local workforce development boards under the direction of and funded by the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC).
Data is seasonally unadjusted and reflects TexasLMI’s latest report, released on June 20, 2025.