July Brings Small Increase in Regional Unemployment
Waco, Texas — The unemployment rate in the Heart of Texas region inched up slightly in July, rising to 4.1% from 3.9% in June. This change reflects 7,596 residents actively seeking work, along with 1,296 continued unemployment claims filed during the month.
In the Waco Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA), total employment edged down by about 100 positions to 144,300 jobs in July, according to TexasLMI.com.
Unemployment rate by county:
- Bosque County: 3.9%
- Falls County: 4.1%
- Freestone County: 4.7%
- Hill County: 3.8%
- Limestone County: 4.4%
- McLennan County: 4.1%
Even with the month-to-month increase, the regional unemployment rate continues to compare favorably, remaining below both the state (4.2%) and national (4.6%) rates.
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 July 18, 2025.