Heart of Texas Sees Lower Unemployment, Fewer Waco Jobs
The Heart of Texas region saw its unemployment rate ease to 4.1% in September, down from the previous month’s 4.4%, according to the latest data published by TexasLMI.com. A total of 7,517 individuals in the region remained unemployed, and 903 continued unemployment claims were filed during September.
Employment in the Waco Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) also experienced a decline, with the region reporting 700 fewer jobs than the previous month. Total employment in the Waco MSA stood at 142,500.
Unemployment rate by county:
- Bosque County: 4.3%
- Falls County: 4.4%
- Freestone County: 4.6%
- Hill County: 4.0%
- Limestone County: 4.3%
- McLennan County: 4.0%
Despite the monthly decline in employment, the Heart of Texas continued to post an unemployment rate below the Texas rate of 4.3%. The region’s rate was slightly higher than the national unemployment rate of 4.0%.
For detailed information on this month’s labor market data, view our Regional Labor Market Information web page.
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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 Oct. 16, 2026.