Heart of Texas Unemployment Rate Edges Down in February
WACO, Texas — New data from TexasLMI.com shows the Heart of Texas regional unemployment rate at 4.2% in February 2026, a slight decrease from 4.3% in January. The total includes 7,797 individuals currently seeking employment, along with 1,076 continued unemployment claims recorded during the month.
Regional employment reached 142,200 jobs, with a gain of 400 positions over the month.
Unemployment rate by county:
- Bosque County: 4.3%
- Falls County: 4.3%
- Freestone County: 5.3%
- Hill County: 4.2%
- Limestone County: 4.5%
- McLennan County: 4.2%
The Heart of Texas continues to outperform both the statewide unemployment rate of 4.4% and the national rate of 4.7%.
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 April 17, 2026.