Heart of Texas Unemployment Rate Drops to 3.8% in March
WACO, Texas — New data from TexasLMI.com shows the Heart of Texas regional unemployment rate declined to 3.8% in March 2026, down from 4.2% in February. The region reported 6,994 individuals actively seeking employment, along with 1,015 continued unemployment claims recorded during the month. Regional employment totaled 142,300 jobs, reflecting a net gain of 100 jobs month over month.
Unemployment rate by county:
- Bosque County: 4.0%
- Falls County: 3.9%
- Freestone County: 4.6%
- Hill County: 3.8%
- Limestone County: 4.1%
- McLennan County: 3.8%
The Heart of Texas unemployment rate is below both the statewide unemployment rate of 4.1% and the national rate of 4.3%.
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 May 1, 2026.