Unemployment Rate for the Heart of Texas Sees Slight Decline
WACO, Texas — The Heart of Texas unemployment rate saw a slight decline in July, falling to 4.6% from 4.7% in June, according to the latest data from TexasLMI.com. The regional labor force included 8,421 individuals seeking employment, while 1,065 continued unemployment claims were filed during the month. Regional employment also decreased in July, with employers reporting 500 fewer jobs compared to June. Total employment across the Heart of Texas stood at 142,700 jobs.
Unemployment rate by county:
- Bosque County: 4.6%
- Falls County: 4.4%
- Freestone County: 5.3%
- Hill County: 4.4%
- Limestone County: 4.7%
- McLennan County: 4.8%
Newly released first-quarter 2026 industry and wage data also showed that Education and Health Services remained the region’s largest employment sector, accounting for 27% of total employment with 41,294 jobs. Manufacturing experienced the sharpest decline, decreasing 8.1% from the previous quarter and 5.8% year over year.
The region’s average weekly wage was $1,213 in the first quarter of 2026, down $49 from the previous quarter, but up $19 compared with the same quarter last year.
The region’s unemployment rate remained lower than the statewide rate of 4.8%, but higher than the national rate of 4.4%.
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 Aug. 21, 2026.