Unemployment Rate for the Heart of Texas Continues to Decline
WACO, Texas — The Heart of Texas unemployment rate continued to decline in August, edging down to 4.4%, compared with 4.7% in July, according to the latest data from TexasLMI.com. Of the region’s 184,516-person labor force, 8,059 individuals remained unemployed, while 978 continued unemployment claims were filed during the month. Waco MSA employment also increased in August, with employers reporting 100 more jobs compared with July. Total employment across Waco MSA reached 142,900 jobs.
Unemployment rate by county:
- Bosque County: 4.6%
- Falls County: 4.4%
- Freestone County: 5.2%
- Hill County: 4.3%
- Limestone County: 4.7%
- McLennan County: 4.3%
The region’s unemployment rate remained below the statewide rate of 4.6%, but slightly above the national rate of 4.3%.
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 Sept. 18, 2026.