April Unemployment Edges Down to 3.4% in the Heart of Texas Region
Waco, Texas — In April, the unemployment rate in the Heart of Texas region declined to 3.4%, down from 3.8% in March. This rate reflected a total of 6,297 unemployed residents, and 960 continued unemployment claims reported for the month.
The Waco Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) saw steady job growth, adding 600 jobs and bringing total employment to 144,400.
In addition, the average weekly wage in the Heart of Texas region rose to $1,206 in the fourth quarter of 2024, reflecting a $55 increase from the previous quarter and a $64 increase compared to the same period last year.
Unemployment rate by county:
- Bosque County: 3.5%
- Falls County: 3.5%
- Freestone County: 4.0%
- Hill County: 3.3%
- Limestone County: 3.8%
- McLennan County: 3.3%
The regional unemployment rate of 3.4% remains lower than both the statewide rate of 3.7% and the national rate of 3.9%.
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 19, 2025.