News Summary
Midland continues to demonstrate economic stability with its unemployment rate at 3%, the lowest in Texas. The metropolitan area has seen a growth in the labor force and an increase in job count, with significant contributions from various sectors. Over the past year, Midland added 2,700 jobs, while Texas also reported overall job growth. Moreover, infrastructure improvements are needed to sustain this growth amid rising demand. The future looks promising for job seekers and the local economy.
Texas Unemployment Report: Midland Holds Steady at 3% Amid Growing Job Market
Midland, Texas, has maintained a commendable 3% unemployment rate as of June, reflecting stability in the local job market. This figure remains unchanged from May and is slightly down from last year’s rate of 3.1%. Notably, Midland boasts the lowest unemployment rate in the state, with Amarillo and San Angelo both reporting rates of 3.1%. In contrast, Odessa’s unemployment saw a slight increase to 3.6% in June, up from 3.5% in May, but still an improvement from last year’s figure of 3.8%.
Labor Force and Employment Numbers Rise
The civilian labor force in Midland has increased to 106,191 in June, a rise from 105,642 in May, and significantly higher than last year’s count of 103,508. The number of employed individuals also grew to 103,020, up from 102,490 last month and a considerable increase from the previous year’s total of 100,248.
However, the number of unemployed residents did tick up slightly, reaching 3,171 compared to 3,152 in May. Despite this increase, the year-over-year comparison shows improvement, as the number of unemployed individuals was 3,260 in June of the previous year.
Job Growth Across Sectors
Midland’s total nonfarm job count has seen a positive trend, with an increase of 500 jobs in June, resulting in a total of 127,400 jobs within the region. Key sectors contributing to this growth include Mining, Logging, and Construction, along with Trade, Transportation, and Utilities, each adding 300 new jobs. Additionally, the Financial Activities and Leisure and Hospitality sectors contributed an extra 100 jobs each. However, certain sectors, such as Professional and Business Services, Private Education and Health Services, and Government, experienced a reduction of 100 jobs each.
Over the past year, Midland has successfully added 2,700 jobs, showcasing a growth rate of 2.2%. The Private Education and Health Services sector led the charge with the addition of 1,400 jobs, while Trade, Transportation, and Utilities saw 500 new jobs, and Leisure and Hospitality contributed 300 jobs to the local economy.
Texas Experiences Overall Growth
On a state-wide scale, Texas has also demonstrated positive trends in employment. The civilian labor force reached an impressive 15,850,100, after a net increase of 10,800 people in June. Over the past year, Texas has added 198,300 jobs, bringing the total to 14,329,200 nonfarm jobs, despite a slight decrease of 1,900 jobs this month. The statewide unemployment rate now stands at 4%, a decrease from 4.1% in May.
In a stark contrast, Eagle Pass reported the highest unemployment rate in the state at 9.6%.
Future Outlook for Midland
Looking ahead, Midland remains optimistic about future job growth, although concerns regarding long-term infrastructure improvements persist due to increasing demand. The natural resources and mining sector contributed $1.22 billion in wages in the fourth quarter of 2024, underpinning the region’s economic strength. Moreover, heightened activity at the Midland International Air and Space Port, particularly from business travelers, signals further growth potential for the local economy.
As Midland’s job market remains resilient, community members—both job seekers and local residents—have reasons for optimism regarding the economic landscape.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Midland’s Lowest Unemployment Rate
- Midland Unemployment Rate in Texas
- Odessa Among USA Cities with Highest Wages
- The New York Times: Business Updates
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Unemployment
Author: STAFF HERE AUSTIN WRITER
The AUSTIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAustinTX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Austin, Travis County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as SXSW, Austin City Limits Music Festival, Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, and the Austin Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce and Visit Austin, plus leading businesses in technology, automotive, and retail that power the local economy such as Dell Technologies, Tesla, and Apple. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
