Economic & Employment Data

The Labor Market Information we provide focuses on the thirteen counties within the Gulf Coast Workforce Board region. This data is produced by the Bureau of Labor Statistics and distributed by the Texas Workforce Commission. Through industry employment and wage data, businesses can review to see how their industries are performing in the economy. Is your business shrinking while others are growing? 

Through occupational wage data, businesses can review to see if their wages are too low, which could cause higher than average turnover for the occupation.  Through analysis of local economic and employment data can help uncover key insight to drive your business and inform your recruiting strategy.  We provide this information free of charge and can work with you one-on-one to determine how to use data and identify and capitalize on opportunities for your business.

Employment Data

August 2024 employment data for the local area was released on September 20, 2024.

August Unemployment Rates: Actual (Not Seasonally Adjusted)

The rate of unemployment in The Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land MSA fell two-tenths of a percentage point to 4.7 percent in August. The rate of unemployment in the month of August remains stable or falls during most years except during economic slowdowns or other uncommon events.

U.S. – 4.4%
Texas – 4.4%
Gulf Coast Region – 4.7%
Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land MSA – 4.7%

Other Local Rates

August Over-the-Year Industry Job Count Change
Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land MSA – Up 80,500 (2.4%)

Detailed Information

The H-W-S MSA lost 30,000 reported its largest August increase since records began back in 1990 as it rebounded from the effects of Hurricane Beryl, up 23,400 jobs or 0.7 percent.

Largest August increases were found in:

• Trade, Transportation, and Utilities, up 6,100 jobs
  • Wholesale Trade, up 1,700 jobs
  • Retail Trade up 1,700 jobs
  • Transportation, Warehousing and Utilities, up 2,800 jobs
• Construction, up 4,500 jobs
• Private Education and Health Services, up 3,400 jobs

August declines were found in:

• Mining and Logging, down 500 jobs
• Information, down 500 jobs

Payrolls in the H-W-S MSA were up 80,500 jobs over the year in August with the pace of job growth at 2.4 percent, up from 2.0 percent in July. Ten of eleven industry super sectors were reporting over-the-year increases.

Largest over-the-year gains were found in:

• Construction, up 15,900 jobs or 6.9 percent
• Private Education and Health Services, up 15,600 jobs or 3.5 percent
• Government, up 13,200 jobs or 3.1 percent
• Other Services, up 10,200 jobs or 8.1 percent

The only industry super sector reporting an over-the-year decline was:

• Information, down 1,100 jobs or 3.3 percent.

If you have any questions please contact one of our Business Consultants at your nearest career office, or email Ron.Borski@wrksolutions.com. For information on other areas in the state visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics or Texas Workforce Commission.

Labor Market Information

Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) Profiles: Economic Profiles

For Labor Market Information, contact Ron Borski at:
     Workforce Solutions - Ron Borski
     3555 Timmons, Suite 120
     Houston, TX 77027
     832-681-2535 (Voice)
     832-681-2500 (Fax)
     ron.borski@wrksolutions.com

Regional Data

Historic Employment Data

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