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

November 2024 employment data for the local area was released on December 20, 2024.

November Unemployment Rates: Actual (Not Seasonally Adjusted)

The rate of unemployment in The Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land MSA rose one-tenth of a percentage point to 4.5 percent in October. The rate of unemployment in the month of October falls during most years with the current increase in part due to a decline in the number of employed. This was the first October where the number of employed fell since 2013.

U.S – 4.1%
Texas – 4.2%
Gulf Coast Region – 4.5%
Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land MSA – 4.5%

Other Local Rates

November Over-the-Year Industry Job Count Change
Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land MSA – Up 62,500 (1.8%)

Detailed Information

The H-W-S MSA added 20,300 jobs in November. The 0.6 percent increase was roughly the same as the pre-pandemic historical average of 0.5 percent.

Largest November increases were found in:

• Trade, Transportation, and Utilities, up 11,500 jobs
  • Wholesale Trade, up 900 jobs
  • Retail Trade, up 7,000 jobs
  • Transportation, Warehousing, and Utilities, up 3,600 jobs
• Government, up 3,600 jobs
• Private Education and Health Services, up 2,700 jobs
• Professional and Business Services, up 2,100 jobs

November declines were found in:

• Leisure and Hospitality, down 1,000 jobs
• Other Services, down 500 jobs
• Manufacturing, down 100 jobs

Payrolls in the H-W-S MSA were up 62,500 jobs over the year in November with the pace of job growth at 1.8 percent. Nine of eleven industry super sectors were reporting over-the-year increases.

Largest over-the-year gains were found in:

• Construction, up 16,100 jobs or 6.9 percent
• Private Education and Health Services, up 12,600 jobs or 2.7 percent
• Financial Activities, up 7,800 jobs or 4.2 percent
• Trade, Transportation, and Utilities, up 7,000 jobs
  • Wholesale Trade, up 6,800 jobs
  • Retail Trade, up 1,600 jobs
  • Transportation, Warehousing, and Utilities, down 1,400 jobs

The only industry super sectors reporting an over-the-year decline were:

• Information, down 300 jobs or 0.9 percent
• Professional and Business Services, down 1,100 jobs or 0.2 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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