San Angelo Unemployment Falls to 3.5% as Texas Labor Force Reaches Record 15.4 Million

SAN ANGELO, TX — San Angelo’s unemployment rate fell to 3.5% in September, as Texas’ labor market hit a new milestone with the civilian labor force exceeding 15.4 million people, according to the Texas Workforce Commission.

San Angelo’s labor force data for September 2024 shows a total civilian labor force of 58,700 people. Of these, 56,600 were employed, while 2,100 individuals were unemployed, bringing the unemployment rate to 3.5%. This represents a slight decrease from August 2024, when the unemployment rate was 3.8%. In comparison to September 2023, when the rate was also 3.5%.

San Angelo’s unemployment rate remains below the state average of 4.1% for Texas. 

Texas’ labor market achieved new record highs in September in terms of the job count and number of people in the civilian labor force. Texas’ seasonally adjusted total nonfarm employment increased to 14,289,900 after 29,200 jobs were added over the month. Texas added 327,400 jobs from September 2023 to September 2024. Texas’ annual nonfarm growth rate currently sits at 2.3 percent, outpacing the U.S. growth rate by 0.7 percentage points.

In September, Texas’ seasonally adjusted civilian labor force achieved a new record-high of 15,449,900 after adding 51,500 people over the month. This marks the ninth consecutive month of growth for Texas’ civilian labor force. Over the year, Texas’ civilian labor force has added 318,500 people.

The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in Texas registered at 4.1 percent.

“Texas continues to outpace the nation in over-the-year nonfarm growth rate with more than 327,000 jobs added since September 2023,” said TWC Chairman Bryan Daniel. “TWC supports this continued growth by helping build and shape a skilled workforce that meets the needs of Texas industries.”

Professional and Business Services led job gains statewide, adding 10,500 positions in September. Private Education and Health Services followed with 10,400 jobs, while the construction sector saw an 8,100-job increase, contributing to a 5.1% annual growth rate, which outpaced the industry’s national growth rate by 2.1 percentage points.

“The record-setting 15.4 million Texans who make up our civilian labor force are strengthening and innovating our state’s economy,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Alberto Treviño III. “As our labor force continues to grow, TWC programs will continue to help all Texans secure meaningful employment and build brighter futures.”

All Texas MSA unemployment rates declined over the month. The Midland Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) had the lowest unemployment rate among Texas MSAs with a not seasonally adjusted rate of 2.6 percent in September, followed by the Amarillo MSA at 3.0 percent and the College Station-Bryan MSA at 3.2 percent.

“Industries across the state are growing as even more employers recognize Texas as the best state to do business,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Employers Joe Esparza. “From recruitment and training to customized workforce solutions, TWC offers a comprehensive variety of services to empower employers and encourage success.”

Employment estimates released by TWC are produced in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics. *All estimates are subject to revision. To access this and more employment data, visit TexasLMI.com.

The Texas Labor Market Information Data for October is scheduled to be released on Friday, Nov. 15, 2024, at 9 a.m.