AUSTIN, Texas – According to data released today from the Texas Workforce Commission, the Austin-Round Rock MSA* unemployment rate increased slightly from September 2024 to October 2024, and is now at 3.5%**, as represented by 52,700 unemployed residents. Key takeaways include:
- The Austin metro unemployment rate remains below the Texas (4.1%) and is less than the national rate (3.9%) in October.
- According to TWC, the Austin metro gained 11,500 jobs from September to October. The region has experienced an annual growth rate of 1.7%, representing the collective addition of 22,500 jobs since October 2023.
- Furthermore, TWC reports unemployment in the Capital Area/Travis County region*** stayed the same (3.4% from September to October, representing 30,293 unemployed residents.
- Note: The unemployment data released today is not seasonally adjusted.
October Job Growth/Losses by Industry in the Austin-Round Rock MSA:
- Monthly Increases: Industries that experienced regional job growth from September to October include government (4,400), professional and business services (3,400) and trade, transportation and utilities (2,000).
- Other industries that experienced monthly job growth include mining, logging and construction (600), information (500), and financial activities (300).
- Monthly Decreases: Leisure and hospitality (-400), experienced regional job losses from September to October.
- Annual Increases: Mining, logging and construction experienced the greatest regional job growth over the past 12 months with an increase of 5.3%, followed by private education and health services at 3.2% and other services at 3.2%.
- Other industries that experienced annual job growth include leisure and hospitality (2.8%), government (2.8%), and trade, transportation and utilities (1.7%).
- Annual Decreases: Information (-3.1%) experienced an annual decrease from October 2023 to October 2024.
In keeping with Workforce Solutions Capital Area’s commitment to meeting Austin’s job seekers where they are, the organization has partnered with El Buen Samaritano to bring essential food resources to the community through a Mobile Food Pantry at the WFSCA North Career Center. The pantry will be available on Nov. 15 and Dec. 6 from 8:30 to 10 a.m. and will repeat on the first and third Fridays of each month, except for holidays, through September 2025.
“At Workforce Solutions, we recognize that access to basic needs, like food, are essential to thrive in the workplace or when you are seeking employment,” Tamara Atkinson, CEO of Workforce Solutions Capital Area, said. “Collaborating with dedicated partners like El Buen Samaritano enables us to address food insecurity while building a stronger workforce in Austin.”
The Mobile Food Pantry will offer a selection of nutritious shelf-stable foods and fresh produce to those in need. The event is open to the public and the food is free of charge while supplies last.
Workforce Solutions Capital Area is committed to expanding support in the community by removing obstacles to employment. The Mobile Food Pantry helps individuals and families access the food resources they need so they have one less burden to bear as they focus on their career goals.
For more information or to see future locations where the Mobile Food Pantry will visit, go to: https://elbuen.org/events/
Workforce Solutions Capital Area’s career centers across Austin are available by phone, email, or in-person to help residents plan their careers and increase their income, as well as provide employers with tailored business solutions at various levels of support. Residents seeking assistance can contact 512-454-9675 or visit wfscapitalarea.com to learn about services and resources for job seekers, employers, parents and students.
Workforce Solutions Capital Area is the non-profit organization that serves as the leadership and governing body for the Austin/Travis County area workforce system. They are responsible for the planning, oversight, and evaluation of workforce development activities in the Capital Area. Learn more at WFSCapitalArea.com and follow along on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, X and YouTube.
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*The Austin-Round Rock Metropolitan Statistical Area includes Bastrop, Caldwell, Hays, Travis, and Williamson counties.
**Unemployment rates listed are not seasonally adjusted.
***The Capital Area Workforce Development Area includes Travis County.
