AUSTIN, Texas – According to data released today from the Texas Workforce Commission, the Austin-Round Rock MSA* unemployment rate decreased from March 2023 to April 2023, and is now at 3.1%**, as represented by 44,091 unemployed residents. Key takeaways include:
The Austin metro unemployment rate remains below the Texas rate (3.7%) and was the same as the national rate (3.1%) in April.
- According to TWC, the Austin metro gained 7,700 jobs from March to April. The region has experienced an annual growth rate of1%, representing the collective addition of 51,100 jobs since April 2022.
- Furthermore, TWC reports unemployment in the Capital Area/Travis County region*** decreased to 3.0% from March to April, representing 25,675 unemployed residents.
- Note: The unemployment data released today is not seasonally adjusted.
April Job Growth/Losses by Industry in the Austin-Round Rock MSA:
Monthly Increases: Industries that experienced regional job growth from March to April include professional and business services (2,800), leisure and hospitality (1,800) and mining, logging and construction (1,600).
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- Other industries that experienced monthly job growth include financial activities (1,500) and information (800).
- Monthly Decreases: Private education and health services (-1,300) and trade, transportation and utilities (-900) experienced regional job losses from March to April.
- Annual Increases: Leisure and hospitality experienced the greatest regional job growth over the past 12 months with an increase of 11.7%, followed by other services (6.1%).
- Other industries that experienced annual job growth include manufacturing (5.5%), professional and business services (4.8%) and information (4.7%).
- Annual Decreases: No industries experienced an annual decrease from April 2022 to April 2023.
With school letting out soon, parents and caregivers who meet federal income guidelines and are working or pursuing an education may face additional challenges when securing affordable child care over the summer. Workforce Solutions Capital Area can connect eligible Travis County families with child care scholarships for affordable and quality early education, and has seen increased demand for these services as Austin’s cost of living increases.
“At Workforce Solutions Capital Area, we believe that assistance for early childhood education is no less significant than support for post-secondary education,” Tamara Atkinson, CEO of Workforce Solutions Capital Area, said. “Our affordable or no cost child care services remove a financial barrier for the caregiver to pursue a career or education, and the child receives the care and education to reach their fullest potential.”
In 2022, 5,470 children received child care scholarships through Workforce Solutions Capital Area. This includes children enrolled with support from the City of Austin and Travis County to bridge any gaps in eligibility for local parents.
Travis County recently allocated nearly $51 million to assist nonprofit organizations, including Workforce Solutions Capital Area, in addressing ongoing community needs around child care, food access and rental assistance.
“We are grateful to work with Travis County and the City of Austin to participate in the Continuity of Care program, which is designed to supplement federal support for local parents so they don’t lose access to affordable care,” Melanie Flowers, board chair for Workforce Solutions Capital Area, said. “The child care assistance scholarships and Continuity of Care program offered through Workforce Solutions Capital Area are investments in our community, allowing caregivers to further their careers or education and become self-sufficient to provide for their families’ needs.”
Travis County residents who are interested in the child care scholarship program can visit www.wfscapitalarea.com for more information and to apply.
Workforce Solutions Capital Area’s three career centers across Austin are available by phone, email, or in-person to serve residents and businesses impacted by economic changes caused by COVID-19. 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, Twitter 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.
