AUSTIN, Texas – According to data released today from the Texas Workforce Commission, the Austin-Round Rock MSA* unemployment rate increased from July 2023 to August 2023, and is now at 3.9%**, as represented by 56,451 unemployed residents. Key takeaways include:
- The Austin metro unemployment rate remains below the Texas rate (4.5%) and is the same as the national rate (3.9%) in August.
- According to TWC, the Austin metro saw a loss of 2,900 jobs from July to August. The region has experienced an annual growth rate of 2.4%, representing the collective addition of 30,600 jobs since August 2022.
- Furthermore, TWC reports unemployment in the Capital Area/Travis County region*** also increased slightly to 3.9% from July to August, representing 33,073 unemployed residents.
- Note: The unemployment data released today is not seasonally adjusted.
August Job Growth/Losses by Industry in the Austin-Round Rock MSA:
Monthly Increases: Industries that experienced regional job growth from July to August include professional and business services (1,900), mining, logging and construction (1,400) and government (1,300).
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- Other industries that experienced monthly job growth include manufacturing (200), and information (200).
- Monthly Decreases: Leisure and hospitality (-3,700), trade, transportation and utilities (-1,900) and private education and health services (-1,900) experienced regional job losses from July to August.
- Other industries that experienced monthly job losses include financial activities (-400).
- Annual Increases: Mining, logging and construction experienced the greatest regional job growth over the past 12 months with an increase of 6.7%, followed by leisure and hospitality (5.3%).
- Other industries that experienced annual job growth include other services (4.2%), professional and business services (3.7%) and manufacturing (3.4%).
- Annual Decreases: No industries experienced an annual decrease from August 2022 to August 2023.
As employers continue to bring new, quality job opportunities to Austin and Central Texas, Workforce Solution Capital Area remains committed to training and connecting local talent to fill these in-demand jobs. The organization offers no-cost resources to local residents who have faced barriers in securing employment, including individuals with prior justice system involvement.
“In 2022, Workforce Solutions Capital Area directly connected over 1,105 justice-impacted individuals with job search, training and child care services,” Tamara Atkinson, CEO of Workforce Solutions Capital Area, said. “We actively work with local training providers and employers, such as Goodwill Central Texas, Jail to Jobs and more, to provide at-risk populations with support on their return to work journeys.”
Workforce Solutions Capital Area will be hosting a Second Chance Job Fair on September 27, where individuals who have been previously incarcerated can be connected to open roles in high-growth career pathways. Job seekers can learn about available roles with local employers including Amazon, CapMetro, City of Austin, Randstad USA and more. Job seekers are encouraged to register for this event through Eventbrite and bring their resumes on September 27.
“Previously incarcerated individuals face many challenges transitioning from incarceration to finding steady employment upon release,” Melanie Flowers, board chair for Workforce Solutions Capital Area, said. “Our partners provide second chance career opportunities that can help our community members support themselves, provide for their families and improve overall quality of life.”
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.
