AUSTIN, Texas – According to data released today from the Texas Workforce Commission, the Austin-Round Rock MSA* unemployment rate did not change from October 2024 to November 2024, and is still at 3.5%**, as represented by 53,287 unemployed residents. Key takeaways include:
- The Austin metro unemployment rate remains below the Texas (4.2%) and national rate (4.0%) in November.
- According to TWC, the Austin metro gained 6,500 jobs from October to November. The region has experienced an annual growth rate of 1.6%, representing the collective addition of 21,200 jobs since November 2023.
- Furthermore, TWC reports unemployment in the Capital Area/Travis County region*** remained the same at 3.4% from October to November, representing 30,585 unemployed residents.
- Note: The unemployment data released today is not seasonally adjusted.
November Job Growth/Losses by Industry in the Austin-Round Rock MSA:
- Monthly Increases: Industries that experienced regional job growth from October to November include trade, transportation and utilities (3,600), government (3,400) and private education and health services (1,400).
- Other industries that experienced monthly job growth include mining, logging and construction (700) and financial activities (100).
- Monthly Decreases: Leisure and hospitality (-1,600), manufacturing (-500), information (-400) and professional and business services (-200) experienced regional job losses from October to November.
- Annual Increases: Mining, logging and construction experienced the greatest regional job growth over the past 12 months with an increase of 4.6%, followed by private education and health services (3.8%).
- Other industries that experienced annual job growth include other services (3.4%), government (3.2%), leisure and hospitality (3.1%), financial activities (2.0%), and trade, transportation and utilities (1.7%).
- Annual Decreases: Information (-3.3%), Professional and business services (-1.6%) and manufacturing (-0.5%) experienced an annual decrease from November 2023 to November 2024.
When temperatures drop, the winter season brings increased food insecurity challenges, and Workforce Solutions Capital Area expands its services to support the community during times of need. In partnership with El Buen Samaritano, the organization is bringing essential food resources to the community through a mobile food pantry at the WFSCA North Career Center. This initiative will provide ongoing support, continuing through September 2025.
“Helping people overcome food insecurity is about more than meeting basic needs—it’s about empowering them to pursue their goals without unnecessary barriers,” said Tamara Atkinson, CEO of Workforce Solutions Capital Area. “By partnering with El Buen Samaritano, we are providing a meal and offering career support to help families build their way to food security.”
The mobile food pantry will be available on the first and third Friday of each month, except for holidays, through the next year. It includes a selection of nutritious, shelf-stable foods and fresh produce, all free of charge while supplies last. It’s open to the public and everyone is welcome to receive food and learn about available career resources.
As food insecurity continues to rise, Workforce Solutions Capital Area is grateful for the opportunity to extend the mobile food pantry throughout the coming year. This initiative provides immediate relief and serves as a one-stop shop for food and job resources, helping individuals and families gain the stability they need to succeed in their careers and lives.
For more information about the mobile food pantry, visit: 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.
