June Texas Unemployment Rate Falls to 8.6 Percent
Texas Workforce Commission • July 17, 2020
Longview Estimate - 9.1%, Tyler Estimate - 8.0%
The Texas economy added 243,900 private sector positions over the past month. In June, Texas saw a decrease in the state unemployment rate to 8.6 percent. This is the second consecutive monthly decrease and the lowest rate since March 2020 when the Texas economy was initially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Texas is below the national rate of 11.1 percent.
“June’s labor market numbers demonstrate we are moving in the right direction,” said Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) Chairman Bryan Daniel. “As the COVID-19 Pandemic continues to evolve, the Texas Workforce Commission is committed to adapting to the needs of our great state.”
In June, the Leisure and Hospitality industry added 142,700 jobs. Trade, Transportation, and Utilities added 44,200 positions, and Other Services added 21,500 positions over the month.
“The Texas Workforce Commission remains determined to provide Texans the guidance and resources needed to develop their skills and build a career,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Julian Alvarez. “TWC’s recent Skills Enhancement Initiative provides online skills training to all unemployed Texans free of charge. Those interested should visit our Skills Enhancement Initiative Webpage.”
The Amarillo Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) recorded June’s lowest unemployment rate among Texas MSAs with a not seasonally adjusted rate of 6.0 percent, followed by the Abilene MSA with the second lowest rate of 6.4 percent. The College Station-Bryan MSA recorded the third lowest rate of 6.5 percent.
“Texas employers continue to prove they are resilient and innovative,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Employers Aaron Demerson. “TWC is proud to partner with employers across the state to provide valuable resource information and training opportunities to ensure Texas remains the top state in which to do business.”
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 & Career Information Data for July is scheduled to be released on Friday, August 21, 2020 at 9:00 a.m. (CDT).
Tuesday, August 4 | Athens, Longview, Marshall, Palestine, and Tyler
Texas added 43,400 nonfarm jobs in June to reach a total of 14,469,600 positions. Over the year, the state added 177,900 jobs for an annual growth rate of 1.2 percent, outpacing the national growth rate by 0.9 percentage points. Texas’ civilian labor force registered at 15,904,900 after adding 3,400 people over the month. Over the year, Texas’ civilian labor force has added 29,700 people. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in Texas registered at 4.4 percent. “Texas’ continued job growth is a testament to the strength of our employers and robust workforce development system,” said TWC Chairman Joe Esparza. “The addition of more than 177,000 jobs over the year reinforces Texas’ reputation among employers as the best place to start and grow a business.” The Professional and Business Services industry had the largest private sector over-the-month increase in June after adding 25,500 jobs. Leisure and Hospitality added 10,300 jobs over the month while Trade, Transportation, and Utilities added 6,400. “The growth of the Texas labor market highlights the incredible talent and dedication of our state’s workforce,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Alberto Treviño III. “The Texas Workforce Commission is committed to ensuring every Texan has the support they need to thrive, whether through training opportunities to gain new skills or specialized programs that help our foster youth transition into successful careers.” The Midland metropolitan statistical area (MSA) had the lowest unemployment rate with a not seasonally adjusted rate of 3.6 percent in June. It was followed by the San Angelo MSA at 3.9 percent and the Abilene MSA at 4.0 percent. “With an annual growth rate of 1.2 percent, Texas continues to outpace the national average and demonstrate economic resilience,” said TWC Commissioner Representing the Public Brent Connett. “Both job seekers and employers can seek customized career services and recruitment assistance by visiting our TWC website or their local Workforce Solutions office.” 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 July is scheduled to be released on Friday, August 21, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. (CT).
Workforce Solutions East Texas Child Care Services is proud to partner with the Panola County Chamber of Commerce to support child care leaders across the region. Through this partnership, the Chamber provides a welcoming meeting space for Directors Connect training designed to help early learning program owners and directors connect, learn, and grow together. The partnership was made possible through the support of Keri Perot-Vance, Executive Director of the Panola County Chamber of Commerce, whose commitment to community collaboration helped create a space where child care leaders can come together to share ideas, discuss challenges, and strengthen their leadership skills. The partnership began in 2025 in response to daycare owners expressing a need for accessible training opportunities. Recognizing this need, Panola County Chamber of Commerce graciously offered to host the Directors Connect training in its beautiful historic building. This collaboration provides child care professionals with the opportunity to earn professional development hours required to remain in compliance with Child Care Regulation and Texas Rising Star. Tonia Crawford and Aerial Jones, Business Industry Specialists for Child Care Services and facilitators of Directors Connect, say the program has evolved into so much more than a training opportunity. It has become a space for meaningful conversations, professional connections, and shared solutions. Through these gatherings, directors are strengthening their businesses, growing as leaders, and ultimately enhancing the quality of care provided to children and families throughout East Texas. Workforce Solutions East Texas Child Care Services is grateful for the Panola County Chamber of Commerce's ongoing support and looks forward to continuing this impactful partnership for years to come. Together, we are investing in stronger leaders, stronger child care programs, and stronger communities.
