CEDAR PARK, Texas ⎯ The unadjusted unemployment rate in the Rural Capital Area of Central Texas remained steady at 2.9 percent in October 2022, the same low rate recorded in September, with 4,753 jobs added, according to figures released by the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC). The 2.9 percent unemployment rate in the nine-county Workforce Solutions Rural Capital Area (WSRCA) represented 18,284 residents seeking employment, with more than 29,372 open jobs posted across all counties and industries.* The region’s unemployment in October remained below the Texas (3.8 percent)** and national (3.4 percent)** rates.

Within the WSRCA counties, Blanco recorded the lowest unemployment rate at 2.6 percent (up from 2.5 percent in September), followed by Hays and Williamson counties at 2.9 percent (Hays was unchanged from September, but Williamson is up from 2.8 percent). Burnet County was at 3.0 percent (up from 2.8 percent), while Bastrop, Caldwell, and Lee counties were at 3.2 percent (Bastrop and Caldwell were unchanged, but Lee’srate dropped from 3.3 percent). Fayette County was at 3.5 percent (up from 3.4 percent), and Llano County came in at 3.7 percent (up from 3.6 percent in September).

For a deeper dive into regional unemployment claims by demographics, skills impact, and zip code, please visit TWC’s resources.

Historically, for every dollar invested by WSRCA in workforce development programs, there is a return of $2.91 put back into the communities of the nine-county region from wages. For every dollar invested in early learning child care scholarships, there is a return of $1.19 put back into the local communities from job retention and additional earnings.

The WSRCA team is eager to help you find workforce solutions. Visit a Rural Capital Area career center near you to empower your workforce journey. Services are also available virtually to meet your immediate workforce needs. Utilize our Interactive Skill-Based Career Progression Lattices and work with our teams to develop a customized training plan to help enhance your skills and create sustainable career outcomes.

Are you looking for work? The Workforce Wednesdays Virtual Career Expo connects employers and job seekers at weekly online hiring events. Workforce Wednesdays represent a collective effort among Rural Capital Area communities and industries to empower our workforce through virtual interactive events. Employers looking to host free hiring booths and interview sessions should email the WSRCA Business Services Team at businessservices@ruralcapital.net.