News

CEDAR PARK, Texas – The Rural Capital Area economy continued to show broad year-over-year strength in August, with employment, the labor force, and wages all above year-ago levels. August 2026 labor market data released by the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) shows 723,312 residents employed, an increase of 3,747 from August 2025, while the regional labor force grew by 4,643 to 753,305. The region’s unemployment rate was 4.0% in August, compared with 4.1% in July and 3.9% in August 2025.

Employment Growth Reaches Across the Region

Employment gains extended across much of the nine-county Rural Capital Area, led by Williamson County with 2,265 more employed residents than a year ago, followed by Hays County with 799, Bastrop County with 285 and Lee County with 248. Caldwell, Fayette and Llano counties also recorded year-over-year employment gains.

Labor force growth was similarly widespread, with Williamson County adding 2,852 people over the year, followed by Hays County with 1,084, Lee County with 277, Bastrop County with 241, Caldwell County with 148 and Fayette County with 114.

Continued unemployment claims also declined, falling to 4,701 in August from 5,153 in July and 5,152 in August 2025. That represents an 8.8% decline from a year ago.

Rising Wages Add to Regional Momentum

Average weekly wages reached $1,583 in the first quarter of 2026, an increase of $108, or 7.3%, from a year earlier. By comparison, average weekly wages increased approximately 3.8% statewide and 3.9% nationally over the same period.

The wage gains come alongside growth across several of the industries that make up the Rural Capital Area’s diverse economy. Construction employment increased 9.1% year over year, while public administration grew 4.5%, education and health services 4.2%, manufacturing 3.9%, financial activities 3.5%, and leisure and hospitality 3.0%.

Diverse Industries Create Multiple Pathways

Education and health services represent 22.5% of regional employment, followed by trade, transportation and utilities at 21.3%, leisure and hospitality at 13.4%, professional and business services at 11.6%, and construction at 10.3%. Private employers account for 85.4% of employment across the region.

That diversity gives residents opportunities across different industries, skill levels and career pathways while helping employers draw from a growing regional talent pool.

Looking ahead, TWC projections point to continued expansion in many of the industries shaping the Rural Capital Area economy. Semiconductor and other electronic component manufacturing is projected to grow 367.6% from 2024 to 2034, with significant growth also projected in scientific research and development, education, computer systems design, engineering construction and healthcare.

WSRCA partners with employers, educators, economic development organizations and community leaders to strengthen workforce pipelines, expand access to education and training, and connect Central Texans with career opportunities across the nine-county Rural Capital Area.

Residents seeking employment or training services are encouraged to visit www.workforcesolutionsrca.com, explore careers and training pathways through Career Ready Central Texas at careereadyctx.com, or search current opportunities through workintexas.com.

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.

*All unemployment rates listed are not seasonally adjusted.

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About Workforce Solutions Rural Capital Area (WSRCA)

WSRCA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit community partnership and the certified workforce authority for the nine-county Rural Capital Area of Central Texas, which includes Bastrop, Blanco, Burnet, Caldwell, Fayette, Hays, Lee, Llano, and Williamson counties. WSRCA strengthens regional prosperity by connecting people, employers, and opportunities through no-cost services such as career coaching, training in high-demand fields, child care tuition scholarships, hiring events, and labor market insights. By equipping residents with skills for career success and providing employers with tailored workforce solutions, WSRCA helps ensure the region remains competitive, resilient, and ready for growth.