More Residents Join the Workforce as Rural Capital Area Economy Continues to Grow
Jan 09, 2026
Workforce Solutions Rural Capital Area
CEDAR PARK, Texas – Despite the absence of federally and state-released labor market data for October, newly available year-over-year figures for November 2025 show continued strength in the Rural Capital Area workforce. More residents are entering the labor force, and more people are working across the nine-county region, according to data provided by the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC).
The civilian labor force in the Rural Capital Workforce Development Area grew to 736,022 residents in November. This represents an increase of nearly 14,000 people compared to the same time last year. Employment also increased to 709,198 residents working, with more than 13,000 additional people employed year-over-year. Together, these gains reflect rising workforce participation and sustained economic engagement across the region.
“This growth tells an important story about our region,” said Workforce Solutions Rural Capital Area (WSRCA) CEO Paul Fletcher. “More residents are choosing to participate in the workforce, and employers are expanding opportunities across our communities. These trends reflect our region’s intentional focus on workforce development, strengthened through industry and community partnerships that connect people to careers and businesses to skilled talent.”
The rise in labor force participation points to growing confidence among residents, including those entering the workforce for the first time, returning after time away, or pursuing new opportunities. WSRCA continues to strengthen connections between job seekers and employers through targeted training, career pathways, and business-driven workforce solutions.
While the unemployment rate remained steady at 3.6 percent compared to November 2024, WSRCA focuses on broader indicators of workforce health. These include participation, employment growth, and sustained engagement across the regional economy.
The Rural Capital Area’s performance aligns with positive statewide and national trends, as Texas and the United States both saw year-over-year growth in labor force participation and employment. Locally, unemployment insurance claims remained relatively stable. WSRCA will continue to monitor labor market conditions and support employers and residents through innovative workforce development strategies that strengthen the regional economy.
Residents seeking employment or training services are encouraged to visit www.workforcesolutionsrca.com, or explore opportunities through www.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 non-profit 501(c)(3) 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.
