Rural Capital Area Labor Force Grows, Employment Remains Strong in August
Sep 19, 2025
Workforce Solutions Rural Capital Area
CEDAR PARK, Texas – The Rural Capital Area of Central Texas continued to see labor force growth in August, with 726,723 residents participating in the workforce, up nearly 8,800 from this time last year. According to new labor market data released by the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC), 697,395 residents were employed last month, representing more than 7,200 additional people working compared to August 2024.
The unemployment rate for the nine-county Rural Capital Area measured 4.0 percent in August, an increase from 3.6 percent in July and slightly above the 3.9 percent recorded last year. Even with this modest rise, the region continues to outperform the state, which posted a 4.7 percent unemployment rate, and remains closely aligned with the national rate of 4.5 percent.
Workforce Solutions Rural Capital Area (WSRCA), 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, supports this growing labor force by connecting people, employers, and opportunities. The organization’s mission is to empower residents with training and career pathways while helping businesses meet their talent needs, ensuring that local prosperity is both broad and sustainable.
Bright Spots in the RCA Economy
- More people working: Employment grew by 7,255 year-over-year, showing consistent job creation across the region.
- High-wage opportunities: Average weekly wages in the RCA rose to $1,475 in Q1 2025, reflecting steady gains for local workers.
- Fast-growing industries: Sectors like semiconductor manufacturing, computer systems design, and consulting services are projected to see some of the fastest growth rates in Texas over the next decade.
- Business strength: Nearly a quarter of jobs in the RCA are with large employers (1,000+ workers), while small businesses remain vital, accounting for over 40 percent of employment.
County-Level Rates for August 2025
- Bastrop County: 4.2% (up from 4.0% in July)
- Blanco County: 4.0% (up from 3.5% in July)
- Burnet County: 4.2% (up from 3.6% in July)
- Caldwell County: 4.2% (up from 3.9% in July)
- Fayette County: 4.3% (up from 3.8% in July)
- Hays County: 3.9% (up from 3.5% in July)
- Lee County: 3.8% (up from 3.6% in July)
- Llano County: 4.7% (up from 3.8% in July)
- Williamson County: 4.0% (up from 3.6% in July)
Investing in People and Opportunity
WSRCA continues to provide pathways to success through services such as Workforce Wednesdays Virtual Career Expo, monthly job fairs, and child care tuition scholarships that help families access work and training opportunities.
“Even as we see seasonal adjustments in unemployment, the long-term story for the Rural Capital Area is one of growth and resilience,” said Paul Fletcher, CEO of WSRCA. “With more people entering the labor force and thousands more working than a year ago, our region is well-positioned to continue leading Texas in innovation, talent development, and opportunity.”
Residents seeking employment or training services are encouraged to visit www.workforcesolutionsrca.com, call 1-844-344-2780, 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.
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