News

CEDAR PARK, Texas – March 2026 labor market data released by the Texas Workforce Commission shows continued strength across the nine-county Rural Capital Area, with steady employment gains and sustained workforce growth over the year. The data reflects a resilient, employer-driven economy where job creation and talent alignment continue to drive opportunity.

Employment Growth Signals Continued Momentum

The region’s employment rose to 722,054, increasing by 431 jobs over the month and 3,466 jobs over the year, highlighting continued success in connecting residents to work across key industries.

While monthly labor force participation moderated slightly to 748,387, the region added 4,304 individuals to the workforce year over year, reinforcing long-term growth trends and an expanding talent pipeline.

“The Rural Capital Area continues to show what sustainable growth looks like,” said Paul Fletcher, CEO of Workforce Solutions Rural Capital Area (WSRCA). “We are seeing consistent gains in employment and a growing workforce over time, which tells us our regional strategies are working and employers are continuing to invest in our communities.”

A Strong and Competitive Labor Market

The unemployment rate declined to 3.5% in March, with every county in the Rural Capital Area experiencing a decrease, underscoring broad-based improvement across the region.

This regional progress continues to outpace both the state and national trends, reflecting a highly competitive labor market that is effectively connecting workers to opportunity and supporting sustained economic growth.

Industry Growth and Economic Opportunity

Key industries continue to drive regional growth, with construction (+6.5%), financial activities (+5.1%), and professional and business services (+3.6%) leading year-over-year gains. Foundational sectors such as education and health services (+2.2%) and leisure and hospitality (+4.0%) also expanded, reinforcing a balanced and resilient regional economy.

At the same time, the region’s largest sectors, including trade, transportation and utilities, remain stable, providing a strong base for continued expansion.

Long-term projections point to significant growth in high-demand industries such as semiconductor manufacturing, computer systems design, and technical consulting, positioning the Rural Capital Area for sustained future opportunity and innovation.

Positioned for Continued Growth

As the region continues to grow, WSRCA remains focused on strengthening the connection between talent and industry, ensuring businesses have access to a skilled workforce and residents can access quality, in-demand careers.

“Our focus remains clear,” Fletcher added. “We are aligning workforce strategies with real-time industry needs so that growth translates into opportunity for every community across our region.”

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 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.