Rural Capital Area Sees Continued Workforce Growth and Rising Employment in September
Dec 11, 2025
Workforce Solutions Rural Capital Area
CEDAR PARK, Texas – New labor market data from the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) shows steady growth across the nine-county Rural Capital Area, with more residents working and more people joining the labor force in September.
The labor force grew to 730,434 residents, an increase of 9,858 people from last year. Employment also rose, reaching 702,327 residents working, which is 7,502 more than September 2024 and over 4,000 more than in August. These trends show that employers continue to hire and that more residents are confident about looking for work.
“Our region continues to grow because our workforce continues to grow,” said Paul Fletcher, CEO of Workforce Solutions Rural Capital Area (WSRCA). “More residents are pursuing new opportunities, and employers across our communities are ready to support that momentum with good jobs and long-term career pathways.”
The region’s unemployment rate was 3.8% in September, down slightly from August. This small change provides helpful background for understanding the steady rise in both employment and labor force participation.
Regional Economic Trends
The continued growth in the labor force and employment shows that the region has a strong and expanding pool of workers. More people are applying for jobs, gaining new skills, and entering career fields that support long-term success.
Workforce activity also remained steady in September. Continued unemployment insurance claims dropped slightly from August, suggesting that more workers are staying employed and finding stable jobs.
Wages and industry performance also support the region’s positive outlook. Average weekly wages reached $1,300 in Q2 2025, up $41 from last year. Several industries posted solid quarterly gains, including Leisure and Hospitality, Natural Resources and Mining, and Financial Activities. Most major industries also saw year-over-year job growth, showing that the region’s economy is broad and balanced.
Looking ahead, long-term forecasts point to major growth in several high-demand sectors through 2032. The strongest projected increases are in semiconductor and electronic component manufacturing, computer systems design, and scientific and technical consulting. These fast-growing fields will create new opportunities for residents seeking careers in high-skill, high-wage industries.
County Snapshot
Unemployment rates across the region stayed at or near 4% in September, and every county saw a decrease from August. Rates included Bastrop at 3.9%, Blanco at 3.6%, Burnet at 3.9%, Caldwell at 4.0%, Fayette at 4.0%, Hays at 3.7%, Lee at 3.6%, Llano at 4.3%, and Williamson at 3.9%. These across-the-board declines contribute to steady hiring and stable workforce conditions throughout all nine counties.
Expanding Access to Opportunity
WSRCA continues to help residents and businesses by offering Workforce Wednesdays Virtual Career Expo, monthly hiring events, no-cost training in high-demand fields, child care tuition scholarships, and customized workforce solutions for employers.
“Our economy grows when residents have pathways to skills and opportunity,” Fletcher added. “We remain committed to helping individuals and businesses thrive 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 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.
