Monthly Update: Unemployment

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Metro Houston’s unemployment rate remained steady in June, rising marginally to 4.3 percent from 4.2 percent in May, according to data published by the Texas Workforce Commission. That is lower than the 4.7 percent rate recorded last June. Houston’s number came in slightly lower than the national unemployment rate of 4.4 percent, but higher than the statewide 4.1 percent.

Annually, the Texas unemployment rate ticked down to 4.1 percent from 4.5 percent in June of last year. The national rate increased slightly to 4.4 percent from 4.3 percent during the same time. Unemployment still remains far below the high rates experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic.

League City, Friendswood, Sugar Land, Pearland, Conroe, and Galveston had lower unemployment rates than the metro area average. Houston and Rosenberg matched the overall region with unemployment rates of 4.3 percent. Baytown, Pasadena, Texas City, Lake Jackson, La Porte, Deer Park, and Missouri City had higher unemployment rates.

Initial claims for unemployment benefits dipped sharply in early July following a steady increase through the first half of the year. In the first week of July, the four-week moving average recorded 4,475 claims filed. This represents a notable drop from the 4,755 average claims recorded in the final week of June. But it remains to be seen if this is the start of a trend.

Talent/Workforce
Economy