By Kingsville Independent News Staff
AUSTIN — Kleberg County added jobs in September and saw a slight drop in unemployment, even as the statewide labor market continued expanding to record levels, according to new workforce data released by the Texas Workforce Commission.
Kleberg County’s unemployment rate fell to 4.8 percent, down from 5.1 percent in August. The local labor force, the number of people working or actively seeking work, grew from 13,871 to 14,084 over the month. Employment also ticked up, rising from 13,161 to 13,409, TWC’s preliminary, non-seasonally adjusted estimates show.
Despite the improvement, Kleberg County remains above last year’s unemployment rate of 4.4 percent, but the county has 280 more people working today than it did in September 2024, a sign of gradual job growth even as more residents enter the workforce.
Regional snapshot mirrors local gains
Kleberg County’s shift follows a broader pattern across the Coastal Bend Workforce Development Area, where unemployment also measured 4.8 percent in September. The region’s civilian labor force increased to 269,264, up more than 4,100 from a year earlier, according to the Texas Labor Market Information report.
Statewide gains continue, but growth varies by sector
At the state level, Texas added 4,600 nonfarm jobs in September, bringing total employment to 14.34 million. The civilian labor force reached a new high of 15.87 million, continuing what TWC describes as a multi-year trend of steady labor force expansion. Over the past year, Texas has added 168,000 jobs, for a growth rate of 1.2 percent, outpacing the national rate by 0.4 percentage points.
The statewide unemployment rate held at 4.1 percent.
“Texas’ job market and labor force continue to grow because we have a dynamic workforce system that fosters opportunity for businesses and workers alike,” TWC Chairman Joe Esparza said in a statement.
Construction led September job gains with 4,300 positions added, followed by Trade, Transportation and Utilities with 2,000. Other Services added 1,500 jobs, while Leisure and Hospitality posted the strongest annual growth rate of any major industry at 2.2 percent, according to TWC.
“TWC’s investments are key to the success of Texas’ resilient workforce,” Commissioner Alberto Treviño III said, pointing to training programs, apprenticeships and child care initiatives.
How Texas compares across regions
Unemployment varied widely across metropolitan areas. Amarillo and Midland recorded the lowest rates at 3.3 percent, followed by San Angelo at 3.4 percent, based on not seasonally adjusted MSA data.
“TWC will continue to facilitate economic growth across the state by connecting job seekers with employers and providing job training for Texans,” Commissioner Representing the Public Brent Connett said.
Employment estimates are produced in partnership with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and are subject to revision.