Unemployment in Bryan-College Station higher than a year ago, new state data shows – KBTX News 3

BRYAN-COLLEGE STATION, Texas (KBTX) – The Bryan-College Station area’s unemployment rate stood at 4.3% in July, up from 4.1% a year earlier, according to data released by the Texas Workforce Commission.
The rate was unchanged from June, when it also stood at 4.3%.
The area’s civilian labor force totaled 150,100 in July, down slightly from 152,100 in June. Employment in the Bryan-College Station area rose to 143,700 in July from 145,500 in June, while the number of unemployed residents fell to 6,400 from 6,600 over the same period.
A year earlier, in July 2025, the area’s labor force was 149,600 and employment was 143,400.
The Bryan-College Station area’s July unemployment rate was below the statewide rate of 4.8% and above the national rate of 4.4%.
Statewide, Texas added 1,600 nonfarm jobs in July to reach a total of 14,468,000 positions, according to the Texas Workforce Commission. Over the year, the state added 165,600 jobs, an annual growth rate of 1.2%, which the commission said outpaced the national growth rate by a full percentage point.
Texas’ civilian labor force reached 15,955,600 in July after adding 10,800 people over the month. The statewide seasonally adjusted unemployment rate registered at 4.8%.
“The addition of more than 165,000 jobs over the last year highlights the growth of the Texas economy and the employers who drive it,” TWC Chairman Joe Esparza said in a statement. “By offering resources like our ASCEND grant and Skills for Success program, TWC is ensuring Texas’ workforce development efforts evolve in stride with the needs of our private sector partners.”
Statewide, the Private Education and Health Services industry had the largest private-sector monthly job increase in July, adding 5,900 jobs. Professional and Business Services added 3,600 jobs, and Leisure and Hospitality added 3,400.
TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Alberto Treviño III said in a statement that the growing labor force reflects continued opportunity in the state.
“With our labor force expanding by 10,800 people in July, it is evident that the volume of opportunities in Texas is a powerful draw for the American workforce,” Treviño said. “To sustain this momentum, TWC is committed to investing in the success of all workers, utilizing programs like Project Search to provide the vocational rehabilitation and training necessary for Texans of all abilities to thrive.”
The Midland metropolitan statistical area had the lowest unemployment rate in the state at 3.4% in July, not seasonally adjusted, followed by San Angelo at 3.8% and Abilene at 3.9%.
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