News Summary
Midland continues to demonstrate economic stability with its unemployment rate at 3%, the lowest in Texas. The metropolitan area has seen a growth in the labor force and an increase in job count, with significant contributions from various sectors. Over the past year, Midland added 2,700 jobs, while Texas also reported overall job growth. Moreover, infrastructure improvements are needed to sustain this growth amid rising demand. The future looks promising for job seekers and the local economy.
Texas continues to show resilience in its job market as Midland’s metropolitan statistical area (MSA), which includes Midland and Martin counties, reported a steady unemployment rate of 3% for June. This rate remains unchanged from May and is slightly lower than the 3.1% recorded the previous year. Midland boasts the lowest unemployment rate in Texas, surpassing Amarillo and San Angelo, both of which reported 3.1%.
In June, there was an increase in Midland’s civilian labor force, which grew to 106,191, up from 105,642 in May and 103,508 last June. The total number of employed individuals in Midland also rose to 103,020, compared to 102,490 in May and 100,248 last year. Meanwhile, the number of unemployed individuals saw a slight increase to 3,171, up from 3,152 in May, but down from 3,260 in June 2024.
The overall job market in Midland showed positive growth, with the total nonfarm job count rising by 500 jobs to reach 127,400 in June. In particular, the Mining, Logging, and Construction sector and the Trade, Transportation, and Utilities sector each added 300 new jobs. Additionally, the Financial Activities and Leisure and Hospitality sectors added 100 jobs each, while the Professional and Business Services sector, the Private Education and Health Services sector, and Government sectors each saw a loss of 100 jobs.
Looking at long-term trends, Midland experienced a robust job growth rate of 2.2% over the past year, adding 2,700 jobs from June 2024 to June 2025. The Private Education and Health Services sector was the standout performer, with 1,400 new jobs, followed by Trade, Transportation, and Utilities with 500 new jobs, and Leisure and Hospitality with 300.
Statewide, Texas achieved a new high in its civilian labor force, reaching 15,850,100 after adding 10,800 individuals in June. Despite a decrease of 1,900 jobs month-over-month, Texas added 198,300 jobs over the past year, resulting in a total of 14,329,200 nonfarm jobs. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate across Texas stands at 4%, down from 4.1% in May.
The demand for workers, particularly in the natural resources and mining sectors, has been significant, contributing $1.22 billion in wages in the fourth quarter of 2024. Midland’s airport, the Midland International Air and Space Port, is also witnessing a growth in business travel, indicative of increased economic activity in the local area.
However, there are some concerns regarding long-term infrastructure in Midland, as the job growth continues at a pace that may challenge existing resources. Willie Taylor, CEO of Workforce Solutions Permian Basin, highlights the need for stability in the labor market to support ongoing growth.
In contrast, Odessa’s unemployment rate slightly increased to 3.6% in June from 3.5% in May, though it improved from 3.8% in the previous year. Meanwhile, Eagle Pass reported the highest unemployment rate in the state at 9.6%, shedding light on the varying economic conditions across different regions in Texas.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Midland’s Lowest Unemployment Rate
- Midland Unemployment Rate in Texas
- Odessa Among USA Cities with Highest Wages
- The New York Times: Business Updates
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Unemployment
Author: STAFF HERE COLLEGE WRITER
The COLLEGE STATION STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECollegeStation.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in College Station, Brazos County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Brazos Valley Fair & Rodeo, Chilifest, and Aggie Muster. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bryan-College Station Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Brazos Valley, plus leading businesses in education, biotechnology, and retail that power the local economy such as Texas A&M University, Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies, and H-E-B. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
