What is the unemployment rate in the El Paso, TX area right now?
Refreshed monthly
Unemployment in the El Paso, TX Metro Area was at 4% in April 2026. That's a 0.1 percentage point increase from a year before. The unemployment rate is the percentage of people in the labor force who are actively looking for work but not currently employed. It helps indicate the overall condition of the El Paso, TX area job market.
In April 2026,
4%
of the labor force was unemployed in El Paso, TX area
April 2026 had a
+0.1
percentage point change from April 2025
Metro area-level unemployment data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics does not account for fluctuations due to seasonal employment patterns, such as tourism or agriculture. That means the data may show large changes month to month. It’s important to view this local data with a long-term lens.
The unemployment rate in El Paso, TX area was lower in April 2026 (YTD) compared with January 2019.
Unemployment rate by month, not seasonally adjusted, 2019-2026 (YTD)
Unemployment rates differ between urban areas due to various factors. The types of industries present in an area may affect unemployment rates. Seasonal work in industries like tourism can cause unemployment to go up and down. Population changes and local policies also play a role in how many people are employed.
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How does unemployment in the El Paso, TX area compare to other metros?
Unemployment rates are an indicator of economic health, and comparing these rates across different metropolitan areas can provide valuable insights. The El Paso, TX area has its own unique economic landscape that influences its unemployment rate. Understanding how this rate compares to other metros can help identify regional economic strengths and weaknesses. The most recent unemployment rate for the El Paso, TX area is a figure to consider, especially when compared to the national average. Historical trends in unemployment for El Paso can reveal patterns and shifts over time, offering a broader context for current data. Various factors, such as industry presence, educational attainment, and demographic changes, play roles in shaping the unemployment rate in El Paso. These factors can differ markedly from those in other metropolitan areas, leading to different economic outcomes. The economic impact of unemployment in El Paso affects not only individuals but also the broader community and local economy. By comparing these impacts to those in other metros, we can better understand the unique challenges and opportunities faced by the El Paso area. In conclusion, examining the unemployment rate in El Paso, TX, in relation to other metropolitan areas highlights both the distinct and shared economic dynamics at play.Among 108 metro areas with more than 250,000 people in the labor force, the El Paso, TX area had the 38th highest unemployment rate in April 2026.
Other areas with similar unemployment rates to the El Paso, TX area's 4% unemployment rate were the San Luis Obispo, CA area (4%) and the Louisville, KY-IN Metro Area (4%).
In April 2026, the El Paso, TX area had the 38th highest unemployment rate among metro areas with more than 250,000 people in the labor force.
Unemployment rate, not seasonally adjusted (Circle size corresponds to the size of the labor force)
Unemployment rate, by metro area (April 2026)
| 1. | El Centro, CA area | 16.5% |
| 2. | Yuma, AZ area | 13.9% |
| 3. | Visalia, CA area | 10.2% |
| 4. | Merced, CA area | 9.6% |
| 5. | Hanford, CA area | 8.9% |
| 6. | Bakersfield, CA area | 8.7% |
| 7. | Guayama, PR area | 8.6% |
| 8. | Eagle Pass, TX area | 8.5% |
| 9. | Fresno, CA area | 8.1% |
| 10. | Wildwood, FL area | 7.9% |
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Methodology
USAFacts standardizes data, in areas such as time and demographics, to make it easier to understand and compare.
The analysis was generated with the help of AI and reviewed by USAFacts for accuracy.
Page sources
USAFacts endeavors to share the most up-to-date information available. We sourced the data on this page directly from government agencies; however, the intervals at which agencies publish updated data vary.
