What is the unemployment rate in right now?

Updated May. 9, 2026Refreshed monthly
Unemployment in Texas was at 4.3% in March 2026. That's unchanged from the month before. The unemployment rate is the percentage of people in the labor force who are actively looking for work but not currently employed. It's a common way to measure the health of the job market and economy.
In March 2026,

4.3%

of the labor force was unemployed in Texas
March 2026 had a

+0

percentage point change from the previous month
The Bureau of Labor Statistics calculates the unemployment rate through a monthly survey to identify the civilian labor force, meaning people who are employed or actively seeking work. It counts part-time workers as employed. It excludes people who aren’t actively looking for work, such as retirees or discouraged workers.

In March 2026, the unemployment rate in Texas was the same as the US overall.

Seasonally adjusted unemployment rate, January 2007 to March 2026

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Unemployment rates differ within states due to various factors. Counties with many job opportunities and different industries often have lower unemployment rates. In rural areas or in places where industries are shrinking, the rate can be higher. Seasonal work in industries like tourism or farming can lead to unemployment rising or falling. Population changes and local policies also play a role in how many people are employed.

What counties in Texas have the highest and lowest unemployment?

Understanding local unemployment rates is important for economic and policy planning in Texas. Identifying the counties with the highest and lowest unemployment rates can help target interventions and resources effectively. The counties in Texas with the highest unemployment rates face unique challenges that may include economic shifts, industry decline, or other contributing factors. Conversely, the counties with the lowest unemployment rates may benefit from robust local economies, diverse industries, or effective workforce development programs. Comparing these rates within Texas reveals trends and patterns that can inform strategies to address employment across the state. Addressing unemployment issues at the local level is necessary for fostering a healthy economy and workforce in Texas. Further research and policy interventions are needed to support areas with high unemployment and sustain the success of those with low unemployment.
In Texas, Starr County, TX had the highest unemployment rate at 10.1%. Loving County, TX had the lowest at 0.3%. Harris County, TX, the county with the largest labor force in the state, had an unemployment rate of 4.8%. The latest county-level data is from February 2026.

Unemployment rates in Texas counties ranged from 0.3% to 10.1% in February 2026.

Unemployment rate, by county, not seasonally adjusted

Unemployment rate, by county in Texas (February 2026)

Unemployment rate, by county in Texas (February 2026)
1.

Starr County, TX

10.1%
2.

Maverick County, TX

9.7%
3.

Dimmit County, TX

7.5%
4.

Zapata County, TX

7.5%
5.

Kenedy County, TX

7.4%
6.

Zavala County, TX

7.1%
7.

Cameron County, TX

7%
8.

Willacy County, TX

6.9%
9.

Sabine County, TX

6.4%
10.

Hidalgo County, TX

6.4%

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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.

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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.