MIDLAND'S WORKFORCE  GROWTH STILL AMONG STRONGEST IN REGION

(Sept. 19, 2025)

MIDLAND, TEXAS -- Midland again posted one of the largest percentage increases in the civilian labor force during the month of August, according to the Texas Workforce Commission.

The Commission reported the civilian labor force jumped 2.2% in August (compared to August 2024), which was the second largest jump in West Texas (behind Abilene’s 2.5% increase). The state grew by 1.3% during the same period.

The Commission also reported Midland also tied Amarillo and San Angelo for the lowest unemployment rate in the state during the month (3.6%). Midland’s rate did increase compared to July (3.1%), but the trends across the state and nation showed increased unemployment rates in August.

The TWC showed similar increases in Abilene (increased by 0.4%), Amarillo (+0.4%), Lubbock (+0.2%), Odessa (+0.4), San Angelo (+0.4%). The state average also jumped from 4.2% in July to 4.7% in August.

The unemployment rate in Midland is also nearly 1 percentage point below the national average (4.5%).

Unemployment rate

August 2025: 3.6%

July 2025: 3.1%

August 2024: 2.8%

Lowest unemployment rates in Texas

(In August)

Midland 3.6%

Amarillo 3.6%

San Angelo 3.6%

Austin-Round Rock 3.9%

Lubbock 4.0%

Abilene 4.0%

Also

Odessa 4.2%

State average 4.7%

U.S. average 4.5%

Civilian Labor Force

August 2025: 106,400

August 2024: 104,100

Around West Texas

Lubbock 187,500 (1.5% growth compared to August 2024)

Amarillo 139,800 (0.8% growth)

Midland 106,400 (2.2% growth)

Abilene 88,900 (2.5% growth)

Odessa 88,200 (1.4% growth)

San Angelo 63,500 (2.0% growth)

Source: Texas Workforce Commission