MIDLAND MSA POSTS HIGHEST CIVILIAN LABOR FORCE GROWTH RATE IN WEST TEXAS

(Feb. 2, 2026)

MIDLAND, TEXAS -- The Midland MSA’s civilian labor force grew by a higher percentage than any other metropolitan statistical area in West Texas in December and also was higher than the state average, according to a recent report from the Texas Workforce Commission.

The TWC reported Midland’s unemployment rate was tied for the second lowest in the state (2.9%), trailing only Amarillo (2.8%). That rate was higher than December 2024 (2.6%) and lower than the jobless rate in November (3.2%).

The Workforce Commission also showed the civilian labor force in Midland grew 1.9% to 106,400 during the month of December. That is an increase from 104,400 in December 2024 and higher than the statewide growth rate (1.2%).

Unemployment rate

December 2025: 2.9%

November 2025: 3.2%

December 2024: 2.6%

Lowest unemployment rates in Texas

(In December)

Amarillo 2.8%

Midland 2.9%

San Angelo 2.9%

College Station-Bryan 3.1%

Lubbock 3.1%

Abilene 3.1%

Austin-Round Rock 3.2%

Also

Odessa 3.5%

State average 3.9%

U.S. average 4.1%

Civilian Labor Force

December 2025: 106,400

December 2024: 104,400

Around West Texas

Lubbock 187,500 (1.0% growth compared to December 2024)

Amarillo 141,200 (1.5% growth)

Midland 106,400 (1.9% growth)

Odessa 89,000 (1.8% growth)

Abilene 88,600 (1.0% growth)

San Angelo 63,800 (1.2% growth)

Statewide growth rate 1.2%

Source: Texas Workforce Commission, City of Midland