EMPLOYEE GROWTH IN MIDLAND MSA AMONG THE BEST IN TEXAS

(Oct. 3, 2025)

MIDLAND, TEXAS -- The percentage of employees on non-farm payrolls in the Midland metropolitan statistical area (MSA) showed growth that ranked among the best across West Texas and inside the state of Texas.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics this week showed a 1.7% growth in August (compared to August 2024). That percentage not only topped the 1.1% average across the state but tied for the seventh largest increase year-over-year among the 25 MSAs in Texas.

Midland’s growth rate also finished third across the region, trailing only San Angelo (2.1%) and Abilene (1.9%).

The BLS also confirmed Midland tied San Angelo and Amarillo with the lowest unemployment rate across the state during the month (3.6%). The state average was 4.7%. The national average was 4.5%.

Workforce report

(employees on nonfarm payrolls by metropolitan area)

Midland MSA

August 2024: 124,800

August 2025: 126,900

Growth 1.7%

Growth across West Texas 

San Angelo 2.1%

Abilene 1.9%

Midland 1.7%

Lubbock 0.9%

Odessa 0.8%

Amarillo 0.3%

State 1.1%

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics