MIDLAND REMAINS ON TOP OF STATE RANKINGS FOR LOWEST UNEMPLOYMENT RATE

(Dec. 11, 2025)

MIDLAND, TEXAS -- Midland remained tied for the lowest unemployment rate in the state of Texas during the month of September.

The Texas Workforce Commission reported this week that Midland tied Amarillo with a 3.3% jobless rate. The Commission’s report was delayed because of the federal government shutdown earlier this fall. Midland’s unemployment rate was 1 percentage point below the national average and 1.1 point below the state average.

Interestingly, the Commission showed the five metropolitan statistical areas with the lowest unemployment rates in September were located in West Texas.

The Commission also reported the civilian labor force increased 1.7% in September (compared to September 2024). The state also grew by 1.7% during the same period.

Unemployment rate

September 2025: 3.3%

August 2025: 3.5%

September 2024: 2.9%

Lowest unemployment rates in Texas

(In September)

Midland 3.3%

Amarillo 3.3%

San Angelo 3.4%

Lubbock 3.7%

Abilene 3.7%

Austin-Round Rock 3.8%

Also

Odessa 4.1%

State average 4.4%

U.S. average 4.3%

Civilian Labor Force

September 2025: 106,800

September 2024: 105,000

Around West Texas

Lubbock 187,800 (1.1% growth compared to September 2024)

Amarillo 141,300 (1.6% growth)

Midland 106,800 (1.7 % growth)

Odessa 89,200 (2.0% growth)

Abilene 89,000 (1.5% growth)

San Angelo 63,900 (2.1% growth)