Overall unemployment rate moved up to 4.8% with the biggest shift in Government, which gained 10,000 roles, based on the most recently available information published in April 2023.

Total employment in the Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX market rose by 32,575 jobs in February and the unemployment rate increased compared to the prior month by 30 bps to 4.8%. The national unemployment rate increased by 3 bps over the same time to 3.9%.

  • Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX unemployment rate is 91 bps above the national rate which is a negative sign.
  • Unemployment in the market is 50 bps below the unemployment rate in the market last year at this time, which is a positive.
  • Average wages (per hour) grew in February versus prior month by 11% and are up compared to last year at this time in the market.
Month over Month Unemployment Change
Year over Year Unemployment Change
Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX Unemployment February 2023

For key employment segments of the market, total jobs grew by 0.9% . Key sectors include:

  • Transportation & Utilities: 678,000; -2,900
  • Business Services: 552,400; +8,600
  • Government: 450,500; +10,000
  • Education & Healthcare: 441,300; +7,700
  • Restaurants & Hotels: 342,600; +4,100
  • Construction, Mining: 290,100; +1,000
  • Manufacturing: 225,700; -1,400
  • Financial Services: 184,400; +1,700
  • Other Jobs: 116,300; +500
  • IT & Development: 33,300; -100
Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX Unemployment by Industry February 2023

Data is based on the most recent 12 months available, through February 2023 (Data published April 2023 and reports created on April 10, 2023).  Source: Government data agency and locally acquired statistics.

Note: All reported data is not seasonally adjusted.