Unemployment rates reported for East Texas
Posted/updated on: January 13, 2026 at 3:14 am
EAST TEXAS — As Texas’ labor force reached record high numbers of over 15.9 million people in 2025, three East Texan cities saw changes in employment and unemployment rates.
On Friday, the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) announced that the Texas civilian labor force has grown to a total of 15,938,000 people registered after adding 59,900 people since September 2025. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in Texas is registered at 4.2%. In East Texas, the Longview metropolitan statistical area (MSA) saw an increase in employment while Texarkana MSA and Tyler MSA saw increases in both employment and unemployment since 2024.
Tyler’s unemployment rate currently sits at 4%, the lowest of the three East Texas cities. Longview and Texarkana rates compare at 4.6% and 4.4%, respectively.
“Texas’ increasing job numbers are encouraging, and it’s vital that these are good jobs that provide family-sustaining wages and benefits for Texas workers,” Alberto Treviño III, the TWC Commissioner Representing Labor said. “We must continue to prioritize investments in skills training and development to ensure that all Texans can access these opportunities and share in the state’s prosperity.”
Additionally, Texas added 7,300 nonfarm jobs in November to reach a total of 14,321,000 positions. Texas’ annual nonfarm job growth rate of 1% outpaces the national growth rate by .4 percentage points, the TWC reported.
The Private Education and Health Services industry had the largest increase in November, adding 5,700 jobs. Other industries, such as Professional and Business Services, Manufacturing and Construction also saw large increases.
“Texas’ job growth in November not only highlights the benefits of our diverse and growing economy but also underscores the importance of making sure Texans can thrive in their communities,” Brent Connett, TWC Commissioner Representing the Public, said. “TWC and our statewide network of local partners are able to continue strengthening the Texas economy and the foundations of our communities.”
