Labor Market Intelligence
March 2025 LMI (Part 2)
**Released March 28, 2025. Reflects data from February 2025. **
Coastal Bend Workforce Grows as Key Sectors Drive Economic Stability
In February 2025, the Coastal Bend region continues to demonstrate its strength and adaptability in the evolving labor market trends. Although the unemployment rate saw a slight increase from 4.5% to 4.6%, over 11,000 job openings across various industries present substantial opportunities for job seekers. The year-over-year unemployment rate also rose modestly by 0.1 percentage points, from 4.5% in February 2024 to 4.6% in February 2025, a trend that mirrors broader state and national labor market adjustments.
Despite this small uptick, sectors such as Education and Health Services, Natural Resources and Mining, and Manufacturing remain pillars of economic stability, signaling solid prospects for future growth. Workforce Solutions Coastal Bend is steadfast in its mission to promote economic prosperity through strategic partnerships and workforce development programs.
Regional Insights
Labor Force Trends
While the slight rise in unemployment to 4.6% emphasizes the importance of continued collaboration to overcome obstacles and match talent with available jobs, the overall outlook remains positive.
Sectors Driving Growth
Utility System Construction is projected to surge by over 53% by 2032, presenting substantial infrastructure development opportunities.
Wages and Opportunities
- While this marks progress, efforts continue to bridge the wage gap with state and national figures.
- As of February 2025, continued unemployment claims have remained steady year-over-year, adding only 454 new claimaints for the year, reflecting a stable job transition rate.
Texas Labor Market Trends
4.1% ↑
Monthly Unemployment Rate
*4.2% – Feb. 2024
334,800 ↑
Texas Labor Force
Total Nonfarm Employment reached 14,254,200.
(+1.3% Annual Growth Rate)
15,750,800 ↑
Civilian Labor Force Growth
Texas has experienced growth 56 out of 58 months
(+19,500 People added just in one month)
Texas achieved record-breaking civilian labor force participation, reaching 15,750,800, with 351,200 people added over the year.
Total nonfarm employment in Texas rose to 14,236,400, with an annual growth rate of 1.3%.
The state’s unemployment rate remained steady year-over-year at 4.1%.
National Trends
4.5% ↑
Monthly Unemployment Rate
*4.2% – Feb. 2024
Growth in sectors such as Financial Activities and Trade, Transportation, and Utilities at both the state and national levels aligns with the Coastal Bend’s key economic drivers, reinforcing the region’s strong position for continued growth.
Why Workforce Solutions Coastal Bend?
Workforce Solutions Coastal Bend is dedicated to building a thriving community by providing accurate labor market data, tailored workforce development programs, and strategic partnerships with employers. Our commitment ensures job seekers are equipped with the skills and opportunities they need to succeed, while employers receive the support to grow their teams and businesses.
With detailed labor market reports, actionable insights, and innovative programs, we’re more than a resource—we’re a partner in progress for the Coastal Bend.
Want to Stay Ahead of the Competition?
Understanding workforce trends is key to making smart business decisions. We offer customized labor market reports to give you the insights you need. Whether you’re looking for an Economic Overview, Regional or County-Specific Report, Industry Trends, Job Growth Analysis, or Occupational Wage Data, we can provide valuable information tailored to your needs.
With data-driven insights, you can identify emerging opportunities, you can stay competitive in today’s market. Let us help you make informed decisions—contact us today to request your custom labor market report!
Labor Market Information Definitions
Not Seasonally Adjusted (Actual) – Data has not been subjected to the seasonal adjustment process. In other words, the effects of regular or seasonal patterns have not been removed from these series. Not seasonally adjusted data is available for smaller geographies, where seasonally adjusted is only available down to the state level. Use this data to view raw numbers, and for geographies smaller than state level.
Seasonally Adjusted – Total employment and unemployment vary throughout the year. For example, higher unemployment in January and February isn’t uncommon because of work in agriculture, construction and other seasonal industries slowing down. Also, both employment and unemployment rise every June, when students enter the labor force in search of summer jobs. Seasonally adjusted numbers also take into account seasonal hiring/layoff patterns that go along with winter and summer holidays. Use this data for month-to-month comparisons for Texas and the United States.
Labor Force – Residents who are at least 16 years old, not serving in the military or institutionalized, and employed or seeking employment.
Download Targeted Occupations List 2024-2025 (PDF)
The targeted occupations list is developed by Workforce Solutions of the Coastal Bend for the most effective use of local workforce development resources. Sources of information for the target list are local area employers, economic development entities, chambers of commerce, community partners, Texas Workforce Commission labor market information regarding the Coastal Bend Counties, and knowledge gained from continuous contact with the above sources.
Have A Workforce Professional Contact You!
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(361) 882-7491
info@workforcesolutionscb.org
