Texas Comptroller Don Huffines Touts State’s Nation-Leading Job Growth

August 22, 2026

(AUSTIN) - Texas Comptroller Don Huffines today praised the state's most recent employment report data, which stated Texas led the nation in job creation over the past year, adding 165,600 nonfarm jobs between July 2025 and July 2026.

According to data from the Texas Workforce Commission and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics , Texas' workforce grew by 1.2% during those 12 months, outpacing the national annual job growth rate by a full percentage point.

"Texas continues to demonstrate steady economic resilience," Huffines said. "Our state's job growth remains strong and consistently outpaces national trends. While monthly changes vary by industry, the overall trajectory reflects a dynamic and competitive economy. The free-market principles that have guided state policy have Texas well positioned for future growth.

"I'm confident Texas can continue robust job creation with meaningful property tax relief to lower the cost of housing and allow Texans to keep more of their money. Governor Abbott has said property tax reduction will be a top priority when the Legislature meets next year, and I will work with him to deliver significant relief to Texas families."

The Private Education and Health Services industry had the largest over-the-month increase in July after adding 5,900 jobs, followed by Professional and Business Services, with 3,600 jobs added, while Leisure and Hospitality added 3,400 jobs over the month. The largest job losses were recorded in the Financial Activities (-5,100) and Construction (-3,400) sectors. Texas added 1,600 nonfarm jobs last month to reach a total of 14,468,000 positions.

The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in Texas registered at 4.5%.