MCALLEN, TEXAS - Workforce Solutions released their April 2026 Labor Market Information (LMI) Report on Monday, showing a continuing downward trend in unemployment across the Valley.
Since January, Hidalgo and Cameron counties have seen a steady decrease in unemployment, with Brownsville still leading at 6.6% (down from 6.8% in March), while McAllen stayed at the bottom at 4.4% (down from 4.5%). Hidalgo, Cameron, Willacy and Starr counties, as a whole, displayed unemployment rates of 5.7%, 6.2%, 6.7% and 8.9%, respectively. While the decline is positive and was seen across all four counties, the rates remain above the Texas and national unemployment rate of 4.3%.
The April 2026 Regional Employment Change Estimates, included in Workforce Solutions’ report, also highlighted major shifts in different industries. The government sector, which encompasses public education and law enforcement, saw the biggest loss at 800 jobs for the McAllen (-600) and Brownsville (-200) Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSA). The second-largest loss was 200 jobs in the leisure and hospitality sector reported for the Brownsville MSA. However, 800 jobs were gained in the professional and business service sector for the MSAs, and the McAllen MSA additionally saw 900 jobs added to the private education and health services sector.
To see the full report as well as state and national comparisons, visit the Workforce Solutions website here.
