Staff Writer | September 1, 2025
As of June 2025, the unemployment rate in DeWitt County, Texas was 4.9%, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. That figure is not seasonally adjusted and reflects the percentage of the civilian labor force that was actively seeking work during the reference period.
This rate is slightly above the statewide average for Texas, which was 4.0% in July 2025. For a rural county like DeWitt, fluctuations often reflect seasonal employment shifts, agricultural cycles, and changes in local industry.
Here’s a snapshot of how DeWitt County’s unemployment rate compares to its neighbors and historical trends:
📊 August 2025 Unemployment Rates
| County | Unemployment Rate |
|---|---|
| DeWitt | 4.9% |
| Lavaca | 3.0% |
| Gonzales | 3.7% |
| Texas (statewide) | 4.0% |
📈 Historical Context for DeWitt County
- Over the past decade, DeWitt’s unemployment rate has fluctuated between 3.5% and 6.2%, with spikes during economic downturns and dips during oil and ag booms.
- The current 4.9% is above average for the county and higher than both neighboring counties and the state average, suggesting some localized economic strain.
What This Might Reflect
- Industry shifts: If oilfield activity or ag employment has slowed, that could explain the uptick.
- Labor force changes: A rise in job seekers without a matching rise in job openings can push the rate up.
- Seasonal factors: Summer months sometimes show volatility due to school employment cycles and temporary work ending.
Here’s a concise look at DeWitt County’s unemployment trends over the past several years, based on data from the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis:
📊 DeWitt County Unemployment Rate: 2009 to 2025 -Year Snapshot
| Year | Avg. Unemployment Rate | Key Notes |
| 2009
2015 |
6.0%
4.3% |
Obama inherited from (Bush) going into office.
Stable post-recession recovery. (Obama) |
| 2016 | 4.7% | Slight uptick due to oil price dip. (Obama) |
| 2017 | 4.1% | Recovery in energy sector. (Obama) |
| 2018 | 3.6% | Strong labor market. (Trump) inherited from Obama going into office |
| 2019 | 3.4% | Lowest in a decade. (Trump) |
| 2020 | 6.2% | COVID-19 impact; sharp rise. (Trump) |
| 2021 | 5.1% | Gradual recovery begins. (Biden) inherited from Trump going into office |
| 2022 | 4.4% | Stabilizing post-pandemic. (Biden) |
| 2023 | 4.6% | Oil and ag volatility. (Biden) |
| 2024 | 4.8% | Continued rural job strain. (Biden) |
| 2025 | 4.9% (June) | Slight rise amid sector shifts. (Trump) inherited from Biden going into office |
What This Tells Us
- The lowest point was in 2019, just before the pandemic.
- The highest spike came in 2020, with COVID-related disruptions.
- Since then, DeWitt has seen a slow but uneven recovery, with recent years showing signs of stagnation rather than growth.
🗳️ DeWitt County Guide: Jobs, Growth & Accountability
📍 What’s the Situation?
- Unemployment in DeWitt County is 4.9%—higher than neighboring counties and the state average.
- Key sectors like oil & gas, agriculture, and retail are struggling.
- Stable sectors like education, healthcare, and construction aren’t growing fast enough to absorb displaced workers.
🏛️ What Can Local Officials Actually Do?
✅ City Council & County Commissioners Can:
- Fund job training programs through partnerships with Victoria College or regional trade schools.
- Offer incentives (like tax abatements or fast-track permitting) to businesses that hire locally.
- Invest in infrastructure—especially broadband and transportation—to attract new industries.
- Support youth employment through 4-H, FFA, and summer job initiatives. (These groups rarely address marginalized communities.
🌟 Inclusive Youth Employment Strategies for Counties and Cities
1. Expand Access to Paid Internships & Apprenticeships
• Partner with local businesses, nonprofits, and municipal departments to offer paid, skill-building roles for teens.
• Prioritize outreach to low-income, BIPOC, and disconnected youth who may not have access to traditional networks.
2. Launch Community-Based Job Hubs
• Create job centers or pop-up career fairs in underserved neighborhoods, faith centers, and schools.
• Offer resume help, interview coaching, and direct job placement with local employers.
3. Support Youth Entrepreneurship
• Provide microgrants, mentorship, and business planning workshops for youth interested in starting small businesses—whether it’s lawn care, photography, baking, or tech services.
• Highlight success stories from diverse backgrounds to inspire participation.
4. Invest in Cultural and Creative Industries
• Fund programs in music, media, fashion, culinary arts, and digital storytelling—fields where youth from marginalized communities often thrive.
• Partner with local artists and creators to offer paid gigs and apprenticeships.
5. Build Bridges with Schools and Libraries
• Use schools and libraries as hubs for career exploration, especially for students not involved in FFA or 4-H.
• Offer after-school employment clubs, coding bootcamps, and civic engagement internships.
6. Tap Federal and State Funding for Equity Initiatives
• Use American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds or state workforce grants to create targeted programs for opportunity youth, including those who are system-involved, LGBTQ+, or English language learners.
7. Partner with National Equity-Focused Organizations
• Collaborate with groups like the NAACP, which advocates for equitable access to workforce development and wraparound services for marginalized youth.
• These partnerships can help counties design programs that reflect local racial and cultural realities, not just national templates.
Why It Matters
Local leaders can’t control global markets—but they can shape how DeWitt County responds. Smart investment, clear priorities, and honest communication are the foundation of a robust economy.
SOURCE: These recommendations draw from national and international research on youth employment, including work by the National League of Cities, NCSL, and the ILO.