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Experts Note Austin's Economic Indicators in Latest Reports
Officials and analysts highlight unemployment, job additions and GDP performance drawn from regional data.
How we reported this
Austin's unemployment rate stood at 3.5 percent in February 2026, below the state and national rates of 4.1 percent each, according to figures tracked by local economic monitors.
Data from multiple sources shape the picture
The Austin region added 14,133 jobs during 2025, a 1.0 percent increase, with the strongest gains recorded in Government, Education and Health Services, and Retail Trade. The same period showed Austin's GDP reaching $268 billion in 2024 after 3.7 percent real growth, the strongest result among large U.S. metros over five years. Population growth reached a 2.1 percent annual rate from 2024 to 2025, placing the metro second nationally among large areas, while patents per capita ranked fourth among the top 50 MSAs in 2024.
These readings come from reports issued by Opportunity Austin and the Dallas Fed, which compile monthly and quarterly indicators for the region. Median home sale prices fell to $430,000 by January 2026, with the February average sales price listed at $539,640.
Why the numbers matter for local decisions
The combination of low unemployment and steady job gains provides context for residents weighing moves into the housing market, where median prices have eased. Government and education sectors, already leading recent employment growth, continue to anchor payrolls in the metro area. The GDP figure reflects output across Travis County and surrounding counties served by the same data collection.
Analysts reviewing the PNC Regional Economics Analysis and Dallas Fed indicators note that Austin's patent ranking and population pace remain reference points when comparing the metro to other large U.S. markets. Home price data from the Dallas Fed's January and February releases show a shift toward conditions described as an emerging buyers' market.
Residents can review the latest monthly indicators posted by Opportunity Austin and the Dallas Fed to track updates on employment by industry and housing metrics as new releases appear.