The job base in the Rural Capital Area grew 4.2% in Q2-2018 versus Q2-2017, creating 12,500 jobs over the previous 12 months.

Growth was led by the construction industry, which grew 8.3%, followed by manufacturing at 6.6% and leisure and hospitality at 5.2%. The information, finance, and health care industries also grew at rates between 4-5%.

In the Rural Capital Area, growth was the fastest in Caldwell (7.8%), Hays (4.8%), and Williamson (4.7%) Counties.  However, employment shrunk in three counties: Lee, Fayette, and Blanco.