Economic Indicators
Texas Economic Indicators
The Texas economy expanded in June. Overall, employment grew in the state and across metros, yet unemployment ticked up. The July Texas Business Outlook Surveys showed continued rising input prices. Housing activity ticked up in June.
July 31, 2026
Southwest Economy
Is Houston’s decades-long growth spurt winding down?
Bill King, a fellow at Rice University’s Baker Institute who follows demographic trends, believes Houston’s sustained, rapid growth may be over. He discusses how the metro area may want to consider a future where new residents no longer strain public services.
July 31, 2026
Economic Surveys
Texas Service Sector Outlook Survey
Texas service sector activity expanded at about the same pace in July as the prior month, according to business executives responding to the Texas Service Sector Outlook Survey.
July 28, 2026
Economic Surveys
Texas Manufacturing Outlook Survey
Texas manufacturing output growth accelerated in July, according to business executives responding to the Texas Manufacturing Outlook Survey.
July 27, 2026
Texas Employment Forecast
The Texas Employment Forecast indicates jobs will increase 2.0 percent in 2026, with an 80 percent confidence band of 1.5 to 2.5 percent.
July 17, 2026
Working Paper
Should States Reduce Teacher Licensing Requirements? Evidence from the Rise of For-Profit Training Programs in Texas
This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of a Texas policy that relaxed teacher licensing requirements and created a large for-profit training industry.
July 06, 2026
Economic Indicators
Texas Economic Indicators
The Texas economy expanded in May. Overall, employment grew and the labor force expanded modestly. The June Texas Business Outlook Surveys showed continued expansion in wages and benefits. Exports rose in April, while the Texas Leading Index ticked down in May.
July 03, 2026
Economic Surveys
Texas Service Sector Outlook Survey
Texas service sector activity expanded at a faster pace in June than the prior month, according to business executives responding to the Texas Service Sector Outlook Survey.
June 30, 2026
Economic Surveys
Texas Manufacturing Outlook Survey
Texas manufacturing output growth decelerated in June, according to business executives responding to the Texas Manufacturing Outlook Survey.
June 29, 2026
Southwest Economy
Texas community college enrollment slips while four-year rates stay stable
In recent years, surveys have suggested that young Americans are increasingly skeptical about the value of a college education. Perceptions that a college education doesn’t offer the gateway that it once did raise an important question for lawmakers and educators: Are these changing attitudes translating into fewer students enrolling in college or completing degrees?
June 26, 2026