Top Markets for First-Time Homebuyers in 2026

0:00Texas is killing it on the jobs front, outpacing the national growth rate for 2025 by almost a full percentage point. The state added more than 40,000 non-farm jobs in January 2026, pushing the total to nearly 14,380,000 positions. The civilian labor force grew by 152,000 people over the year, a solid 0.8% rate. Construction led the pack with 11,800 new jobs, followed close by leisure and hospitality and private education and health. Services, each adding 10,300. Professional and business services chipped in 10,200. On the flip side, financial activities dropped 3,600, manufacturing lost 2,100, and government shed 1,000. Unemployment in Texas held steadier 4.3% for January, matching the national figure enough just a bit from last year. Some metro spots shown bright like Amarillo, at 3.3%, Midland at 3.4%.

1:02While border areas like Brownsville Harlingen hit 7.2%. Over in the U.S., the labor market bounced back in March 2026, with 178,000 jobs added after February's dip. Health services and leisure led gains there too, though financials took a hit. Keep an eye on Texas, February numbers, dropping April 17th, and U.S. April data, May 8th jobs, keep rowing, so stay tuned for the next beat. I'm Cory with the story, and you've been listening to Dallas News today, AI Power Local News.