Construction workers made up nearly one-third of unemployment claims filed in Hidalgo, Starr and Willacy counties during the first three months of 2026, far more than workers in any other industry, according to a new Workforce Solutions Lower Rio Grande report.
The report — which covers Hidalgo, Starr and Willacy counties — analyzed unemployment claims made from January through March. Of the 8,388 claims files, 2,652 came from construction workers — 31.6% of the total.
The next-largest category wasn’t close.
Administrative and support services accounted for 1,066 claims, or 12.7%. Health care and social assistance followed with 750 claims, or 8.9%, while professional, scientific and technical services accounted for 564, or 6.7%.
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