El Paso County

Unemployment in El Paso County has climbed to 4.1% in June 2026, up 13.9 percent from its recent low of 3.6% in April—marking two consecutive months of deterioration after steady improvement earlier in the year. The jobless rate spiked to 4.6% in February before gradually declining through spring, but the current upward trajectory suggests the labor market tightening may be reversing.

The employment weakness coincides with a concurrent housing slowdown. Home values peaked at $456,215 in mid-May and have fallen for three straight readings to $454,073 by late August—a 0.5 percent decline. While modest in percentage terms, the consecutive monthly drops represent a shift from the steady appreciation that characterized the first four months of 2026.

The timing of these reversals warrants attention from local reporters. The county's labor force stands at 372,983, making even modest unemployment shifts significant in absolute terms. Whether this represents seasonal adjustment, broader regional economic headwinds, or sector-specific job losses should be investigated. Reporters should track whether the housing decline accelerates or stabilizes—and whether further employment deterioration follows.