Midland/Odessa Unemployment Numbers Higher Than State Average Unemployment continues to be an unknown problem in Midland/Odessa, while most think we are on the way back because of the oilfield, that is just not the case. According to NewsWest 9, the state is seeing a larger unemployment number than it did 2 years ago and Midland/Odessa are even above the state average in unemployment. While the state average is 6.9%, Ector County is seeing 11% unemployment while Midland is checking in at 7.7%. "Texas is so dependent on energy that that is the main driver right now that’s keeping unemployment rates high, and that’s why we’re higher in our area than in other areas," Mickey Cargile, president of Cargile Investment Management said.