Abilene Economic Development

Abilene Area of Economic Development

Abilene Region for Business

Abilene’s business-friendly initiatives and prime location drive economic growth.

At the center of the Greater Abilene area, the manufacturing and food processing sectors continue to thrive thanks to an ideal location, excellent infrastructure and other business assets. Plenty of open land provides opportunities for major business developments. For over 70 years, Abilene has been home to the 6,400-acre Dyess Air Force Base with over 13,000 military and civilian people. The base employs more than 5,000 people, making it the single largest employer in the area. In addition, Abilene consistently ranks as one of the most affordable places to live in the United States, with a cost of living 16.3 percent lower than the U.S. average.

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Meet Abilene

This video from the Development Corporation of Abilene highlights business assets in Abilene, including its central location, diverse industries and robust infrastructure.

Rankings

Two groups of people sitting outside enjoying beers at Sockdolager Brewing Co. in Abilene, Texas

#15 Cities with Lowest Cost of Living in America (Abilene)

Niche 2022

The Sockdolager Brewing Co. building lit up at night by yellow and orange lights inside the building

#20 Best Cities to Buy a House in America (Abilene)

Niche 2022

Abilene Economic Strengths

Learn more about the economic strengths and business advantages that this metro area offers.

Cars on a highway drive past a large industrial facility lit up at night in Abilene, Texas.

A man's hands with colorful tattoos pour out a beer from a tap into a tall, skinny glass.

A train moves past very quickly on railroad tracks, leaving light trails in Abilene, Texas

Business Climate
Talent
Infrastructure

Business Climate

A Healthy Businesss Climate That Continues to Develop

In the Abilene area, major corporations and small businesses thrive thanks to a large talent pool, robust infrastructure and a pro-business environment.

Major business clusters in Abilene include food processing and manufacturing. Major employers include AbiMar Foods, Broadwind Towers, Coca-Cola, Eagle Aviation Services, First Financial Bankshares and Tige Boats.

Talent

Two Schools Producing Sklled Talent

Plenty of career training programs in the Abilene area offer education options for students of all ages and career interests.

Abilene’s higher education institutions include Abilene Christian University and Texas State Technical College. In addition, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center at Abilene is a top health-focused educational institution.

Infrastructure

Convenient Access Throughout West Texas

Abilene lies in the heart of West Texas, providing access to major roadways, in addition to reliable air and rail travel.

The I-20 highway supports transportation by car in Abilene, while the Abilene Regional Airport offers efficient domestic air travel. Major Class I railroad carrier services offer reliable transportation by rail.