Southeast Texas Area of Economic Development
Southeast Texas Region for Business
Bordering the Gulf of Mexico and Louisiana, Southeast Texas spans over 12,000 square miles and includes the Beaumont–Port Arthur metro area and the lush Big Thicket forests.
The region’s extensive waterway network, including multiple ports and the Intracoastal Waterway, makes it a key hub for trade and transportation. Its proximity to Louisiana has also preserved unique Cajun cultural influences.
Once defined by the oil boom of the Golden Triangle, Southeast Texas has since diversified into a major center for commerce and industry. Forest products and tourism have become economic drivers, while transportation, life sciences, and technology jobs continue to grow. The region is supported by institutions like Lamar University and Stephen F. Austin State University, which help cultivate a skilled workforce.
