What are the 10 Texas Regions and What Do They Offer for Business Expansion?
Texas is divided into 10 distinct economic regions, each with specialized industries, workforce strengths, and infrastructure assets. For companies planning relocation or expansion, understanding these regions can help identify the ideal fit for operational needs, from energy and logistics to technology and manufacturing.
As of late 2025, the Texas economy reached $2.77 trillion, making it the eighth-largest economy in the world, larger than Russia, Canada, and Italy, according to Governor Greg Abbot’s Office. Texas’ GDP growth outpaced the national average for the fifth consecutive quarter, and the state remains the #1 exporter in the U.S. for 23 years running, according to the U.S. Census Trade Data.
With a strong Texas business climate, competitive tax incentives, and a skilled labor force of over 15 million people, Texas offers fertile ground for expansion throughout the state.
1. Central Texas Region
Anchored by Austin, Central Texas is one of the fastest-growing technology hubs in the nation. Known as “Silicon Hills,” it attracts global innovators like Tesla, Apple, and Samsung, which together represent billions in capital investment.
With the University of Texas at Austin and multiple Tier-One research institutions fueling R&D, Central Texas is also a leader in semiconductors and advanced manufacturing, contributing to Texas’ 12-year streak as the top state for semiconductor exports.
2. West Texas Region
West Texas powers the world through the Permian Basin, one of the most productive oil and gas regions globally. According to the EIA, Texas produces nearly one-fourth of America’s domestically generated energy and leads the nation in crude oil, natural gas, and wind-powered generation.
The region’s diversified economy now includes renewable energy, logistics, and higher education, giving companies flexibility and workforce depth.
3. Northwest Texas Region
Home to Abilene and Wichita Falls, this region blends aerospace, agriculture, and defense. With Dyess Air Force Base anchoring a strong military and logistics ecosystem, Northwest Texas offers affordable land and strategic access to major highways and rail corridors, ideal for manufacturing and distribution operations.
4. Upper East Texas Region
Spanning cities like Tyler and Longview, the Upper East Texas region features a diverse economy driven by manufacturing, forest products, and energy services. Proximity to the I-20 corridor provides direct access to Dallas, Shreveport, and the southeastern U.S. markets. Local colleges and technical programs ensure a steady pipeline of skilled industrial talent.
5. Upper Rio Grande Region
Centered in El Paso, the Upper Rio Grande is a vital gateway for binational trade and advanced manufacturing. The region leverages its position on the U.S.–Mexico border, offering companies immediate access to supply chains in Juárez and beyond.
With a large bilingual workforce and top-tier logistics infrastructure, El Paso supports industries from automotive components to aerospace assembly.
6. Metroplex Region
The Dallas–Fort Worth Metroplex is a powerhouse of finance, corporate headquarters, technology, and logistics. It’s home to 24 Fortune 500 companies, including AT&T, ExxonMobil, and American Airlines, and was ranked a top-10 global data-center market by Cushman & Wakefield’s Global Data Center Comparison.
The Metroplex also leads in innovation and connectivity through DFW International Airport, one of the busiest in the world, and will soon host the Texas Stock Exchange (TXSE). With both the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and Nasdaq already maintaining major corporate hubs in the region, the Metroplex is rapidly emerging as one of the nation’s most dynamic financial centers.
7. High Plains Region
Centered around Amarillo and Lubbock, the High Plains region excels in agriculture, food production, and renewable energy. Texas ranks first in the nation for total farmland, covering more than 127 million acres.
The region’s wind and solar capacity continue to expand, supported by a highly trained workforce from Texas Tech University and affordable operational costs attractive to agribusiness and energy investors.
8. Southeast Texas Region
Anchored by Beaumont and Port Arthur, Southeast Texas is the center of refining, petrochemicals, and LNG exports. According to the Dallas Fed, the state holds 30% of U.S. refining capacity and 75% of petrochemical production.
The region’s industrial corridors and proximity to Gulf ports enable large-scale energy projects and innovations in carbon capture and hydrogen infrastructure.
9. Texas Gulf Coast Region
The Houston area anchors the Texas Gulf Coast, one of the most economically productive regions in the world. Home to the world’s largest medical complex and the Port of Houston, the region accounts for billions in global trade each year.
Houston leads in aerospace, life sciences, and clean energy, and the region’s global connectivity makes it a key hub for both Fortune 500 corporations and emerging tech firms.
10. South Texas Region
Stretching from San Antonio to the Rio Grande Valley, South Texas combines defense, biosciences, international logistics, and energy. The region’s ports of entry facilitate billions in cross-border commerce, and its major metros—San Antonio, McAllen, and Laredo—are among the nation’s fastest-growing.
The Port of Laredo is the #1 inland port along the U.S.–Mexico border (Laredo EDC), underscoring South Texas’s strategic importance in North American trade.
Why Texas’ Regional Diversity Matters for Business
Each region fuels Texas’ $2.77 trillion economy, contributing to its status as the #1 state for exports, #1 state for corporate relocations (Site Selection’s Governor’s Cup winner for 11 consecutive years), and the Best State for Business, a title held for straight years.
With a population now surpassing 31.1 million and the second-largest civilian workforce in the nation at more than 15.85 million, Texas continues to be the country’s fastest-growing state, adding more people and more talent each year than any other state. This expanding, diverse, and highly skilled labor pool ensures long-term workforce stability for companies choosing to grow in Texas.
From the energy corridors of Houston to the innovation hubs of Austin and Dallas, the economic strength in Texas drives sustainable growth across industries.
Incentives and Resources for Businesses
Texas’ pro-business policies extend across every region. Companies can access tax incentives for businesses in Texas, specialized training funds, and workforce programs that encourage capital investment and job creation.
Small enterprises and entrepreneurs benefit from dedicated innovation and export assistance programs, including small business benefits in Texas, ensuring that every company, regardless of size, can thrive in the Lone Star State.
Ready to Expand in Texas?
From Fortune 500 leaders to fast-growing startups, businesses choose Texas for its scale, diversity, and opportunity. Connect with the Texas Economic Development Corporation (TxEDC) for regional insights, site selection guidance, and custom expansion support.
