Texas Regions of Economic Development

A State as Diverse as it is Big

Texas is a vast and diverse state, home to 10 unique regions that each offer their own distinct landscapes, industries, and cultural experiences.

From the tech-driven cities of Central Texas to the energy-rich High Plains and West Texas, the state balances innovation with deep-rooted industries like oil, agriculture, and trade. The bustling Metroplex and Gulf Coast regions serve as major financial and commercial hubs, while South Texas and the Upper Rio Grande thrive on international commerce and cultural exchange. Northwest and Upper East Texas offer a mix of historic trade centers, growing industries, and natural beauty.

From bustling cities to wide-open landscapes, each Texas region offers something unique—whether you’re looking for career opportunities, outdoor adventures, or a taste of authentic Texas culture.

A busy street approaches the Texas Capital building in Austin, Texas

Central Texas

Central Texas blends scenic Hill Country landscapes, a thriving tech hub, top universities, key defense installations, and rich cultural heritage—stretching along the I-35 corridor from San Marcos to Waco, with vibrant communities, award-winning barbecue, and iconic attractions like Enchanted Rock and the Texas Wine Trails.

Residents of Lubbock, Texas stroll through the First Friday fair with food trucks

West Texas

West Texas, spanning over 38,200 square miles from Mason to the Rio Grande, is an energy powerhouse with deep ties to oil and gas, a growing economy in mining, agriculture, and tourism, and a skilled workforce supported by institutions like UT Permian Basin and Angelo State University.

Oil production in Abilene, Texas

Northwest Texas

Northwest Texas, spanning 21,000 square miles from the Oklahoma border to the Colorado River, is a resource-rich region with strong energy and aerospace industries, a growing tech and transportation sector, and a skilled workforce supported by institutions like Midwestern State and Abilene Christian University.

Spring time in Longview, Texas

Upper East Texas

Upper East Texas, spanning nearly 16,000 square miles from Cedar Creek Reservoir to the Arkansas and Louisiana borders, boasts a rich natural landscape, a diverse economy driven by energy and trade, and growing high-wage industries supported by top universities like UT Tyler and Texas A&M Texarkana.

Beautiful view of El Paso skyline

Upper Rio Grande

The Upper Rio Grande region, spanning 21,700 square miles along the U.S.–Mexico border and Texas-New Mexico state line, is a hub for international commerce, tourism, and arts, with a diverse economy, strong job growth in tech and life sciences, and top universities like UT El Paso and Sul Ross State.

Downtown Dallas Texas night skyline

Metroplex

The Metroplex region, spanning 15,100 square miles from the Oklahoma border to the Brazos River, is a thriving economic and cultural hub with a diverse population, major financial and corporate centers, a strong entrepreneurial ecosystem, and top universities like UT Dallas, TCU, and SMU.

High Plains Texas wind and energy production

High Plains

The High Plains region, spanning 42,100 square miles from New Mexico to Oklahoma, is a vital agricultural and renewable energy hub, home to Texas Tech and West Texas A&M universities, thriving in industries like wind power, transportation, and innovation, while preserving its striking landscapes like Palo Duro Canyon.

Aerial view of Beaumont Texas

Southeast Texas

Southeast Texas, spanning over 12,000 square miles along the Gulf of Mexico and Louisiana, is a vital trade hub with rich Cajun influences, a diverse economy rooted in industry and tourism, and a strong workforce supported by institutions like Lamar University and Stephen F. Austin State University.

Trains and cars intersect across roadways and railways with downtown Houston in the background

Texas Gulf Coast

The Gulf Coast region, spanning 12,300 square miles along the Gulf of Mexico and Southeast Texas, is a major trade and industry hub anchored by the Greater Houston area, featuring world-class institutions like the Texas Medical Center and NASA’s Johnson Space Center, top universities, and a diverse, highly skilled workforce driving economic growth.

A gazebo is lit up at dusk in front of the One O'Connor Plaza in Victoria, Texas

South Texas

South Texas, spanning nearly 52,000 square miles from the Texas–Mexico border to the Gulf Coast, is a cost-competitive hub for international trade and defense, with a diverse economy driven by technology, transportation, and tourism, supported by major cities like San Antonio and top universities cultivating a skilled workforce.