Assets and access attract companies to Corpus Christi, providing businesses the scale and connectivity needed to grow in national and global markets.
Corpus Christi is a coastal city with a strong industrial base and skilled workforce. Companies like CITGO and Valero tap into an existing talent pool that is bolstered by area colleges like Del Mar College and Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. The nation’s third largest port, a connected highway network, and rail and air service help companies move their goods, ideas and people between Corpus Christi and major markets across the United States in a convenient and cost-effective way.
As the largest city in the Coastal Bend and a vital player in the Gulf Coast energy corridor, Corpus Christi is known for its dynamic industry mix, robust infrastructure, and strategic access to domestic and international markets. Its position as a logistics and energy powerhouse makes it one of the top destinations for business opportunities in South Texas.
This video from the Corpus Christi Regional Economic Development Corporation showcases the assets and advantages for business operations in Corpus Christi.
Corpus Christi’s economy is anchored by several high-impact industries:
Corpus Christi’s labor market continues to show momentum. As of April 2025, the Corpus Christi Metropolitan Statistical Area reported a civilian labor force of 213,700, with over 6,200 new workers added year-over-year in the Coastal Bend.
The area attracted more than $50 billion in capital investment from 2010 to 2020, fueling growth across energy, manufacturing, and healthcare sectors.
The Port of Corpus Christi stands as the #1 crude oil export gateway in the United States and ranks as the third largest crude oil export port globally, underscoring its strategic role in global energy markets. Over $65 billion in capital investment has flowed into the port and surrounding industrial ecosystem. The top five commodities moved by port customers—crude oil, refined petroleum products, chemicals, agricultural commodities, and dry bulk—highlight the port’s vital function in powering both domestic and international trade.
Corpus Christi’s workforce is expanding and evolving to meet modern demands. Educational institutions such as Del Mar College and Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi play a pivotal role in training talent, particularly in healthcare, energy, and advanced manufacturing.
Specialized programs at the Craft Training Center and partnerships between schools and employers are helping to build a skilled pipeline across trades and technology fields.
Corpus Christi’s business climate is shaped by a combination of strong local governance, regional cooperation, and streamlined access to key markets. The city’s permitting process and development policies are structured to support efficient project timelines, making it easier for companies to break ground and expand operations. Organizations like the Corpus Christi Regional Economic Development Corporation work directly with relocating and growing businesses to identify strategic sites, connect with key stakeholders, and navigate incentive programs.
The United Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce continues to champion initiatives that promote economic resilience, from infrastructure modernization to public-private partnerships that improve livability. This alignment between business, government, and education fosters a climate of support that helps companies succeed—and signals to investors that Corpus Christi is a city planning for sustainable, long-term growth.
Businesses in Corpus Christi also benefit from broader Texas business benefits and a supportive Texas business climate.
Corpus Christi offers a high quality of life with a low cost of living, ranking fourth in the nation for purchasing power – and #1 in Texas. The community enjoys access to miles of Gulf Coast shoreline, fishing, sailing, and family-friendly attractions like the Texas State Aquarium and the South Texas Museum of Art.
Whether it’s the revitalized downtown, year-round cultural events, or educational opportunities, Corpus Christi balances big-city opportunity with a laid-back coastal lifestyle.
Corpus Christi is a prime example of the momentum driving economic growth in Texas. With world-class infrastructure, industry-aligned talent, and a strategic coastal location, the city offers businesses a launchpad for long-term success.
Corpus Christi’s dynamic economy spans aerospace and aviation to manufacturing and more.
Major business clusters in Corpus Christi include aerospace and aviation and chemical and petroleum manufacturing. Major employers in Corpus Christi include Bay, Ltd., CITGO, First Data Corporation, Flint Hills Resources, H-E-B, Kiewit Offshore Services, Sam Kane Beef Processors and Valero Refining.
A diverse array of higher education and skills training is available at Corpus Christi colleges and universities.
Del Mar College focuses on training its 25,000 credit and continuing education noncredit students in corporate services, health care, transportation, computers and more and is ranked as a top 10 community college in Texas by Niche.
Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi’s 12,000 students hail from 57 countries and work toward the university’s 47 bachelor’s degrees, 30 master’s degrees and nine doctoral/terminal degrees.
By rail, sea, road or air, Corpus Christi’s infrastructure quickly and reliably moves people and goods in Texas and across the United States.
I-39 highway provides access to San Antonio within a two-hour drive as well as connection to a vast highway network leading to other Texas regions and beyond.
The Port of Corpus Christi is the third largest port in the U.S. by total revenue tonnage and the second largest exporter of crude oil. The Port is home to a 47-foot-deep channel, three Class I railroads and Foreign Trade Zone #122.
American Airlines, Southwest and United serve Corpus Christi International Airport, which saw more than 1.4 million passengers in 2019.
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