Stretching along the Gulf of Mexico and into Southeast Texas, the Gulf Coast region spans approximately 12,300 square miles and includes the Greater Houston area.
This 13-county region is anchored by Harris County, the third-most populous county in the U.S. Its coastal access makes the area a popular tourist destination and a key trade hub, home to multiple major ports. The Gulf Coast region hosts several renowned higher education institutions, including the University of Houston, Rice University, Prairie View A&M University, and Texas Southern University. It is also home to major industry centers, such as the Texas Medical Center, a national leader in medical research and innovation, and NASA’s Johnson Space Center, a hub for space exploration since 1961.
With one of the state’s largest and most diverse populations, the Gulf Coast benefits from a highly educated talent pool and a strong network of skilled trade workers. These workers—ranging from construction professionals to engineering technicians—play a vital role in supporting the region’s ongoing economic growth and development.
