Upper East Texas Area of Economic Development
Upper East Texas Region for Business
Spanning nearly 16,000 square miles from Cedar Creek Reservoir to the Arkansas and Louisiana borders, Upper East Texas is home to the Longview, Texarkana, and Tyler metro areas.
The region transitions from scenic prairies in the west to the dense Piney Woods in the east, offering a distinctive natural landscape within Texas. Rich in natural resources, Upper East Texas has a diverse economy, exporting oil, gas, chemicals, and animal products. A historic trade hub, it hosts Canton’s First Monday Trade Days, the world’s largest flea market, operating since the 1850s. The region is also experiencing strong growth in high-wage jobs, particularly in management, business, and finance. Educational institutions like The University of Texas at Tyler and Texas A&M campuses in Texarkana and Commerce help support workforce development.
