El Paso Area of Economic Development

El Paso Region for Business

El Paso is the largest metro area on the Texas-Mexico border, with a dynamic economy poised for continued growth.

Nestled between the scenic Franklin Mountains and the historic Rio Grande, El Paso combines the advantages of a major metropolitan center with the charm of a modern western town. El Paso is a major transportation hub with state-of-the-art educational and medical facilities. Historically focused on textiles, the region has diversified into automotive, biomedical, defense, electronics, finance/business services, and medical device sectors. With a diversified economy that continues to branch into new industries, El Paso’s regional economy is positioned for growth. In addition, the Fort Bliss military base has been a defining pillar of the city, employing more than 40,000 people and producing $6 billion in economic activity. El Paso is a leading point of shipping and distribution with direct transportation access to the West Coast, Midwest, and Southeast U.S. markets.

Rankings

Downtown El Paso is brightly lit up at night with many tall buildings.

#3 Most Affordable Major U.S. City (El Paso)

passport-photo.online 2022
The West El Paso skyline features tall office buildings and large mountains in the background.

#3 Safest Metro City in America (El Paso)

AdvisorSmith 2022
Two hikers gaze out at the desert landscape and huge mountains at Hueco Tanks State Park

#7 Best Place to Live in Texas (El Paso)

U.S. News & World Report 2022-2023
Downtown El Paso is brightly lit up at night with many tall buildings.

#8 Cities with the Lowest Cost of Living in America (El Paso)

Move.org 2022

El Paso Economic Strengths

Learn more about the economic strengths and business advantages that this metro area offers.

Three workers work with industrial machinery and computer equipment at Lockheed Martin
College students in a lecture hall watch two professors present a screen showing human anatomy
A large interconnected system of highways and overpasses converges in El Paso, Texas.
  • Business Climate
  • Talent
  • Infrastructure
Business Climate
Three workers work with industrial machinery and computer equipment at Lockheed Martin

From Major Corporations to Thriving Small Businesses

El Paso’s strong economy is supported by companies across a range of business sectors.

Major business clusters in El Paso include business and financial services, food products, manufacturing, military, retail and logistics and transportation. Major employers include ADP, Charles Schwab, ECM International, GECU, Helen of Troy, Mesilla Valley Transportation, Prudential Financial and Toro.

Talent
College students in a lecture hall watch two professors present a screen showing human anatomy

A Skilled Talent Pipeline for Your Business

Home to a strong community college network and a major branch of the University of Texas, El Paso has the talent you’re seeking.

El Paso’s higher education institutions include El Paso Community College District and The University of Texas at El Paso. In addition, the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center at El Paso is a top educational institution for students in health care and life sciences.

Infrastructure
A large interconnected system of highways and overpasses converges in El Paso, Texas.

Two Foreign Trade Zones and Effortless Connectivity

El Paso provides access to major roadways and railways throughout West Texas and beyond for companies and residents alike.

The I-10 highway provides connectivity from the east to northern Florida and west to southern California, while El Paso International Airport (ELP) offers efficient domestic and international air travel. Major Class I railroad carrier services offer reliable transportation by rail. El Paso is also home to two Foreign Trade Zones, No. 68 and No. 150.

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