Top navigation skipped
This analysis predates the COVID-19 crisis and the economic impacts that followed.
It is offered as an overview of the
Central Texas regional economy and a resource for comparative purposes.
Regional Snapshot
Central Texas
The 20-county Central Texas region covers about 17,400 square miles in the heart of Texas, stretching from Hillsboro on the north to Interstate 45 on the east to East Yegua Creek on the south to the confluence of the San Saba and Colorado rivers.
The region includes three metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs): the College Station-Bryan MSA, comprising Brazos, Burleson and Robertson counties; the Waco MSA, comprising Falls and McLennan counties; and the Killeen-Temple MSA, comprising Bell, Coryell and Lampasas counties.
Central Texas Region Counties:
- Bell
- Bosque
- Brazos
- Burleson
- Coryell
- Falls
- Freestone
- Grimes
- Hamilton
- Hill
- Lampasas
- Leon
- Limestone
- Madison
- McLennan
- Milam
- Mills
- Robertson
- San Saba
- Washington
Top 10 Industries by Location Quotient
- Lessors of Nonfinancial Intangible Assets (except Copyrighted Works)
- Animal Production and Aquaculture
- Support Activities for Mining
- Pipeline Transportation
- Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction
- Mining (except Oil and Gas)
- Educational Services
- Furniture and Related Product Manufacturing
- Paper Manufacturing
- Justice, Public Order and Safety Activities
Source: JobsEQ®
Population Growth
CENTRAL TEXAS REGION VS. TEXAS AND U.S., 2010-2019
Region
10.7%
U.S.
6.3%
Texas
15.3%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau
In 2019, the Central Texas region’s estimated total population was 1.2 million or about 4.3 percent of the state’s total population. That marked an increase of 10.7 percent (about 120,000 people) since the 2010 Census.
Education
Average Annual Earnings by Educational Attainment, Central Texas Region
| Educational Attainment | Number Employed, Region | Average Annual Earnings, Region |
|---|---|---|
| Less than high school | 66,723 | $37,202 |
| High school or equivalent, no college | 104,529 | $41,848 |
| Some college or associate degree | 117,903 | $45,621 |
| Bachelor's degree or advanced degree | 79,996 | $61,237 |
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau and JobsEQ
In 2019, the Central Texas region’s estimated total population was 1.2 million or about 4.3 percent of the state’s total population. That marked an increase of 10.7 percent (about 120,000 people) since the 2010 Census.
JOBS & WAGES
From 2009 to 2019, the Central Texas region’s employment rose by 12 percent, much lower than the state’s total job growth rate. In 2019, the region accounted for 3.9 percent of the state’s total employment.
The Central Texas region’s most significant occupations are shown below, sorted by numerical growth during the last five years.
Employment Growth, Central Texas Region vs. Texas and U.S., 2009-2019
Note: Figures include private and public sector employees with the exception of active-duty military personnel, railroad employees, religious institution employees and the self-employed.
Sources: JobsEQ and U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Top Occupations in the Central Texas Region by Numeric Growth, 2014-2019
| Occupation | Number Employed | Average Annual Wages |
|---|---|---|
| Food and Beverage Serving Workers | 28,795 | $20,500 |
| Other Personal Care and Service Workers | 12,763 | $21,400 |
| Retail Sales Workers | 29,329 | $24,200 |
| Health Diagnosing and Treating Practitioners | 18,358 | $94,900 |
| Building Cleaning and Pest Control Workers | 12,059 | $24,100 |
Note: Data are as of Q4 2019 except wage data, which are for covered employment in 2018.
Source: JobsEQ
Regional Economy
In 2019, taxable sales directly attributable to businesses in the region totaled $12.3 billion, contributing about 2.2 percent to the state’s overall taxable sales.
Regional Receipts Subject to Sales Tax
| Year | Revenue Central Texas Region |
|---|---|
| 2007 | 8.4 billion dollars |
| 2008 | 8.9 billion dollars |
| 2009 | 8.3 billion dollars |
| 2010 | 8.5 billion dollars |
| 2011 | 8.6 billion dollars |
| 2012 | 9.3 billion dollars |
| 2013 | 9.8 billion dollars |
| 2014 | 10.5 billion dollars |
| 2015 | 10.7 billion dollars |
| 2016 | 11.1 billion dollars |
| 2017 | 11.8 billion dollars |
| 2018 | 12.2 billion dollars |
| 2019 | 12.3 billion dollars |
Note: Numbers shown are for reported revenue subject to sales tax and directly attributed to the region.
Source: Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts
Summary
The Central Texas region is a microcosm of the state — both urban and rural, with a vibrant and diverse economy. The region is unique in that it has three distinct economic centers: the Waco, Killeen-Temple and College Station-Bryan MSAs.
The U.S. Army’s Fort Hood has a significant impact on the Central Texas region’s local economies. In addition, 2019 receipts subject to state sales tax indicated a continuation of the region’s slow and steady rise since the 2007-2009 recession. Many distinct industry subsectors are represented in the region’s most highly concentrated industries, attesting to its diverse economy.
The Central Texas Region is one of the Comptroller’s 12 economic regions.
View a complete list of these regions, plus more in-depth county-by-county data.
Questions?
If you have any questions or concerns regarding the material on this page, please contact the Comptroller’s Data Analysis and Transparency Division.