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Exhibit 1
Exhibit 2
Exhibit 3
Exhibit 4
Exhibit 5
Exhibit 6
Exhibit 7
Exhibit 8
Exhibit 9
Exhibit 10
Exhibit 11
Exhibit 12
Exhibit 13
Exhibit 14
Exhibit 15
Exhibit 16
Exhibit 17
The Central Texas Region2022 Regional Report
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About the 2022 Regional Reports
The 2022 regional reports use the latest available annual data from a variety of state and federal sources on or about Sept. 1, 2021. The data for the 2020 U.S. Census is as of Oct. 1, 2021. Sources include JobsEQ, REMI, Texas A&M Real Estate Center, Texas Department of Transportation, U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts.
The 20-county Central Texas region covers about 17,400 square miles in the heart of Texas, stretching from Hillsboro in the north to Interstate 45 in the east to East Yegua Creek in the south to the confluence of the San Saba and Colorado rivers.
The Central Texas 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. The region’s other 12 counties are not associated with an MSA.
This report examines regional economic information and trends regarding population, personal income, jobs and wages, and education, as well as economic conditions unique to the Central Texas region.
Demographics
Population
According to the 2020 Census, the Central Texas region had a total population of about 1.3 million, or 4.3 percent of the state’s total population. About 30 percent of the region’s population was concentrated in Bell County, which is part of the Killeen-Temple MSA.
The region’s population has grown by about 12.2 percent (about 136,000 people) since the 2010 Census, compared to 15.9 percent growth statewide. Despite overall growth in the region, nine of the 20 counties in the region lost population during this 10-year period.
The Waco MSA (33.7 years), Killeen-Temple MSA (31.6 years) and College Station-Bryan MSA (27.8 years) all had median ages significantly younger than that of the state (34.6 years) in 2019. Brazos (26.5 years) was the youngest county in the region, and Mills (52.1 years) was the oldest (Exhibit 1). An area’s age distribution can reveal specific challenges. A younger county may prioritize education and workforce development, for example, while an older county might face retirement issues and higher health care costs.
| County | 2010 Census | 2020 Census | Change 2010 to 2020 | Percent Change | Median Age |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bell | 310,235 | 370,647 | 60,412 | 19.5% | 31.0 |
| Bosque | 18,212 | 18,235 | 23 | 0.1% | 46.6 |
| Brazos | 194,851 | 233,849 | 38,998 | 20.0% | 26.5 |
| Burleson | 17,187 | 17,642 | 455 | 2.6% | 43.3 |
| Coryell | 75,388 | 83,093 | 7,705 | 10.2% | 31.8 |
| Falls | 17,866 | 16,968 | -898 | -5.0% | 39.0 |
| Freestone | 19,816 | 19,435 | -381 | -1.9% | 41.5 |
| Grimes | 26,604 | 29,268 | 2,664 | 10.0% | 40.4 |
| Hamilton | 8,517 | 8,222 | -295 | -3.5% | 45.8 |
| Hill | 35,089 | 35,874 | 785 | 2.2% | 42.1 |
| Lampasas | 19,677 | 21,627 | 1,950 | 9.9% | 43.1 |
| Leon | 16,801 | 15,719 | -1,082 | -6.4% | 44.3 |
| Limestone | 23,384 | 22,146 | -1,238 | -5.3% | 39.9 |
| Madison | 13,664 | 13,455 | -209 | -1.5% | 35.2 |
| McLennan | 234,906 | 260,579 | 25,673 | 10.9% | 33.3 |
| Milam | 24,757 | 24,754 | -3 | 0.0% | 41.7 |
| Mills | 4,936 | 4,456 | -480 | -9.7% | 52.1 |
| Robertson | 16,622 | 16,757 | 135 | 0.8% | 41.5 |
| San Saba | 6,131 | 5,730 | -401 | -6.5% | 42.4 |
| Washington | 33,718 | 35,805 | 2,087 | 6.2% | 41.5 |
| Central Texas Region Total | 1,118,361 | 1,254,261 | 135,900 | 12.2% | 33.5 |
| College Station-Bryan MSA | 228,660 | 268,248 | 39,588 | 17.3% | 27.8 |
| Killeen-Temple MSA | 405,300 | 475,367 | 70,067 | 17.3% | 31.6 |
| Waco MSA | 252,772 | 277,547 | 24,775 | 9.8% | 33.7 |
| Texas Total | 25,145,561 | 29,145,505 | 3,999,944 | 15.9% | 34.6 |
Note: Median age data for the counties are from the U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey, 2015 to 2019. Region median age calculations are from JobsEQ.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau
Median Household Income and Income Distribution
The Central Texas region had a median household income of $51,684 in 2019, up from $42,693 in 2010, a 21.1 percent increase. Median household income in Texas, by comparison, was $61,874 in 2019, up 24.6 percent from 2010.
The region’s income distribution finds proportionally fewer households in the top quintile when compared to Texas as a whole (Exhibit 2).
| Income Level | Central Texas Region | State Total |
|---|---|---|
| less than $25,000 | 23% | 19% |
| $25,000 to $49,999 | 25% | 22% |
| $50,000 to $74,999 | 18% | 18% |
| $75,000 to $99,999 | 12% | 13% |
| $100,000 or more | 21% | 29% |
Note: Figures may not sum due to rounding.
Source: Income distribution derived by JobsEQ using data from U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2015 to 2019.
Education
Occupational Earnings by Educational Attainment Requirements
A strong educational foundation provides a cornerstone for growth and competitiveness in the global economy. Postsecondary education delivers a good return on investments of time and tuition.
Data for 2021 indicate that occupations in the Central Texas region requiring at least an associate degree or certificate paid an average of $5,433 more annually than those requiring less than a postsecondary education. Occupations requiring at least a bachelor’s degree paid an average of $34,433 more (Exhibit 3).
| Educational Attainment | Number Employed, Region | Percent of Region | Average Annual Earnings, Region | Number Employed, Texas | Percent of Texas | Average Annual Earnings, Texas |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No Postsecondary Award | 377,856 | 64.9% | $38,067 | 9,051,532 | 61.8% | $44,733 |
| Associate Degree or Certificate | 59,860 | 10.3% | $43,500 | 1,120,514 | 7.6% | $47,600 |
| Bachelor's Degree | 92,613 | 15.9% | $72,500 | 2,987,310 | 20.4% | $88,800 |
| Postgraduate Degree | 51,433 | 8.8% | $102,900 | 1,509,671 | 10.3% | $110,300 |
Note: Figures may not sum due to rounding.
Source: JobsEQ; Education requirement category assignments are from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Regional Institutions of Higher Education
A postsecondary education also offers opportunity for greater job prospects, workplace advancement, higher wages and the development of a richer world view. The Central Texas region offers a variety of options for higher educational achievement, including four universities, six junior and community colleges and one health science school (Exhibit 4).
| Institution | Type of Institution | Fall 2020 Enrollment |
|---|---|---|
| Baylor University | University | 19,297 |
| Texas A&M University | University | 65,272 |
| Texas A&M University – Central Texas | University | 2,339 |
| University of Mary Hardin-Baylor | University | 3,876 |
| Blinn College District | Junior or Community College | 17,955 |
| Central Texas College | Junior or Community College | 7,649 |
| Hill College | Junior or Community College | 4,038 |
| McLennan Community College | Junior or Community College | 7,742 |
| Temple College | Junior or Community College | 4,507 |
| Texas State Technical College – Waco | Junior or Community College | 4,393 |
| Texas A&M Health Science Center | Health Science School | 3,084 |
Source: Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
Health Care
Availability of Hospital Services
Residents of the Central Texas region have access to a variety of hospital services. General hospitals offer a comprehensive range of services and facilities for medical diagnoses and treatments, including surgical services. Special hospitals provide clinical laboratory facilities, diagnostic X-ray facilities, treatment facilities or other definitive medical treatments (Exhibit 5).
For a list of facilities offering services other than hospitals – such as rural health clinics, community mental health centers and birthing centers – visit Texas Health and Human Services.
| Facility Type | Number of Facilities | Total Number of Beds | Average Number of Beds Per Facility |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Hospital | 20 | 2,222 | 111.1 |
| Special Hospital | 10 | 346 | 34.6 |
| Private Psychiatric Hospital | 3 | 218 | 72.7 |
| State Psychiatric Hospital | 1 | 74 | 74.0 |
Note: State psychiatric hospitals data as of February 2019
Source: Texas Department of Health and Human Services
Health Care Access
Access to health care facilities adds to the viability of a community. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the share of Texans without health insurance — 18.4 percent in 2019 — was twice the national average of 9.2 percent.
In 2019, the rate of uninsured in the Central Texas region ranged from a low of 16.0 percent in Coryell County to a high of 30.7 percent in San Saba County; the overall rate for the region was 18.3 percent (Exhibit 6). (For additional information, see Uninsured Texans, Fiscal Notes, October 2020.)
| County | Uninsured Population | Percent Uninsured |
|---|---|---|
| San Saba | 1,210 | 30.7% |
| Mills | 908 | 26.9% |
| Leon | 3,408 | 26.3% |
| Hamilton | 1,550 | 24.8% |
| Madison | 2,288 | 24.0% |
| Bosque | 3,173 | 23.0% |
| Grimes | 4,771 | 22.6% |
| Hill | 6,420 | 22.6% |
| Limestone | 3,920 | 22.6% |
| Falls | 2,573 | 21.4% |
| Freestone | 2,962 | 20.8% |
| Burleson | 2,943 | 20.3% |
| Robertson | 2,693 | 20.0% |
| Washington | 5,103 | 19.7% |
| Milam | 3,704 | 19.3% |
| Lampasas | 3,143 | 18.5% |
| McLennan | 38,118 | 18.0% |
| Brazos | 33,871 | 17.5% |
| Bell | 51,972 | 16.6% |
| Coryell | 8,941 | 16.0% |
| Central Texas Region | 183,671 | 18.3% |
Note: Uninsured population includes under 65 (ages 0-64)
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, SAHIE (Small Area Health Insurance Estimates)
Regional Economy and Employment
In 2020, the Central Texas region had a gross domestic product (GDP) of $57 billion, about 3.2 percent of Texas’ statewide GDP of $1.8 trillion. Between 2010 and 2020, GDP rose by an average annual rate of 2.0 percent, below the statewide average annual rate of 3.6 percent. In 2020, GDP fell from the previous year by 1.3 percent, much less than the state’s GDP fall of 4.7 percent. (GDP values not adjusted for inflation.) Preliminary data for the first two quarters of 2021, however, suggest a significant economic rebound in many industries and regions.
Regional Employment Levels
Of the 480,940 people employed in the Central Texas region in 2020, about a quarter lives in each of the region’s three MSAs. Between 2010 and 2020, regional employment rose by 9.5 percent, a slower pace than in the state (17.1 percent) but more than the U.S. (7.8 percent). The region’s MSAs have seen sharper growth — especially College Station-Bryan, at 18.5 percent (Exhibit 7).
| Locality | Total Employed, 2020 | Change 2010 to 2020 | Percent Change 2010 to 2020 |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 150,028,344 | 10,838,037 | 7.8% |
| Texas | 13,164,072 | 1,924,421 | 17.1% |
| Central Texas Region | 480,940 | 41,548 | 9.5% |
| College Station-Bryan MSA | 121,743 | 18,969 | 18.5% |
| Waco MSA | 124,808 | 11,346 | 10.0% |
| Killeen-Temple MSA | 151,217 | 14,051 | 10.2% |
Source: JobsEQ using data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages
Regional Industries
In the five-year period between 2015 and 2020, total industry jobs in the Central Texas region rose by 1.9 percent. During this period, by comparison, jobs rose by 3.3 percent in Texas and fell by 0.5 percent in the U.S.
By employment, the Central Texas region’s largest industry sectors are education, restaurants and health care. The region’s grocery stores and colleges and universities have seen considerable growth in the past five years (Exhibit 8).
| Industry | Employment | Average Annual Wages | Location Quotient | Employment Change, 2015 to 2020 | Percent Employment Change, 2015 to 2020 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elementary and Secondary Schools | 37,351 | $41,860 | 1.49 | 1,396 | 3.9% |
| Restaurants and Other Eating Places | 35,037 | $17,064 | 1.22 | 1,033 | 3.0% |
| Colleges, Universities and Professional Schools | 29,788 | $57,518 | 3.17 | 2,633 | 9.7% |
| General Medical and Surgical Hospitals | 23,610 | $63,635 | 1.24 | 516 | 2.2% |
| Justice, Public Order and Safety Activities | 10,818 | $55,805 | 1.76 | -16 | -0.2% |
| Grocery Stores | 10,090 | $30,452 | 1.14 | 1,250 | 14.1% |
| Animal Production (Proprietors) | 9,535 | $10,896 | 6.87 | -1,561 | -14.1% |
| Offices of Physicians | 8,884 | $140,036 | 1.01 | 253 | 2.9% |
| Services to Buildings and Dwellings | 8,728 | $28,557 | 1.04 | 1,892 | 27.7% |
| Building Equipment Contractors | 7,820 | $48,320 | 1.03 | 1,163 | 17.5% |
| Total - All Industries | 480,940 | $46,137 | 1.00 | 9,136 | 1.9% |
Source: JobsEQ using data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages
Education and building services were among the industry leaders in total regional job gains between 2015 and 2020 (Exhibit 9).
| Industry | Employment | Average Annual Wages | Location Quotient | Employment Change, 2015 to 2020 | Percent Employment Change, 2015 to 2020 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colleges, Universities and Professional Schools | 29,788 | $57,518 | 3.17 | 2,633 | 9.7% |
| Services to Buildings and Dwellings | 8,728 | $28,557 | 1.04 | 1,892 | 27.7% |
| Elementary and Secondary Schools | 37,351 | $41,860 | 1.49 | 1,396 | 3.9% |
| Grocery Stores | 10,090 | $30,452 | 1.14 | 1,250 | 14.1% |
| Building Equipment Contractors | 7,820 | $48,320 | 1.03 | 1,163 | 17.5% |
Source: JobsEQ using data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor StatisticsQuarterly Census of Employment and Wages
Using the location quotient (LQ) — a measure of an industry’s relative size in a region compared to its average size in the nation — animal production, education and manufacturing are among the industries that stand out as highly concentrated and unique to the regional economy. An LQ of 1.25 or higher indicates that the region has a comparative advantage in the industry (Exhibit 10).
| Industry | Employment | Average Annual Wages | Location Quotient | Employment Change, 2015 to 2020 | Percent Employment Change, 2015 to 2020 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Animal Production (Proprietors) | 9,535 | $10,896 | 6.87 | -1,561 | -14.1% |
| Poultry and Egg Production | 890 | $57,550 | 6.07 | 218 | 32.4% |
| Lessors of Nonfinancial Intangible Assets (except Copyrighted Works) | 373 | $93,756 | 5.51 | 163 | 77.6% |
| Support Activities for Animal Production | 690 | $39,308 | 3.91 | 201 | 41.2% |
| Colleges, Universities and Professional Schools | 29,788 | $57,518 | 3.17 | 2,633 | 9.7% |
| Lime and Gypsum Product Manufacturing | 148 | $47,832 | 3.07 | -6 | -4.0% |
| Other Furniture Related Product Manufacturing | 327 | $40,303 | 3.06 | 37 | 12.7% |
| Highway, Street and Bridge Construction | 4,746 | $50,219 | 2.87 | 757 | 19.0% |
| Support Activities for Mining | 2,139 | $74,721 | 2.77 | -1,066 | -33.3% |
| Farm Product Raw Material Merchant Wholesalers | 588 | $21,378 | 2.62 | 23 | 4.0% |
Source: JobsEQ using data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages
Regional Occupations
Occupations with high levels of employment and relative concentration reflect the industrial composition of the region. The Central Texas region has large numbers of people in labor, restaurant and retail occupations. Farming and ranching occupations have high LQs in the region (Exhibit 11).
| Occupation | Employment | Average Annual Wages | Location Quotient | Employment Change, 2015 to 2020 | Percent Employment Change, 2015 to 2020 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fast Food and Counter Workers | 16,405 | $20,700 | 1.49 | 1,220 | 8.0% |
| Laborers and Material Movers | 15,038 | $28,700 | 0.77 | 657 | 4.6% |
| Retail Salespersons | 13,060 | $26,800 | 1.07 | -561 | -4.1% |
| Cashiers | 12,825 | $23,600 | 1.18 | 167 | 1.3% |
| Farmers, Ranchers and Other Agricultural Managers | 12,053 | $72,000 | 4.44 | -1,712 | -12.4% |
| Building Cleaning Workers | 11,428 | $25,300 | 1.11 | 1,017 | 9.8% |
| Secretaries and Administrative Assistants | 11,383 | $36,400 | 1.08 | -474 | -4.0% |
| Office Clerks, General | 10,595 | $33,400 | 1.15 | 330 | 3.2% |
| Registered Nurses | 10,592 | $73,200 | 1.09 | 531 | 5.3% |
| Driver/Sales Workers and Truck Drivers | 10,086 | $40,100 | 0.92 | 451 | 4.7% |
Source: JobsEQ using data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages
Central Texas Regional Infrastructure
Housing Affordability
The Texas Housing Affordability Index (THAI) from the Texas A&M Real Estate Center measures the ability of a household earning the median family income to purchase a median-priced home. An index ratio greater than 1 means that the median family income is more than the income required to purchase the median home in a specific area. The calculations for the index assume that consumers are making a down payment of 20 percent and have a family income that is 25 percent of the price of the median home.[1]
According to the THAI, a median-income family in the College Station-Bryan, Waco and Killeen-Temple MSAs would have more than the income needed to afford the median home in the region (Exhibit 12). While home prices in the Killeen area are more affordable than in the state as a whole, both the Waco and College Station-Bryan areas are on par with the state.[2]
| Locality | 2019 | 2020 |
|---|---|---|
| State of Texas | 1.43 | 1.78 |
| College Station-Bryan MSA | 1.44 | 1.72 |
| Waco MSA | 1.61 | 1.83 |
| Killeen-Temple MSA | 1.87 | 2.00 |
Source: Texas A&M Real Estate Center
U.S. Military Installation Impact
Texas has 14 U.S. military installations within its borders. In 2019, these bases directly employed more than 226,000 and supported nearly 634,000 jobs in all. Additionally, military installations in Texas contributed an estimated $75.3 billion annually to the state’s GDP. Fort Hood, the only military installation in the Central Texas region, had a positive impact on the state economy, supporting an estimated 153,000 jobs in 2019 and contributing about $18.2 billion to the state’s GDP (Exhibit 13). Learn more about the impact of U.S. military installations on the state’s economy.
| Region | Total Jobs Supported | U.S. Military Contribution to State GDP (billions) |
|---|---|---|
| State of Texas | 633,892 | $75.3 |
| Central Texas Region | 152,701 | $18.2 |
Sources: Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts; Texas Military Preparedness Commission and REMI
Regional Transportation
Metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs) are federally mandated policymaking organizations created to coordinate transportation planning in urbanized areas. Each of the Central Texas region’s three MSAs has an associated MPO to coordinate transportation planning in the region: College Station-Bryan, Killeen-Temple and Waco. Roadways within the region make up parts of the Waco and Bryan Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) districts.
Road miles and vehicle miles traveled for the region’s roadway network, as of 2019, are listed by road type (Exhibit 14).
| Road Type | Centerline Miles | Lane Miles | Daily Vehicle Miles Traveled | Daily Truck Miles Traveled |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Certified County Roads | 13,094.9 | 26,161.5 | 1,586,281.1 | 56,533.4 |
| City Streets | 4,533.1 | 9,343.1 | 4,565,406.2 | 165,550.7 |
| Farm or Ranch to Market Roads and Spurs | 4,059.1 | 8,376.1 | 6,479,807.6 | 510,795.6 |
| Federal Roads | 561.9 | 1,123.8 | 151,078.9 | 4,712.3 |
| Frontage Roads | 482.0 | 967.9 | 1,632,865.0 | 119,992.7 |
| Interstate Highways | 219.1 | 925.4 | 12,493,289.4 | 3,709,875.5 |
| Pass, Park and Recreation Roads | 21.8 | 43.6 | 6,052.8 | 366.3 |
| State Highways, Spurs, Loops, Business Routes | 1,406.2 | 3,589.9 | 10,004,443.6 | 1,374,006.4 |
| U.S. Highways | 700.1 | 1,874.0 | 5,679,977.2 | 848,627.9 |
| Total | 25,078.1 | 52,405.2 | 42,599,201.9 | 6,790,460.9 |
Source: Texas Department of Transportation
Transit authorities and transit districts are governmental entities or companies that coordinate public transit in an area. The cities of Killeen, Waco and Temple are served by urban public transit districts, while rural transit in the region is provided by the Brazos Transit District, Heart of Texas Council of Governments, Hill Country Transit District and McLennan County Transit District (Exhibit 15).
| Transit District | Type | Total Operating Expense | Total Revenue | Unlinked Passenger Trips | Passenger Trips Per Capita | Operating Expense Per Trip |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Killeen | Urban | $3,797,511 | $1,299,147 | 303,877 | 1.4 | $12.50 |
| Temple | Urban | $2,263,310 | $772,325 | 132,691 | 1.47 | $17.06 |
| Waco | Urban | $7,127,199 | $3,530,560 | 1,285,723 | 7.46 | $5.54 |
| Brazos Transit District | Rural | $4,444,632 | $634,790 | 201,532 | 0.25 | $22.05 |
| Heart of Texas Council of Governments | Rural | $1,437,251 | $482,853 | 30,172 | 0.26 | $47.64 |
| Hill Country Transit District | Rural | $2,537,996 | $1,038,339 | 91,845 | 0.56 | $27.63 |
| McLennan County Transit District | Rural | $1,473,410 | $531,302 | 53,143 | 0.85 | $27.73 |
Source: Texas Department of Transportation
The state of Texas has 27 commercial service airports offering passenger service. Three of those commercial service airports are in the Central Texas region (Exhibit 16).
| Airport Name | City | U.S. Rank | 2019 Enplanements | 2020 Enplanements | Percent Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Robert Gray AAF (GRK) | Killeen | 185 | 176,630 | 102,324 | -42.1% |
| Easterwood Field (CLL) | College Station | 244 | 83,832 | 41,790 | -50.2% |
| Waco Regional (ACT) | Waco | 270 | 62,907 | 27,704 | -56.0% |
Source: Federal Aviation Administration
Amtrak interstate passenger rail service runs three routes through the state (Texas Eagle, Heartland Flyer and Sunset Limited). Texans can get direct service to Chicago, Los Angeles, New Orleans and Oklahoma City, numerous stops along the way and connections to the rest of the country. Amtrak’s station stops in the Central Texas region are in the cities of McGregor and Temple.
Region vs. Texas
If the Central Texas region were a state, it would be the 42nd largest in terms of area and 43rd in terms of total population. Between 2010 and 2020, the region had the ninth fastest population growth as a state (Exhibit 17). For more information on how Texas and its distinct, diverse regions compare to the U.S. and other states, visit TexIndex .
| Measure | Central Texas Region | Rank as a State | Texas | State Rank | U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Square Miles | 17,362 | 42 | 268,597 | 2 | 3,531,905 |
| Population, 2020 Census | 1,254,261 | 43 | 29,145,505 | 2 | 331,449,281 |
| Population Percent Change, 2010 to 2020 | 12.2% | 9 | 15.9% | 3 | 7.4% |
| Population over 25 with at Least a High School Diploma, 2019 | 86.7% | 42 | 83.7% | 49 | 88.0% |
| Population over 25 with Bachelor’s Degree or Higher, 2019 | 24.8% | 45 | 29.9% | 28 | 32.1% |
| Per Capita Income, 2019 | $42,202 | 50 | $52,813 | 26 | $56,490 |
| Median Household Income, 2019 | $51,684 | 44 | $61,874 | 22 | $62,843 |
| Population Age 65 or Over, 2019 | 14% | 48 | 12.9% | 48 | 16.5% |
| Population Under Age 18, 2019 | 24% | 9 | 25.5% | 2 | 22.3% |
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau; U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis
Central Texas Region Economic Development Highlights
- Waco is the birthplace of Dr Pepper and home of the Dr Pepper Museum. The museum has seen more than 2 million visitors since it opened in 1991.
- Knauf Insulation will establish its new manufacturing and distribution facility in McGregor, creating 151 jobs and more than $210 million in capital investment. The company was extended a Texas Enterprise Fund grant of $819,175.[3]
- In fiscal 2019-20, Texas A&M University in College Station employed 16,235 full- and part-time faculty and staff with a payroll of $861.4 million.[4]
- The George H.W. Bush Presidential Library, built in 1997, sits atop 90 acres on the Texas A&M University campus. Following the death of President George H. W. Bush in November 2018, the library saw a spike in attendance and hosted more than 231,000 visitors, the most visitors since just after its opening in 1998.[5]
- Baylor University was founded in the city of Waco in 1845. It sits in the heart of McLennan County and employed 7,503 full-time, part-time, auxiliary and contract employees during the 2019-20 fiscal year. The university had a payroll of $261 million for full- and part-time faculty and staff and contributed an additional $73 million to the local economy in fiscal 2019-20.[6]
- The Chilton Independent School District in Chilton anticipates the completion of BT Yixin Solar LLC, a solar power electric generating facility. The project includes an investment of up to $108 million and will have the capacity of generating 120 megawatts (MW) each year.[7] OCI Sol’s “Project Golinda” is another potential solar power electric generating facility in the ISD area, with proposed total capacity of 100 MW each year and a total investment of $140.5 million.[8]
Endnotes
Links are correct at the time of publication. The Comptroller's office is not responsible for external websites.
- Texas A&M Real Estate Research Center, “Texas Housing Affordability Index: Data Series Description,” (Last visited March 24, 2022) ↳
- Texas A&M Real Estate Research Center, “Texas Housing Affordability Index (THAI),” (Last visited March 24, 2022) ↳
- Office of the Governor, “Governor Abbott Announces New Knauf Insulation Facility in McGregor,” Austin, Texas, Sept. 22, 2021. (Press release.) (Last visited March 22, 2022) ↳
- Texas A&M University, “The Economic Value to Texas of Texas A&M University, Fiscal year of analysis 2019–2020,” (PDF) (Last visited March 24, 2022) ↳
- George and Barbara Bush Foundation, “2019 Had The Most Visitors To The George H.W. Bush Library & Museum Since The First Year In 1998,” (Last visited March 22, 2022) ↳
- Baylor University, “2019-20 Social and Economic Impact Report,” (PDF) (Last visited March 22, 2022) ↳
- Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, Chapter 313 School Value Limitation, “Chilton ISD No. 1434, BT Yixin Solar, LLC” (Last visited March 22, 2022) ↳
- Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, Chapter 313 School Value Limitation, “Chilton ISD No. 1448, OCI SOL, LLC,” (Last visited March 22, 2022) ↳
Questions?
If you have any questions or concerns regarding the material on this page, please contact the Comptroller’s Data Analysis and Transparency Division.