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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 Upper East 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 23-county Upper East region encompasses about 16,000 square miles in the northeast corner of Texas, stretching from the Arkansas and Louisiana borders in the east to Cedar Creek Reservoir in the west.
The Upper East region includes three metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs): the Longview MSA, comprising Gregg, Rusk and Upshur counties; the Texarkana MSA, which comprises Bowie County; and the Tyler MSA, comprising Smith County. The region’s other 18 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 Upper East region.
Demographics
Population
According to the 2020 Census, the Upper East region had a total population of about 1.15 million, or 4 percent of the state’s total population. Twenty percent of the region’s population was concentrated in the Tyler MSA.
The region’s population grew by 3.4 percent (more than 38,000 people) between 2010 and 2020, compared to 15.9 percent growth statewide. Despite overall population growth in the region, 11 of the 23 counties lost population during this 10-year period.
The median age in the Upper East region was 39.4 years in 2019, higher than the state’s median age of 34.6 years. Titus was the youngest county in the region (34.1 years) and Marion was the oldest (50.6 years) (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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anderson | 58,458 | 57,922 | -536 | -0.9% | 39.3 |
| Bowie | 92,565 | 92,893 | 328 | 0.4% | 38.0 |
| Camp | 12,401 | 12,464 | 63 | 0.5% | 37.6 |
| Cass | 30,464 | 28,454 | -2,010 | -6.6% | 43.3 |
| Cherokee | 50,845 | 50,412 | -433 | -0.9% | 37.9 |
| Delta | 5,231 | 5,230 | -1 | 0.0% | 44.3 |
| Franklin | 10,605 | 10,359 | -246 | -2.3% | 43.2 |
| Gregg | 121,730 | 124,239 | 2,509 | 2.1% | 35.6 |
| Harrison | 65,631 | 68,839 | 3,208 | 4.9% | 38.7 |
| Henderson | 78,532 | 82,150 | 3,618 | 4.6% | 43.9 |
| Hopkins | 35,161 | 36,787 | 1,626 | 4.6% | 39.2 |
| Lamar | 49,793 | 50,088 | 295 | 0.6% | 40.7 |
| Marion | 10,546 | 9,725 | -821 | -7.8% | 50.6 |
| Morris | 12,934 | 11,973 | -961 | -7.4% | 43.0 |
| Panola | 23,796 | 22,491 | -1,305 | -5.5% | 39.2 |
| Rains | 10,914 | 12,164 | 1,250 | 11.5% | 48.4 |
| Red River | 12,860 | 11,587 | -1,273 | -9.9% | 45.9 |
| Rusk | 53,330 | 52,214 | -1,116 | -2.1% | 38.2 |
| Smith | 209,714 | 233,479 | 23,765 | 11.3% | 36.6 |
| Titus | 32,334 | 31,247 | -1,087 | -3.4% | 34.1 |
| Upshur | 39,309 | 40,892 | 1,583 | 4.0% | 41.4 |
| Van Zandt | 52,579 | 59,541 | 6,962 | 13.2% | 42.8 |
| Wood | 41,964 | 44,843 | 2,879 | 6.9% | 47.9 |
| Upper East Region | 1,111,696 | 1,149,993 | 38,297 | 3.4% | 39.4 |
| Tyler MSA | 209,714 | 233,479 | 23,765 | 11.3% | 36.6 |
| Longview MSA | 280,000 | 286,184 | 6,184 | 2.2% | 37.6 |
| Texarkana MSA | 149,198 | 147,519 | -1,679 | -1.1% | 38.6 |
| 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 Upper East region had a median household income of $50,985 in 2019, up from $42,341 in 2010, a 20.4 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 | Upper East Region | State Total |
|---|---|---|
| less than $25,000 | 24% | 19% |
| $25,000 to $49,999 | 25% | 22% |
| $50,000 to $74,999 | 18% | 18% |
| $75,000 to $99,999 | 13% | 13% |
| $100,000 or more | 20% | 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 Upper East region requiring at least an associate degree or certificate paid an average of $4,667 more annually than those requiring less than a postsecondary education. Occupations requiring at least a bachelor’s degree earned an average of $32,467 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 | 413,235 | 72.7% | $38,133 | 9,051,532 | 61.8% | $44,733 |
| Associate Degree or Certificate | 48,807 | 8.6% | $42,800 | 1,120,514 | 7.6% | $47,600 |
| Bachelor's Degree | 76,118 | 13.4% | $70,600 | 2,987,310 | 20.4% | $88,800 |
| Postgraduate Degree | 30,151 | 5.3% | $103,300 | 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 Upper East region offers a variety of options for higher educational achievement, including four universities, 12 junior and community colleges and one health science school (Exhibit 4).
| Institution | Type of Institution | Fall 2020 Enrollment |
|---|---|---|
| East Texas Baptist University | University | 1,777 |
| Jarvis Christian College | University | 627 |
| LeTourneau University | University | 2,860 |
| Texas A&M University – Texarkana | University | 2,161 |
| Texas College | Junior or Community College | 763 |
| The University of Texas at Tyler | Junior or Community College | 9,408 |
| Wiley College | Junior or Community College | 606 |
| Jacksonville College | Junior or Community College | 485 |
| Kilgore College | Junior or Community College | 5,089 |
| Northeast Texas Community College | Junior or Community College | 2,758 |
| Panola College | Junior or Community College | 2,529 |
| Paris Junior College | Junior or Community College | 4,386 |
| Texarkana College | Junior or Community College | 3,810 |
| Texas State Technical College – Marshall | Junior or Community College | 925 |
| Trinity Valley Community College | Junior or Community College | 5,673 |
| Tyler Junior College | Junior or Community College | 11,726 |
| The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler | Health Science School | 88 |
Source: Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
Health Care
Availability of Hospital Services
Residents of the Upper East 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 | 22 | 3,478 | 158.1 |
| Special Hospital | 11 | 512 | 46.6 |
| Private Psychiatric Hospital | 1 | 24 | 24.0 |
| State Psychiatric Hospital | 1 | 288 | 288.0 |
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 Upper East region ranged from a low of 16.8 percent in Cass County to a high of 25.1 percent in Titus County; the overall rate for the region was 21.2 percent, the second highest in the state (Exhibit 6). (For additional information, see Uninsured Texans, Fiscal Notes, October 2020.)
| County | Uninsured Population | Percent Uninsured |
|---|---|---|
| Titus | 6,864 | 25.1% |
| Van Zandt | 10,703 | 23.9% |
| Hopkins | 7,026 | 23.5% |
| Henderson | 14,596 | 23.2% |
| Cherokee | 9,042 | 22.4% |
| Gregg | 22,634 | 22.4% |
| Wood | 6,987 | 22.2% |
| Rains | 2,071 | 22.1% |
| Camp | 2,279 | 21.8% |
| Lamar | 8,631 | 21.8% |
| Red River | 1,886 | 21.3% |
| Smith | 39,717 | 21.1% |
| Anderson | 7,415 | 20.8% |
| Rusk | 8,119 | 20.7% |
| Marion | 1,420 | 20.2% |
| Harrison | 10,752 | 20.0% |
| Panola | 3,606 | 19.7% |
| Morris | 1,786 | 18.7% |
| Delta | 778 | 18.6% |
| Upshur | 6,255 | 18.6% |
| Bowie | 12,418 | 17.3% |
| Franklin | 1,434 | 17.3% |
| Cass | 3,849 | 16.8% |
| Upper East Region | 190,268 | 21.2% |
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 Upper East region had a gross domestic product (GDP) of $49.3 billion, about 2.8 percent of Texas’ statewide GDP of $1.8 trillion. Between 2010 and 2020, GDP rose by an average annual rate of 0.5 percent, less than the statewide average annual rate of 3.6 percent. In 2020, GDP fell from the previous year by 3.6 percent, 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 461,867 people employed in the Upper East region in 2020, 26.8 percent were in the Longview MSA, 13.1 percent were in the Texarkana MSA and 24.3 percent were in the Tyler MSA. Between 2010 and 2020, regional employment rose by 2.2 percent, a slower pace than in the state (17.1 percent) and the U.S. (7.8 percent). At 11.0 percent employment growth, the Tyler metro area exceeded the U.S. growth during this period (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% |
| Upper East Region | 461,867 | 9,979 | 2.2% |
| Longview MSA | 123,880 | -4,538 | -3.5% |
| Texarkana MSA | 60,557 | -4,206 | -6.5% |
| Tyler MSA | 112,345 | 11,105 | 11.0% |
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, jobs in the Upper East region decreased by 1.8 percent, or about 8,500 jobs. During this period, by comparison, jobs rose by 3.3 percent in Texas and fell by 0.5 percent in the U.S.
The Upper East region’s largest industries by employment levels are in restaurants, education, health care services and retail (Exhibit 8).
| Industry | Employment | Average Annual Wages | Location Quotient | Employment Change, 2015 to 2020 | Percent Employment Change, 2015 to 2020 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elementary and Secondary Schools | 34,576 | $40,730 | 1.44 | 506 | 1.5% |
| Restaurants and Other Eating Places | 33,048 | $16,880 | 1.19 | 786 | 2.4% |
| General Medical and Surgical Hospitals | 16,313 | $57,772 | 0.89 | -414 | -2.5% |
| Home Health Care Services | 13,008 | $26,380 | 2.60 | -1,145 | -8.1% |
| Justice, Public Order and Safety Activities | 9,845 | $53,413 | 1.67 | -420 | -4.1% |
| General Merchandise Stores, including Warehouse Clubs and Supercenters | 9,513 | $26,734 | 1.49 | 76 | 0.8% |
| Religious Organizations | 9,487 | $19,430 | 1.77 | 226 | 2.4% |
| Offices of Physicians | 8,618 | $100,863 | 1.02 | 547 | 6.8% |
| Services to Buildings and Dwellings | 8,369 | $25,175 | 1.04 | 1,520 | 22.2% |
| Other Specialty Trade Contractors | 8,288 | $47,775 | 2.73 | -597 | -6.7% |
| Total - All Industries | 461,867 | $44,038 | 1.00 | -8,534 | -1.8% |
Source: JobsEQ using data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages
Jobs in health care services, animal slaughtering and processing, building cleaning services, and business support services were among the leaders in regional 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Individual and Family Services | 7,415 | $23,244 | 0.84 | 3,248 | 77.9% |
| Animal Slaughtering and Processing | 8,257 | $30,963 | 5.05 | 2,071 | 33.5% |
| Services to Buildings and Dwellings | 8,369 | $25,175 | 1.04 | 1,520 | 22.2% |
| Business Support Services | 2,543 | $34,130 | 0.91 | 936 | 58.3% |
| Outpatient Care Centers | 2,320 | $51,911 | 0.73 | 885 | 61.7% |
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 — railroad manufacturing and support, mining support and auto manufacturing 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Railroad Rolling Stock Manufacturing | 816 | $88,341 | 11.94 | -995 | -54.9% |
| Support Activities for Rail Transportation | 992 | $60,254 | 9.18 | 307 | 44.8% |
| Support Activities for Mining | 6,352 | $75,448 | 8.55 | -3,024 | -32.3% |
| Motor Vehicle Body and Trailer Manufacturing | 3,559 | $44,324 | 7.84 | 817 | 29.8% |
| Animal Production (Proprietors) | 7,585 | $13,962 | 5.69 | -1,314 | -14.8% |
| Poultry and Egg Production | 755 | $36,238 | 5.36 | -46 | -5.7% |
| Animal Slaughtering and Processing | 8,257 | $30,963 | 5.05 | 2,071 | 33.5% |
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 Upper East region has large numbers of people in material moving (warehousing and storage operations), fast food, health care services and retail occupations. Home health care positions have seen strong growth (14.4 percent) in the last five years; farming and ranching occupations are unique to the region, with LQ values exceeding 4.0 (Exhibit 11).
| Occupation | Employment | Average Annual Wages | Location Quotient | Employment Change, 2015 to 2020 | Percent Employment Change, 2015 to 2020 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Laborers and Material Movers | 17,802 | $29,400 | 0.95 | 911 | 5.4% |
| Fast Food and Counter Workers | 13,876 | $20,300 | 1.32 | 635 | 4.8% |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aides | 13,601 | $22,600 | 1.29 | 1,715 | 14.4% |
| Retail Salespersons | 13,242 | $27,400 | 1.13 | -1,163 | -8.1% |
| Driver/Sales Workers and Truck Drivers | 12,480 | $40,500 | 1.18 | -365 | -2.8% |
| Cashiers | 11,456 | $21,900 | 1.10 | -582 | -4.8% |
| Farmers, Ranchers and Other Agricultural Managers | 11,142 | $69,300 | 4.28 | -1,886 | -14.5% |
| Building Cleaning Workers | 10,489 | $24,000 | 1.06 | 718 | 7.3% |
| Secretaries and Administrative Assistants | 9,765 | $35,800 | 0.96 | -1,075 | -9.9% |
| Registered Nurses | 9,507 | $65,200 | 1.02 | -99 | -1.0% |
Source: JobsEQ using data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages
Upper East 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 all three MSAs within this region would have sufficient income to afford the median home (Exhibit 12). While home prices in the Longview and Texarkana areas are much more affordable than in the state as a whole, home affordability in the Tyler area is on par with the state.[2]
| Locality | 2019 | 2020 |
|---|---|---|
| State of Texas | 1.43 | 1.78 |
| Longview MSA | 1.98 | 2.23 |
| Texarkana MSA | 1.93 | 2.63 |
| Tyler MSA | 1.46 | 1.70 |
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. They also contributed an estimated $75.3 billion annually to the state’s GDP. Red River Army Depot, the only military installation in the Upper East region, supported an estimated 10,500 jobs in 2019 and contributed about $1.1 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 |
| Upper East Region | 10,566 | $1.1 |
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. The Longview, Texarkana and Tyler MPOs operate in the Upper East region. Roadways within the region make up parts of the Atlanta, Paris and Tyler 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 | 14,914.1 | 29,833.1 | 1,775,453.1 | 63,220.3 |
| City Streets | 4,111.7 | 8,387.8 | 2,693,535.5 | 106,480.9 |
| Farm or Ranch to Market Roads and Spurs | 4,814.1 | 9,747.2 | 5,804,688.9 | 446,749.4 |
| Federal Roads | 129.1 | 245.0 | 9,856.3 | 300.5 |
| Frontage Roads | 262.8 | 527.3 | 300,437.6 | 21,607.6 |
| Interstate Highways | 240.9 | 964.1 | 8,832,108.2 | 3,080,245.3 |
| Pass, Park and Recreation Roads | 12.1 | 24.3 | 2,501.5 | 185.8 |
| State Highways, Spurs, Loops, Business Routes | 1,634.1 | 4,300.5 | 9,916,081.9 | 1,230,940.7 |
| Toll Road Authority Roads | 36.8 | 69.1 | 166,102.5 | 16,894.1 |
| U.S. Highways | 1,130.9 | 3,566.0 | 9,318,225.9 | 1,341,326.1 |
| Total | 27,286.5 | 57,664.5 | 38,818,991.3 | 6,307,950.8 |
Source: Texas Department of Transportation
Transit authorities and transit districts are governmental entities or companies that coordinate public transit in an area. The Longview, Texarkana and Tyler areas are served by their respective urban public transit districts, and rural transit is provided by Ark-Tex Council of Governments and East Texas Council of Governments (Exhibit 15).
| Transit District | Type | Total Operating Expense | Total Revenue | Unlinked Passenger Trips | Passenger Trips Per Capita | Operating Expense Per Trip |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Longview - COLT | Urban | $1,790,459 | $1,521,716 | 241,422 | 2.44 | $7.42 |
| Texarkana Urban Transit District | Urban | $1,822,786 | $442,413 | 309,282 | 5.94 | $5.89 |
| Tyler Transit System | Urban | $2,763,407 | $1,025,095 | 204,652 | 1.57 | $13.50 |
| Ark-Tex Council of Governments | Rural | $3,586,668 | $1,114,244 | 168,083 | 0.73 | $21.34 |
| East Texas Council of Governments | Rural | $3,485,020 | $629,656 | 104,409 | 0.17 | $33.38 |
Source: Texas Department of Transportation
The state of Texas has 27 commercial service airports offering passenger service. Two of those commercial service airports are in the Upper East region (Exhibit 16).
| Airport Name | City | U.S. Rank | 2019 Enplanements | 2020 Enplanements | Percent Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tyler Pounds Regional (TYR) | Tyler | 268 | 59,807 | 29,133 | -51.3% |
| East Texas Regional (GGG) | Longview | 312 | 27,160 | 14,632 | -46.1% |
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 Upper East region are in the cities of Longview, Marshall, Mineola and Texarkana.
If the Upper East region were a state, it would be the 42nd largest in terms of area and 43rd in terms of population. Notably, the region’s share of population under age 18 and its population ages 65 and older exceed the U.S. averages. Exhibit 17 illustrates how the region ranks with other states and the nation on several demographic and economic measures. To see more about how Texas and its distinct, diverse regions fit into the national picture visit TexIndex.
| Measure | Upper East Region | Rank as a State | Texas | State Rank | U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Square Miles | 15,943 | 42 | 268,597 | 2 | 3,531,905 |
| Population, 2020 Census | 1,149,993 | 43 | 29,145,505 | 2 | 331,449,281 |
| Population Percent Change, 2010 to 2020 | 3.4% | 35 | 15.9% | 3 | 7.4% |
| Population over 25 with at Least a High School Diploma, 2019 | 84.5% | 49 | 83.7% | 49 | 88.0% |
| Population over 25 with Bachelor’s Degree or Higher, 2019 | 19.3% | 51 | 29.9% | 28 | 32.1% |
| Per Capita Income, 2019 | $43,786 | 47 | $52,813 | 26 | $56,490 |
| Median Household Income, 2019 | $50,985 | 44 | $61,874 | 22 | $62,843 |
| Population Age 65 or Over, 2019 | 18.5% | 10 | 12.9% | 48 | 16.5% |
| Population Under Age 18, 2019 | 23.5% | 11 | 25.5% | 2 | 22.3% |
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau; U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis
Upper East Region Economic Development Highlights
- Samson Solar Energy proposed a 250 megawatt (MW) solar electric generation facility in Lamar County. The completed site will contain between half a million and 1 million solar panels on more than 5,000 acres of land. The proposed total investment will bring $230 million to Prairieland Independent School District (ISD) and the region.[3]
- Alpin Sun proposed $141 million total investment in a solar electric generating facility on nearly 3,000 acres in Hopkins County. The facility will have a total capacity of 320 MW-AC with 1.6 million photovoltaic panels and 140 central inverters.[4]
- The Red River Army Depot, located in Texarkana, covers 15,375 acres, is home to more than 1,400 buildings and is host to 16 tenant organizations. The depot has signed more than 40 teaming agreements and negotiated more than 200 partnering contracts since 2002, generating more than $400 million in revenue.[5]
- Tyler, known as the “Rose Capital of America,” has a long history of rose production, cultivation and processing. It is home to the largest rose garden in the United States and the annual Texas Rose Festival, which attracts thousands of tourists each October. About half of the bushes produced each year in the U.S. come from Tyler-area facilities including nurseries in nearby Winona.[6]
- Canton (Van Zandt County) is home to the largest and oldest continually operating flea market in the United States: First Monday Trade Days. More than 6,000 vendors from around the world participate in the monthly 4-day market, drawing daily crowds of more than 100,000 attendees.[7]
- The Longview Economic Development Council announced that Aviagen, a global poultry breeding company, would be opening a new facility in Longview. The company will make a capital investment of $27 million and create 65 new jobs.[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) ↳
- Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, Chapter 313 School Value Limitation, “Prairiland ISD No. 1371, Samson Solar Energy II, LLC,” (Last visited March 22, 2022) ↳
- Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, Chapter 313 School Value Limitation, “Sulphur Bluff ISD No. 1383, Hopkins Energy, LLC,” (Last visited March 22, 2022) ↳
- Red River Army Depot, “Who We Are,” (Last visited March 22, 2022) ↳
- Tour Texas, “Visit Tyler,” (Last visited March 22, 2022) ↳
- First Monday Trade Days, (Last visited March 22, 2022) ↳
- Longview Economic Development Corporation, “Aviagen Announces Plans to Build New Hatchery in Longview, Texas,” (June 2, 2021), (Last visited March 22, 2022) ↳
Questions?
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