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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 30-county West Texas region covers about 39,800 square miles in western Texas, stretching from the cities of Mason and Brady in the east to the Rio Grande just south of Dryden and north to the city of Seminole.
The West Texas region contains three metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs): The Midland MSA, comprising the counties of Martin and Midland; the Odessa MSA, comprising Ector County; and the San Angelo MSA, comprising Irion and Tom Green counties. The region’s other 25 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 West Texas region.
According to the 2020 Census, the West Texas region had a total population of about 650,000, or 2 percent of the state’s total population. Ector and Midland counties both accounted for about 26 percent of the region’s population.
The region’s population has grown by about 13 percent (more than 75,000 people) since the 2010 Census, compared to 15.9 percent growth statewide. Andrews County led regional gains during this period at 25.9 percent, followed by Midland County at 24.2 percent. Despite overall growth in the region, 18 of the 30 counties in the region lost population during this 10-year period (Exhibit 1).
The median age of the West Texas region was 33.1 years in 2019, less than the state median age of 34.6 years. The Midland MSA (31.7 years) and the Odessa MSA (30.4 years) were both significantly younger than the state. Gaines (27.8 years) was the youngest county in the region, and Loving and Terrell (55.2 years) were the oldest (Exhibit 1). An area’s age distribution can reveal 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 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Andrews | 14,786 | 18,610 | 3,824 | 25.9% | 30.8 |
Borden | 641 | 631 | -10 | -1.6% | 41.7 |
Coke | 3,320 | 3,285 | -35 | -1.1% | 48.1 |
Concho | 4,087 | 3,303 | -784 | -19.2% | 45.3 |
Crane | 4,375 | 4,675 | 300 | 6.9% | 32.7 |
Crockett | 3,719 | 3,098 | -621 | -16.7% | 38.8 |
Dawson | 13,833 | 12,456 | -1,377 | -10.0% | 33.5 |
Ector | 137,130 | 165,171 | 28,041 | 20.4% | 30.4 |
Gaines | 17,526 | 21,598 | 4,072 | 23.2% | 27.8 |
Glasscock | 1,226 | 1,116 | -110 | -9.0% | 30.8 |
Howard | 35,012 | 34,860 | -152 | -0.4% | 36.5 |
Irion | 1,599 | 1,513 | -86 | -5.4% | 42.7 |
Kimble | 4,607 | 4,286 | -321 | -7.0% | 52.1 |
Loving | 82 | 64 | -18 | -22.0% | 55.2 |
Martin | 4,799 | 5,237 | 438 | 9.1% | 32.7 |
Mason | 4,012 | 3,953 | -59 | -1.5% | 46.3 |
McCulloch | 8,283 | 7,630 | -653 | -7.9% | 44.6 |
Menard | 2,242 | 1,962 | -280 | -12.5% | 51.8 |
Midland | 136,872 | 169,983 | 33,111 | 24.2% | 31.7 |
Pecos | 15,507 | 15,193 | -314 | -2.0% | 35.9 |
Reagan | 3,367 | 3,385 | 18 | 0.5% | 30.0 |
Reeves | 13,783 | 14,748 | 965 | 7.0% | 35.8 |
Schleicher | 3,461 | 2,451 | -1,010 | -29.2% | 36.2 |
Sterling | 1,143 | 1,372 | 229 | 20.0% | 40.8 |
Sutton | 4,128 | 3,372 | -756 | -18.3% | 38.6 |
Terrell | 984 | 760 | -224 | -22.8% | 55.2 |
Tom Green | 110,224 | 120,003 | 9,779 | 8.9% | 34.1 |
Upton | 3,355 | 3,308 | -47 | -1.4% | 39.6 |
Ward | 10,658 | 11,644 | 986 | 9.3% | 33.9 |
Winkler | 7,110 | 7,791 | 681 | 9.6% | 33.1 |
West Texas Region | 571,871 | 647,458 | 75,587 | 13.2% | 33.1 |
Midland MSA | 141,671 | 175,220 | 33,549 | 23.7% | 31.7 |
Odessa MSA | 137,130 | 165,171 | 28,041 | 20.4% | 30.4 |
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
The West Texas region had a median household income of $63,488 in 2019, up from $45,968 in 2010, a 38.1 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 is very similar to that of the state (Exhibit 2).
Income Level | West Texas Region | State Total |
---|---|---|
less than $25,000 | 19% | 19% |
$25,000 to $49,999 | 22% | 22% |
$50,000 to $74,999 | 18% | 18% |
$75,000 to $99,999 | 13% | 13% |
$100,000 or more | 28% | 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.
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 West Texas region requiring at least an associate degree or certificate paid an average of $4,333 more annually than those requiring less than a postsecondary education. Occupations requiring at least a bachelor’s degree paid an average of $42,933 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 | 238,595 | 73.2% | $43,767 | 9,051,532 | 61.8% | $44,733 |
Associate Degree or Certificate | 24,075 | 7.4% | $48,100 | 1,120,514 | 7.6% | $47,600 |
Bachelor's Degree | 45,013 | 13.8% | $86,700 | 2,987,310 | 20.4% | $88,800 |
Postgraduate Degree | 18,165 | 5.6% | $109,200 | 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
A postsecondary education also offers opportunity for greater job prospects, workplace advancement, higher wages and the development of a richer world view. The West Texas region offers a variety of options for higher educational achievement, including two universities and three junior and community colleges (Exhibit 4).
Institution | Type of Institution | Fall 2020 Enrollment |
---|---|---|
Angelo State University | University | 10,489 |
The University of Texas Permian Basin | University | 5,530 |
Howard County Junior College District | Junior or Community College | 3,764 |
Midland College | Junior or Community College | 4,763 |
Odessa College | Junior or Community College | 6,978 |
Source: Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
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 | 17 | 2,055 | 120.88 |
Special Hospital | 12 | 327 | 31 |
Private Psychiatric Hospital | 2 | 144 | 72 |
State Psychiatric Hospital | 1 | 180 | 180 |
Note: State psychiatric hospitals data as of February 2019
Source: Texas Department of Health and Human Services
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 West Texas region ranged from a low of 11.4 percent in Loving County (the lowest in the state) to a high of 35.8 percent in Gaines County (the highest in the state); the overall rate for the region was 20.6 percent (Exhibit 6). (For additional information, see Uninsured Texans, Fiscal Notes, October 2020.)
County | Uninsured Population | Percent Uninsured |
---|---|---|
Gaines | 6,949 | 35.8% |
Mason | 883 | 29.4% |
Menard | 407 | 28.5% |
Schleicher | 553 | 24.9% |
Pecos | 2,871 | 24.8% |
Kimble | 718 | 23.8% |
Dawson | 2,193 | 23.2% |
Reeves | 2,435 | 22.2% |
Ector | 32,601 | 22.0% |
Concho | 442 | 21.9% |
Ward | 2,180 | 21.2% |
McCulloch | 1,290 | 21.0% |
Winkler | 1,458 | 21.0% |
Andrews | 3,532 | 20.9% |
Crockett | 593 | 20.9% |
Sutton | 628 | 20.7% |
Upton | 630 | 20.5% |
Crane | 850 | 20.4% |
Martin | 1,038 | 20.4% |
Reagan | 676 | 19.9% |
Terrell | 101 | 19.5% |
Coke | 470 | 19.3% |
Glasscock | 230 | 19.1% |
Howard | 5,082 | 19.1% |
Sterling | 209 | 19.0% |
Midland | 29,022 | 18.4% |
Tom Green | 16,924 | 17.6% |
Irion | 171 | 14.0% |
Borden | 60 | 12.3% |
Loving | 17 | 11.4% |
West Texas Region | 115,213 | 20.6% |
Note: Uninsured population includes under 65 (ages 0-64)
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, SAHIE (Small Area Health Insurance Estimates)
In 2020, the West Texas region had a gross domestic product (GDP) of $63.6 billion, about 3.6 percent of Texas’ statewide GDP of $1.8 trillion. Between 2010 and 2020, GDP rose by an average annual rate of 2.2 percent, less than the statewide average annual rate of 3.6 percent. In 2020, GDP fell from the previous year by 36 percent, compared to 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.
Of the 304,982 people employed in the West Texas region in 2020, 33.9 percent were in the Midland MSA, 24.5 percent were in the Odessa MSA, and 17.0 percent were in the San Angelo MSA. Between 2010 and 2020, regional employment rose by 17.8 percent, a faster pace than in the state (17.1 percent) and the U.S. (7.8 percent). During that time, employment in the Midland MSA rose by nearly 37 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% |
West Texas Region | 304,982 | 46,141 | 17.8% |
Midland MSA | 103,399 | 27,812 | 36.8% |
Odessa MSA | 74,660 | 10,635 | 16.6% |
San Angelo MSA | 51,893 | 1,886 | 3.8% |
Source: JobsEQ using data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages
In the five-year period between 2015 and 2020, total industry jobs in the West Texas region fell 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.
The West Texas region’s largest industry sectors by employment are oil and gas, mining support, restaurants, education, health care and retail. Additionally, the region’s utility construction industry employs many workers and has 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 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Support Activities for Mining | 31,080 | $86,588 | 63.36 | 2,800 | 9.9% |
Restaurants and Other Eating Places | 21,916 | $21,019 | 1.20 | 470 | 2.2% |
Elementary and Secondary Schools | 17,954 | $47,121 | 1.13 | -468 | -2.5% |
Oil and Gas Extraction | 12,312 | $153,270 | 44.57 | -2,180 | -15.0% |
General Medical and Surgical Hospitals | 11,586 | $60,003 | 0.96 | 1,312 | 12.8% |
Machinery, Equipment and Supplies Merchant Wholesalers | 6,274 | $81,244 | 4.45 | -439 | -6.5% |
Utility System Construction | 6,121 | $81,539 | 5.51 | 2,731 | 80.5% |
Justice, Public Order and Safety Activities | 5,773 | $64,307 | 1.48 | 36 | 0.6% |
Building Equipment Contractors | 5,618 | $64,318 | 1.17 | -402 | -6.7% |
Grocery Stores | 5,340 | $30,853 | 0.96 | 749 | 16.3% |
Total - All Industries | 304,982 | $60,641 | 1.00 | -2,081 | -0.7% |
Source: JobsEQ using data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages
In addition to the mining support and utility construction industries, hospitals were leaders in 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 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Support Activities for Mining | 31,080 | $86,588 | 63.36 | 2,800 | 9.9% |
Utility System Construction | 6,121 | $81,539 | 5.51 | 2,731 | 80.5% |
General Medical and Surgical Hospitals | 11,586 | $60,003 | 0.96 | 1,312 | 12.8% |
Grocery Stores | 5,340 | $30,853 | 0.96 | 749 | 16.3% |
Specialized Freight Trucking | 4,915 | $66,745 | 5.25 | 605 | 14.0% |
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 — oil and gas extraction and related services 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 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Support Activities for Mining | 31,080 | $86,588 | 63.36 | 2,800 | 9.9% |
Oil and Gas Extraction | 12,312 | $153,270 | 44.57 | -2,180 | -15.0% |
Pipeline Transportation of Crude Oil | 874 | $121,387 | 34.74 | 352 | 67.3% |
Sheep and Goat Farming | 64 | $23,544 | 20.10 | -25 | -28.5% |
Commercial and Industrial Machinery and Equipment Rental and Leasing | 3,223 | $81,487 | 10.21 | 175 | 5.7% |
Pipeline Transportation of Natural Gas | 610 | $156,637 | 9.58 | 5 | 0.8% |
Other Crop Farming | 1,037 | $35,891 | 7.62 | -335 | -24.4% |
Hunting and Trapping | 105 | $26,677 | 6.77 | 4 | 4.3% |
Other Pipeline Transportation | 109 | $119,430 | 6.31 | 79 | 270.1% |
Chemical and Allied Products Merchant Wholesalers | 1,773 | $95,693 | 6.04 | -299 | -14.4% |
Source: JobsEQ using data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages
The West Texas region has a large number of people in labor and truck driving occupations, while occupations in oil and gas operations have a very high LQ in the region (Exhibit 11).
Occupation | Employment | Average Annual Wages | Location Quotient | Employment Change, 2015 to 2020 | Percent Employment Change, 2015 to 2020 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Driver/Sales Workers and Truck Drivers | 12,893 | $47,400 | 1.85 | 1,229 | 10.5% |
Laborers and Material Movers | 9,590 | $33,400 | 0.77 | 363 | 3.9% |
Fast Food and Counter Workers | 8,687 | $22,900 | 1.25 | 460 | 5.6% |
Cashiers | 8,077 | $25,600 | 1.17 | -523 | -6.1% |
Retail Salespersons | 7,599 | $32,000 | 0.98 | -531 | -6.5% |
Office Clerks, General | 6,812 | $37,800 | 1.17 | 73 | 1.1% |
Derrick, Rotary Drill, and Service Unit Operators, Oil and Gas | 6,704 | $52,500 | 52.49 | 25 | 0.4% |
Secretaries and Administrative Assistants | 6,046 | $39,000 | 0.90 | -765 | -11.2% |
Building Cleaning Workers | 5,796 | $25,900 | 0.89 | -116 | -2.0% |
General and Operations Managers | 5,730 | $119,200 | 1.20 | 549 | 10.6% |
Source: JobsEQ using data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages
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 in the West Texas region in 2020 would have more than sufficient income needed to afford the median home (Exhibit 12).[2] While home prices in the San Angelo area are more affordable than in the state as a whole, affordability in the Midland and Odessa areas is similar to the state.
Locality | 2019 | 2020 |
---|---|---|
State of Texas | 1.43 | 1.78 |
Midland MSA | 1.59 | 1.80 |
Odessa MSA | 1.64 | 1.68 |
San Angelo MSA | 1.75 | 2.18 |
Source: Texas A&M Real Estate Center
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. Goodfellow Air Force Base, the only military installation within the West Texas region, had a significant positive impact on the Texas economy, supporting an estimated 21,000 jobs in 2019 and contributing about $2.7 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 |
West Texas Region | 21,410 | $2.7 |
Sources: Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts; Texas Military Preparedness Commission and REMI
Metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs) are federally mandated policymaking organizations created to coordinate transportation planning in urbanized areas. Two MPOs coordinate transportation planning in the West Texas region – the Permian Basin and San Angelo MPOs. Roadways within the region make up parts of the Abilene, Austin, Brownwood, Lubbock, Odessa and San Angelo 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 | 2,542.7 | 5,085.6 | 202,935.8 | 6,809.1 |
City Streets | 272.6 | 555.6 | 135,997.3 | 5,089.4 |
Farm or Ranch to Market Roads and Spurs | 767.1 | 1,537.5 | 483,809.4 | 120,569.6 |
Frontage Roads | 35.5 | 71.1 | 6,664.1 | 830.3 |
Interstate Highways | 54.3 | 217.3 | 610,634.7 | 215,688.9 |
Pass, Park and Recreation Roads | 4.2 | 8.5 | 454.0 | 76.4 |
State Highways, Spurs, Loops, Business Routes | 398.5 | 857.0 | 987,274.5 | 272,354.2 |
U.S. Highways | 320.9 | 897.4 | 1,361,631.3 | 308,005.1 |
Total | 4,395.9 | 9,230.0 | 3,789,401.2 | 929,423.0 |
Source: Texas Department of Transportation
Transit authorities and transit districts are governmental entities or companies that coordinate public transit in an area. The Midland, Odessa and San Angelo areas are served by their respective urban public transit districts, and rural transit is provided by Concho Valley Transit District, Hill Country Transit District and West Texas Opportunities Inc. (Exhibit 15).
Transit District | Type | Total Operating Expense | Total Revenue | Unlinked Passenger Trips | Passenger Trips Per Capita | Operating Expense Per Trip |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Midland-Odessa – EZ Rider | Urban | $5,358,517 | $1,149,683 | 328,019 | 1.34 | $16.34 |
San Angelo | Urban | $3,348,261 | $1,236,133 | 104,852 | 2.9 | $12.42 |
Concho Valley Transit District | Rural | $1,647,578 | $637,759 | 30,504 | 0.53 | $54.01 |
Hill Country Transit District | Rural | $2,537,996 | $1,038,339 | 91,845 | 0.56 | $27.63 |
West Texas Opportunities Inc. | Rural | $4,774,933 | $2,159,735 | 92,563 | 0.47 | $51.59 |
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 West Texas region (Exhibit 16).
Airport Name | City | U.S. Rank | 2019 Enplanements | 2020 Enplanements | Percent Change |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Midland International Air and Space Port (MAF) | Midland | 109 | 672,382 | 319,570 | -52.5% |
San Angelo Regional/Mathis Field (SJT) | San Angelo | 253 | 66,390 | 35,623 | -46.3% |
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 stop in the West Texas region is in the city of Sanderson.
Ports of entry within Texas account for 17 percent of all U.S. international trade, and each region contributes to international trade in direct and indirect ways. The West Texas region has one direct trade official port of entry: Midland International Air and Space Port.[3]
If the West Texas region were a state, it would be the 38th largest in terms of area and fourth for per capita income (Exhibit 17). For more information on how Texas and its distinct, diverse regions compare to the U.S. and other states, visit TexIndex.
Measure | West Texas Region | Rank as a State | Texas | State Rank | U.S. |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Square Miles | 39,828 | 38 | 268,597 | 2 | 3,531,905 |
Population, 2020 Census | 647,458 | 49 | 29,145,505 | 2 | 331,449,281 |
Population Percent Change, 2010 to 2020 | 13.2% | 9 | 15.9% | 3 | 7.4% |
Population over 25 with at Least a High School Diploma, 2019 | 79.7% | 51 | 83.7% | 49 | 88.0% |
Population over 25 with Bachelor’s Degree or Higher, 2019 | 19.6% | 51 | 29.9% | 28 | 32.1% |
Per Capita Income, 2019 | $70,579 | 4 | $52,813 | 26 | $56,490 |
Median Household Income, 2019 | $63,488 | 20 | $61,874 | 22 | $62,843 |
Population Age 65 or Over, 2019 | 12.4% | 50 | 12.9% | 48 | 16.5% |
Population Under Age 18, 2019 | 27.4% | 2 | 25.5% | 2 | 22.3% |
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau; U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis
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