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Exhibit 1
Exhibit 2
Components of Annual Population Change from Previous Year, West Texas Region, 2012-2022
Exhibit 3
Exhibit 4
Share of Population by Race/Ethnicity, West Texas Region, 2012 and 2022
Exhibit 5
Population Changes by Age Group, West Texas Region and Texas, 2012-2022
Exhibit 6
Educational Attainment by Gender, West Texas Region, 2022
Exhibit 7
Exhibit 8
Exhibit 9
Exhibit 10
Exhibit 11
Exhibit 12
Median Household Income, West Texas Region and Texas, 2011-2021
Exhibit 13
Exhibit 14
Exhibit 15
Exhibit 16
Exhibit 17
Exhibit 18
Texas Housing Affordability Index by Metropolitan Areas, West Texas Region, 2017-2022
Exhibit 19
Exhibit 20
Exhibit 21
Exhibit 22
Exhibit 23
The West Texas Region 2024 Regional Report
About the 2024 Regional Reports
The 2024 regional reports utilize sources from 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.
Introduction
Texas’ people, industries and geography are all highly diverse. This report examines the West Texas region, one of 12 economic regions created by the Texas Comptroller’s office, to analyze economic and demographic data and trends, as well as the economic conditions unique to each region and the state.
Population
Core based statistical areas (CBSAs), classified by the U.S. Office of Management and Budget (PDF), describe the socioeconomic relationships between communities and across urban and rural territory. CBSAs consist of one or more counties that include a core urban area (UA) with a population of at least 10,000 and adjacent counties with a high degree of economic and social integration, as measured by commuting ties to that core. There are two types of CBSAs:
- Metropolitan Statistical Areas (metro areas): associated with at least one UA with a population of at least 50,000.
- Micropolitan Statistical Areas (micro areas): associated with at least one UA with a population of at least 10,000.
The West Texas region comprises 30 counties located largely in western Texas, covering more than 39,700 square miles 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 includes three metro areas — Midland, Odessa and San Angelo — and three micro areas — Andrews, Big Spring and the town of Pecos.
Exhibit 1 highlights CBSA designations by county and includes population, population density and median ages for all the region’s counties. The West Texas region’s population grew by 7 percent (about 42,800 people) between 2012 and 2022, compared with more than 15 percent growth statewide. Midland County led total gains, adding 24,600 residents, and Gaines County led regional growth rates at 21.2 percent during this period.
The metro areas bolstered the regional population growth, as Midland, Odessa and San Angelo saw increases of more than 16 percent, 11 percent and 4 percent, respectively. Population fell by 1.4 percent in micropolitan counties and 2.6 percent in non-CBSA designated counties.
The West Texas region had a median age of 33.5 years in 2021, younger than the statewide median age of 35 years. Median ages in the region ranged from 28 in Gaines County to 58 in Menard County.
| County | CBSA Title | Metropolitan/ Micropolitan |
2022 Population | Total Change, 2012-2022 | Percent Change, 2012-2022 | Median Age, 2021 | Population Density |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Andrews | Andrews | Micropolitan | 18,334 | 2,232 | 13.9% | 32.6 | 12.4 |
| Borden | N/A | N/A | 585 | -28 | -4.6% | 37.3 | 0.7 |
| Coke | N/A | N/A | 3,333 | 135 | 4.2% | 45.7 | 3.6 |
| Concho | N/A | N/A | 3,340 | -742 | -18.2% | 48.3 | 3.4 |
| Crane | N/A | N/A | 4,546 | 24 | 0.5% | 35.8 | 6.0 |
| Crockett | N/A | N/A | 2,943 | -764 | -20.6% | 44.8 | 1.1 |
| Dawson | N/A | N/A | 12,130 | -1,484 | -10.9% | 33.9 | 13.8 |
| Ector | Odessa | Metropolitan | 160,869 | 16,397 | 11.3% | 30.7 | 184.0 |
| Gaines | N/A | N/A | 22,181 | 3,876 | 21.2% | 28.2 | 14.4 |
| Glasscock | N/A | N/A | 1,164 | -116 | -9.1% | 36 | 1.2 |
| Howard | Big Spring | Micropolitan | 33,672 | -1,813 | -5.1% | 37.1 | 38.7 |
| Irion | San Angelo | Metropolitan | 1,530 | -52 | -3.3% | 39.5 | 1.4 |
| Kimble | N/A | N/A | 4,422 | -100 | -2.2% | 50.5 | 3.4 |
| Loving | N/A | N/A | 51 | -35 | -40.7% | 31.2 | 0.1 |
| McCulloch | N/A | N/A | 7,497 | -744 | -9.0% | 44.3 | 7.2 |
| Martin | Midland | Metropolitan | 5,217 | 241 | 4.8% | 34.9 | 5.7 |
| Mason | N/A | N/A | 3,982 | -74 | -1.8% | 48 | 4.3 |
| Menard | N/A | N/A | 1,968 | -237 | -10.7% | 58.1 | 2.2 |
| Midland | Midland | Metropolitan | 171,999 | 24,634 | 16.7% | 32 | 188.8 |
| Pecos | N/A | N/A | 14,735 | -828 | -5.3% | 36.1 | 3.2 |
| Reagan | N/A | N/A | 3,135 | -342 | -9.8% | 30.4 | 2.9 |
| Reeves | Town of Pecos | Micropolitan | 12,905 | -1,351 | -9.5% | 36.7 | 5.6 |
| Schleicher | N/A | N/A | 2,357 | -900 | -27.6% | 38.8 | 1.9 |
| Sterling | N/A | N/A | 1,417 | 227 | 19.1% | 32.3 | 1.5 |
| Sutton | N/A | N/A | 3,217 | -699 | -17.8% | 35.1 | 2.3 |
| Terrell | N/A | N/A | 693 | -224 | -24.4% | 54.2 | 0.3 |
| Tom Green | San Angelo | Metropolitan | 118,892 | 5,568 | 4.9% | 34.6 | 78.8 |
| Upton | N/A | N/A | 3,152 | -113 | -3.5% | 39.4 | 2.7 |
| Ward | N/A | N/A | 10,964 | 139 | 1.3% | 34.7 | 13.9 |
| Winkler | N/A | N/A | 7,306 | -60 | -0.8% | 35.9 | 9.3 |
| West Texas Region Total* | N/A | N/A | 638,536 | 42,767 | 7.2% | 33.5 | 16.3 |
| Midland Metropolitan Area | N/A | N/A | 177,216 | 24,875 | 16.3% | 32.1 | 96.5 |
| Odessa Metropolitan Area | N/A | N/A | 160,869 | 16,397 | 11.3% | 30.7 | 184.0 |
| San Angelo Metropolitan Area | N/A | N/A | 120,422 | 5,516 | 4.8% | 34.7 | 47.2 |
| All Micropolitan Counties* | N/A | N/A | 64,911 | -932 | -1.4% | 35.8 | 13.5 |
| All Non-CBSA Counties* | N/A | N/A | 115,118 | -3,089 | -2.6% | 37.0 | 4.0 |
| Texas Total | N/A | N/A | 30,029,572 | 3,945,452 | 15.1% | 35.0 | 111.6 |
*Median ages are estimated by JobsEQ using the weighted average of the median values from the composing counties.
Note: Population density defined as number of people per square mile of land area.
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, Population and Housing Unit Estimates Program; Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts analysis; JobsEQ
The region has experienced large fluctuations in annual net gains in domestic migration since 2012, mirroring economic activity in the oil and gas sector. Population gains by natural increase (births minus deaths) stayed mostly level throughout this period, yet slowed in 2021 and 2022, reflecting trends in the state. The region did see small but consistent net gains in international migration every year during this period (Exhibit 2).
Exhibit 2 data
| Year | Natural Increase | Net Domestic Migration | Net International Migration |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 4,795 | 8,868 | 917 |
| 2014 | 5,214 | 7,807 | 1,404 |
| 2015 | 5,615 | 7,670 | 1,676 |
| 2016 | 5,390 | -9,637 | 1,719 |
| 2017 | 4,673 | -9,185 | 1,238 |
| 2018 | 4,714 | 8,557 | 867 |
| 2019 | 5,190 | 7,488 | 1,029 |
| 2020 | 5,021 | -2,042 | 853 |
| 2021 | 2,464 | -14,258 | 798 |
| 2022 | 3,054 | -3,551 | 2,143 |
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, Population and Housing Unit Estimates Program; Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts analysis
Population by Race and Ethnicity
Hispanics led population gains in the West Texas region between 2012 and 2022, growing by nearly 66,400, a 24 percent increase. The region’s white population fell by more than 33,100, an 11.7 percent decline. Those comprising two or more races and other races saw gains of 42.3 percent during this period, though their total gains were much more modest when compared with Hispanics. The Asian and Black populations rose by nearly 57 percent and 12 percent, respectively (Exhibit 3).
| Year | White | Black | Asian | Two or More Races and Other Races | Hispanic or Latino | Total Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 284,059 | 25,204 | 5,467 | 8,115 | 272,924 | 595,769 |
| 2022 | 250,892 | 28,150 | 8,596 | 11,545 | 339,353 | 638,536 |
| Total Change | -33,167 | 2,946 | 3,129 | 3,430 | 66,429 | 42,767 |
| Percent Change | -11.7% | 11.7% | 57.2% | 42.3% | 24.3% | 7.2% |
Note: “Other races” include American Indian and Alaska Natives and Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islanders.
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, Population and Housing Unit Estimates Program; Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts analysis.
The region’s white population fell from 47.7 percent in 2012 to 39.3 percent in 2022, and the Hispanic population grew from 45.8 percent to 53.1 percent during this period. All other racial groups comprised nearly 8 percent of the regional population in 2022 (Exhibit 4).
Exhibit 4 data
| Race/Ethnicity | 2012 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| White | 47.7% | 39.3% |
| Black or African American | 4.2% | 4.4% |
| Asian | 0.9% | 1.3% |
| Two or More Races and Other Races | 1.4% | 1.8% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 45.8% | 53.1% |
Note: “Other races” include American Indian and Alaska Natives and Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islanders.
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, Population and Housing Unit Estimates Program; Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts analysis
Population by Age Group
Population changes by age groups between 2012 and 2022 were unique in the region compared with statewide trends. The region saw its greatest gains in the 35-to-49-year age category at 18.5 percent, surpassing state gains of 15.2 percent. The region saw modest gains (11.4 percent) among people ages 65 or older, compared with 42 percent gains statewide. This age group led gains in all of the state’s other economic regions, reflecting the large Baby Boomer cohort (those born between 1946 and 1964). The population aged 4 and under fell statewide by nearly 2 percent but grew by almost 3 percent regionally. Unlike statewide trends, the region’s 50-to-64-year-old population fell during this period (Exhibit 5).
Exhibit 5 data
| Age Group | West Texas Region | Texas |
|---|---|---|
| 65 or older | 11.4% | 41.9% |
| 50 to 64 | -8.0% | 13.0% |
| 35 to 49 | 18.5% | 15.2% |
| 20 to 34 | 3.6% | 14.4% |
| 5 to 19 | 13.2% | 10.0% |
| 0 to 4 | 3.1% | -1.8% |
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, Population and Housing Unit Estimates Program; Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts analysis
Education
Educational Attainment Levels
The share of the West Texas region population with a bachelor’s degree or higher was 21 percent in 2022. In 2022, a higher share of women than men in the region had at least a bachelor’s degree, 23.2 percent versus 18.9 percent (Exhibit 6). Women have overtaken men in postsecondary educational attainment levels since 2012, when 16.9 percent of women had at least a bachelor’s degree compared with 17.1 percent of men.
The population share of the region that has earned at least a high school diploma rose from 76.2 percent in 2012 to 80.6 percent in 2022.
Exhibit 6 data
| Educational Attainment | Male | Female | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Less than high school graduate | 21.0% | 17.8% | 19.4% |
| High school graduate (includes equivalency) | 31.3% | 26.8% | 29.1% |
| Some college, no degree | 22.6% | 23.7% | 23.2% |
| Associate degree | 6.2% | 8.5% | 7.3% |
| Bachelor's degree | 13.0% | 16.1% | 14.5% |
| Graduate or professional degree | 5.9% | 7.2% | 6.5% |
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey, 5-Year Estimates, 2018-2022; Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts
Occupational Earnings by Educational Attainment Requirements
A strong educational foundation provides the basis for growth and competitiveness in the global economy. Postsecondary education delivers returns on investments of time and tuition.
Data for 2023 indicate that occupations in the West Texas region requiring at least an associate degree or certificate paid an average of $7,100 more annually than jobs requiring no postsecondary education. Occupations requiring a bachelor’s degree paid an average of $44,200 more annually than those requiring an associate degree or certificate, and occupations requiring a post-graduate degree paid an average of $26,300 more annually than those requiring a bachelor’s degree (Exhibit 7).
| Typical Entry-Level Educational Requirement | Total Employment | Share of Total Regional Employment | Average Annual Wages |
|---|---|---|---|
| No postsecondary award | 228,346 | 67.3% | $46,300 |
| Associate degree or certificate | 30,593 | 9.0% | $53,412 |
| Bachelor's degree | 71,814 | 21.2% | $97,600 |
| Post-graduate degree | 8,517 | 2.5% | $123,907 |
| Total | 339,269 | N/A | $59,700 |
Note: Data as of 2023 Q2
Sources: JobsEQ; U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Regional Institutions of Higher Education
The West Texas region offers a variety of options for higher educational achievement, including two public universities and three community colleges. Enrollment in the region’s largest university, San Angelo State, rose by 9.3 percent between 2019 and 2023. Odessa College, the region’s largest community college, saw its enrollment rise by 20 percent during this period. Enrollment in all institutions of higher education in the region rose by 7.8 percent (Exhibit 8).
| Institution | Institution Type | Fall 2019 Enrollment | Fall 2023 Enrollment* | Percent Change in enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Angelo State University | University | 10,289 | 11,243 | 9.3% |
| Odessa College | Junior or Community College | 6,806 | 8,163 | 19.9% |
| The University of Texas Permian Basin | University | 5,283 | 5,776 | 9.3% |
| Midland College | Junior or Community College | 5,115 | 5,092 | -0.4% |
| Howard County Junior College District | Junior or Community College | 4,382 | 4,073 | -7.1% |
| Total - West Texas Region | N/A | 31,875 | 34,347 | 7.8% |
*Fall 2023 enrollment numbers are preliminary and not certified.
Source: Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
Health Care
Availability of Hospital Services
Residents of the West Texas region have access to a variety of hospital facilities from which to receive 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 9).
| Facility Type | Number of Facilities | Total Number of Beds | Average Number of Beds Per Facility |
|---|---|---|---|
| General and Special Hospital | 24 | 1,763 | 73.5 |
| Private Psychiatric Hospital | 1 | 80 | 80.0 |
| State Psychiatric Hospital | 1 | 144 | 144.0 |
Source: Texas Health and Human Services Commission
Health Care Access
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, one of five Texans under age 65 did not have health insurance in 2021. The rate of uninsured in Texas — 20.3 percent — was the highest among U.S. states and about twice the national average of 10.2 percent.
At 22.3 percent in 2021, the West Texas region’s uninsured rate was higher than the state average, and rates in only six of its 30 counties were lower than the state average. The rates of individual counties ranged from a low of 4.9 percent in Loving County to a high of 32.5 percent in Gaines County (Exhibit 10).
| County | Uninsured Population | Percent Uninsured |
|---|---|---|
| Andrews | 4,015 | 24.3% |
| Borden | 60 | 12.7% |
| Coke | 505 | 20.4% |
| Concho | 422 | 17.4% |
| Crane | 1,028 | 25.3% |
| Crockett | 673 | 27.3% |
| Dawson | 2,145 | 23.4% |
| Ector | 35,968 | 25.3% |
| Gaines | 6,428 | 32.5% |
| Glasscock | 260 | 26.2% |
| Howard | 5,061 | 20.6% |
| Irion | 233 | 18.7% |
| Kimble | 750 | 24.8% |
| Loving | 3 | 4.9% |
| McCulloch | 1,390 | 24.5% |
| Martin | 1,099 | 23.9% |
| Mason | 786 | 28.7% |
| Menard | 397 | 29.5% |
| Midland | 27,674 | 18.5% |
| Pecos | 2,752 | 24.7% |
| Reagan | 643 | 22.5% |
| Reeves | 2,260 | 22.7% |
| Schleicher | 572 | 29.7% |
| Sterling | 253 | 21.5% |
| Sutton | 630 | 23.8% |
| Terrell | 113 | 23.6% |
| Tom Green | 19,388 | 20.2% |
| Upton | 607 | 22.3% |
| Ward | 2,215 | 23.2% |
| Winkler | 1,494 | 23.4% |
| West Texas Region | 119,824 | 22.3% |
Note: Uninsured population includes ages 0-64 only.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Small Area Health Insurance Estimates
Regional Economy and Employment
Gross Domestic Product
Gross domestic product (GDP) in the West Texas region totaled $166.5 billion in 2022, accounting for 6.9 percent of Texas’ GDP. Some of the region’s industries, however, contribute a higher share to the state economy, indicating regional industry specialization. By this measure, the mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction industry is the most specialized industry in the region, accounting for 47 percent of the industry GDP statewide. Utilities also plays an outsize role in the region, accounting for about 7 percent of industry GDP in Texas (Exhibit 11).
| Industry | West Texas Region (billions) | West Texas Region Industry GDP as Share of Total West Texas GDP | Texas (billions) | West Texas Region Industry GDP as Share of Texas Industry GDP |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction | $111.8 | 67.1% | $235.6 | 47.4% |
| Utilities | $2.8 | 1.7% | $41.4 | 6.7% |
| Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting | $0.4 | 0.2% | $11.2 | 3.3% |
| All industry total | $166.5 | N/A | $2,402.1 | 6.9% |
Sources: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis; Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts
Median Household Income
The West Texas region had a median household income of $69,498 in 2021, up from $48,780 in 2011, a 42.5 percent increase. Median household income in Texas, by comparison, was $67,321 in 2021, up from $50,920 in 2011, a 32.2 percent increase (Exhibit 12).
Exhibit 12 data
| Year | West Texas Region | Texas |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | $48,780 | $50,920 |
| 2012 | $50,067 | $51,563 |
| 2013 | $51,595 | $51,900 |
| 2014 | $54,100 | $52,576 |
| 2015 | $56,063 | $53,207 |
| 2016 | $57,714 | $54,727 |
| 2017 | $60,063 | $57,051 |
| 2018 | $62,171 | $59,570 |
| 2019 | $63,488 | $61,874 |
| 2020 | $65,763 | $63,826 |
| 2021 | $69,498 | $67,321 |
Sources: JobsEQ; American Community Survey, 5-year estimates
Jobs and Industry
Between 2012 and 2022, regional employment rose about 15 percent, lower than that of Texas (23.5 percent) but higher than the U.S. (13.9 percent). The Midland metro area saw strong employment gains during this period, rising by more than 34 percent (Exhibit 13).
| Region | Total Employed, 2022 | Total Change, 2012-2022 | Percent Change, 2012-2022 | Average Annual Wages, 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 150,025,578 | 18,329,359 | 13.9% | $69,986 |
| Texas | 13,249,180 | 2,521,454 | 23.5% | $69,614 |
| West Texas Region | 303,805 | 39,994 | 15.2% | $71,079 |
| Midland Metro Area | 109,671 | 28,169 | 34.6% | $86,481 |
| Odessa Metro Area | 74,793 | 4,634 | 6.6% | $69,071 |
| San Angelo Metro Area | 49,445 | 3,386 | 7.4% | $51,236 |
Source: JobsEQ using data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages
The West Texas region’s largest industries by employment were in oil and gas extraction, support activities for mining, restaurants and other eating places, public education, and construction. These large regional industry sectors mostly experienced strong employment growth in the 10-year period ending in 2022, including a 37 percent gain in support activities for mining jobs.
These industries also have large location quotient (LQ) levels — a measure of an industry’s relative size in a region compared with its average size in the nation. An LQ of 1.25 or higher indicates that the region has a comparative advantage in the industry and that the industry is highly concentrated and unique to the regional economy (Exhibit 14).
| Industry | Employment | Employment Change, 2012-2022 | Percent Change, 2012-2022 | Average Annual Wages | Location Quotient | Establishments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Support Activities for Mining | 38,840 | 10,528 | 37.2% | $101,499 | 72.23 | 1,435 |
| Restaurants and Other Eating Places | 24,199 | 5,198 | 27.4% | $23,481 | 1.11 | 1,137 |
| Elementary and Secondary Schools | 19,044 | 2,023 | 11.9% | $50,483 | 1.15 | 81 |
| Oil and Gas Extraction | 11,102 | 193 | 1.8% | $195,454 | 47.98 | 470 |
| General Medical and Surgical Hospitals | 10,628 | 1,269 | 13.6% | $66,417 | 0.86 | 33 |
| Machinery, Equipment and Supplies Merchant Wholesalers | 7,023 | 699 | 11.1% | $98,235 | 4.71 | 478 |
| Utility System Construction | 6,599 | 2,224 | 50.8% | $86,005 | 5.74 | 236 |
| Building Equipment Contractors | 6,039 | 852 | 16.4% | $75,126 | 1.24 | 485 |
| Justice, Public Order and Safety Activities | 5,509 | -328 | -5.6% | $71,984 | 1.44 | 167 |
| Grocery and Convenience Retailers | 5,462 | 2,003 | 57.9% | $31,219 | 0.96 | 127 |
| Total – All Industries | 303,805 | 39,994 | 15.2% | $71,079 | 1.00 | 20,453 |
Source: JobsEQ using data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages
Support activities for mining jobs led total employment growth among industries in the region between 2012 and 2022, adding more than 38,500 jobs, a 37 percent gain, followed by strong gains at restaurants and other eating places. The management and technical consulting services industry experienced some of the fastest growth, increasing by almost 89 percent during the same period (Exhibit 15).
| Industry | Employment | Employment Change, 2012-2022 | Percent Change, 2012-2022 | Average Annual Wages | Location Quotient | Establishments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Support Activities for Mining | 38,840 | 10,528 | 37.2% | $101,499 | 72.23 | 1,435 |
| Restaurants and Other Eating Places | 24,199 | 5,198 | 27.4% | $23,481 | 1.11 | 1,137 |
| Utility System Construction | 6,599 | 2,224 | 50.8% | $86,005 | 5.74 | 236 |
| Elementary and Secondary Schools | 19,044 | 2,023 | 11.9% | $50,483 | 1.15 | 81 |
| Grocery and Convenience Retailers | 5,462 | 2,003 | 57.9% | $31,219 | 0.96 | 127 |
| Commercial and Industrial Machinery and Equipment Rental and Leasing | 4,205 | 1,793 | 74.3% | $94,054 | 11.69 | 245 |
| Specialized Freight Trucking | 4,719 | 1,481 | 45.7% | $82,851 | 5.02 | 447 |
| General Medical and Surgical Hospitals | 10,628 | 1,269 | 13.6% | $66,417 | 0.86 | 33 |
| Traveler Accommodation | 3,719 | 1,203 | 47.8% | $26,493 | 1.03 | 282 |
| Management, Scientific and Technical Consulting Services | 2,412 | 1,134 | 88.7% | $97,976 | 0.65 | 456 |
| Total – All Industries | 303,805 | 39,994 | 15.2% | $71,079 | 1.00 | 20,453 |
Source: JobsEQ using data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages
Ranking regional industries by LQ shows that mining, oil and gas extraction, pipeline transportation of crude oil and natural gas, and rental and leasing of commercial and industrial machinery are highly specialized in the region. The petroleum products wholesalers industry had an LQ of nearly 6, meaning the industry is six times as large in the West Texas region compared with the national average. This industry also saw substantial job growth and high average wages from 2012 through 2022 (Exhibit 16).
| Industry | Employment | Employment Change, 2012-2022 | Percent Change, 2012-2022 | Average Annual Wages | Location Quotient | Establishments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Support Activities for Mining | 38,840 | 10,528 | 37.2% | $101,499 | 72.23 | 1,435 |
| Oil and Gas Extraction | 11,102 | 193 | 1.8% | $195,454 | 47.98 | 470 |
| Pipeline Transportation of Crude Oil | 833 | 361 | 76.6% | $126,782 | 37.28 | 51 |
| Sheep and Goat Farming | 59 | -19 | -24.1% | $24,994 | 17.72 | 24 |
| Other Pipeline Transportation | 240 | 212 | 756.1% | $131,985 | 14.35 | 9 |
| Commercial and Industrial Machinery and Equipment Rental and Leasing | 4,205 | 1,793 | 74.3% | $94,054 | 11.69 | 245 |
| Pipeline Transportation of Natural Gas | 663 | 117 | 21.5% | $167,687 | 9.98 | 62 |
| Hunting and Trapping | 33 | 14 | 67.9% | $39,091 | 7.69 | 13 |
| Nonmetallic Mineral Mining and Quarrying | 1,382 | 871 | 170.4% | $86,048 | 6.83 | 52 |
| Other Crop Farming | 944 | -355 | -27.3% | $40,899 | 6.69 | 445 |
| Chemical and Allied Products Merchant Wholesalers | 1,883 | -19 | -1.0% | $108,504 | 6.23 | 93 |
| Petroleum and Petroleum Products Merchant Wholesalers | 1,203 | 422 | 54.1% | $103,279 | 5.89 | 76 |
Source: JobsEQ using data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages
Regional Occupations
Among occupations, general and operations managers, logisticians and project management specialists and supervisors of construction trades and extraction workers had average wages far above regional averages and saw some of the strongest job gains from 2012 through 2022. Another high-wage occupation that saw strong growth was miscellaneous sales representatives. Fast food and counter workers also saw strong growth during the period (Exhibit 17).
| Occupation | Employment | Employment Change, 2012-2022 | Percent Change, 2012-2022 | Average Annual Wages | Location Quotient |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| General and Operations Managers | 11,231 | 4,820 | 75.2% | $115,300 | 1.56 |
| Driver/Sales Workers and Truck Drivers | 13,119 | 3,185 | 32.1% | $52,000 | 1.75 |
| Laborers and Material Movers | 11,644 | 2,508 | 27.5% | $35,900 | 0.81 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers | 5,258 | 1,839 | 53.8% | $84,200 | 3.43 |
| Fast Food and Counter Workers | 8,104 | 1,603 | 24.7% | $25,500 | 1.14 |
| Derrick, Rotary Drill and Service Unit Operators, Oil and Gas | 8,745 | 1,426 | 19.5% | $55,400 | 62.13 |
| Industrial Machinery Installation, Repair and Maintenance Workers | 3,496 | 1,239 | 54.9% | $62,100 | 3.32 |
| Logisticians and Project Management Specialists | 2,409 | 1,216 | 102.0% | $100,800 | 1.07 |
| Miscellaneous Sales Representatives, Services | 2,392 | 1,153 | 93.0% | $82,700 | 1.04 |
| Customer Service Representatives | 5,358 | 1,126 | 26.6% | $39,800 | 0.88 |
Source: JobsEQ using data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages and Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics programs
West Texas Regional Infrastructure
Housing Affordability
The Texas A&M Real Estate Center’s Texas Housing Affordability Index (THAI) 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.
According to the THAI, a median-income family in the Midland, Odessa and San Angelo metro areas would have more than one and a half times the income needed to afford the median home in the area. Affordability level in each area, however, are lower in 2022 compared with 2017 (Exhibit 18).
Exhibit 18 data
| Year | Midland MSA | Odessa MSA | San Angelo MSA | Texas |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 1.94 | 2.21 | 1.98 | 1.54 |
| 2018 | 1.58 | 1.78 | 1.78 | 1.39 |
| 2019 | 1.59 | 1.64 | 1.75 | 1.43 |
| 2020 | 1.8 | 1.68 | 2.18 | 1.78 |
| 2021 | 1.94 | 2.28 | 1.87 | 1.53 |
| 2022 | 1.77 | 1.92 | 1.73 | 1.19 |
Source: Texas A&M Real Estate Center
Regional Transportation
Metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs) are federally mandated policymaking organizations created to coordinate transportation planning in urban areas. Two MPOs coordinate transportation planning in the West Texas region — the Permian Basin MPO and the San Angelo MPO.
The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) oversees the construction and maintenance of state highways through its 25 districts across the state. The West Texas region includes six of these county-based districts, with offices in Abilene, Austin, Brownwood, Lubbock, Odessa and San Angelo.
Exhibit 19 lists road miles and vehicle miles traveled for the region’s roadway network by road type, as of 2022. On-system roads are those under the jurisdiction of TxDOT, whereas off-system roads are under jurisdiction of cities, counties, the federal government or private entities (e.g., private toll roads). Centerline refers to mileage of a roadway regardless of lanes; it is taken from the center of the roadway. Lane mileage refers to the mileage for all lanes combined. Daily vehicle miles traveled refers to the estimated daily mileage of all vehicles using that roadway, whereas daily truck miles traveled refers to the estimated daily mileage of trucks using that roadway.
| Road Type | Centerline Miles | Lane Miles | Daily Vehicle Miles Traveled | Daily Truck Miles Traveled |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interstate Highways | 488.9 | 1,955.6 | 7,571,867.1 | 3,161,495.0 |
| U.S. Highways | 1,517.3 | 3,940.3 | 5,509,019.2 | 1,202,429.5 |
| State Highways, Spurs, Loops, Business Routes | 1,604.0 | 3,933.3 | 7,506,773.5 | 1,652,399.0 |
| Farm or Ranch to Market Roads and Spurs | 3,190.3 | 6,497.5 | 3,253,203.7 | 900,296.5 |
| Pass, Parks and Recreation Roads | 10.5 | 18.6 | 1,309.1 | 232.9 |
| Frontage Roads | 734.1 | 1,477.1 | 835,598.7 | 99,696.7 |
| On-System Subtotal | 7,544.9 | 17,822.4 | 24,677,771.3 | 7,016,549.6 |
| City Streets | 3,033.5 | 6,414.3 | 3,036,926.0 | 166,315.3 |
| Certified County Roads | 10,025.5 | 20,067.4 | 1,869,215.9 | 149,414.9 |
| Toll Road Authority Roads | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Federal Roads | 36.1 | 72.1 | 4,740.2 | 157.1 |
| Off-System Subtotal | 13,095.0 | 26,553.9 | 4,910,882.1 | 315,887.3 |
| Grand Total | 20,640.0 | 44,376.2 | 29,588,653.4 | 7,332,436.9 |
Source: Texas Department of Transportation
Transit Districts
Several transit districts help provide safe, reliable and accessible transportation services to citizens of the West Texas region. The region includes two Urban Transit Systems (serving areas with populations between 50,000 and 200,000) and three Rural Transit Systems (serving areas outside the urbanized area) (Exhibit 20).
| Transit District | Type | Total Operating Expense | Total Revenue | Unlinked Passenger Trips | Passenger Trips Per Capita | Operating Expense Per Trip |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Midland-Odessa – EZ Rider | Small Urban | $6,329,043 | $1,589,897 | 214,506 | 0.88 | $29.51 |
| San Angelo | Small Urban | $3,456,319 | $936,076 | 206,485 | 2.22 | $16.74 |
| Concho Valley Transit District | Rural | $1,800,934 | $313,940 | 20,291 | 0.35 | $88.76 |
| Hill Country Transit District | Rural | $2,668,959 | $228,128 | 56,792 | 0.34 | $47.00 |
| West Texas Opportunities Inc. | Rural | $4,764,637 | $1,059,834 | 63,483 | 0.32 | $75.05 |
Source: Texas Department of Transportation
Airports
Texas has 27 airports offering passenger or commercial service, including two in the West Texas region. Midland International Air saw a 26 percent increase in enplanements (the number of passenger boardings) in 2022 from 2021 (Exhibit 21).
| U.S. Rank | Airport ID | City | Airport Name | 2021 Enplanements | 2022 Enplanements | Percent Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 109 | MAF | Midland | Midland International Air and Space Port | 504,264 | 633,964 | 25.7% |
| 253 | SJT | San Angelo | San Angelo Regional/Mathis Field | 60,115 | 54,347 | -9.6% |
Source: Federal Aviation Administration
Trade
Ports of entry in Texas account for approximately 20 percent of all U.S. international trade. Each region contributes to international trade in direct (ports of entry) and indirect (purchasing of imports/exports) ways. The West Texas region has one direct trade official port of entry (Exhibit 22).
| Port of Entry | Exports | Imports |
|---|---|---|
| Midland International Airport | $156,175 | $0 |
| Texas | $547,512,278,647 | $503,099,541,717 |
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, USA Trade Online, Port Level Data for 2022
Region vs. Texas
If the West Texas region were a state, it would have the 36th largest land area, third highest per capita personal income and the largest share of its population under 18 years old. The region’s per capita personal income is the highest among the Texas economic regions (Exhibit 23).
| Indicator | West Texas Region Value | Rank if Region were a State | Texas Value | U.S. Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Square Miles (land) | 39,731 | 36 | 261,267 | 3,533,038 |
| Population, 2022 | 638,536 | 50 | 30,029,572 | 333,287,557 |
| Population Percent Change, 2012-2022 | 7.2% | 18 | 15.1% | 6.2% |
| Population with High School Diploma or Higher, 2022 | 80.6% | 51 | 85.2% | 89.1% |
| Population with Bachelor’s Degree or Higher, 2022 | 26.1% | 48 | 32.3% | 34.3% |
| Per Capita Personal Income, 2022 | $81,270 | 3 | $62,586 | $65,470 |
| Median Household Income, 2021 | $69,498 | 19 | $67,321 | $69,021 |
| Population Age 65 or Over, 2022 | 12.7% | 50 | 13.4% | 17.3% |
| Population Under Age 18, 2022 | 27.6% | 1 | 24.8% | 21.7% |
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau; U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics; U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis; Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts analysis
West Texas Region Economic Development Highlights
- Rich Dealy, the president of Pioneer Natural Resources and keynote speaker at the 2023 State of Oil and Gas presentation, expects rig counts to grow from 330 to 400 over the rest of this decade, which will be a catalyst for economic growth in West Texas.
- Kimbell Royalty Partners, owner of oil and gas mineral and royalty interests in 28 states, secured approximately 60,000 acres across Howard and Borden counties. Kimbell Royalty Partners have invested approximately $140.8 million into the acquisition and development of this land to expand and increase their oil and natural gas production.
- Milestone Carbon plans to develop a new carbon sequestration site in Midland, which has the potential to support multiple wells that will enable the permanent geological storage of carbon dioxide.
Questions?
If you have any questions or concerns regarding the material on this page, please contact the Comptroller’s Data Analysis and Transparency Division.