U.S. Employment Exploration: Texas
Known as the Lone Star State, Texas got its official name from an Indian word, “teysha,” which means “hello friend.” Once the largest U.S. state, Texas now comes second to Alaska. Despite its size, over 80 percent of the 22 million-plus residents live in metropolitan areas (metros). Texas is a leading oil producer and our largest cotton producer, but it also has a significant presence in the space and high-technology industries. It has no income tax for individuals and corporations.
Economy
The Governor’s Economic Development and Tourism office participates in the U.S. Census Bureau’s Business and Industry Data Center program, which provides online access to a wealth of economic data and statistics.
Major industries in Texas include agriculture, manufacturing, services, mining and fishing, with the following key segments:
- Agriculture: Beef cattle; sheep; cotton; greenhouse and nursery products.
- Manufacturing: Computers and electronic equipment; chemicals; food processing/beverages.
- Services: Community, business and personal services; wholesale and retail trade; finance, insurance and real estate services.
- Mining: Oil and natural gas.
- Fishing: Shrimp; crabs; oysters; diverse fish varieties.
Population Growth
Metropolitan areas produced over 90 percent of growth between 1990 and 2000. Significant growth also occurred in metros along the Mexican border, but wages and other economic factors tend to be weaker there, which could limit employment opportunities.
In 2005 Texas became the fourth “majority-minority” state, according to the U.S. Census Bureau; minorities totaled just over 50 percent of population. Hispanics are expected to outnumber Anglo residents by 2020 and have been predicted to constitute 83 percent of the growth expected between 2000 and 2040.
Employment & Unemployment
Employment Growth:
Employment in Texas is essentially matching national rates, with limited job growth in most industries. Going against trend, Manufacturing and Information Services lost jobs between December 2003 and December 2004.
Highest growth occurred in the consolidated service sector: Trade, Transportation and Utilities; Education and Health Services; Financial Activities; Leisure and Hospitality; and Government. The strongest employment growth from second quarter 2003 to second quarter 2004 came in the Automotive, Telecommunications, Wood Products and Pharmaceuticals industries. Among 27 metro areas, 26 increased jobs in 2004. San Antonio grew most strongly, but Houston added the largest number of jobs.
The state’s involvement in R&D indicates possible fields to consider, for those interested in that type of work. Universities and research facilities play a strong role in electronics, medical, biotechnology, aerospace, advanced materials and energy-related research.
An excellent online portal for Texas job searching is Texas Workforce (www.twc.state.tx.us). In addition to general links, it connects to state-specific sites such as WorkInTexas (which includes the Governor’s Job Bank). Under the heading of “Know the Job Market,” it offers links to topics like “Fastest Growing Occupations in Texas” and “Highest Paying Occupations in Texas.”
Another good site, Texas Online, offers sections on “Job Opportunities” and “Regional and Community Resources,” as well as other useful topics for anyone considering relocation.
Unemployment Rate:
Unemployment stood at 5.8 percent in December 2004, noticeably lower than the 6.6 percent in December 2003. The lowest metro area rate was Bryan-College Station at 1.8 percent; the highest was McAllen-Edinburgh-Mission at 11.6 percent. Estimates for 2005 through 2012 suggest a range between 5.5 percent and 5.8 percent.
Income & Cost of Living
Income Level:
Generally considered a low-to-moderate income state, Texas experienced explosive per capita income growth during the high-energy-price conditions of the mid-1970s and early 1980s, before the bottom dropped out. Since the 1990s, the state’s economy has diversified and reduced dependence on oil, and it has been slowly achieving income growth. Dallas and Houston boast the highest per capita income of all metro areas.
Cost of Living:
The Consumer Price Index showed annual increases ranging from 1.6 percent in 2002 to 2.6 percent in 2004, with 2.1 percent estimated for 2005. Later projections go up slightly, reaching 2.8 percent in 2010.
ACCRA’s Cost of Living Index for first quarter 2005 shows San Antonio with the lowest rate at 87.9 and Dallas with the highest at 91.7. Compared to the ten most expensive urban areas in the country, Houston’s 88.7 ranks well below the tenth highest—Nassau County, New York, at 144.1.
One significant cost factor is housing. According to the National Association of Realtors, home prices in the Austin/San Marcos area decreased slightly in third quarter 2004 to $158,700 but were still the highest among reporting metro areas. Dallas came in second with a median sales price of $140,300, and Houston followed with $137,500.
Climate & Geography
Although the prevailing image of Texas suggests a hot, dry climate, the state spans both cool and warm regions. Most of it has a Modified Marine climate, with airflow mainly from the Gulf of Mexico. The highest recorded temperature is 120°F (August 1936), and the lowest is -23°F (February 1933). Overall, average monthly temperatures range from 21.7°F to 98.5°F.
Average annual precipitation varies hugely. Some southeastern areas can receive 50 or more inches a year, while large sections of the west and northwest get anywhere from 26 inches down to less than 14.
Elevations in Texas range from sea level at the Gulf of Mexico to 8,749 feet at Guadalupe Peak.
The “Big Four” Metros
Much of Texas’ population lives in large metro areas, including the four largest cities: Houston, Dallas, San Antonio and Austin, the state capital.
Houston:
The city’s Consolidated Metropolitan Statistical Area (CMSA) covers an area bigger than New Jersey and a little smaller than Massachusetts. Approximately 2 million of its 4.8 million people live within the city.
Houston’s Theater District is considered second to New York. The city also offers multiple entertainment, educational and healthcare features, such as major sports teams; over 40 colleges and universities; and the largest medical center in the world, which employs over 52,000 people.
Currently, 18 Fortune 500 companies call Houston home. Its economy rests on a broad base of industries, including medical research, government, commercial fishing, international import/export, and high-tech.
The city has the most affordable housing of the ten most populated metropolitan areas and the second lowest cost of living among major U.S. cities.
Dallas:
The Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) CMSA holds a population of about 5.7 million, with 1.2 million actually in the city of Dallas.
Two major arts districts are situated in the DFW area, complemented by over 175 museums and galleries. Dallas also hosts seven major league sports teams. The region contains approximately 35 colleges and universities and over 70 hospitals.
Seventeen Fortune 500 companies had headquarters in the DFW area in 2004. Nearly 50 percent of the state’s high-tech workers are employed in the area. The largest employment sector is Trade, Transportation and Utilities. From 2002 to 2003, the DFW CMSA experienced a net loss of jobs, but predictions indicate a modest 2 percent annual increase through 2008.
Housing in the area consistently ranks among the least expensive U.S. metropolitan markets.
San Antonio:
With over 1.1 million people, San Antonio is the eighth largest U.S. city. It encompasses diverse cultural heritages, including Native American, Mexican, German and African-American.
Although perhaps best known for the Alamo, San Antonio boasts many historically interesting sites. In addition, its colorful River Walk meanders through the business district, bordered by a variety of shopping and eating choices.
San Antonio also hosts two major art museums, a Hispanic cultural arts center and a center featuring African-American artists. Spectator sports include an International Hockey League team, an NBA basketball team and a minor league baseball team. Besides the South Texas Medical Center, which employs over 23,000 people, San Antonio’s healthcare facilities include 25 short-term general hospitals.
Major employers include three of San Antonio’s four military bases, as well as companies in the insurance, supermarket, telecommunications and banking industries.
The city’s cost of living places it well below other major U.S. cities, including Dallas.
Austin:
In 2003 Austin had a population of over 680,000 and an MSA total of 1.4 million. Growth has averaged 3 percent annually since 2000.
Austin’s cultural facilities include the Austin History Center, Austin Museum of Art and Texas Memorial Museum. The city hosts seven colleges and universities. Numerous professional associations have a presence in the area, and an extensive list can be found on the Chamber of Commerce web site.
Major employers include city, state and federal entities; universities; healthcare organizations; and high-tech companies. The high-tech industry represents close to 20 percent of non-farm employment.
Of the four largest cities, Austin has the highest cost of living at 100.3, but it still compares favorably with other major U.S. cities.
Online Resources
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