What Are the Best Texas Cities to Work In?
- Booming industries, low taxes, and affordability make Texas appealing to workers.
- The best Texas cities to work in include major metropolitan areas and midsize cities.
- Living and working in Texas offers many benefits for college-educated workers.
With low tax rates, diverse industries, and in-demand jobs, Texas is one of the best places to work and live.
From the deserts of West Texas to the trees of the Piney Woods, the Lone Star State offers something for everyone.
But what are the best Texas cities from a career perspective?
Major cities like Austin and smaller towns like Waco make our list for their growing number of jobs, below-average unemployment rates, and livability.
Why Work in Texas?
What makes Texas a great state to work in?
On top of many higher-paying jobs, Texas also has major tax benefits for workers and companies. The state has no personal income tax and no corporate taxes. The low tax rate helps attract Fortune 500 companies and skilled workers to the state.
In addition to job opportunities, many Texas cities offer an affordable cost of living. Attractions include restaurants, entertainment venues, sports teams, cultural sites, and natural spaces.
This list of the best Texas cities to work in is based on labor market data and factors like affordability, recreational opportunities, culture, and entertainment. It also considers parks, public spaces, and outdoor recreation because the best cities for work should also rank highly among the best places to live.
Job growth and unemployment data comes from the 2022 Texas Labor Market Review, while population numbers come from 2020 Census data.
If you’re considering applying to jobs in Texas, this guide can provide some insights into where you should start your search for a new role.
10 Best Texas Cities to Work In
Austin
Population (as of April 1, 2020): 961,855
Job Growth 2021-2022: 7.0%
Unemployment Rate: 2.9%
Home to the University of Texas at Austin and a thriving entertainment scene, Texas’ state capital is a great city for workers.
The city’s major employers include tech companies, healthcare organizations, and government agencies. Austin also boasts one of the lowest unemployment rates and highest job growth rates in the state.
If you’re considering a STEM or healthcare career, Austin is one of the best places to find jobs in Texas.
In addition to career opportunities, Austin is also home to a great music scene, famous Texas barbecue, local art, and beautiful parks and lakes.
Round Rock
Population (as of April 1, 2020): 119,468
Job Growth 2021-2022: 7.0%
Unemployment Rate: 2.9%
A suburb north of Austin, Round Rock offers a small-town feel with access to the larger job market of Austin. Round Rock also ranks as one of the Top 10 fastest-growing cities in the country.
Outside of work hours, Round Rock offers many outdoor activities. The city’s Old Settlers Park boasts trails and playfields while Chisholm Trail Crossing Park allows residents to explore a sculpture garden and learn about the history of the area.
With a high job growth rate and a low unemployment rate, Round Rock ranks as one of the best cities to live in Texas.
Midland
Population (as of April 1, 2020): 132,524
Job Growth 2021-2022: 6.0%
Unemployment Rate: 4.1%
The West Texas city of Midland boasts strong construction, trade, and transportation industries, making it a great city for engineering careers. In fact, Midland has twice as many engineers as the average city.
The desert environment gives Midland its warm climate and unique wildlife. With a low cost of living and an above-average personal income, Midland is one of the best places to live and work in Texas.
Abilene
Population (as of April 1, 2020): 125,182
Job Growth 2021-2022: 5.6%
Unemployment Rate: 3.3%
A midsize city in West Central Texas, Abilene’s major sectors include defense, manufacturing, and education. The city’s largest employers include Dyess Air Force Base, Hendrick Health, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas, and Abilene Christian University. The city’s public school system also ranks as a top employer for people considering education careers.
Originally established as a key transportation point for cattle farmers, Abilene still holds much of its western charm. The city is known for its National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature and yearly West Texas Fair and Rodeo.
Affordability makes Abilene one of the best cities to live in Texas. With a median home value of under $125,000, home ownership is a reachable goal in Abilene.
Waco
Population (as of April 1, 2020):138,486
Job Growth 2021-2022: 4.1%
Unemployment Rate: 3.5%
Thanks to a growing number of jobs and a low unemployment rate, Waco is one of the best places to live in Texas. Home to Baylor University, Waco reports strong employment numbers in higher education. The city’s other major industries include manufacturing and food production.
Waco offers a scenic riverfront and a vibrant downtown, with outdoor activities in Cameron Park or along the 7-mile riverwalk loop. The city also features three industrial parks with development opportunities for businesses.
Tyler
Population (as of April 1, 2020): 105,995
Job Growth 2021-2022: 8.3%
Unemployment Rate: 3.6%
Located in the East Texas Piney Woods region, Tyler boasts strong employment numbers in healthcare, education, and distribution. Other key industries in Tyler include manufacturing, retail, and energy production.
Tyler also earns its title “Rose Capital of America” by growing over 100,000 roses each year. The Tyler Rose Garden ranks as the largest municipal rose garden in the country. Plus, the city’s lakes offer many recreation opportunities.
Dallas-Fort Worth
Population (as of April 1, 2020):1,304,379
Job Growth 2021-2022: 5.1%
Unemployment Rate: 3.6%
The Dallas-Fort Worth area boasts 26 Fortune 500 company headquarters. Major companies like ExxonMobil, American Airlines, and AT&T call Dallas-Fort Worth home. Other major employers include Toyota, Texas Instruments, and Kimberly-Clark.
In addition to thriving oil and gas, manufacturing, and aviation sectors, Dallas-Fort Worth has abundant green spaces, including the Great Trinity Forest, the largest urban forest in the country. As a major airline hub, Dallas-Fort Worth offers easy access to the rest of the country.
San Antonio
Population (as of April 1, 2020):1,434,625
Job Growth 2021-2022: 4.2%
Unemployment Rate: 3.7%
One of the 10 largest cities in the country, San Antonio is also one of the best places to live in Texas. The city’s major industries include cybersecurity, manufacturing, and transportation. The U.S. Air Force launched its cybersecurity headquarters in San Antonio, drawing tech talent to the region.
Other key sectors include financial services, health research, technology, and aviation. San Antonio is also home to Texas institutions like H-E-B and Whataburger. San Pedro Springs Park and Natural Bridge Caverns offer nearby escapes from the city.
College Station
Population (as of April 1, 2020): 120,511
Job Growth 2021-2022: 2.6%
Unemployment Rate: 3.2%
College Station offers a college town feel in the Gulf Coast region of Texas. Home to Texas A&M, College Station’s major industries include biomedicine, engineering, and agriculture. Other significant sectors include information systems, technology, and manufacturing.
Nearby downtown Bryan offers a historic cultural district with galleries, restaurants, and boutiques. College Station’s Northgate entertainment district welcomes the city’s growing workforce, while the big city amenities of Austin and Houston are a short drive away.
Arlington
Population (as of April 1, 2020): 394,266
Job Growth 2021-2022: 5.1%
Unemployment Rate: 3.6%
Located west of Dallas-Fort Worth, Arlington boasts a strong job market with access to job opportunities in its larger neighboring cities. Arlington’s largest employers include the public school district, the University of Texas at Arlington, General Motors, and Six Flags. Other major industries include healthcare and financial services.
Arlington’s 4,700 acres of park land make it one of the best cities to live in Texas for outdoor enthusiasts. Lake Arlington and River Legacy Park are major destinations for tourists and residents.
Frequently Asked Questions About Working in Texas Cities
When it comes to weather, Texas offers many options. But what city in Texas has the best weather?
Some consider Houston the best for its less extreme temperature swings. The desert cities of West Texas rank high for Texans who like a dry heat, while the panhandle area offers the coolest summers for residents who prefer less heat.
The best weather depends on what you like –– but many enjoy the weather in major cities like Dallas-Fort Worth, Austin, and San Antonio. With so many climates in the state, prospective Texans can choose between the coastal climate of Houston or the drier climates in central Texas.
The city of New Braunfels, Texas, ranks as one of the fastest-growing cities in the country. Located between Austin and San Antonio, New Braunfels grew in population by 56% from 2010-2020, adding more than 32,000 residents.
Many other Texas cities rank among the fastest-growing in the country, according to data from Rice University. The list includes Round Rock, Midland, College Station, and Austin. These cities also report some of the strongest job outlooks in Texas.
The number of jobs in Austin and Round Rock jumped 7% in the last year, according to the 2022 Texas Labor Market Review.
Many Texas cities offer opportunities for young professionals.
Austin, known for its flagship university and tech presence, represents a great city for STEM careers. Houston’s strong oil and gas industry makes it a good place for engineers. Dallas-Fort Worth has a strong presence in aviation and communications.
Outside of the city’s major metropolitan areas, young professionals can also find opportunities in midsize cities like College Station and Midland.
Young professionals considering relocating to a Texas city should also factor in amenities and the cost of living. With diverse outdoor recreation, major sports teams, and exciting entertainment venues, young professionals can thrive in many Texas cities.
The Texas cities with the largest job growth from 2021-2022 include Tyler, Austin, Round Rock, Midland, and Dallas. All of these cities report yearly job growth over 5%.
However, the number of new jobs varies depending on the size of the city. Tyler, for example, reports 8% job growth, which translates to 8,800 new jobs in one year. The larger city of Austin reported 7% job growth, or 77,800 new jobs.
The Texas cities that added the most jobs last year include Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, and Austin.
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