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Population
- 25% of Texas’ population calls the Gulf Coast Region home
- Between 2003 and 2013, the Gulf Coast Region’s population grew 25%, which is greater than the state growth of 20% and the national growth of 9%
- The Gulf Coast accounted for 45% of all net migration to Texas in 2013
- The Gulf Coast Region boasts a population density of 532 people per square mile, which is 5 times higher than the Texas average of 101 people per square mile and makes it the most densely populated region in the state
Economy
- From 2003 to 2013, the per capita persona income growth in the region was 48%, which is greater than the Texas average of 46% and U.S. average of 37%
- Personal income grew from $181 billion in 2003 to $334 billion in 2013, which accounts for 29% of the state’s total personal income and is greater than 36 states across the country.
- Job growth in the region was 23%, which was greater than the Texas average of 19.6% and the U.S. average of 4.7%
- The region added 540,000 jobs from 2003 to 2013
Military Installations
- Ellington Field
Challenge: Income Inequality
The Gulf Coast Region suffers from the highest level of income inequality in the state, with top earners making $24 more than bottom earners. Education is the main factor behind this gap, as the region’s high share of science, technology, engineering and mathematics jobs (22%), Around 59% of these jobs require at least a bachelor’s degree and pay an average of $59 an hour.
Fun Facts
- Houston ship channel-related businesses add more than 1 million jobs to Texas
- Tourism sustains 1/3rd of Galveston Island jobs and generates $257 million in total income