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Population
- 63% of the region’s population is housed in Lubbock, Potter, and Randall counties
Economy
- From 2003 to 2013, the per capita persona income growth in the region was 52%, which is higher than the Texas average of 46% and U.S. average of 37%
- Personal income grew from $26.6 billion in 2003 to $43.4 billion in 2013, which makes total personal income in the region greater than those of 5 states across the country.
- Employment in the Upper East Region’s construction industry increased nearly 40% from 2003 to 2013. That’s 4 times the growth in Texas. Nationally, U.S. construction jobs have declined.
- Job growth in the region was 10.2%, which is lower than the Texas average of 19.6% but greater than the U.S. average of 4.7%
- Average wages in the Upper East Region increased nearly 39% from 2003 to 2013, mirroring Texas growth and exceeding the national pace.
Military Installations
- Red River Army Depot
Challenge: Aging Workforce
By most metrics, the Upper East Region has one of the oldest populations in Texas. The region’s labor force participation ranks among the lowest in the state.
Banking, legal, accounting, medical and other professional services have a high proportion of workers age 55 and over. Many of these professions require advanced degrees and training, so employers may struggle to replace retirees.
An exodus of retirement-age workers would drive down regional income, cooling demand for goods and services. Lower sales tax revenues translate to scarcer public resources.
Fun Facts
- Upper East Region accounts for about 19 percent of Texas Christmas tree production
- 25% of Texas’ forestry and logging jobs are located in the Upper East Region.
- Texarkana’s federal building is the only one of its kinds situated in two states.