1. East Texas economic development district
Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy

2. ETCOG’s Operating Area

3. Population Growth 1990-2000: 2000-2010: 2010-2020*: 14.2% 9.5% 5.5%
Slowing population growth : : *:
14.2%
9.5%
5.5%
*Projection Source: U.S. Census Bureau, DP-1: Profile of General Population and Housing Characteristics (2000, 2010)
Source: Texas Demographic Center, Population Projections for the State of Texas,

4. County Populations The Population across counties varies
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division, Annual Estimates of the Resident Population: April 1, 2010 to July 1, 2018 (PEPANNRES)

5. County Population Growth (2000-2018)
The counties are growing at different rates
Anderson
Camp
Cherokee
Gregg
Harrison
Henderson
Marion
5.3%
12.8%
12.7%
11.1%
7.4%
12.3%
-9.3%
Panola
Rains
Rusk
Smith
Upshur
Van Zandt
Wood
1.7%
33.0%
14.9%
31.8%
16.9%
16.4%
22.8%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau – 2000 Decennial Census & U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division, Annual Estimates of the Resident Population: April 1, 2010 to July 1, 2018 (PEPANNRES)

6. Natural Increase and Domestic Migration
Population Change by County
Natural Increase by County
Domestic Migration by County
County
Total Change (# of people)
Anderson
-402
Camp
632
Cherokee
1,758
Gregg
1,962
Harrison
1,082
Henderson
3,765
Marion
-608
Panola
-648
Rains
1,243
Rusk
1,143
Smith
20,496
Upshur
1,945
Van Zandt
3,459
Wood
3,170
Total:
38,997
County
Natural Increase
Anderson
-451
Camp
350
Cherokee
1,883
Gregg
4,785
Harrison
1,681
Henderson
-1,111
Marion
-589
Panola 92
Rains
-313
Rusk
697
Smith
8,637
Upshur
235
Van Zandt
-423
Wood
-1,676
Total:
13,797
County
Domestic Migration
Anderson
-209
Camp
-69
Cherokee
-311
Gregg
-4,308
Harrison
-1,105
Henderson
4,477
Marion -3
Panola
-897
Rains
1,455
Rusk
244
Smith
9,244
Upshur
1,529
Van Zandt
3,483
Wood
4,820
Total:
18,350
U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division, Estimates of the Components of Resident Population Change: April 1, 2010 to July 1, 2018 (PEPTCOMP)

7. Aging Population
East Texas (in green) has a significantly older population than the rest of Texas.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates (DP:05 ACS Demographic and Housing Estimates)

8. Race and Ethnicity
The East Texas population is not very diverse overall, but has a slightly higher percentage of Black or African Americans
County
Total Population
% White (non-Hispanic)
% Black or African American
% Hispanic
Anderson
57,747
59.7%
20.9%
17.3%
Camp
12,670
56.6%
16.9%
23.9%
Cherokee
51,594
61.3%
13.6%
22.5%
Gregg
123,402
58.3%
20.1%
18.2%
Harrison
66,606
63.8%
21.3%
12.7%
Henderson
79,687
78.9%
6.6%
12.1%
Marion
10,140
70.9%
23.7%
3.9%
Panola
23,574
73.4%
16.3%
8.6%
Rains
11,246
85.8%
1.5%
8.7%
Rusk
53,026
64.7%
17.0%
16.1%
Smith
222,277
60.3%
17.4%
19.0%
Upshur
40,506
80.7%
8.9%
8.1%
Van Zandt
53,607
84.3%
2.6%
10.3%
Wood
43,315
83.2%
5.5%
9.6%
East Texas
849,397
66.8%
15.0%
15.6%
Texas
27,419,612
42.9%
11.7%
38.9%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2010, 2017 ACS 5-Year Estimates (B03002: Hispanic or Latino Origin by Race)

9. Race and Ethnicity
The Hispanic or Latino population is growing at a much faster rate than Not Hispanic or Latino across the state and in East Texas.
Population Increase by Race
East Texas
Texas
Not Hispanic or Latino
1.0%
8.8%
White
0.1%
4.2%
Black or African American
1.4%
13.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native
11.3%
-2.7%
Asian
37.6%
37.0%
Mixed
25.4%
60.4%
Hispanic or Latino
24.8%
19.7%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, , American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates (B03002: Hispanic or Latino Origin by Race)

10. Highest Level of Education Achieved, population aged 18 years and over
Education Attainment
The highest level of education has increased slightly in East Texas.
Highest Level of Education Achieved, population aged 18 years and over
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, , American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates (S1501: Educational Attainment)

11. Education Attainment
East Texas falls well below the state in Bachelor’s degrees and Graduate or professional degrees
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates (S1501: Educational Attainment)

12. Top Occupations
Other than “Sales and Related”, the top occupations skew towards one gender or the other.
Occupations
Employee Total
% Total
Median Earnings ($)
% Male
% Female
Office and Admin.
43,796
12.5%
$26,064
22.9%
77.1%
Sales and Related
37,239
10.6%
$22,802
47.5%
52.5%
Health Services*
31,904
9.1%
$42,248**
19.8%
80.2%
Management
29,351
8.4%
$56,778
63.2%
36.8%
Construction and Extraction
28,149
8.0%
$37,515
98.1%
1.9%
Production
27,399
7.8%
$32,700
75.9%
24.1%
Education, Training, and Library
21,364
6.1%
$36,350
21.1%
78.9%
Food Preparation and Serving
20,271
5.8%
$11,918
36.6%
63.4%
*Combination of Health Diagnosing and Treating Practitioners, Health Technologists and Technicians, and Health Support occupations as identified by the U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey S2401: Occupation by Sex for the Civilian Employed Population 16 years and Over (2017)
** number is an approximate calculation (weighted value of median[health diagnosing] + weighted value of median[health technologists] + [weighted value of median [healthcare support] / 100

13. Income Characteristics
All 14 East Texas counties fell below the Texas average for Median Household Income and Per Capita Income in 2017.
ETCOG Counties
Median Household Income 2017 (dollars)
Per Capita Income 2017 (dollars
% People Below Poverty Level
Anderson
42,313
17,466
18.8%
Camp
41,811
21,069
20.3%
Cherokee
44,294
21,102
17.2%
Gregg
47,970
25,144
16.5%
Harrison
48,644
25,123
17.3%
Henderson
44,888
24,315
Marion
36,938
25,933
22.8%
Panola
49,704
26,205
15.0%
Rains
48,308
23,976
17.0%
Rusk
49,270
23,521
15.2%
Smith
50,742
26,270
15.6%
Upshur
48,796
24,088
16.4%
Van Zandt
50,061
25,394
13.1%
Wood
48,038
25,955
Texas
57,051
28,985
14.70%
Source: U.S. Census Quick Facts (2017)

14. Labor Force Participation
Labor force participation rate measures the percent of working age population (16+) in Labor Force.
Labor Force: The number of people who are employed plus the unemployed who are actively looking for work.
Working age population has no upper limit, therefore an older population (greater # of retirees) may have lower labor force participation.
Other limiting factors: Stay-at-home parents, students, the disabled, incarcerated, and discouraged workers are not part of the labor force
East Texas
Texas
2010
2017
% Increase
Population 16 years and over
639,601
670,126
4.8%
18,380,464
20,998,008
14.2%
Labor Force
375,221
374,025
-0.3%
12,065,652
13,565,038
12.4%
% of Working Age (16+) in Labor Force
58.7%
55.8%
65.6%
64.6%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates (DP03: Selected Economic Characteristics)

15. Economic Growth % Increase 2010-2016
The economy in East Texas grew modestly between 2010 and 2016
% Increase
East Texas
Texas:
Employer Establishments:
2.6%
10.9%
Employment:
3.9%
18.7%
Annual Payroll:
14.9%
36.2%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2010, 2016 County Business Patterns (CB1500A11: Geography Area Series: County Business Patterns

16. Industry Sectors in East Texas
Note: Most recent estimate/surveyed data is from April Signs point to Oil and Gas Extraction and Manufacturing industries having grown since 2016 due to a favorable political and economic environment.
Growth:
Industry Sector
2010 Establishments
2016 Establishments
% Change in # of Establishments
Educational services
104
129
24.0%
Management of companies and enterprises 88
100
13.6%
Accommodation and food services
1,383
1,552
12.2%
Real estate and rental and leasing
760
821
8.0%
Professional, scientific, and technical services
1,560
1,661
6.5%
Construction
1,466
1,543
5.3%
Decline:
Industry Sector
2010 Establishments
2016 Establishments
% Change in # of Establishments
Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction
619
527
-14.9%
Manufacturing
768
725
-5.6%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2010, 2016 County Business Patterns (CB1600A11: Geography Area Series: County Business Patterns)

17. Employment by Industry Sector
Health care and social assistance and Manufacturing outpace the rest of the state *
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns (CB1600A11: Geography Area Series). Excludes most government employees, railroad employees, and self-employed persons. *[Editor Note: based on other data, namely U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (S2405: Industry by Occupation for the Civilian Employed Population 16 Years and Over) public administration makes up about 4% of employment share]

18. Economic Contributions of State Parks
Tourism provides sales tax revenue for East Texas.
Park
Labor Income
Value Added
Output
Jobs
Sales Tax
Caddo Lake State Park
$271,451
$616,789
$1,065,354
12.3
$23,567
Martin Creek Lake State Park
$307,237
$551,160
$1,027,113
10.2
$22,017
Purtis Creek State Park
$316,233
$569,213
$1,065,017
10.7
$23,445
Tyler State Park
$1,421,310
$2,532,327
$3,993,279
47.0
$112,151
Source: Texas Parks and Wildlife (Report: The Economic Contributions of Texas State Parks, Ji Youn Jeong and John L. Crompton, Texas A&M University, Department of Recreation, Park and Tourism Sciences)
Data is from Fiscal Year 2014.

19. Modes of Commuting to Work
Transportation
In East Texas very few people take public transportation to get to work & not having a vehicle is a barrier to employment.
Modes of Commuting to Work
Car, Truck, or Van
93.6%
Drove Alone
89.6%
Carpooled
10.4%
Public Transportation (excluding taxicab)
0.2%
Walked
1.2%
Bicycle
0.1%
Taxicab, Motorcycle, or other means
1.3%
Worked at Home
3.6%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates (S0801: Commuting Characteristics by Sex)

20. Housing East Texas has a higher percentage of vacant housing units.
Housing units in East Texas are on average a little older than the rest of the state but newer than the U.S.
Housing Occupancy
United States
Texas
East Texas
Estimate
Percent
Total housing units
135,393,564
100%
10,611,386
362,470
Occupied housing units
118,825,921
87.80%
9,430,419
88.90%
301,761
83.25%
Vacant housing units
16,567,643
12.20%
1,180,967
11.10%
60,709
16.75%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates (DP04: Selected Housing Characteristics)

21. Broadband Access to fixed broadband service in the region is low
Counties:
% of Pop. w/ access to fixed broadband service at 25/3 mbps or higher
Anderson
37.3%
Camp
49.2%
Cherokee
39.7%
Gregg
88.1%
Harrison
74.9%
Henderson
59.0%
Marion
49.1%
Panola
42.0%
Rains
4.6%
Rusk
54.1%
Smith
85.4%
Upshur
81.8%
Van Zandt
7.0%
Wood
42.4%
Texas:
89.2%
Source: FCC Connect2Health (2017)

22. SWOT Analysis
Strengths
Weaknesses
Opportunities
Threats

23. Strengths # of Educational institutions in the area
Interstate access (I-20) & location between Dallas and Houston
Natural resources (access to water)
Cost of housing
Cost of utilities (electric, water, gas)
Healthcare services economic sector
College health programs (nursing programs, physical therapy, etc.)
Diverse economic sectors (separate towns have their own strengths)
Lower risk of natural disasters
Airports for commercial business, (Tyler, Longview) with land and infrastructure in place for growth

24. Weaknesses Shrinking labor force Undereducated workforce
Lack of racial diversity
Low average wages
Infrastructure (broadband, roads, water)
Income characteristics (poverty, median income, per capita)   
Limited general aviation travel
Lack of direct flights to Houston and Austin
Rail access
Public transportation

25. Opportunities Addition of Camp and Marion county to the ETEDD
Nationally recognized need for infrastructure improvement
Educate senior citizens in how to use internet technology and online services   
I-69 trade route
Pro-business environment (manufacturing, oil and gas)
Creating a regional economic resiliency program
Re-train unemployed workers for deployment in other work and support skills development and other workforce initiatives
Favorable state business and tax laws

26. Threats Aging population Natural disasters
Natural disasters
Human capital flight (“Brain drain”)
Natural Decrease
Domestic out-Migration

27. Vision Statement
Support the economic growth of the region by focusing on key fundamentals; Education, Infrastructure, and Quality of Life. In order to compete globally in the business marketplace better infrastructure needs to be in place. Businesses need wide access to broadband, water, electricity and natural gas. Being able to attract and keep diverse businesses that offer high paying employment will require significant workforce improvement. It is important to promote healthy lifestyles, while providing amenities and services that will engage youth, retain young adults, and support our retirees, veterans, disabled, minorities, and other at-risk classes.

28. Goals & Objectives
Utilize the varied educational institutions in the region to improve the educational level of the workforce.
Use job training, apprenticeships, and other alternative educational opportunities/resources to support industry, and improve wages and employment.
Foster a discussion between public and private players in education, business, and workforce.
Take advantage of the additional workforce opportunity presented by the addition of Marion and Camp County, who have higher unemployment rates, to fill gaps and add to the total available regional workforce.
Use the lower risk of natural disasters as an asset in recruiting businesses to East Texas.
Support and seek out grants for infrastructure development.
Work with wireless providers in the region to spur broadband development.

29. Evaluation Framework Statistical Metric Present Value Source Education
Increase the share of population aged 25+ w/ a post-secondary degree
As of 2017, 27% of East Texas residents aged 25+ have a post-secondary degree
U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey
Increase the number of vocational certificates awarded by the region’s post-secondary institutions
In the school year, 2,199 vocational certificates were awarded by East Texas post-secondary institutions
National Center for Education Statistics, College Navigator
Increase the number of Texas Rising Star childcare providers
On February 1, 2019 there were 78 Texas Rising Star certified childcare providers in East Texas.
Texas Workforce Commission/Workforce Solutions East Texas

30. Evaluation Framework Statistical Metric Present Value Source
Infrastructure
Increase the percent of population with access to fixed broadband service at 25/3 mbps or higher advertised speeds
As of 2017, the Median percentage of 14 counties is 49.2%, with a range of 4.6%-88.1% percent of population with access to fixed broadband service at 25/3 mbps or higher
Federal Communications Commission, Connect2Health
Increase in public transportation usage for commuters
In 2017, 0.16% of workers in East Texas used public transportation (excluding taxicab) to get to work
U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey, S0801: Commuting Characteristics by Sex

31. Evaluation Framework Statistical Metric Present Value Source
Quality of Life
Increase regional investment
In 2018, there was $220,586,000 in combined Private/Local/State/Federal/Sales Tax/Bonds/Incentives/Grant investment
Annual East Texas Economic Development District CEDS Survey (as reported on the GPRA form submitted to EDA)
Increase # & total $ value of grants awarded
Question will be added to survey going forward
Annual East Texas Economic Development District CEDS Survey & ETCOG records