Austin News

Governor Greg Abbott today announced that U.S. military installations in Texas contributed at least $151.2 billion to the Texas economy in 2023 and supported more than 677,022 jobs across the state. The findings are based on a study conducted by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts at the request of the Texas Military Preparedness Commission (TMPC), analyzing the economic impact of military installations within Texas.

"The tradition of military service is long in our great state, and our respect for those who serve is enduring," said Governor Abbott. "That is why Texas is proud to be home to 15 major U.S. military installations and the Army Futures Command headquarters. Essential to the defense of our nation, each installation also serves as a major local employer and key community partner, adding over $151 billion to Texas' booming economy and supporting over 677,000 good-paying jobs across our great state. Working together with our military communities throughout the state, we will ensure Texas remains the most welcoming home to the men and women of the greatest military in the world and offers ongoing, unmatched support for their critical missions."

"These installations are critical to both our national security and to the Texas economy, generating an overall economic output of more than $150 billion," said Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar. "The installations are also vibrant and dynamic partners in the community, supporting not just business and industry but also schools, charities, youth sports, and cultural events. The U.S. military and the men and women who serve are a key part of what makes Texas the greatest state in the nation."

Estimated Contribution of U.S. Military Installations to the Texas Economy in 2023 includes:

- Total direct jobs: 213,176

- Total employment (direct and indirect jobs): 677,022

- Economic output: $151,276,591,000

A detailed breakdown shows significant contributions from various installations:

- Army Futures Command: 8,757 jobs; $1.8 billion economic impact

- Corpus Christi Army Depot: 8,979 jobs; $1.6 billion economic impact

- Dyess Air Force Base: 15,879 jobs; $3.6 billion economic impact

- Ellington Field Joint Reserve Base: 7,425 jobs; $1.7 billion economic impact

- Fort Bliss: 126,997 jobs; $27.9 billion economic impact

- Fort Cavazos: 173,730 jobs; $39.1 billion economic impact

- Goodfellow Air Force Base: 12,064 jobs; $3.1 billion economic impact

- Joint Base San Antonio (Fort Sam Houston, Lackland Air Force Base, Randolph Air Force Base): 240,403 jobs; $55.1 billion economic impact

- Laughlin Air Force Base: 7,533 jobs; $1.7 billion economic impact

- Naval Air Station Corpus Christi: 21,340 jobs; $4.7 billion economic impact

- Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth: 22,548 jobs; $4.9 billion economic impact

- Naval Air Station Kingsville: 4,338 jobs; $1 billion economic impact

- Red River Army Depot: 9,228 jobs; $1.6 billion economic impact

- Sheppard Air Force Base: 17,801 jobs; $3.3 billion economic impact

The Comptroller's study analyzed data from active duty personnel as well as visiting personnel and other employees directly affiliated with these bases.

The TMPC within the Office of the Governor advises on defense and military issues while aiming to strengthen Texas' military installations ahead of any potential future Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC). It also encourages defense-related businesses to expand or relocate within Texas.