Fast Facts & Resources
Fast Facts
Fort Bend County has continued to top lists for livability and economic success – and there is no sign of slowing down. Residents and businesses agree that there’s no place better to live or work. Learn more about what makes Fort Bend County so special:
- No 9 in job growth to population growth ratio (Stats America, 2019)
- No. 23 in “innovation capacity” among 3110 US counties (Stats America, 2019)
- Fastest-growing large county in the U.S. 2013-2016, current population 811,688 (U.S. Census Bureau, 2020)
- No. 4 In US, 2nd in Texas for net domestic migration over last five years. (RentCafe, 2018).
- Most ethnically diverse county in the nation. (Kinder Institute, 2018)
- No state income tax
- No. 5 in US, No. 2 in Texas for purchasing power. (Smart Asset 2019)
- No. 4 in US, No. 2 in Texas, No. 1 in Greater Houston for incoming investment. (Smart Asset, 2018)
- No. 8 in US, No. 3 in Texas, 1st in Greater Houston for Business Growth. (Smart Asset, 2019)
- Richest counties in Texas. (24/7 Wall St., 2020)
- Highest percentage of college graduates in Houston MSA (US Census, 2018)
- Four public high schools ranked top in the Houston metro area, two in the top 3, and 5 in the top 25 (Niche, 2016)
- Home to five of the top 10 master planned communities in Houston. Houston is second in the nation. (MetroStudy 2017)
- Home to six of the nation’s top 30 master planned communities (RCLCO Real Estate, 2014)
- Top industries include: food manufacturing, energy, engineering, education, health care, and technology
- Most ethnically diverse county in the Houston metropolitan area (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017)
- 26.8 percent population growth 2010-2018, $119,536 average household income, 90.8 percent high school graduate or higher, 45 percent bachelor’s degree or higher (American Community Survey, 2018)
- Fort Bend’s major thoroughfare system provides superior access into, through, and around the entire Greater Houston region
- Home to Sugar Land Regional Airport with US customs service, ranked NO. 1 in FBO in the US, and Arcola’s Houston Southwest Airport. Access to Greater Houston’s international airports, George Bush Intercontinental Airport and William P. Hobby Airport
- Two national highway systems
- Three major state highways
- Three regional toll roads
- Three major Class I railroads with access to Port of Houston and Port Freeport
Click Here For Complete List of Fort Bend Accolades
Houston developers and homebuilders often consider the quality of local schools when determining the location of their next master-planned community or subdivision of homes. Fort Bend ISD and Lamar CISD numbers one and three on the list of Houston area schools with the most development. - Houston Business Journal, 2017
Video Gallery
View the best Fort Bend has to offer in our video library. Learn about the industrial market, why the master planned communities are so successful, our exceptional quality of life, and the talented workforce buoyed by the unparalleled education and workforce training programs available in Fort Bend. Please see many of these videos in Mandarin, Spanish, or other languages here.
Want to hear what executives from Fort Bend have to say about why they are here… and why they stay! View our testimonials here.
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MORE in Fort Bend
We have more! More land, more access, more office, more industrial, more OPPORTUNITY! Check out why Fort Bend is the place for development.
60 percent undeveloped in one of the fastest growing counties in the US.
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Technology Companies Find MORE
Coming Soon!
“Fort Bend County is the best kept secret in the tech world.”
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Fort Bend County Is Second In The Nation In Purchasing Power
Fort Bend County is second in the nation in purchasing power, first in Texas and the Greater Houston area. But, how did we get there? Affordability and high income wage earners coming from the most educated population in Greater Houston ensures your money goes farther in Fort Bend.
Affordability plus income yields cost of living.
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Fort Bend Is Tech Ready: Talented Workforce
“We as a tech company are starved for talent and we need to attract the right talent.” In Fort Bend, tech companies have access to the best educated, best trained workforce in Greater Houston, with the highest percentage of high school, college, and post-college graduates in the region.
“One of the main motivating factors of why we decided to come to fort bend county is talent.” #TechReady
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Fort Bend Is Pro Business & Tech Ready
In Fort Bend, technology-based companies find a pro-business government that will work with industry leaders to find common sense solutions, inspiring and unleashing innovation and creativity.
“Fort Bend County is the best kept secret in the tech world.” #TechReady
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Truly Remarkable Places! Mixed Use In Fort Bend
In Fort Bend County, our mixed-use centers positioned throughout the county enhance the extraordinary quality of life for which Fort Bend is known… and grow the economy. Learn more about these important community amenities.
“Dine. Shop. Play. Work. Live. Stay. All right here. All in Fort Bend County, Greater Houston’s Finest Address.”
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Education: The Bridge To Opportunity
Fort Bend County is home to six exceptional school districts, preparing tomorrow’s leaders through innovative programming and exceptional relationships between parents, students, and schools. Learn about one of our most valuable community assets- our schools.
With more than 150,000 students speaking 95 different languages, the bridges to opportunity are wide, accessible, and fortified.
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Fort Bend Strong!
Like the rest of Greater Houston, Fort Bend County was hit by Hurricane Harvey, but we responded like we always do. We came together, helped our neighbors, moved forward, and got back to work.
“We’re strong… we’re Fort Bend Strong!”
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Why Fort Bend
Fort Bend County is THE place in Greater Houston to live and do business. Learn why we can answer “YES!” to the big questions, what community and business assets exist, and why Fort Bend continues to be the fastest growing, most diverse, population in the US.
Fort Bend County is a place where your imagination has no boundaries, where you can dream big, and where limits are only visible in the rear view mirror.
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Made In Fort Bend County
Low cost of land & occupancy, proximity to Greater Houston, ease of mobility, & a talented labor pool, all make Fort Bend a desirable location for industrial development.
In Fort Bend, people and products move. And business gets done. And there’s more to come.
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Learn Here... Work Here
The news is out. In Fort Bend, education matters, workforce development is a priority, and businesses are reaping the benefits.
With unparalleled programs, Fort Bend County leads the way in workforce development programs and education.
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Living & Living Well In Fort Bend
With several of the top communities in the nation, Fort Bend County is the premiere address in Houston. Check out why!
Fort Bend County remains the fastest-growing large county in the nation with a 26 percent population increase since 2010.
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Living Choices In Fort Bend
Living and living well in Fort Bend County. Home to 6 of the nations top 30 master planned communities, from quiet country homes to upscale urban living, Fort Bend is a destination for those looking for livable communities. With homes from $200,000s to the $1 millions, everyone is home in Fort Bend.
See what Fort Bend offers and you will soon call Fort Bend home!
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#1 & Working Hard To Stay There
Leading Greater Houston and the nation, it is no wonder Fort Bend County is the fastest growing county in the US. Leaders in median family income, growth, safety, education level, and diversity, Fort Bend County offers exceptional quality of life and is a THE place to relocate your business or raise your family.
A community driven to excellence!
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#WhyFortBend? OPTIONS
What does Fort Bend County offer young professionals who want to live, work, and play in Fort Bend County? The answer is “options”. Employment, lifestyle, education, housing- Fort Bend County provides choices and leaves the decision to you. See why so many young professionals call Fort Bend home.
A quick look and you will see, the closer you look, the better we get.
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Hudson Products Expansion
Hudson Products, located outside of Rosenberg in Fort Bend County, expands, foregoing expansion opportunities in other states and Mexico.
“The impact these 150 news jobs will have on Fort Bend County is tremendous.” County Commissioner Vincent Morales, Jr., Precinct 1
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Fort Bend Is The Most Diverse County In The US
Fort Bend County’s diversity is one of the county’s strongest assets.
“Fort Bend County may very well be the most diverse place on the planet.” Dr. Stephen Klineberg, Kinder Institute
Data and Downloads
Need some hard facts about Fort Bend County? Here, you can download valuable data with key information about the region. Whether you’re thinking of relocating or just want to know more about your county, Fort Bend County has a lot to offer.
Major Private Employers
Fort Bend County is leading the region for job creation in sectors like energy, health care, development, and engineering. This fertile business environment continues to attract major headquarters and businesses from all over the country and around the globe.
| Employer | Local Employees | Line of Business |
|---|---|---|
| Methodist Sugar Land Hospital | 2637 | Healthcare |
| Schlumberger Technology Corp. | 2007 | Energy Exploration Technology/Research |
| Fluor Corporation | 1410 | Engineering, Construction Maintenance & Technical Services |
| United Parcel Service | 1200 | Package Distribution |
| Oak Bend Medical Center | 795 | Healthcare |
| Nalco Company Energy Services Division | 1100 | Chemical Production |
| Memorial Hermann - Sugar Land Hospital | 696 | Healthcare |
| Frito-Lay, Inc. | 750 | Snack Food Manufacturer |
| Texana Center | 867 | Healthcare |
| Fiserv Output Solutions | 531 | Provider of Financial Services Technology Solutions |
| St. Luke's Sugar Land Hospital | 454 | Healthcare |
| Emerson Automation Solutions Final Control | 450 | Valve Manufacturer |
| Ben E. Keith | 419 | Food Service Products |
| Tramontina | 400 | Manufacturer & Marketer of Cutlery & Stainless Steel Cookware |
| Texas Instruments | 375 | Technology |
| NRG | 370 | Energy Company |
| National Oilwell Varco, Inc. | 350 | Manufacturing & Service for Drilling & Oilfield Equipment |
| Hudson Products | 344 | Manufacturing |
| Minute Maid | 338 | Marketer of Premium Fruit Juices & Drinks |
| Heavy Construction Systems Software | 400 | Software Developer |
| Twinstar Bakery | 299 | Manufactures Bread/Related Products Cookies/Crackers Whole Packages Frozen Goods |
| Yokogawa Corp. of America | 278 | Manufacturer & Supplier of Test, Measurement, Field Instrumentation, process control & Information products |
| EE Reed Construction | 245 | Construction |
| AccessHealth | 235 | Healthcare |
| Kelsey-Seybold Clinic | 143 | Healthcare |
| Classic Chevrolet | 139 | Automobile Dealers-New Cars |
| Niagara Bottling | 133 | Supplier & Distributor of Bottled Water |
| MD Anderson Cancer Center Sugar Land | 125 | Healthcare |
Tax Benefits
Fort Bend County maintains a responsible tax rate that encourages development and creates jobs. Combined with no state income tax and a lower than average cost of living, Fort Bend County is a desirable location for business development.
Tax Rates
Fort Bend County General: 0.44500
Fort Bend Drainage: 0.019000
For complete list of Fort Bend County taxing entities and 2018 tax rates.
To access the Fort Bend County Central Appraisal District
Businesses may take advantage of potential incentives such as:
- Value added tax abatement
- Freeport Tax Exemption
- Tax Increment Financing
- Industrial Revenue Bonds
For more information on business incentive packages offered in Fort Bend County.
Helpful Links
- Fort Bend County
- Fort Bend Central Appraisal District (tax rates)
- Fort Bend County Engineering Department
- Doing Business in Fort Bend County
- Fort Bend County- Permits
- Houston Association of Realtors
- University of Houston Fort Bend County Small Business Development Center
- West Fort Bend Management District
- Texas Wide Open For Business
- Governor Abbott’s Office of Economic Development
- Texas Comptroller’s Office
- Bureau of Economic Analysis
- Texas Self Sufficiency Fund
- Workforce Solutions
- Small Business Development Center
- Texas Workforce Commission
- Texas Manufacturing Assistance Center
- Texas Department of Transportation
- Highway 36A Coalition
- Port of Freeport
- Port of Houston
- William P. Hobby Airport
- George Bush Intercontinental Airport
- Sugar Land Regional Airport
- United States Census
- US Census Data on Fort Bend County
- Greater Houston Partnership
- Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce
- Central Fort Bend Chamber
- Fulshear-Katy Area Chamber of Commerce
- Small Business Association
Cities & Contact Data
Each city within Fort Bend County is unique, providing its own special personality and benefits. The Fort Bend EDC and our economic development partners at the cities work collaboratively to offer businesses a team of professionals committed to development and sustained growth.
| City | Economic Development Contact | Website |
|---|---|---|
| Arcola | The Honorable Fred Burton, Mayor | City Data |
| Beasley | The Honorable Kenneth Reid, Mayor | City Data |
| Fairchilds | The Honorable Bob Haenel, Mayor | City Data |
| Fulshear | Angela Fritz, Economic Development Director | EDC |
| Katy | Lance LaCour, Katy EDC President | EDC |
| Kendleton | The Honorable Darryl K. Humphrey, Sr., Mayor | EDC |
| Meadows Place | The Honorable Charles D. Jessup, IV, Mayor | EDC |
| Missouri City | Economic Development Director | EDC |
| Needville | The Honorable Delbert Wendt, Mayor | EDC |
| Orchard | The Honorable Rod Pavlock, Mayor | City Data |
| Pearland | Matt Buchanan, President | EDC |
| Pleak | The Honorable Larry Bitner, Mayor | City Data |
| Richmond | Jerry Jones, Economic Development Director | EDC |
| Rosenberg | Jeremy Heath Economic Development Director | EDC |
| Simonton | The Honorable Laurie Boudreaux, Mayor | EDC |
| Stafford | Patti Worfe, Economic Development Director | EDC |
| Sugar Land | Elizabeth Huff, Economic Development | EDC |
| Thompsons | The Honorable Freddie Newsome, Mayor | City Data |
| Weston Lakes | The Honorable Mary Rose Zdunkewicz, Mayor | City Data |
Master Planned Communities
Consistently ranked as the top area in the nation for Master Planned Communities.
Master Planned Communities List
| Community | Developer | Total Acres | Homes Sold | Lots Projected | Homes From | Homes To | School Districts | Acres of Green Space |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aliana | AIRIA Development Company | 2000 | 2970 | 4200 | $280,000s | Millions | FBISD | 300 |
| Cinco Ranch | Newland Communities | 8,100 | 14,950 | 15,000 | $400,000s | Millions | Katy ISD | Not Available |
| Creekside Ranch | Tal Atlantic & Ashton Woods | 226 | 19 | 700 | $220,000s | $400,000s | LCISD | 2 |
| Cross Creek Ranch | Johnson Development | 3,200 | 2,681 | 7,000 | $220,000s | Millions | Katy ISD LCISD | 650 |
| Firethorne | Jefferson Development | Not Available | 1,400 | 3,600 | $190,000s | $800,000s | Katy ISD LCISD | 150 |
| Fulbrook on Fulshear Creek | Trend Development | 650 | 325 | 1,100 | $280,000s | $800,000s | LCISD | 99 |
| Fulbrook | Trend Development | 1,000 | 414 | 480 | $650,000s | Millions | LCISD | 200 |
| Harvest Green | Johnson Development | 1,300 | 732 | 2,600 | $240,000s | $500,000s | FBISD | 300 |
| Imperial Sugar Land | Johnson Development | 720 | 319 | 1,200 | $400,000s | Millions | FBISD | 62 |
| Jordan Ranch | Johnson Development | 1,350 | 172 | 3,000 | $250,000s | TBD | LCISD | 250 |
| Lakes of Bella Terra | Ryco Development | 725 | 1,656 | Not available | $200,000s | Millions | LCISD | 300 |
| Long Meadow Farms | Trend Development | 1,355 | 2,100 | 2,200 | $250,000s | $580,000s | FBISD LCISD | 278 |
| Riverstone | Johnson Development | 3,700 | 5,566 | 6,163 | $300,000s | Millions | FBISD | 1,200 |
| Sienna Plantation | Johnson Development | 10,800 | 8,080 | 16,500 | $250,000s | Millions | FBISD | 3,000 |
| Veranda | Johnson Development | 590 | 203 | 2,500 | $200,000s | TBD | LCISD | 110 |
Communities List
Fort Bend County Business Parks
Fort Bend County is the place to get business done with 5 business parks available, including Lakeview Business Park, Sugar Land Business Park, Park 8-Ninety, Rosenberg Business Park and Stafford Grove Industrial Park. Find out why Fort Bend County is the hub for industrial development! #WhyFortBend
| Business Park | City | Contact Person | Contact Information | Park Brochures |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lakeview Business Park | Missouri City | Jeremy Garner | 713-963-1057 | Brochure |
| Park 8-Ninety | Missouri City | Jeremy Garner | 713-963-1057 | Brochure |
| Rosenberg Business Park | Rosenberg | Bill Smith | 713-850-8400 | Brochure |
| Sugar Land Business Park | Sugar Land | Don Janssen | 281-242-2000 | Brochure |
| Stafford Grove Industrial Park | Stafford | Matteson Hamilton | 713-300-0299 | Brochure |