The Houston metro area is the most racially and ethnically diverse region in the United States and the fifth most populous metro with 7 million people. The Houston region offers a diverse and highly-skilled labor force of more than three million workers, larger than that of 35 states. The area is also a growing hub for young talent. Houston is a top 10 city for attracting millennials and ranks No. 1 in retaining college graduates.
33.3 percent
One-third of Houstonians 25 years and older is a college graduate
Houston has the skilled workers necessary for a wide range of industries from professional services to health care and advanced manufacturing to aerospace.
Houston consistently ranks among the nation's leaders when it comes to job growth. A strong economy with expanding businesses, numerous universities and technical schools and a relatively low cost of living that draws new residents combine to make this one of the fastest growing regions in the U.S.
2,929,400
Working Population
$1,250
Average weekly wage
$51,910
Average pre-tax, per capita income
32%
Population with a bachelors degree or higher
Between 2015 and 2040, the Texas-based economic forecasting firm the Perryman Group expects population growth averaging 1.6 percent annually in the Houston region. Over the same period, Perryman forecasts wage and salary employment to rise at a 1.7 percent annual rate.
The Houston region is home to more than 20 universities and colleges, including three Tier 1 universities. Houston-area colleges and universities educate nearly 220,000 students annually and graduated nearly 55,000 students.
In addition, another estimated 200,000 students are enrolled annually in local community and technical colleges. There is also a regional focus on developing tomorrow's workforce through educating young people on emerging industries and re-training mid-career professionals for high-demand careers. Houston has developed a strong bridge between the talent needs of various industries and the educational programs being offered through colleges, universities and technical programs.
A City Full of Hidden Talent
Houston is often linked directly to energy, and rightfully so as the region's largest industry. But in recent decades Houston has diversified its economy and greatly expanded industries such as health care and technology. That diversification coupled with low cost of living is attracting new residents from across the country and around the world. What's more, the region is home to more than 20 universities and colleges, including three Tier 1 universities. These institutions educate nearly 220,000 students annually and graduate nearly 55,000. Another 200,000 students are enrolled annually in local community and technical colleges.
People from many different faiths, cultures, lifestyles and customs find a home in the nation's most diverse city. It's that unique blending of people that breeds innovation. Houston is a city that chooses to take humankind's boldest challenges head-on. An unabashedly pro-growth and opportunity rich city fueled by innovators and America's youngest workforce, Houston offers a highly educated talent pool.
In June 2014, the Greater Houston Partnership created UpSkill Houston—among the nation’s first business-led collaborations working with education and community stakeholders—to help close Houston’s skills gap by aligning collective efforts to pursue three fundamental objectives: Attract unemployed and underemployed Houston residents and youth to advanced technical and craft careers across the region; Train individuals in the technical and employability skills necessary for success; and Place and retain these workers in careers that reward those who continue to upgrade their skills.
With a talented and diverse workforce of more than 3.1 million people, the Houston region is one of the most dynamic employment centers in the nation. Area employment is now higher than at any point in Houston's history and a significant supply of recent college graduates in a wide array of fields continues to strengthen the large professional talent pool throughout the Houston region.
Launched in 2019, the Partnership's Talent Resource Group (TRG) provides HR professionals, ERG leaders and recruiters with access to information to grow their companies most important resource: talent. Topics will address talent attraction, retention, enhancing corporate culture as well as continuing education needs for HR professionals.
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