Why Houston? Innovation Starts Here
Houston offers unmatched industry depth, top-tier talent, global connectivity, and a collaborative ecosystem where bold ideas scale and thrive.
Why Houston
Over the past two decades, Houston has transformed into a diverse, vibrant metro with a strong economy and unmatched quality of life. Now the nation’s fourth-largest city, Houston is home to one of the world’s youngest, fastest-growing, and most diverse populations—one in four residents is foreign- born. From 2015 to 2024, the region grew by 1.14 million people, the fastest rate among the 10 largest U.S. metros.
Houston Industries: Driving Innovation and Growth
Houston’s economy is powered by key industries including aerospace, advanced manufacturing, energy, life sciences, and a rapidly growing digital tech sector.
Financial Incentives: Low Taxes Fuel Business Growth
Houston offers competitive tax rates and robust incentives—property‑tax abatements, enterprise zones, targeted grants, and energy R&D credits boost business growth.
A Global Gateway for Business & Trade
Houston’s global location, diverse workforce, and world-class ports and airports make it a premier hub for international business and global trade connections.
Diverse Talent Drives Economic Growth
Houston’s workforce is diverse, skilled, and rapidly growing—providing talent across industries like energy, healthcare, aerospace, tech, and manufacturing.
Metro Exporter in the U.S.
Houston is the #1 U.S. metro for exports, reaching over $175.5 billion in 2023. With global access via ports, rail, and air, the region connects businesses to markets around the world.
International Airports
The region is home to two international airports George Bush Intercontinental and William P. Hobby—offering nonstop flights to 180+ global destinations.
Cost of Living
Houston ranks as the #3 most affordable metro, with living costs 5.9% below the U.S. average and 29.2% lower than the average of the 20 largest U.S. metro areas.
Largest City
Houston is the 4th-largest U.S. city by population, boasting a robust economy, rich cultural diversity, strong infrastructure, and abundant opportunities for residents, businesses, and investors.
Houston Powers Global Industries
From energy and life sciences to aerospace, logistics, and advanced manufacturing, the Houston region offers a robust, future-ready infrastructure that supports innovation, scalability, and long- term growth. With access to global markets, world-class talent, and collaborative ecosystems, Houston empowers industries to lead, evolve, and thrive.
Advanced Manufacturing
Advanced Manufacturing
With a central location in the U.S. and the Americas, Houston is a major industrial hub offering unmatched access to domestic and international markets.
Aerospace
Aerospace
Space City is poised for the next 60 years to grow its aerospace ecosystem in the New Space Economy, attracting investors, organizations, and startups.
Aviation
Aviation
Houston’s aviation ecosystem thrives with pilot training, maintenance programs, two international airports, and a robust business and general aviation network.
Energy
Energy
As the Energy Capital of the World, Houston serves as headquarters and intellectual hub for nearly every segment of the global energy industry.
Digital Technology
Digital Technology
Houston’s tech talent spans energy and healthcare, with rapid growth in software development, programming, and database management across the region.
Life Sciences
Life Sciences
Home to many life sciences and biotech firms and a diverse, skilled workforce, Houston’s ecosystem is rapidly growing and attracting major investment.
Innovation & Startups
Innovation & Startups
Houston’s innovation ecosystem nurtures startups across industries. With strategic location, strong infrastructure, and a supportive community, it fuels success.
Headquarters
Headquarters
Houston is home to 23 Fortune 500 headquarters and ranks among the highest concentrations of U.S. headquarters for global companies in the country.
Living in Houston
Houston Living: Culture, Opportunity, and Affordability
Houston offers the perfect balance of affordability and quality of life, combining a low cost of living with all the benefits of a world-class city. Residents enjoy a vibrant arts and culture scene, award-winning dining, top-tier professional sports, and abundant parks and green space. With big-city experiences minus the high costs, Houston is an ideal place to thrive.
Houston ranks as 3rd most affordable metro
Houston’s living costs are 5.9% below the U.S. average and 29.2% lower than the nation’s 20 largest metros. It ranks as the third most affordable metro, per the Cost of Living Index by the Council for Community and Economic Research.
A Diverse, Inclusive City Where Cultures, Ideas, and Business Thrive
Houston is one of the nation’s youngest, fastest-growing, and most diverse cities—with no ethnic majority, nearly 1 in 4 residents foreign-born, and over 145 languages spoken.
From Arts to Sports, Houston Offers World-Class Entertainment for All
Houston offers endless entertainment, from world-class museums and theaters to major league sports, live music, and festivals—there’s always something exciting to experience.
A Culinary Capital: Explore Houston’s Bold, Global Restaurant Culture
Houston’s food scene is a vibrant blend of global flavors, with more than 12,000 restaurants representing over 70 countries—making it one of the most diverse dining cities in America.
Taxes & Incentives
Competitive Financial Incentives Fuel Houston’s Growth
Houston provides a highly competitive business environment with favorable costs and a strong pro-growth mindset. The region leads the nation in business relocations and expansions. Its attractive mix of state and local incentives, combined with a business-friendly tax structure, makes Houston an ideal location for companies of all sizes to thrive and grow.
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Foreign Consulates are located in Houston
International Business
A Global Hub for International Trade
Houston is a vibrant global city with extensive business and cultural connections worldwide. Its strategic location, diverse workforce, world-class infrastructure, and strong international partnerships make Houston a premier hub for foreign trade and a top destination for foreign investment, fostering economic growth and global collaboration.
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Universities, colleges, and technical schools
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Young professionals with bachelor’s degree or higher
Workforce & Education
Skilled Workforce and Education Hub
Houston’s labor force exceeds 3 million, providing diverse talent across all skill levels to support industries from professional services and healthcare to advanced manufacturing and aerospace. The region is a magnet for young professionals, consistently ranking among the top 10 U.S. metros for attracting millennials and retaining recent college graduates.
Explore the Region
Unlock Opportunities Across the Houston Region
The Houston region encompasses 12 distinct counties, each providing unique advantages and environments tailored to support specific industry sectors. From energy and aerospace hubs to thriving healthcare and manufacturing centers, this diverse regional landscape offers businesses the ideal location, resources, and workforce needed to grow and succeed.
Houston Powers Business Success
Houston attracts businesses with its pro-business environment, competitive tax incentives, and lower operating costs. Its diverse talent pool, world-class infrastructure, and status as a global trade hub offer unmatched access to domestic and international markets. Coupled with strong industry ecosystems, Houston provides the perfect foundation for companies to grow and thrive.
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In Gross Domestic Product
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Fortune 500 Headquarters
Why Houston? Hear from the Leaders
“Houston has the proximity and accessibility to TMCx, providing a gateway to the facilities and resources of TMC, and is quickly becoming the epicenter for innovation. With access to low cost rent and lab space, top incubators, growing venture funds and proximity to institutions and industries, people and companies around the world are taking notice of Houston.”
Need more information about Houston? Contact us to help.
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- Assist in evaluation and applying for incentives
- Aid in permitting process
- Facilitate and foster key introductions
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