SpaceX’s presence thrusts Brownsville, Harlingen into ‘emerging hot spot’

Brownsville-Harlingen has been named the top metropolitan area in the United States in Area Development Magazine’s 2024 Leading Metro Locations report, largely on the strength of SpaceX.

The annual report, compiled with data from Chmura Economics & Analytics, gives a snapshot of “which American cities are thriving, which regions are gaining ground, and what key factors are driving growth in today’s economic landscape,” according to the report.

The ranking places special emphasis on factors like prime workforce availability, economic strength and affordability — information useful to corporate site selectors, businesses interested in expanding and economic development processionals across the country, according to the report.

While familiar cities remain at the top of the Area Development ranking, the 2024 rankings also shed light on a number of “emerging hot spots” around the nation gaining ground in terms of economic development. Among those, Brownsville-Harlingen is ranked first, reflecting the “growing economic significance of the Southwest, particularly thanks to the SpaceX effect,” according to the report.

Area Development noted that the company’s Boca Chica operations have made Brownsville a high-tech manufacturing hub as SpaceX has invested over $3 billion in infrastructure, driving job growth across the region.

“With over 21,000 indirect jobs supported and a growing focus on advanced manufacturing, Brownsville exemplifies how strategic investments in key industries can propel smaller metros to national prominence,” according to the report.

Patrick Clapp, senior economist for Chmura Economics, said job advertisements are a chief indicator of future employment, and that SpaceX accounts for more than 12% of all STEM job ads in Brownsville-Harlingen — making the metro area stand out in terms of research. STEM stands for “science, technology, engineering and math.”

“The additional regional spending from high-wage jobs (at SpaceX) generates ripple impacts that support additional growth in the area,” he said.

The Greater Brownsville Incentives Corporation said the Area Development Report highlights the growing importance of Brownsville and other smaller metro areas thanks in large part to investments in advanced technology and the “transformative impact of companies like SpaceX.”

Gilberto Salinas, GBIC’s CEO, said the top ranking “reflects the incredible strides Brownsville has made in recent years.”

“Our region is benefiting from strategic investments, a skilled workforce and an environment conducive to long-term growth,” he said. “Brownsville has become a magnet for innovative companies, and we’re proud to see that success recognized on a national stage.”

With SpaceX’s focus on high-tech manufacturing and development of Starship/Super Heavy for commercial missions, the metro area is positioned to continue its upward trajectory, Salinas said. As Brownsville rises in national rankings, it is “shaping the future of economic growth in the region,” he added, crediting the power of collaboration, strategic investment and forward-thinking leadership.

“I like to refer to the economic development as a locomotive,” he said. “It’s slow at first but once it gets traction, there’s no stopping it. We’re seeing how Brownsville is really starting to gain traction in different facets of the economy, especially as it pertains to industry and forward thinking companies such as SpaceX. Can’t wait to see when this train reaches full speed.

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