- Eight companies on the 2009 Fortune 100 Fastest Growing Companies list are headquartered in the Houston metropolitan area.
- Texas, with thirteen companies on the list, has the second-highest concentration of Fortune 100 fastest growing companies in the nation; just behind California, which has fifteen.
- The rankings are based on three-year growth in earnings per share, revenue and total return of U.S. companies which have a minimum market capitalization of $250 million; have a stock price of at least $5 per share; have been trading continuously since June 30, 2005; have annual revenues of $50 million or more; and have annual net income of $10 million or more.
The business partner you can count on
We understand the demands of today's fast-paced and highly competitive international business environment and work diligently to ensure you have the resources you need for success.
A diverse labor pool that's dependable, affordable-and growing
Whether you want some of the top minds in finance, operations and management or access to large numbers of cost-effective labor, you'll find what you're looking for in Houston.
Houston's workforce is 2.7 million people strong and highly educated-nearly 30% of the population has a college or graduate degree-and we have an ample supply of office and clerical workers across a broad spectrum of job titles.
Houston is one of the country's youngest, most diverse and most rapidly growing metro areas. According to the Census Bureau, the region's population grew 25.2% between 1990 and 2000, nearly double the national average of 13.2%. The region has the second youngest median age in the country among large metropolitan areas-32.9-and nearly 45% of the population falls into the critical 25-54 age range.
For a complete overview of workforce statistics and labor rates please go to Workforce.
Academic excellence creates success today and tomorrow
Houston is home to more than 42 colleges, universities and other degree-granting institutions, including internationally respected programs at Texas A&M, the University of Houston and Rice University.
The Houston area has a network of more than 125 business and secretarial schools and 770 vocational and technical schools, plus 10 exceptional local community colleges that offer training programs in more than 30 areas including:
- Accounting and bookkeeping
- Business management
- Computer technology
- Credit management
- Marketing
Affordable, abundant office space-and nearly 2.6 million sq. ft. now under construction
Houston's current inventory is more than 196.5 million sq. ft. and new construction is underway. Our rate costs are very competitive with markets across the country and substantially lower than some of the largest metropolitan areas-such as New York, Miami and Washington D.C.-for both central business district and suburban locations.
A business-friendly tax haven-ranked #7 lowest nationally
Houston's state and local taxes are consistently below national averages, making our region an appealing place to locate or expand.
Incentives created with your needs in mind
The Houston area offers a variety of attractive state and local incentives including:
- Tax abatements on property, R&D and pollution control
- Sales tax exemptions
- Employee training grants
- Foreign trade zone
Abundant, cost-effective utilities-and one of the world's best telecom systems
A deregulated energy market in the majority of Texas means a choice of retail providers and affordable rates across all utility categories. As home to thousands of multi-national companies and the world's largest medical center, the Houston area offers some of the most sophisticated and robust communications networks in the world. Plus,
the region's commitment to developing Smart Grid technology help reduce price volatility and improve energy management in the future.
A central location backed by an exceptional international transportation network
Locate your headquarters in Houston and get an excellent mid-country location that delivers outstanding access to air transport with the nation's 4th largest multi-airport system, plus a strong network of water, rail and road. Learn more about our transportation system and how it's backed by infrastructure support that's second to none.
Industry networks and events
A strong, collaborative network of business, academia and public sector members helps drive innovation and long-term, international success for Houston-area businesses. Whether you're looking for industry-specific groups-e.g., those working in health, life sciences, technology, energy or aerospace-or ways to connect with a broader cross- section of business leaders, you'll find the business assistance and networking support you need in Houston.
Dedicated to environmental protection
Houston's commitment to the environment is shown in our record of supporting environmental regulations and our continuous advances and leadership over the past two decades-a rate that's especially impressive given the level of growth our area has experienced during this time.
The #1 Place to Live, Work and Play? Houston.1
Take a closer look at all that Houston has to offer and it's easy to see why people enjoy working and living here.
Our international city is home base for some of the world's top firms and more than 20% of our residents were born in another country. Houston has a vibrant cultural mix that lends an international influence to everything from restaurants to the arts.
Two of the world's leading healthcare resources are located in Houston: the Texas Medical Center, the world's largest concentration of medical expertise, and the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, the top cancer center in the country.
No matter how you like to spend your free time, you're sure to find plenty of choices in Houston. Leisure options include pro sports and family-friendly parks and zoos-including one of the country's Ten Best Zoos for Kids2 -plus Houston is one of the few U.S. cities with resident companies in drama, ballet, opera and orchestra.
Affordable housing options abound at prices that are well below those of other major metropolitan areas. In fact, the third quarter 2010ACCRA Cost of Living Index showed that Houston's housing costs are 21% below national averages and that overall after-taxes living costs are 9% lower.
When Houston is compared to 27 other metro areas with populations over two million, it does even better: housing costs are 38% below average and overall expenses are 19% lower. Houston residents keep more of their paycheck: local income tax rates are below national averages. Which means that it takes fewer dollars to have the same quality of life in Houston than in many of the country's top metropolitan areas. For instance, $50,000 in annual income in Houston is the equivalent of $130,000 in New York and $80,000 in Los Angeles.3
If you're looking for a new job, or need help finding one for a relocating spouse, the Houston area has a variety of employment opportunity resources that can help make the job search easier.
Learn more about locating your headquarters in Houston. Talk to our headquarters expert: Craig Rhodes.
Email Craig at crhodes@houston.org.
1 Kiplinger's Personal Finance, July 2008
2 Parents magazine-parents.com
3 From a study by the Center for an Urban Future, as reported in siteselection.com, http://www.siteselection.com/issues/2009/mar/Top-Metros/
