A large, growing, and well-qualified workforce is essential to ongoing economic expansion. Texas has an advantage over many areas in that our population is younger and, hence, has more people in childbearing age ranges. Additionally, the state has long been attracting workers from other parts of the country (and, indeed, the world). A recent report by Lightcast, a global labor market intelligence firm, illustrates just how well Texas is doing.

Lightcast's Talent Attraction Scorecard ranks states on seven components. The analysis looks at overall job growth over the past five years at an occupational level, then becomes more specific by delving into the numbers in high-earnings categories and blue-collar categories. Growth in the college-educated population and prime-age (25-54) population is considered, as well as people arriving with incomes above $25,000 per year. How an area is performing as a result of competitive advantages rather than overall national trends is also part of the ranking.

Texas had three of the top 10 large (250,000+ residents) metropolitan areas. Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington topped the list by a very large margin. Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos was second, and Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands was sixth. All other metro areas on the list were in Florida (which led Texas slightly on an overall statewide basis). At the other end of the spectrum were the greater Los Angeles (ranked last at 196), New York, Chicago, San Francisco, Pittsburgh, and Boston areas.

A variety of factors influence in-migration. One is a dynamic economy. Texas has been a growth leader for a number of years, generating jobs across a broad spectrum of industries. These opportunities attract skilled workers, and the state's sustained economic momentum is clearly a factor. Another advantage is the cost of living. It's no coincidence, for example, that the states where people are attracted have no state income tax. In some of the areas losing talent in greatest numbers, there are not only state income taxes, but also substantial local taxes and particularly hefty levies on high-income individuals. When combined with higher costs for housing and other necessities, the financially rational decision can quickly shift toward Texas, Florida, and other less expensive places to live.

Momentum builds momentum. Good opportunities attract talent, which helps businesses expand and create yet more opportunities. Texas has been dominating major locations and expansions for well over a decade. The state is also attracting workers needed for continued growth. There are daunting challenges going forward, including providing adequate educational opportunities, electric power, water, and other infrastructure to facilitate further expansion, and overcoming perceptions discouraging some knowledge workers from coming to or remaining in the state. For now, however, Texas is well positioned to remain one of the most dynamic economies in the nation. Stay safe!