West Texas Region is a 30-county region of the United States. It covers around 39,800 square miles and stretches from Mason to Seminole cities. The region also has Brady, Rio Grande, and Dryden as the common cities.
West Texas comprises metropolitan statistical areas such as Midland MSA, Odessa MSA, and San Angelo MSA. The entire West Region boasts a strong economy with its oil industry and agriculture. Its economy makes it one of the most prosperous regions in the country.
The region is home to over 60000 people; therefore, it ranks among the top 10 fastest-growing areas in the U.S.
The West Texas Region Economy
The West Texas Regional economy, driven by the oil industry, is among the fastest-growing economies in the country. Businesses account for over $21 billion. Most of these businesses are in the cities.
Agriculture remains another major driver for the region’s economy. Agriculture contributes almost half of the region’s revenue annually. In addition, the region produces over 2 million tons of cotton per year. Other crops include corn, sorghum, wheat, hay, alfalfa, and soybeans.
Education plays a vital role in the region’s economy. Employment opportunities in the region are expected to grow with more graduates completing their courses.
Top Occupations in West Texas Region
- Construction trade workers take up the most significant percentage. Construction companies hire workers who can work on residential or commercial projects. Some of the jobs available in the construction field include bricklayers, carpenters, electricians, plumbers, and roofers.
- Motor Vehicle operators. They drive trucks, buses, tractors, and trailers. They operate heavy equipment and machinery.
- Extraction workers is another major occupation in the region. Their primary responsibility is to extract oil from wells.
- Food and Beverage serving workers. Their jobs include preparing beverages, salads, sandwiches, appetizers, desserts, and more.
- Transportation services provide jobs for thousands of individuals. These services include trucking, airlines, railroads, pipelines, and shipping.
- Retail sales workers sell products directly to consumers. They offer advice and help customers find what they need. Retail stores often have cashiers working behind the counter.
Attractions In West Texas Region
The West Texas Region has many attractions for tourists. Here are some of them:
- The Big Bend National Park is one of the most visited national parks in the United States. It covers over 1,200 square miles of land in West Texas. The park has beautiful landscapes, wildlife, and unique plants. Moreover, you can enjoy hiking trails, camping sites, museums, visitor centers, and much more.
- Guadalupe peak. The Guadalupe Mountains National Park is a natural wonder that attracts thousands of visitors every year. Its height is 8,848 feet above sea level. To reach the top of the mountain, you must climb through canyons.
- Fort Davis State Historic Site. If you want to learn about the area’s history, then the Fort Davis State Historic Site is the best choice for you. The U.S. Army built it during the American Civil War. Now it serves as an important museum for the state.
- Franklin Mountains State Park. This is a nature park in El Paso. It offers visitors a chance to experience the beauty of the surrounding area. There are hiking trails and picnic areas.
- Caverns of Sonora are another attraction in the region. It is near the town of Marathon. Visitors can explore the caves and discover the mysteries hidden inside.
Is West Texas a Good Region to Live In?
If you plan to live in the West Texas Region, you should know the cost of living, job opportunities, weather conditions, crime rate, economy, and others.
Job Opportunities and Wages
According to statistics, the average annual salary for all occupations in the West Texas Region is $47,174. The highest paid jobs are registered, nurses and teachers. On the other hand, the lowest paying ones are janitors and security guards.
Furthermore, employment prospects in the West Texas Region are good. As of 2019, there were over 3,000 jobs available. Most of these positions require at least a high school diploma or GED certificate.
Weather Conditions
West Texas Region has four distinct seasons. Spring is usually warm and dry. Summer brings hot days and cool nights. Autumn is rainy and windy. Winter is cold and snowy.
Crime Rate
According to FBI Crime Statistics, the West Texas Region has a low crime rate. There were only four violent crimes reported per 100,000 people.
Other factors affecting the crime rate include;
- Population density
- Average age
- Education levels
- Economy
- Quality of life
- Climate
Conclusion
In summary, the West Texas Region is a great place to live. However, some things need to be taken into consideration before moving here. If you want to move to this part of the country, do thorough research first.
Also, consider the factors listed above when making your final decision. Texas is known for its large cities, but plenty of interesting smaller towns are scattered throughout the Lone Star State. Explore the region to learn more about it.