Making It Work
Harris County Home to 24 Big Companies and 5 Million Workers
Our county has major companies, great airports, and no state income tax that help businesses grow and create jobs for our neighbors.
By -- via file_upload -- Apr 13, 2026
Overview
Harris County houses 24 Fortune 500 company headquarters and employs nearly 5 million residents across 34 cities. The county's economic development office released new data showing the area generates over $158 billion in exported goods and maintains zero state and local income taxes.
Major employers span healthcare, energy, and technology sectors. Memorial Hermann Health System leads with over 20,000 workers, followed by the City of Houston and MD Anderson Cancer Center. Amazon, Houston Methodist, and Harris County government each employ between 10,000 and 19,999 people. Companies like Phillips 66, ConocoPhillips, and Sysco generate billions in annual revenue while providing thousands of local jobs.
The county's transportation network connects businesses to global markets through two major airports, the Port of Houston, and multiple interstate highways. George Bush Intercontinental Airport serves 186 non-stop destinations while William P. Hobby Airport reaches 62 cities directly. The Port of Houston handles more waterborne cargo tonnage than any other U.S. port. This means goods produced locally can reach customers worldwide quickly and affordably.
Harris County's business climate benefits from Texas's tax structure and the region's educated workforce. The area includes major universities, medical schools, and community colleges that train workers for high-demand industries. Energy companies, healthcare systems, and logistics firms continue expanding operations here because of access to skilled employees and efficient shipping routes.
Economic development officials plan to release quarterly updates on job growth and new business investments throughout 2024.
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