The Texas Comptroller released an updated Economic Impact Analysis of Texas Military Installations report. The analysis estimates that the state's military installations contribute nearly $148.8 billion annually to the Texas economy and support more than 628,800 jobs statewide.
Texas is home to 14 military installations representing the U.S. Army, Navy and Air Force, as well as National Guard and Reserve components. Encompassing more than 1.4 million acres, these installations play a critical role in supporting the nation's defense while serving as major economic drivers for communities throughout Texas.
Developed in collaboration with the Texas Military Preparedness Commission, the analysis measures the direct and indirect economic contributions of military installations in Texas through employment, economic output, gross domestic product and disposable personal income.
'Texas has a long and proud tradition of supporting our nation's military,' said Acting Texas Comptroller Kelly Hancock. 'The men and women who serve at our military installations strengthen our national security while making a tremendous contribution to the Texas economy. This analysis demonstrates the farreaching impact these installations have on communities across our state through jobs, economic activity and continued investment.'
In 2025, Texas military installations supported 212,541 direct jobs, including more than 124,886 active- duty and full-time National Guard and Reserve personnel. When indirect employment is included, military installations supported an estimated 628,884 jobs across Texas.
Besides the $148.8 billion, the analysis also estimated that the installations generated $91.4 billion in Texas gross domestic product and $43.6 billion in disposable personal income.
Joint Base San Antonio (JBSA) is the largest economic driver among Texas military installations. It directly employs more than 74,000 personnel and generates an estimated $53.5 billion in economic impact annually, while supporting over 223,000 jobs statewide and contributing $33.9 billion to the state's gross domestic product.
Because military installations are a major factor of the local of the cities and areas they are located in, closure of those facilities can impact the area.
The closure of Reese Air Force Base in 1997 initially dealt a blow to the Lubbock area's economy by eliminating around 2,500 military and civilian jobs. However, the city avoided long-term economic decline by successfully transitioning the property into the Reese Technology Center. Since its closure, the 2,500-acre property located 6 miles west of Lubbock was transitioned into an industrial, research, and business park. It is now known as the Texas Tech University Reese National Security Complex, reflecting a shift toward national security and critical infrastructure research. More than 25,000 pilots, who fought in every conflict since World War II, were trained at Reese.
The 1977 deactivation of Webb Air Force Base caused a major economic shock to Big Spring, removing an estimated $70 to $105 million in local purchasing power, doubling the local housing vacancy rate overnight, and triggering widespread business and school enrollment declines. The former airfield was transferred to the city and currently operates as the Big Spring McMahon-Wrinkle Airport.