Workforce

Skilled Workforce

Because of the geographic location of GRAND CENTRAL TEXAS, it is within commuting range of just over 2,300,000 people. As vast as the labor shed is, the impact of Fort Hood, the largest United States Army training post, is often overlooked.

Fort Hood provides a ready-made job pool of men and women (approximately 462 each quarter) who are transitioning out of the military into the civilian workforce. Over 40% of those exiting have indicated a preference for remaining in the Central Texas area. The additional benefit to companies is more than just the prospect of a well-trained and highly skilled workforce. There are federal hiring credits available for employing veterans.

Skillsets of Exiting Fort Hood Military

COMBAT ARMS

50.3%

LOGISTICS & TRANSPORTATION

16.4%

MAINTENANCE

11.8%

MISCELLANEOUS

8.2%

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY & COMMUNICATIONS

7.7%

MEDICAL

5.6%

GRAND CENTRAL TEXAS boasts a competitive and educated workforce with over 62% of the population attaining some degree of college education. With a population of 856,591 supplying a total job count of 355,267, Grand Central Texas is home to a highly skilled and available workforce. Grand Central Texas’ higher education has more than 58,000 college students annually and that number continues to grow each year.

856,591

Population

(2025)

355,267

Job Count

(2024)

Education ATTAINMENT %

Less than 9th grade

9th to 12th grade

6.3%

High School Diploma

27.6%

Some College

26.0%

Associates Degree

10.1%

Bachelors Degree

16.6%

Graduate Degree +

9.3%

Higher Education

With universities and strong community colleges there is a continual flow of eager and well-trained individuals entering the workforce. The region also has plenty of options on the school district level offering 14 independent school districts, with all districts meeting the Texas Education Agency’s standards in student achievement, student progress, closing performance gaps, and post-secondary readiness.