Varying from small to large, businesses in Nacogdoches are to thank for our thriving and diverse economy nestled here in the piney woods. The workforce is a dynamic compilation of college graduates, skilled laborers, and dedicated citizens. Entrepreneurship is booming as community members explore new employment opportunities and tech sector companies recruit from our local workforce. Nacogdoches’ vibrant and historic downtown fosters a patriotic feeling across town.

With over 65,000 county residents, and more than 11,000 students enrolled at Stephen F. Austin State University, Nacogdoches County offers a highly diverse and experienced workforce. Within Nacogdoches and the five surrounding counties more than 315,000 people reside, producing a median age of 30.6 in the Nacogdoches area.

Compared to the rest of the state, Nacogdoches continues to rank in the top tier in agricultural production, with the poultry, cattle, and timber industries having served as the foundation for the local agriculture economy for decades. Nacogdoches County ranks 2nd in chicken broilers and 3rd in egg and poultry production out of the 254 Texas counties, while consistently ranking in the top 10 counties for timber production.

Manufacturing has also played a major role in our local economy. With production plants making a wide variety of products, such as bronze valves, electric transformers, giant flanges, plastic containers, high-efficiency vehicle engines, customized luxury motorhomes, heavy-duty trailers, poultry coops, and animal food products. Education at all levels, our healthcare network, and retail businesses complete the list of top employers in the area.

SFA is an enormous factor in the continual success of Nacogdoches. More than 25% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, ensuring our well-educated workforce. SFA continues to make upgrades to the university campus, including a new athletic performance facility, an impressive new Micky Elliot College of Fine Arts building, and several other innovative projects, demonstrating a commitment to lasting growth.

Nacogdoches Economic Development Corporation (NEDCO) works to bring new businesses and industries to the area to help existing local businesses grow and prosper. Our active partnership with the Center on Rural Innovation is leading Nacogdoches towards innovative new tech advances. In addition, NEDCO works with the Small Business Development Center at Angelina College as well as SFA’s Center for Business and Economic Research, to offer assistance to prospective entrepreneurs in developing and refining successful business plans. For more information, visit nedco.org.