Texas military installations generated an estimated $148.8 billion in economic output in 2025 while supporting nearly 629,000 jobs statewide, underscoring the armed forces’ significant role in the state’s economy, according to a new report from the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts.
The report found that Texas’ 14 military installations directly employed 212,541 people, including more than 124,800 active-duty service members and full-time National Guard and Reserve personnel. When indirect employment is included, the military supported an estimated 628,884 jobs across Texas.
Military installations also contributed $91.4 billion to the state’s gross domestic product and generated $43.6 billion in disposable personal income, the analysis found.
Hancock Highlights Military’s Economic Impact
Acting Texas Comptroller Kelly Hancock said the findings demonstrate the military’s broad economic influence across the state.
“Texas has a long and proud tradition of supporting our nation’s military,” Hancock said, per Fox 4 KDFW. “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 far-reaching impact these installations have on communities across our state through jobs, economic activity and continued investment.”
Texas is home to 14 military installations representing the U.S. Army, Navy, and Air Force, along with National Guard and Reserve components. The bases span 10 of the comptroller’s 12 economic regions and cover more than 1.4 million acres.
Joint Base San Antonio Leads Economic Impact
Among the state’s military facilities, Joint Base San Antonio ranked first in both employment and economic contribution.
The installation directly employed 74,713 people and supported a total of 223,349 jobs, generating an estimated $53.5 billion in economic output, $33.9 billion in gross domestic product, and $14.6 billion in disposable personal income.
Fort Hood ranked second, with 53,767 direct jobs and an economic output of $37.9 billion, followed by Fort Bliss, which supported 41,527 direct jobs and generated $29.1 billion in economic activity.
Other major contributors included:
- Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth: $4.66 billion in economic output.
- Naval Air Station Corpus Christi: $4.21 billion.
- Goodfellow Air Force Base: $3.81 billion.
- Dyess Air Force Base: $3.64 billion.
- Sheppard Air Force Base: $2.84 billion.
Beyond National Defense
In addition to their military missions, Texas installations support higher education, medical care, and workforce development throughout the state.
The Department of Defense partners with colleges and universities across Texas to provide degree programs for service members, while institutions such as Texas A&M University continue to commission officers into the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Space Force through the Corps of Cadets.
Texas is also home to nine military hospitals and clinics, which provide health care for active-duty personnel, reservists, retirees, and their families while contributing to medical education and research.
The comptroller’s office said the report measures both the direct economic activity generated by military installations and the broader ripple effects on businesses, employment, and household income across Texas communities.
