Texas' Most Dynamic Economy Isn't in Dallas, Houston Or Even Austin

To find the most dynamic economy in Texas, you'll need to hop in your truck and head west for about five hours.Among the pumpjacks and prairie land you'll pass along the way is Midland, the oil capital of the prolific Permian Basin. It isn't only the Lone Star State's top local economy. It's also the nation's best.Midland ranks No. 1 in the Walton Family Foundation's annual examination of cities with the most dynamic economy. The study considers income, job growth, wage growth, short-term and long-term GDP growth and a measure the foundation calls young firm employment. Midland is thriving on a boom of shale oil exploration industry, the study found. The Permian Basin holds 16 percent of the nation's oil reserves and much of its natural gas. Three Texas metros ranked in the top 30 overall, out of 379 small, medium and large metros. Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metro placed 27th overall, and sixth among metro areas with 1 million or more people. Austin-Round Rock ranked seventh overall and second in large metros.The foundation, led by the children and grandchildren of Walmart founder Sam Walton and his wife Helen, invests in everything from early childhood education to stimulating local economies.  Continue reading...