SpaceX’s operations projected to generate $13B economic impact in Cameron County

Cameron County officials released new figures on Wednesday showing that SpaceX’s growing presence at Starbase is expected to generate more than $13 billion in gross economic output and support about 24,000 local jobs through 2026.

The updated Starbase Local Impact Report, prepared by Space Exploration Technologies Corp. and shared by Cameron County Judge Eddie Treviño Jr., also credits SpaceX with more than $305 million in indirect tax revenue and $147 million in local supply-chain spending tied to its operations at Boca Chica Beach.

“I thank SpaceX for choosing Cameron County as the home of Starship development and, more recently, moving their corporate headquarters to Starbase,” Treviño said in a written statement. “Their commitment to our region has transformed our local economy, from high-skill job creation to critical infrastructure improvements.”

Want to see what’s behind those numbers? Our exclusive look inside Starbase’s construction boom details the permits, projects, and rapid growth reshaping SpaceX’s South Texas hub.

According to the report, more than 350 local suppliers are now part of SpaceX’s vendor network. 

County officials said the company’s continued expansion has boosted area schools, workforce training programs, and high-wage manufacturing jobs tied to rocket production and launches.

Cameron County — one of only two Texas counties with all six major modes of transportation (seaport, airport, highway, rail, pipeline and space) — has positioned itself as a logistics and research hub for aerospace and related industries. Harris County is the other.

“As SpaceX expands their production capabilities, bringing high-paying manufacturing and engineering jobs directly to Starbase, we will continue to see a new age of growth for all of South Texas,” Treviño said. “We look forward to a continued partnership working with SpaceX to grow our local economy … while restoring dunes and enhancing public access to our cherished coastline at Boca Chica.”

County leaders said the next phase of collaboration will focus on streamlining permitting, expanding public-private partnerships, and strengthening workforce initiatives to prepare residents for aerospace, engineering, and advanced-manufacturing careers.