Brownsville ranks among top U.S. metros for economic competitiveness and growth

Brownsville’s economic momentum is drawing national attention, with multiple reports this year highlighting the region’s rising competitiveness and appeal as a destination for people and businesses.

In Area Development magazine’s 2025 Leading Metro Locations rankings, Brownsville placed No. 17 overall, reflecting strong performance in workforce readiness, economic strength and overall competitiveness compared with hundreds of U.S. metros. 

The annual list, compiled with Chmura Economics & Analytics, is widely used by corporate site selectors and economic development professionals evaluating expansion locations. 

The region’s upward trajectory is also mirrored in population trends. 

In the U-Haul Growth Index: Top U.S. Growth Metros and Cities of 2025, both the Brownsville and McAllen metros ranked among the top metro areas drawing inbound movers nationwide.

The index is based on millions of one-way customer moves and serves as a leading indicator of where people are choosing to relocate. 

Gilberto Salinas, CEO of the Greater Brownsville Incentives Corporation, said in a news release Thursday that the rankings validate ongoing efforts to strengthen the region’s infrastructure, workforce programs and business environment.

“Brownsville’s continued recognition across multiple national reports speaks to the progress our community has made through collaboration, strategic investment and long-term vision,” Salinas said. “Ranking among the top metros nationally for both economic competitiveness and population growth reflects the confidence people and businesses have in Brownsville. We are proud of this achievement and remain focused on building on this success by attracting quality jobs and investment.”

Brownsville’s performance in national competitiveness and migration indicators comes as the city and surrounding communities report growth across multiple sectors, including tourism, industrial development and technology employment. 

The Area Development rankings underscore a broader trend of smaller and mid-sized U.S. metros outpacing larger urban centers in competitiveness metrics, driven by affordable operating costs, agile workforces and quality-of-life factors that appeal to employers and workers alike. 

The U-Haul Growth Index, meanwhile, continues to demonstrate strong relocation activity into Texas metros, including Brownsville–McAllen, as residents seek lower costs and opportunity in growing parts of the state.