Pearland is one of Houston’s most successful suburbs. Houston Agent Magazine recently reported on a study from RentCafe, indicating that the city is among the most prosperous in the country. This report focused on cities with populations above 100,000 and examined how quickly they grew between 2000 and 2016. As it turns out, Pearland grew by an incredible 183 percent. Naturally, with the influx of new residents, it shouldn’t be surprising that home prices also grew by 21 percent during the same period. 

Houston Agent Magazine attributed much of the growth to the increase of oil production across the country. Considering that Houston’s economy is so dependent on oil, it comes as no surprise that the upward increase in production has caused some growth in the area. Other notable changes in Pearland included an increase in the number of people with higher educations and a decrease in the poverty rate. So what are some of the reasons behind Pearland’s growth?

Economic Development

Photo courtesy of Pearland Town Center

Over the past few years, there has been extensive coverage of the economic growth in Houston. Community Impact Newspaper reported that retail in Houston grew extensively in 2017 with numerous new businesses opening, including the Pearland Town Center.

The Houston Chronicle also reported that Pearland’s population first passed 100,000 residents in 2012. This population boom increased revenues from sales taxes—an astonishing growth of 49.6 percent between 2011 and 2016. As early as 2015, local station ABC 13 reported that the number of commercial permits had risen from 40 in 2010 to 170 in 2014. To put it mildly, the number of businesses in the area has grown tremendously.

Transportation

Small planes at airport

Community Impact reported on the expansion of Highway 288 in 2017, which would help support the expanding population commuting in and out of the city. The additional infrastructure was approved not only to help local residents get in and out of the city but also to support businesses shipping products from the city.

The Houston Chronicle reported on the expansion of the Pearland Regional Airport. An investment of $500,000 was put toward new safety features, like improved runway visibility and signage. The airport grew from a modest regional airport to the size of a small town, serving as a flight school and maintenance area. Some homes and condos are even connected to private airplane storage areas. These improvements of Pearland Regional Airport are anticipated to drive even more economic growth in the area.

Greenspace

Greenspace in Pearland, TX

The city has also invested in its park system. As reported in Community Impact, millions of dollars were diverted to park improvements in 2017. Pouring $16.8 million into park and trail projects was approved in 2017, and city planners anticipate the parks will help sustain ongoing economic growth by attracting visitors and hosting various outdoor events.