Authored by Acara’s Debra Pagtolingan.
With a population of 1.3 million, Dallas is the ninth-largest city in the United States and a cornerstone of Texas’ thriving economy. Known for its rich history, cultural attractions, and powerhouse sports teams, Dallas attracts more than 22 million visitors each year—but its appeal goes far beyond tourism.
For years, Dallas has positioned itself as a magnet for businesses and professionals looking for growth, stability, and opportunity. Between 2010 and 2019, Texas attracted more relocating businesses than any other state. Many of them landed in the Dallas-Fort Worth area—and the trend shows no sign of slowing down.
Whether you’re an employer planning your next expansion or a job seeker ready for a fresh start, here are seven reasons why Dallas remains a top destination for talent and business growth right now.
- Robust Economic Growth
The Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex is one of the fastest-growing regions in the country. Once known primarily for oil and energy, the area has evolved into a diverse economic hotspot spanning advanced services, aviation, aerospace, finance, healthcare, hospitality, logistics, manufacturing, and technology.
This rapid diversification has created thousands of new jobs and attracted skilled workers from across the country. In fact, the region’s employment growth consistently outpaces the national average.
- Business-Friendly Environment
Texas has built its reputation as one of the most business-friendly states in the nation—named the Best State for Business by Chief Executive Magazine for 21 consecutive years.
With no state income tax and a low overall tax burden, Dallas offers companies cost advantages that are tough to beat. It’s no surprise that 24 Fortune 500 companies call the Dallas area home, including AT&T, Texas Instruments, Southwest Airlines, and HF Sinclair.
For employers, this means a supportive environment for investment and growth. For job seekers, it means more opportunities with stable, established companies.
- Strategic Central Location
Dallas’s central location makes it a logistics and transportation hub for companies serving domestic and global markets. Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, for example, is one of the busiest in the world, and it’s just a four-hour flight away from most North American destinations.
Meanwhile, the International Inland Port of Dallas (IIPOD) connects major interstate highways (I-35, I-20, I-45) and rail lines, making it possible to reach any major U.S. market within 48 hours by truck.
For businesses and their employees, this connectivity keeps supply chains moving and opens doors for global partnerships.
- Competitive Cost of Living
While living costs have risen, Dallas remains significantly more affordable than coastal hubs such as New York, San Francisco, and Los Angeles.
Employers benefit from this advantage by offering competitive salaries that stretch further. In other words, employees enjoy a higher standard of living for a lower cost on the dollar. That affordability continues to attract both young professionals and families looking to build long-term roots.
- Thriving Technology Sector
Dallas–Fort Worth isn’t just growing—it’s booming in tech. According to CompTIA’s 2023 report, the region boasts:
- 6th‑largest tech workforce in the U.S. (329,347 tech professionals)
- +14,010 new tech jobs between 2021 and 2022
- Median tech wage: $89,833 (123% higher than median income in Texas).
Data centers are driving the wave. The DFW data center market is set to double by 2026, powered by demand from AI, cloud computing, and semiconductor infrastructure—accounting for 76% of Texas’s data-center jobs as of mid‑2024.
Meanwhile, Fort Worth—Dallas’s fellow metro—has added over 20,000 new tech jobs in 2025, with growth in AI, cybersecurity, and cloud roles; entry-level salaries now start around $105,000.
SMU’s designation as a federal semiconductor tech hub adds another boost—drawing investment and top-tier talent in silicon manufacturing and hardware innovation.
- High Quality of Life
Beyond business advantages, Dallas offers a dynamic lifestyle that appeals to professionals and families alike.
Residents enjoy a rich mix of cultural attractions, restaurants, live entertainment, sports, and green spaces—plus a mild climate for year-round recreation.
For job seekers weighing relocation, the city’s quality of life is a major draw.
- Strong Educational Ecosystem
Dallas is home to leading higher education institutions like SMU and the University of Texas at Dallas, producing a steady pipeline of skilled graduates.
The Dallas-Fort Worth area has the largest postsecondary enrollment in Texas and ranks among the nation’s top metros for graduate retention. Employers can count on a well-educated, motivated workforce to fuel their growth for years to come.
Ready to Tap into Dallas’s Workforce Advantage?
Dallas checks all the boxes for businesses and professionals looking to thrive in a dynamic market—robust growth, affordability, innovation, and quality of life.
If you’re an employer ready to expand your footprint in North Texas—or a job seeker considering your next move—Acara Solutions is here to help you navigate every step. From talent acquisition and contingent staffing to workforce strategy and local labor market insights, our team knows the Dallas market inside and out.
Contact us today to learn how we can support your workforce goals in Dallas and beyond. Debra Pagtolingan, our Dallas Representative, is happy to set up a free consultation. Email her today at pagtolingand@acarasolutions.com or call at 916-284-6636.
For more data, check out our 2025 Dallas Labor Force Summary.
