Bryan-College Station
RANK #738 / 996 NAT · #38 / 69 TX · POP 234,548
1YR FORECAST: +0.0%
5YR OUTLOOK: +18%
Brazos County, Texas, is defined by the presence of Texas A&M University, which anchors the vibrant communities of Bryan and College Station. Located in east-central Texas, roughly 90 miles northwest of Houston, the county offers a blend of historic charm and a lively college-town atmosphere. Residents have access to numerous parks and outdoor spaces, including Lake Bryan for fishing and boating, and Lick Creek Park with its extensive trails for hiking and birdwatching. The Brazos River, which forms the county's western border, also provides recreational opportunities.
Life in Brazos County offers a lower cost of living compared to state and national averages, contributing to its appeal for families and young professionals. The local economy is significantly influenced by education, healthcare, and technology sectors, driven by Texas A&M University's research and workforce development initiatives. Recent economic developments include investments in advanced manufacturing and logistics, as well as the growing semiconductor industry, with new facilities and expansions contributing to job growth. The area maintains a community feel with a focus on local events and green spaces.
Above national median (4.7x)
Above national median
Well below national median
Moderate climate & terrain
Below national median (13x)
Housing is fairly valued at 4.9x relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Estimated local headcount ranges. Larger employers shown as floor + "+"; smaller employers show exact counts where reported.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
Source: CDC/NCHS vital statistics via County Health Rankings (2020–2022 avg). Rates per 100,000 population. Grade based on homicide rate relative to national average (~6.3). Learn more →
Source: EPA Air Quality System (2021–2023). Grade based on 3-year average median AQI. Learn about AQI →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Cadet Storage & Highway 6 BESS (Combined)
Undisclosed
|
$114M | Planned |
|
101 N. Texas Ave. / Courthouse Annex
Brazos County
|
$71M | Pre-Construction |
|
Medical Examiner's Office & Administration Building Remodel (Combined)
Brazos County
|
$54M | Under Construction |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
At 25/100, Brazos County faces headwinds that place it in the lower third of the 996 counties we track. Median income of $57,562 combined with job growth of +2.1% suggests the local economy is struggling to keep pace with national trends.
Brazos County leans toward the expensive side. A median home value of $260,800 against an income-to-home-value ratio of 0.22 means housing eats a bigger share of local earnings than the national norm. Renters face $1,120/month on average.
Brazos County is growing on multiple fronts. Population is up +1.5% year-over-year while employers added jobs at a +2.1% clip. Home values shifted +0.5% in the past year.
In significant numbers — 10.17% of Brazos County's current population relocated from another state, well above the national norm. That level of in-migration usually signals a county where jobs, affordability, or quality of life are pulling people in from elsewhere.