Setting The Stage
FUTURE For The
O f
D e n t o n
C o u n t y
by Denton County Judge Andy Eads photo courtesy of Judge Andy Eads
E
nsuring Denton County continues to have a thriving economy is an important part of County government and one the Denton County Commissioners Court takes very seriously.
Despite recent challenges, growth across Denton County is rapidly increasing as
new businesses – large and small – flock to
our region. In fact, new projects have been ongoing since the middle of last year, not slowing at all. Calls for available office
space are constant while major housing developments, townhome projects,
and apartments are under construction throughout the county.
With a current estimated population of
911,912, Denton County is not far from
topping the 1 million mark – a milestone
now anticipated by 2025. We are growing at a faster pace than what was projected just five years ago when our population was expected to hit 1 million in 2030.
By 2050, the latest estimates call for our
population to reach more than 2.3 million. Jobs grew by 45,488 in the past five years and are projected to grow by
40,810 in the next five years. The median
household income, as reported in 2018, is now $83,400 in Denton County – around $23,100 above the national median household income of $60,300. The rapid growth is exactly why we are focused on drawing high-paying jobs to Denton County and providing a diverse portfolio of positions to meet the needs of all residents. In just the last five years, we’ve attracted such top companies as Farmer Brothers, Tanger Outlets, Mary Kay, Charles Schwab, Tyson, two Stanley Black & Decker facilities, Thirty-One Gifts, Gulfstream, ASCO/Texaplex, Ariat, the PGA headquarters, Grandscape, Schluter, Ericsson, Belltown Solar, and a major expansion of Retractable Technologies Inc. Together, these projects have invested billions into Denton County, some relocating regional and national headquarters along with higher wages in an array of industries from solar power to tourism, technology and much more.
When you stop to think about it, Denton County has become THE place to live, work, and play in the region, state, and the U.S. We have also worked tirelessly in the last few decades to ensure transportation needs are being addressed as more vehicles traverse our highways. We expanded FM 2499, Interstate 35E, FM 1171, west U.S. 380 with plans underway for east U.S. 380, and much more. Soon, you will see construction along Interstate 35W in the main lanes and frontage roads as well as in the area where 35E and 35W merge. Plans are being drawn for Loop 288 West with an estimated let date of 2026 to complete the loop both east and west of I-35 in Denton. And that is just the beginning. We will continue to plan ahead to ensure adequate access throughout the county. We also work with the Denton County Transportation Authority to provide alternative transportation via bus routes and the A-train as well as with our cities and towns to address their ongoing needs. The Denton County Commissioners Court also recognizes the importance of balancing this fast-paced growth and the requisite infrastructure requirements while keeping our taxpayers top of mind. Among the top 15 counties in Texas, we have the lowest countywide tax rate at .224985 since we do not have hospital or college districts. And we aim to keep it that way. A thriving, diverse economy coupled with meeting residents’ needs for transportation, housing, education, and income is the legacy we want to leave for decades to come. It is important we all work together to create the Denton County we can all be proud of for future generations to enjoy.
CONNECT WITH US
If you have any questions or comments, please let me hear from you. 940.349.2820 | andy.eads@dentoncounty.com | www.Dentoncounty.gov/countyjudgenewslettersignup www.LiveLocalMagazines.com
AUGUST 2021 | LAKE CITIES LIVING | 25
