Jim Wells County
The key private industries in
Jim Wells County are mining and health
care, each accounting for over 20 percent
of all jobs within the county. Since 2008,
the number of jobs in support of the
booming oil and gas drilling activity has
more than doubled to over 5,000. Christus
Spohn Hospital in the city of Alice is the
primary health care provider in the county.
More than 3,000 individuals have been
working for ambulatory services since
2008.
Employment Growth 2012-13 by Industry
Government
Other Services (except Public Admin)
Accommodation & Food Services
Arts & Recreation
Health Care & Social Assistance
Educational Services (Private)
Administrative & Support
Management of Businesses
Professional & Scientific Services
Real Estate & Rental
Finance & Insurance
Information
Transportation & Warehousing
Retail Trade
Wholesale Trade
Manufacturing
Construction
Utilities
Mining
Agriculture
Activity at the Eagle Ford region
has shifted the makeup of Jim Wells
county’s labor market. Economic
development in the county has been
widespread across industries. Over the
years, the shale oil boom has generated
rapid expansion in lodging, health care,
waste management and rental services, in
addition to operators in the oilfields.
-30%
-20%
-10%
Sales
1,200
100%
2012
Rapid business growth in Jim Wells
county has emerged from the soaring
oil and gas drilling activity in the region.
The county’s business receipts more than
doubled between 2010 and 2011. Since
then, business activity has shown signs
18
|
20
10
-60%
2011
30
-40%
2010
40
-20%
0
50
0%
200
60
20%
400
70
40%
600
80
60%
800
2009
20%
90
80%
2008
10%
Home Starts
120%
Volume, $mil (left scale)
Y-o-Y % Change (right scale)
1,000
0%
0
2013
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013
of regressing as oil drilling activity in its
neighboring counties has tapered off.
The local housing market has returned to
normalcy after the housing bubble ended
in 2006. In 2005, more than 80 new homes
Annual Review of the South Texas Economy – 2014 Edition
were built. During the past two years,
approximately 35 new homes were built
annually. The average value of new homes
remains very affordable at 50 percent
below the national average.