Midland, Texas, is best known as the economic engine of the Permian Basin oil industry and the “Tall City” because of its high-rise skyline visible across West Texas.
What is Midland Texas nickname?
Midland’s primary nickname is the “Tall City”, reflecting its skyline of downtown skyscrapers visible for miles.
The city’s motto “The Sky’s the Limit” dates back to the 1950s and got a boost from former President George W. Bush, who spent part of his childhood here. You’ll notice the contrast right away—those towering buildings rise up from the flat West Texas plains like something out of a sci-fi movie.
What is the main industry in Midland Texas?
The oil and gas industry is the main industry in Midland, supporting over 40% of local jobs and driving much of the regional economy.
Other key players include aerospace manufacturing, health care, logistics, ranching, and agriculture. Big names like Apache Corporation, Chevron, Concho Resources, and Diamondback Energy call Midland home. The city’s fortunes rise and fall with the Permian Basin’s drilling activity and global oil prices—when crude is high, Midland thrives.
Is Midland Texas a good place to live?
Midland ranks as the 2nd Best Place to Live in Texas, according to a 2026 Movoto Real Estate analysis of amenities, schools, safety, and economic opportunity.
Locals love the strong job market, cultural spots like the Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center, and quick access to outdoor adventures in the Davis Mountains. That said, the energy boom brings a fast-moving crowd, so it’s not the sleepiest town around.
Is Midland Texas rich?
Midland is the second-richest city in the United States, with per capita personal income exceeding $100,000 as of 2025 Bureau of Economic Analysis data.
The wealth comes straight from the Permian Basin’s oil riches. In per-capita terms, Midland beats out places like San Francisco, San Jose, and Washington, D.C. Just keep in mind that not everyone shares in the bounty—many service workers earn far less.
What are the most common companies in Midland TX?
Major employers in Midland include Apache Corporation, Chevron, Diamondback Energy, Halliburton Energy Services, and Concho Resources.
Other big names are Baker Hughes, Anthem Oil & Gas, Hilliard, and Leo Labs, which runs a space-tracking radar facility. These companies keep the local economy humming, supporting most of the region’s payrolls.
How is the economy in Midland TX?
Midland’s economy reflects the cyclical nature of oil and gas, with a 7.4% unemployment rate in 2026 versus a 6.0% national rate.
| Economy | Midland, Texas | United States |
|---|
| Unemployment Rate | 7.4% | 6.0% |
| Recent Job Growth | -13.6% | -6.2% |
| Future Job Growth (forecast) | 48.3% | 33.5% |
| Sales Tax Rate | 8.0% | 6.2% |
Future growth is expected to hit 48.3%, mostly thanks to continued Permian Basin drilling and new infrastructure. The 8.0% sales tax helps fund local services but also nudges up living costs.
Is Midland Texas expensive to live in?
Midland has a cost of living index of 97.7 (U.S. average = 100), making it slightly more affordable than the national average for housing, groceries, and utilities.
Housing prices have climbed alongside energy-sector wages, but groceries and transportation stay cheaper than most U.S. cities. High earners stretch their dollars far, while fixed-income residents feel the pinch. For the latest numbers, check Zillow or Realtor.com listings.
What do you call people from Midland?
People from Midland are called Midlanders.
Founded in 1881 as a railroad stop, Midland also happens to be the hometown of former First Lady Laura Bush. It’s the childhood home of two U.S. presidents—George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush—so some locals call it “George’s Hometown.”
Is Midland Texas Safe?
Midland’s overall crime rate ranks in the bottom 30% of U.S. cities, with a 1 in 44 chance of becoming a victim of violent or property crime.
Compared to Texas cities of all sizes, Midland’s crime rate is higher than about 75% of them, mostly due to property crimes like burglary and car theft. Violent crime is rare. Many residents rely on neighborhood watch programs and home security systems to stay safe.
What is the coldest month in Midland Texas?
January is Midland’s coldest month, with average overnight lows of 29.6 °F and daytime highs near 57 °F.
Frost and the occasional ice storm can snarl traffic, but heavy snow? That’s a once-in-a-decade event. Daylight is scarce this time of year—sunrise creeps in around 7:45 a.m., and sunset arrives close to 6:00 p.m.
How cold does it get in Midland Texas?
Winter temperatures in Midland typically range from 34 °F to 57 °F, with rare dips below 23 °F.
When a cold snap hits, wind chills can drop into the teens, and local governments sometimes open warming centers. Most homes are well-insulated for these brief cold spells, but locals still reach for extra layers.
Does Midland TX get tornadoes?
Midland’s tornado risk is significantly lower than the Texas state average and below the national average.
Severe thunderstorms can spin up tornadoes between April and June, but Midland sees fewer of them than North or Central Texas. The city sits on the southwestern edge of “Tornado Alley,” and newer buildings follow strict codes with reinforced roofs and storm shelters.
Why is Midland so rich?
Midland’s wealth comes from its position at the center of the Permian Basin, the largest U.S. oil-producing region with one-quarter of national crude reserves.
The basin stretches across 86,000 square miles in West Texas and southeastern New Mexico. Midland acts as the regional hub for energy firms, law offices, and financial services, creating a ripple effect that boosts local income and tax revenue.
How much is Autry Stephens worth?
As of 2026, Autry Stephens has an estimated net worth of $1 billion, according to Forbes.
Stephens made his fortune at Endeavor Energy Resources, one of the Permian Basin’s biggest independent oil producers. He’s also known for his generosity, focusing on education and healthcare projects across West Texas.
Who are the largest producers in the Permian Basin?
The largest crude oil producers in the Permian Basin include Pioneer Natural Resources, Occidental Petroleum, XTO Energy (Exxon Mobil), and Chevron.
Top natural gas producers are Diamondback Energy, Cimarex Energy, Apache Corporation, and EOG Resources. These giants operate thousands of wells and employ tens of thousands of workers, making them the backbone of Midland’s economy.
Edited and fact-checked by the MeridianFacts editorial team.
