Midland is experiencing significant growth in its retail sector, moving beyond its traditional focus on the energy industry. The city’s higher-than-average median household income of $91,309 provides a strong consumer base for retailers and restaurants, supporting continued expansion.
Currently, Midland’s retail industry accounts for 6,988 jobs across 729 businesses, including both local and national brands. Over the past year, sales tax collections have increased by 7.13%, with the Midland Development Corporation receiving $1.43 million from a total of $5.74 million in revenue. This growth is driven by nearly half a million people living within a 60-mile radius who rely on Midland as their main shopping destination.
A major development is the Midland City Council’s approval of what will be the largest Costco in Texas. The new 160,000-square-foot store represents a $50 million investment and will anchor further retail development along State Highways 191 and 158. This project is expected to bring additional businesses such as restaurants and entertainment venues to the area.
Other ongoing projects include expansions at Summit Center with new national tenants and enhancements at Zoo Midland and The Preserve, which are adding retail-adjacent experiences aimed at boosting tourism and family activities.
Data indicates that about 45 percent of shoppers in Midland come from outside the city limits, with visitors traveling from West Texas and Southeastern New Mexico for access to retailers not available in their home areas. Developments like Costco are expected to strengthen this regional draw.
Investments in community infrastructure—such as upgrades to Hogan Park and Beal Park, new athletic complexes, and expanded downtown events—are also contributing to increased visitor traffic for local businesses. Projects like the Omni Midland Hotel and Thomas Building renovation aim to extend visitor stays and support downtown commerce.
According to the Midland Development Corporation, “Midland’s retail market is not a temporary boom. It is a structural shift supported by high disposable income, infrastructure readiness, and coordinated city planning.” The organization encourages developers and entrepreneurs interested in West Texas’s consumer market to explore opportunities through its demographic information resources.