Jim Wells County Courthouse in Alice, Texas
Growth without a population boom
For years, Jim Wells County faced the same struggles as much of rural South Texas: declining population, aging infrastructure and difficulty attracting new investment. But in recent years, residents have noticed something different — new businesses opening, new projects underway and renewed activity across the county.
Jim Wells County’s story is closely tied to the growth happening around it. Located near Corpus Christi and the broader Coastal Bend region, the county has been positioned to capture some of the investment, workers and economic activity flowing through South Texas. As Corpus Christi continues to expand its port and tourism operations, surrounding communities hope to keep benefiting from the growth.
Federal dollars fuel local projects
Much of the current momentum traces back to federal funding secured after the COVID-19 pandemic. Under County Judge Pete Treviño Jr., Jim Wells County was approved for American Rescue Plan Act funding, which helped finance infrastructure and community projects credited with slowing population loss and drawing new business interest.
In addition to the COVID-19 era grants, the county also received funding for additional projects throughout the county. Local officials recently announced the USDA Rural Business Development Grant to launch the Jim Wells County Nexus Center for Innovation and Growth, a project that will convert a county-owned building in downtown Alice into a workforce training and business development center.
Rancho Alegre, a historically underserved community in Jim Wells County, was recently designated as the site of a new $10 million infrastructure and drainage project that will “improve drainage, reduce flooding, and help build a stronger, safer, and more resilient community,” according to County Judge Treviño. This project was created through a multi-agency partnership between the Texas General Land Office (GLO), Jim Wells County, and Jim Wells County Pct. 1 Commissioner George Aguilar’s office.
Signs of economic momentum
Employment data reflects the slow but steady economic growth. Jim Wells County had nearly 12,800 jobs located within the county in 2023. By 2026, roughly 14,700 county residents were employed, a different measure, but one that points in the same direction: more economic activity even as overall population growth stays flat. Although this data doesn’t include how many workers are underemployed or stopped searching altogether, it is still a trend in a positive direction.
Locally owned businesses continue to have a strong presence in Jim Wells County communities. In Downtown Alice for example, an overwhelming majority of shops are owned by local community members, not corporations. These businesses have managed to survive a wider economic downturn, speaking to the resiliency of their workers and owners, as well as the commitment from Jim Wells County residents to shop local when possible.
A wave of new investment
National chains including Starbucks, 7 Brew, Wendy’s and Chick-fil-A have all opened locations in Jim Wells County in recent years, which residents say represents a wave of investment they haven’t seen in a long time. Although the new chains have added service-sector jobs to the county, local officials say programs like the Nexus Center are aimed at building higher-skill opportunities beyond retail and fast food, which are important for promoting long-term growth.
Building a community people want to be in
Jim Wells County is also seeing renewed investment in local sports and community infrastructure. Alice voters recently approved a bond to fund the new Alice Memorial Stadium, now nearing completion after more than a year of construction. In its pitch to voters, Alice Independent School District said the facility is capable of drawing visitors to the county for regional athletic and band events, generating additional economic activity beyond traditional school year events.
Reopened in 2020 during Cynthia Carrasco’s tenure as Alice mayor, the Alice Natatorium & Waterpark represents a broader approach to community development in Jim Wells County. While not a traditional business, the facility serves as a community asset by supporting local events, partnerships and recreational programs that benefit residents, schools and organizations throughout the area. The facility operates through its own Multi-Use Complex Fund, with additional city support included in recent budgets, showcasing how public funds can be used to create long-term community value.
Investments like the stadium and natatorium also contribute to quality of life, making the community more attractive to families, workers and potential employers. If Alice and Jim Wells County more broadly can find more ways to attract people to the area and make it an enjoyable place to live, it can continue to grow with the right vision.
The road ahead
Jim Wells County will likely face challenges in the years ahead as communities across the country continue to navigate economic uncertainty, rising costs and the changing demands of a modern economy. But history has shown that the people of Jim Wells County are resilient, adapting and persevering through difficult times time and time again.
The path forward will require thoughtful leadership, bold decision-making and a commitment to building on the progress already made. As the county enters its next chapter, residents will once again have the opportunity to decide who they believe is best equipped to lead Jim Wells County into the future.
