houston metropolitan area

The Houston Metropolitan Area consists of eight counties in Texas.

The Houston-Galveston-Brazoria CMSA has approximately 4,669,571 people. The metro area is comprised of Harris County, where Houston is based, and all seven counties surrounding it.

Counties in Metro Area

List of Cities

Center Cities

Houston (Major airports: George Bush Intercontinental Airport, William P. Hobby Airport)
Galveston
Brazoria

Suburbs with more than 100,000 inhabitants

Pasadena

Suburbs with 10,000 to 100,000 inhabitants

Surburbs with less than 10,000 inhabitants

Description of Economic Activity

The area's economic activity is mostly in the Harris County seat, Houston, Texas. Houston is a major port and financial center for oil companies. Baytown and Galveston also have ports. Galveston also has a cruise ship terminal and is a recreational area for people in the region. Sugar Land holds the Imperial Sugar headquarters. The company's primary refinery was once located in the city, but was closed in 2002. Engineering firms and other related industries have managed to take the place as an economic engine. Texas' second largest airport, George Bush Intercontinental Airport, is located in the north area of the city of Houston. Continental Airlines is headquartered in downtown Houston. The south of Houston has William P. Hobby Airport.