The Dallas Fort Worth area is becoming a key player in the life sciences sector.
The Dallas-Fort Worth area is rapidly becoming a leader in the life sciences sector, driven by a growing population, skilled workforce, and strong economic incentives. With a projected growth rate of 7.5% over the next five years, the region presents a flourishing environment for biopharmaceutical and medtech companies. Key developments include significant economic incentives, robust educational institutions, and infrastructure improvements, positioning the Dallas-Fort Worth area as an attractive destination for investments in life sciences.
The Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metropolitan area is rapidly establishing itself as a frontrunner in the life sciences sector, thanks to its robust population, impressive talent pool, and strong economic incentives. This region, home to nearly 8.2 million residents, is projected to experience a growth rate of 7.5% over the next five years—much higher than the national average of 1.9%—indicating a fertile environment for life sciences development.
Nearly 39% of residents are aged between 18 and 44, making the area particularly attractive for life sciences companies targeting a younger workforce. The median age in the region is 36 years, with only 13% of the population aged 65 and older. Approximately 2% of the local labor force is employed in biopharmaceutical R&D, manufacturing, and medtech roles, reflecting the sector’s growing importance in the economy.
In terms of educational qualifications, over 40% of Dallas residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, surpassing the national average of 37%. The area features 17 colleges and universities that offer degrees in biological and biomedical sciences, including the University of Texas at Dallas, which is the largest institution in this field. During the 2022-2023 academic year, Dallas was ranked 11th nationally for degrees awarded in biological and biomedical sciences.
Over the past five years, Dallas has attracted more than 250 economic incentive deals, averaging $3.7 million per deal or $20,700 per new job. These incentives are largely driven by the Texas Enterprise Fund, which provides cash grants based on factors like average wage and capital investments. Furthermore, the Texas Enterprise Zone Program offers sales and use tax refunds for private investments in economically distressed areas.
In 2024 alone, Dallas-based companies received over $221 million in venture capital, public investment, and grants and were ranked 26th in life sciences venture capital funding and 19th for National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding among 387 U.S. metros. Major companies, including Johnson & Johnson, AstraZeneca, Abbott, and McKesson, maintain significant operations in the Dallas area, contributing to its robust life sciences ecosystem.
The Dallas-Fort Worth region has also elevated its status as a logistics hub for life sciences, boasting the second-largest cold chain storage capacity in the U.S. Additionally, the Dallas-Ft. Worth International Airport provides direct flights to major pharmaceutical hubs around the world, enhancing the area’s attractiveness for life sciences businesses looking to expand.
One notable development within the area is Koya Medical, a medical device company focused on vascular health, which has recently relocated its headquarters to Dallas. The company’s new facility spans 35,000 square feet and is projected to create between 300 to 400 jobs, tapping into the local talent pool.
Despite this promising growth, there remains a notable gap in mid-sized lab space for life sciences companies in the region. This shortfall could impede future innovation and growth within the sector. The Dallas Regional Chamber is actively working to promote the life sciences ecosystem and adapt to the evolving needs of growing companies. To support mid-stage life sciences firms, there is a critical demand for flexible leasing options and adaptable lab facilities.
As the Dallas-Fort Worth area continues to develop its life sciences sector, the blend of a young, educated population, competitive cost of living, and supportive economic framework positions it as a compelling destination for biotechnology and medical technology companies alike. With ongoing efforts to fill the existing infrastructure gaps and attract further investments, the region stands poised for sustained growth in the life sciences industry.
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