Houston Metropolitan Area Guide, Meaning , Facts, Information and Description
The Houston Metropolitan Area consists of eight counties in Texas. The Houston-Galveston-Brazoria CMSA has approximately 4,669,571 people. It covers an area slightly smaller than Massachusetts but slightly larger than New Jersey. 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
Suburbs with more than 100,000 inhabitants
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.