Odessa, Texas offers some of the lowest property tax rates in the country. Ad valorem (according to the value) property taxes are paid to the city, county, local school district, hospital district and junior college district. Following is the tax rate set by each taxing entity.
TAX RATE
City of Odessa
$0.52275/100 percent
Ector County
$0.3580/100 percent
Farm to Market
$0.000/100 percent
School District
$1.13500/100 percent
Junior College
$0.1625/100 percent
Hospital District
$.05840/100 percent
Utility District
$0.121158/100 percent
(west Odessa outside city limits using city water)
Total (excluding ECUD)
$2.23665/100 percent
Texas gasoline Tax Rate $0.20 per gallon
RETAIL SALES TAX RATE
City of Odessa
1.00%
City-Economic Development
0.25%
Hospital District/County
0.75%
State of Texas
6.25%
TOTAL
8.25%
Employment / Unemployment
Average Hourly Wage Rates
Occupation Title
Average Starting Wage
Assembler A-Mechanical
14.70
Assembler B-Mechanical
11.25
Drill Press
12.41
Grinder-Polisher
12.00
Layout Man
15.00
Machine Operator General
14.21
Machine Operator (Numerically)
17.62
Machinist, Production
16.75
Machinist, First Class (A)
17.82
Machinist, Trainee
10.45
Painter
13.29
Welder A
17.37
Welder B
13.58
Inspector Grade One\ Quality Control (A)
16.75
Cost Esitmator
27.79
Shipping and Receiving
13.41
Truck Driver, Heavy & Tractor-Trailer
15.50
Instrument Fitter (A)
15.50
Executive Directors
19.97
Sales Representatives
37.25
Unemployment Rate:
7.8%
Transportation
Location From Major Cities
El Paso
274
Dallas
347
Austin
334
Amarillo
255
San Antonio
336
Houston
494
Fortunately, Odessa is big enough to demand superior roadway and railway systems, yet small enough to get around in quickly. The multi-lanes of Interstate 20, State Highway 385 and the John Ben Shepperd Parkway provide quick access to industrial, commercial and residential areas in central and east Odessa. The location of the Union Pacific Railroad switch station and a proposed spur that will run throughout the Parkway Industrial Park complex makes shipping raw materials and finished goods in and out of town a breeze.
With the progress of La Entrada al Pacifico-the US 385 Texas-Western Mexico Trade Route, Odessa has become the center for commerce in West Texas. In fact all roads through West Texas have led to Odessa for a long time.
Odessa, Texas — The Center for Commerce in West Texas Odessa, Texas is located halfway between Dallas/Fort Worth and El Paso in the heart of West Texas. Odessa is big enough to demand superior roadway and railway systems yet small enough to get around quickly. The location of the Union Pacific Railroad switch station and a proposed spur that will run throughout the Odessa Business Park complex makes shipping raw materials and finished goods in and out of town a breeze. Odessa also offers the quintuple Freeport Exemption for all taxing entities on goods in transit.
Family Dollar Stores, Inc. opened their seventh distribution center in Odessa to serve their stores in Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and Colorado. They employ over 380 people in the 907,000 square foot Odessa distribution center. Located in the Odessa Business Park, it is ideally situated for easy access on and off Interstate 20 and within minutes of a transportation system that provides access to more than half the U.S. in one day. Zoned for light industrial use, this property is suitable for manufacturing, warehousing or distribution service centers. The park is sectioned into platted tracts ranging in size from three acres to 8.48 acres available for lease, sale or build-to-suit, and free land is also available. Located in the South Odessa Enterprise Zone, the property is bound by Interstate 20, U.S. Highway 80 and the Union Pacific Railroad switch station, and an international airport is only 10 minutes away.
Industrial / Business Development Sites Available
Name
Acreage
Ameripol Synpol
242
Flint Hills
818
Gibson's
6.56
Quality of Life
Public Parks
34
Public Swimming Pools
4
Public Tennis Courts
11
Football / Soccer / Baseball Fields
4
Golf Courses
4
Cinemas
2 (23 screens)
Public Libraries
1
Theatres
The Permian Playhouse
Symphonies
Midland Odessa Symphony
Museums / Galleries
4
Churches
144
Major Events / Festivals
Name of Event
Approx. Date of Event
Sandhills Stock Show & Rodeo
January
Midessa Boat, RV & Gun Show
February
West Texas Relays
March
Cinco de Mayo
May
Firecracker Fandango
July
Permian Basin Fair & Expo.
September
Shakespeare Festival/ Globe Theatre
September
Commemorative Air Force/ Air Show
October
Merry Marketplace
November
Community Services
Motels / Hotels
29
Bed & Breakfasts
1
- Total Number of Rooms
2,100
Banks
34
Major Daily Newspaper
1
Television Stations
7
Radio Stations
21
Local Telephone Services
29
Long Distance Services
3
Weekly Newspapers
1
Cable Television Channels
170
Civic Center / Auditorium
Ector County Coliseum
Ector County Coliseum-5,000 permanent seats. An additional 2,500 seats added to the floor for concerts, etc.
Healthcare Services
We can take good care of you here in Odessa. Healthcare is a primary focus for the future of this city. Centrally located in the Permian Basin, Odessa has grown to be the healthcare hub for the surrounding communities with state-of-the-art services and technology. There are more than 200 physicians representing a wide variety of specialties, including cardiovascular surgery, emergency care and comprehensive cancer care. In addition, there are more than 80 dentists in the community.
Three acute care hospitals, Medical Center Hospital and Odessa Regional Medical Center have a combined total of 592 licensed beds. The Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC) in Odessa is dedicated to improving the quality of health care, medical education and research in the Permian Basin. Besides several medical residency programs, TTUHSC also offers bachelors and doctorate degrees in many healthcare fields.
There are plenty of reasons to relocate your business in Odessa. Probably the most important are those that can positively affect your bottom line. Depending on your type of business, moving to Odessa means you could qualify for a variety of lucrative local and state incentive packages.
Come join the companies that have chosen Odessa, Texas for their business:
Family Dollar Stores, Inc. The Telvista Company Coca-Cola Navasota Energy Southwestern Bell Weatherford Artificial Lift Systems Desert Industrial X-Ray First American Home Warranty Texas Independent Energy Standard Structures Odessa Concrete Micro Information Services Athletic Supply Bear's Machine and Manufacturing, Inc. Falcon International MidCon Compressors
When it comes to water supply, we're underutilized. The Colorado River Municipal Water District supplies water for Odessa through plentiful well and reservoir sources. With a daily treatment capacity of 55,000,000 GPD and a daily pumping capacity of 65,000,000 GPD, the system is nowhere near working at full tilt. Plus, the overhead storage capacity is 6,300,000 gallons, with 24,700,000 gallons stored in the ground.
Moreover, the Industrial Wastewater Treatment Facility is one of only two in the state of Texas that has the capacity for handling 10 million gallons of industrial wastewater discharge with 6-7 million gallons per day excess capacity.
Texas Independent Energy is located in the Petrochemical Complex in Odessa and operates a 1,000 megawatt natural gas-fuels electric power generating plant. Quail Run Energy is constructing a 775 megawatt gas-fired power plant on Interstate 20. Phase One is complete, phase two under construction and phase three to be completed in 2008.
Sewer
Storm Sewer: 5% Coverage of City
Sanitary Sewer: 100% Coverage of City Treatment Plant: Activated Sludge
Solid Waste Disposal: Mechanical Collection System Industrial Waste Water Treatment Plant: 10,000,000 GPD
Service Voltage: 120/208, 120/240, 240/480, 277/480
Location
Located in the heart of the Permian Basin, Odessa is at the industrial and commercial crossroads of West Texas. It's halfway between Dallas/Fort Worth and El Paso. Odessa and our sister city Midland, located 18 miles due east, make up the hub of the Petroplex. The Petroplex produces a total of one-fourth of the entire nation's natural gas.
Average Elevation: 2,851 feet above sea level
City Area: 35.04 square miles
County Area: 903 square miles
Government
As the seat of Ector County, Odessa and its governing bodies are recognized for being "business-friendly." With a focus on tomorrow without forgetting our storied past, the city and county have worked side-by-side in putting a new face on the downtown area while preserving the historic look and feel that is Odessa–both in terms of newly constructed facilities and in planning for the future.
With extremely accessible governing officials, Odessa operates under a charter that provides for a Council-Manager form of government. The council consists of a mayor and five council members serving three-year staggered terms. The Council is responsible for the appointment of the city manager, municipal judges, city attorney, city secretary and boards and legislative policy making. The city manager serves as chief administrative officer of the city government.
CITY AND GOVERNMENT
City Government-City Council-City Manager System
County Government-County Judge-Commissioners Court
Police Personnel-228
Fire Personnel-166 Paid; 6-Volunteer Depts.
Climate
Just like the attitude of its citizenry, the climate in Odessa, Texas is cozy and mild. And low humidity makes for comfortable temperatures even during the warmer summer months.
Average Temperature Annual: 63.4 January 56, July 95
Odessa is one place where life imitates art. Together with many fine individuals here, the Odessa Council for the Arts and Humanities encourages, promotes and supports participation in the arts and humanities in Odessa and Ector County. Here are a few of the many cultural opportunities Odessa has to offer:
The Presidential Museum is a premier museum dedicated solely to the office of the President of the United States. Permanent exhibits include the Dishong collection of First Lady miniature dolls, campaign trivia, historical documents, and the John Ben Shepperd Library of the Presidents.
Elizabethan England comes to life during the Odessa Shakespeare Festival at The Globe of the Great Southwest, a recreation of Shakespeare's original Globe. The Globe also produces everything from Broadway musicals to country and Gospel revues throughout the year. In addition, the Anne Hathaway Cottage, a replica of the home William Shakespeare built for his true love, and the Shakespeare Library round out our tribute to this remarkable period of time and the Bard himself whose works remain timeless.
The Ellen Noël Museum of the Permian Basin is an independent art museum located on the campus of the University of Texas of the Permian Basin. The museum features rotating exhibits of historical and contemporary art, a permanent sculpture garden, and programs of art education for all ages.
Located within the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) headquarters at Midland International Airport, the American-Airpower Heritage Museum is recognized for its collection of authentic World War II artifacts, memorabilia and the world’s largest collection of original aviation nose art now housed in a new gallery. The museum boasts of 40,000 square feet of "hands-on" permanent exhibits that detail the story of World War II airpower.
The Permian Playhouse is the only community theatre in Texas that has competed and won the privilege to perform at the state Theatre Festival since 1983. It has enriched the lives of West Texas residents with music, dance, drama, suspense, tears and laughter for more than 40 years.
The Midland Odessa Symphony and Chorale is the premier orchestra in the Permian Basin. The symphony, chorale and its various ensembles perform with world-renowned guest artists and conductors in concerts that feature classical, pops and educational programming throughout the year. Resident ensembles include the Lone Star Brass, the strings of the West and the West Texas Winds.
Local Incentives
We want you here because your business is good business for Odessa. The Odessa Development Corporation (ODC) was authorized by the Development Corporation Act of Texas to collect sales tax economic development incentives. The ODC annually collects $4.5 million per year in revenues. The ODC incentives are based on the number of new jobs created, the annual payroll and the amount of your capital investment. Possible incentives include:
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Free land
Land, facilities and infrastructure improvement grants
Loan enhancement
Direct loans, including micro-business loan
Relocation and moving expense grants
Property tax incentives
Training
Recruiting and screening of employees
Education
We learned a long time ago how valuable a solid educational system can be to thriving communities. From Pre-K all the way through specialized graduate degree programs, Odessa is the head of its educational class.
Public Schools Total Enrollment: 27,144 Ector County Independent School District
Grades
Number of Schools
Enrollment
Early Eduction (3-4 years old)
3
696
Elementary (k-6)
26
15,450
Junior High School
6
5,821
High School (10-12) Career Center
3
5,177
Private/Parochial Schools:
Grades
Number of Schools
Enrollment
Private/Parochial (k-12 at selected schools)
6
549
Charter Schools:
Grades
Number of Schools
Enrollment
High School 9-12
1
186
Enrollment Figures: 2006-2007 School Year
College/Universities
Enrollment
Odessa College*
4,975
University of Texas Permian Basin*
3,480
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center*:
School of Nursing:
Undergraduate Students
45
Graduate Students
45
School Of Medicine:
Total Family Medicine, OB & GYN
79
School of Allied Health:
Physical Therapy Students
45
State Incentives
The Lone Star State shines on business, too. Businesses that locate in designated zones may be eligible for local and/or state benefits in the Texas Enterprise Zone Program. The Texas Department of Economic Development may grant state benefits if a business is awarded "Enterprise Project" status.
Example state benefits include:
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State sales tax refunds of taxes paid on machinery and equipment, building material, labor for the rehabilitation of existing buildings, and electricity and natural gas purchased for use in the Enterprise Zone.
Franchise Tax Reductions.
Priority status for other state administered programs.
Additionally, companies that locate in non-entitlement communities may receive funds to be used for needed infrastructure through the Texas Capital Fund Infrastructure Program.
Lastly, the Skills Development Fund is designed to help businesses apply for job training funds in partnership with local community colleges and technical schools to finance customized job training.
Worker Opportunity Tax Credits (WOTC).
Enterprise Zone
Odessa has Enterprise Zone status. Enterprise Zone benefits are comprised of the following: property tax abatements, local sales tax rebates, and development fee rebates to qualified businesses locating or expanding within the designated area. This Enterprise Zone incentive is available for both local and state resources.
The Texas Enterprise Zone Program is one of Texas' strongest economic development tools in attracting new and growing business ventures. Through the program, the Department of Commerce is committed to succeed in increasing investment and creation of jobs for Texans.
Established in Texas in 1987, the Enterprise Zone Program encourages the creation of permanent jobs to induce capital investment. Enterprise Zones constitute viable options to businesses looking to start-up, expand or locate a site. Businesses located in the designated enterprise zones can qualify for tax incentives and other economic program benefits (For more information or to see if your business qualifies, call Gary Vest at 1-877-363-3772.)
Freeport Exemption
Odessa is unique. The city now offers a quintuple Freeport Exemption from all taxing entities on goods in transit. Just one more reason that Odessa is the right place for your business.
This business incentive is designed to exempt some or all of a company’s inventory from property taxes. Businesses involved in the export of tangible property such as goods, wares, and merchandise may be eligible for the Freeport Exemption. For your business to be eligible, all property must be assembled, stored, manufactured or fabricated locally and then exported out of the state within 175 days.
Material Distribution & WarehouseJob Classifications
# of Employees
Highest Average Wage
Lowest Average Wage
Dispatch
17
$23.08
$9.00
Driver, Local-Combination
40
$14.13
$11.17
Driver, Light
6
$9.33
$8.57
Driver, Tractor Trailer
1
$12.10
$12.10
Fork Lift Operator
53
$12.33
$11.00
Material Handler
11
$13.32
$9.85
Stockkeeper
23
$18.10
$10.00
Warehouse Worker
115
$9.13
$8.70
Purchasing
4
$30.58
$20.77
Managers
1
$24.96
$24.96
Buildings & Ground Maintenance
# of Employees
Highest Average Wage
Lowest Average Wage
Grounds Person
2
$7.78
$7.25
Housekeeping
2
$9.00
$8.31
Janitor - Custodian
4
$10.33
$9.50
Laborer
3
$8.50
$8.00
Maintenance Worker
47
$15.77
$10.59
Medical Personnel
# of Employees
Highet Average Wage
Lowest Average Wage
Certified Operating Room Technician
13
$24.41
$16.02
Certified Respiratory Technician
26
$23.22
$14.86
Charge Nurse
58
$33.90
$18.00
Cook
15
$12.55
$8.10
Dietary Aide
53
$11.87
$7.25
Divisional Director
5
$53.96
$44.06
Food Service Supervisor
4
$13.72
$9.55
Histology Technician
4
$24.02
$12.85
House Supervisor
4
$45.00
$28.89
LVN
79
$27.97
$11.87
Medical Records Clerk
15
$11.53
$9.26
Medical Technician (ASCP)
21
$24.41
$15.00
Medical Lab, Technician (ASC)
5
$21.67
$20.88
MRI Technician
3
$23.62
$21.88
Nurses Aide
61
$13.00
$7.41
Occupational Therapist
4
$38.90
$34.13
Patient Account Representative
29
$14.55
$9.39
PBX Operator
12
$12.56
$8.76
Phlebotomist
21
$12.98
$8.34
Physical Therapist
8
$38.16
$26.63
Physical Therapist Assistant
9
$24.65
$16.50
Registered Dietician
7
$29.00
$19.50
Registered Pharmacist
14
$58.65
$54.08
RN, Staff
378
$40.14
$18.10
Service Coordinator
16
$31.79
$20.24
Speech & Language Therapist
4
$32.73
$24.02
Transcriptionist
2
$14.89
$13.52
Unit Clerk
30
$12.11
$8.09
X-Ray Technician (ARRT)
29
$29.77
$16.54
Administrative - Clerical - Secretarial
# of Employees
Highest Average Wage
Lowest Average Wage
Administrative Assistant
29
$17.41
$12 .94
Cashier, Office
3
$13.45
$10.33
Clerk, General Office
34
$15.21
$10.44
Clerk,Payables/ Receivables
3
$10.99
$9.80
Clerk, Payroll
4
$17.31
$9.75
Clerk, Senior
3
$15.68
$14.42
Clerk, Typist
2
$9.00
$9.00
File Clerk
3
$11.50
$11.00
Word Processing Clerk
2
$14.57
$12.29
PBX Operator
3
$15.75
$7.50
PBX Operator \ Receptionist
2
$12.50
$11.01
Purchasing Clerk
3
$19.86
$14.00
Insurance Clerk \ Personnel
18
15.97
$9.30
Office Manager
2
$19.54
$11.00
Receptionist
4
$11.59
$9.75
Secretary, Executive
5
$15.93
$13.38
Secretary, General
1
$8.51
$8.51
Shipping|Receiving Clerk
12
$14.97
$10.16
Computer Services
# of Employees
Highest Average Wage
Lowest Average Wage
Computer Operator, Senior
3
$25.93
$16.11
Keypunch Operator (A)
1
$13.11
$13.11
Keypunch Operator (B)
4
$10.10
$9.25
Systems Analyst \ Programmer
7
$27.37
$22.96
Finance
# of Employees
Highest Average Wage
Lowest Average Wage
Accountant
14
$24.52
$19.52
Accountant Clerk
4
$14.04
$9.23
Accountant Clerk-Bookkeeper
3
$15.68
$13.71
Bookkeeper
10
$17.36
$12.38
Branch Manager
1
$45.44
$30.39
Cashier
101
$21.61
$17.26
CEO
3
$48.95
$38.93
Clerk, Loan Payment
2
$14.14
$12.41
Clerk, New Accounts
2
$11.22
$10.68
Compliance Officer
1
$33.18
$33.18
Collector
1
$16.73
$16.73
Comptroller\Controller
3
$32.55
$15.00
Teller, General
6
$9.23
$8.66
Teller, Vault
2
$9.38
$8.68
Technical & Engineering
# of Employees
Highest Average Wage
Lowest Average Wage
Chemist
7
$32.21
$26.85
Drafting (A)
7
$27.32
$13.42
Electrical Engineer
1
$27.40
$27.40
Electronics Technician
5
$32.98
$30.14
Engineering Technician
22
$22.46
$13.50
Field Technician
4
$26.00
$16.00
Lab Technician
3
$27.69
$21.63
Mechanical Engineer
4
$48.36
$32.74
Operations Technician
4
$29.33
$29.33
Project Engineer \ BSME
26
$46.16
$38.76
Project Engineer \ BSCHE
3
$35.72
$26.44
Customer Service and Technical Support Centers
# of Employees
Highest Average Wage
Lowest Average Wage
Executive Level Managers
2
$43.28
$25.97
Retail Sales & Merchandising
# of Employees
Highest Average Wage
Lowest Average Wage
Department Manager
40
$22.02
$15.94
Inventory Control Clerk
20
$16.59
$7.90
Retail Sales President
1
$22.60
$22.60
Retail Sales, VP
1
$10.30
$10.30
Sales Clerk
35
$18.38
$12.55
Sales Representative
12
$23.61
$17.60
Sales Representative, Supervisor
1
$63.23
$ 24.03
Telephone Sales Representatives
296
$13.00
$8.25
Petrochemical Complex
We've got a lot of energy! The Energy Complex on Interstate 20 in south Odessa offers several unique resources required by heavy manufacturing industries:
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Oncor and gas 345 KV power station
Ample water supply
24-hour operated freight center operated by Union Pacific
In addition and adjacent to the Energy Complex are two power plants. PSEG and Navasota Energy, LLC. PSEG owns and operates Odessa Ector Power Partners power plant and it is a $300 million dollar, 1,000-megawatt natural gas-fueled electric power generating plant. Navasota Energy, LLC owns and operates Quail Run Energy Center's power plant and it is a $200 million dollar, 775-megawatt natural gas-fired power plant. These two power plants will ensure Odessa's electrical needs now and in the future.
Demographics
With a wonderful mix of native West Texans and those who couldn't get here fast enough, Odessa is becoming more culturally diverse every day. And it's doing so without losing its trademark southern charm and hospitality.
Odessa offers a unique blend of small and large town benefits. No matter where you go in and around the city, you'll find the friendly faces and inviting spirit Odessa is known for.
POPULATION
Odessa-Midland CSA - 244,000 Ector County - 131,842 City of Odessa - 96,948 Midland County -129,641 City of Midland - 102,691
ECTOR COUNTY POPULATION CHARACTERISTICS
Percent Change in Population 2000-2009- 8.9% Population Per Square Mile - 146 Median Age Male: 30.2 Female: 33.5
