Like they say about Texas, everything is Big. And Harris County is no exception. Encompassing a whopping 1,788 square miles, Harris is the third largest county in the United States. It is also the most populous county in the state of Texas, and has the third largest Hispanic population in the nation. Both its county seat and metropolitan heart is Houston, providing Harris County residents with an incredible variety of shopping, dining and entertainment options.

Within its expansive borders, Harris County supports a population of over 3,600,000 residents. Nearly a quarter of them are employed in either manufacturing or the retail trade. Professional services, the sciences and technology represent a significant portion of the economy here. Finance and the wholesale trade round out the top employment sectors in the region.

A major component to the strength and success of the area's economy is the Harris County Community and Economic Development Department. This group works at every level to sustain and heighten quality of life in Harris County. The CEDD has been responsible for expanding the area's affordable housing programs, including helping first time home buyers with down payment assistance. They also work to create safe streets and neighborhoods, and implementing infrastructure improvements.

Harris County's metropolitan city of Houston is known as "Space City U.S.A." for its role in the nation's space program. At the Johnson Space Center, NASA employees monitor and control all of the United States' space flights. Houston is also a hub for the energy industry in this country, and a major research center. Here you will also find the Texas Medical Center, the largest medical complex in the world. The TMC is perhaps best known for its leading research in heart disease and cancer.

Houston also maintains a thriving arts and culture scene. It is one of only a few cities in the country to support a permanent opera, theater, symphony and ballet. In fact, the Houston Grand Opera is the only opera company in the nation to have won a Tony Award, two Grammys and two Emmy Awards. The city is also home to several outstanding professional sports teams. The NBA Houston Rockets, NFL Texans, and MLB Astros are all perennial favorites. Houston's AHL team, the Aeros, have brought the Calder Cup home to its fans, and the WNBA Comets have some of the most recognized names in women's basketball, led by Sheryl Swoopes.

Within Harris County itself, you will find 41 distinct towns and cities, ranging from comfortable suburbs to exclusive enclaves. The area maintains excellent public schools for school aged children. Within the county, there are ten major colleges and universities, thirty six museums, and the beautiful Gulf of Mexico less than an hour's drive away.

By sheer size and population, Harris County dominates the southeastern section of Texas. Thanks to the volume and diversity of employment opportunities, affordable cost of living, and all around friendly people, Harris County is one of the fastest growing regions in the country. Whether you choose to live in a peaceful suburb or in the heart of a thriving city center, this area has something for everyone.