The Houston area already holds the title as the country’s third biggest metro hub for Fortune 500 headquarters, behind New York City and Chicago. Now, Houston can tout another HQ accolade: It’s in a fourth-place tie with Phoenix for the most corporate headquarters relocations from 2018 to 2024.
During that period, the Houston and Phoenix areas each attracted 31 corporate headquarters, according to new research from commercial real estate services company CBRE. CBRE’s list encompasses public announcements from companies across various sizes and industries about relocating their corporate headquarters within the U.S.
Of the markets included in CBRE’s study, Dallas ranked first for corporate relocations (100) from 2018 to 2024. It’s followed by Austin (81), Nashville (35), Houston and Phoenix (31 each), and Denver (23).
According to CBRE, reasons cited by companies for moving their headquarters include:
- Access to lower taxes
- Availability of tax incentives
- Proximity to key markets
- Ability to support hybrid work
“Corporations now view headquarters locations as strategic assets, allowing for adaptability and faster reaction to market changes,” said CBRE.
Among the high-profile companies that moved their headquarters to the Houston area from 2018 to 2024 are:
- Chevron
- ExxonMobil
- Hewlett-Packard Enterprise
- Murphy Oil
Many companies that have shifted their headquarters to the Houston area, such as Chevron, are in the energy sector.
“Chevron’s decision to relocate its headquarters underscores the compelling advantages that position Houston as the prime destination for leading energy companies today and for the future,” Steve Kean, president and CEO of the Greater Houston Partnership, said in 2024. “With deep roots in our region, Chevron is a key player in establishing Houston as a global energy leader. This move will further enhance those efforts.”
According to CBRE, California (particularly the San Francisco Bay and Los Angeles areas) lost the most corporate HQs in 2024, with 17 companies announcing relocations — 12 of them to Texas. Also last year, Texas gained nearly half of all state-to-state relocations.
In March, Site Selection magazine awarded Texas its 2024 Governor’s Cup, resulting in 13 consecutive wins for the state with the most corporate relocations and expansions.
CBRE explained that the trend of corporate HQ relocations reflects the desire of companies to seek new environments to support their goals and workforce needs.
“Ultimately, companies are seeking to establish themselves in locations with potential for long-term success and profitability,” CBRE said.
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This story originally appeared on our sister site, InnovationMap.
