Our Demographics
Decatur is growing, a trend consistent with the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex and its surrounding communities. This growth is expected to continue, creating an increased need for a skilled, educated workforce to support the demand for jobs and business.
Decatur has a higher female population, surpassing the US average with 19.8 percent more females than males.
Gender Distribution
Female: 59.9%
Male: 40.1%
Commute
The average commute time in Decatur is 25.4 minutes, lower than the Fort Worth and Dallas commute times of 27.1 and 26.9.
33.6
Median Age
At 33.6 years of age, Decatur’s median age is relatively low compared to the US average of 38.1.
Educational Attainment
With proximity to the DFW Metroplex and a large range of educational institutions, Decatur’s residents have access to an abundance of educational opportunities, creating a strong workforce that is trained and educated. 13.8% of Wise County residents possess a Bachelor’s Degree and 8.3% hold an Associate’s Degree. Talent hails from a variety of backgrounds and education levels, including graduate, associate, bachelors, graduate, and doctorate degrees and workforce degrees and certificate programs. (Emsi PDF, Wise County)Racial and Ethnic Distribution
Residents of Decatur come from a variety of backgrounds, creating an inclusive community that welcomes diversity.
64.3%: White, Non- Hispanic or Latino
30.0%: Hispanic or Latino
2.9%: Black or African American
.3%: American Indian and Alaska Native
1.2%: Asian
1.8%: Two or more Races
0%: Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander
71K
2020 Population
Population growth of 8,271 over the last 5 years, a 13.2% increase, with projected growth of 8,101, an 11.4% increase, over the next 5 years
23.6K
Total Regional Employment
Jobs decreased by 735 over the last 5 years but are projected to grow by 1,644 over the next 5 years.
$64.5K
Median household income (2019)
Wise County median household income is $1.7K above the national median household income of $62,800.
Workforce Strong
Decatur is strategically positioned less than an hour from the DFW metroplex, providing access to a diverse and robust labor pool and educated talent from across the area and the state. The area's workforce is ever growing and strongly supported by partnerships with local education institutions that provide the venue, programming, and training for students to earn degrees and certifications that directly support Decatur business and industry.
Small business thrives in Decatur—82.2% of companies in Wise County have less than 20 employees, and 96.4 percent have less than 50.
Wise County Employment by Industry
As of the 3rd quarter of 2021, the largest industries in Wise County include Government, Retail Trade, Construction, Health Care and Social Assistance, and Manufacturing, all which are above the national average with the exception of Healthcare. Top growing industries include Government, Construction, Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services, and Retail Trade.
4,016 Employers in Wise County (2021)
Decatur and Wise County have the resources and infrastructure to support larger companies as well. There are more than 4,000 companies that employ workers in Wise County, the largest being Wise Regional Health System. Other major employers in the county include Devon Energy Corporation, and Dollar General Corporation… (these were pulled from the provided EMSI PDF - do we have any Decatur specifics to mention)
North Central Workforce Development Area
Decatur is part of the North Central Workforce Development Area, a region comprised of 14-counties surrounding the DFW metro. Of the area’s population, 45,011 of these residents are employable.
Top Employment by industry (North Central Workforce Development Area
22.0% Educational and Health Services
20.3% Trade, Transportation, and Utilities
15.4% Professional and Business Services
12.0% Leisure and Hospitality
8.1% Financial Activities