Texas Leads Nation in Corporate Growth Activity in 2026, Report Finds

PLANO, Texas (TXAN 24) — Texas is leading the nation in major corporate growth activity in 2026, according to a new report from moveBuddha analyzing corporate relocations, headquarters moves, expansions and investment announcements across the United States.

The report found Texas recorded 18 major corporate growth projects, twice as many as any other state. Analysts say the state’s combination of a business-friendly environment, workforce availability and tax incentives continues to attract companies across multiple industries.

One of the year’s largest headquarters relocations is Samsung’s move from New Jersey to Plano, bringing approximately 1,000 jobs to North Texas.

The report also found California ranked second nationally in announced jobs with 6,330 positions tied to major corporate projects, while Mississippi led the country in total announced investment with more than $45.5 billion across nine projects. Utah also ranked among the top states for both jobs and investment, driven largely by artificial intelligence infrastructure developments.

Researchers noted that California has lost seven corporate headquarters to seven different states in 2026, reflecting continued shifts in where businesses choose to establish operations.

According to the report, investments in AI infrastructure, data centers and advanced manufacturing are becoming the primary drivers of corporate expansion nationwide, with states offering affordable land, skilled labor and favorable business climates seeing the strongest growth.

The findings are based on moveBuddha’s analysis of publicly announced corporate relocations, headquarters moves, expansions and investment projects across the United States during 2026.