Rockwall County landed on Expansion Solutions Magazine's 2026 Top 15 Counties list, a national designation the publication gives to communities showing strong economic momentum and business growth.

The Rockwall Economic Development Corporation (REDC) announced the selection on Friday, Sept. 11. The 15 counties are presented as a group without individual rankings, according to a separate report on the award. Expansion Solutions connects corporate decision-makers and site selectors with communities seeking investment.

The list is unranked.

REDC President Matt Wavering said, "This recognition is a testament to the vision, partnership, and commitment that define our community. Rockwall's success is driven by a shared focus on creating an environment where businesses can thrive, residents enjoy an exceptional quality of life, and strategic growth strengthens our community for years to come."

The award arrives during a stretch of visible development activity. In April 2025, the REDC joined a groundbreaking ceremony for IKEA Rockwall, a project the organization said would generate $60 million in annual taxable sales and add hundreds of jobs. In December 2023, the REDC cut the ribbon on Phase III of Rockwall Technology Park, opening 210 acres of shovel-ready land aimed at attracting manufacturers.

The REDC also celebrated more than 2,300 employees from 37 of Rockwall's primary employers at its annual Employee Appreciation Food Truck Event in June 2025.

Census figures back up the growth narrative. Rockwall County's population grew 5.18% from 2020 to 2026, ranking third among Texas counties, according to The Center Square, which cited U.S. Census Bureau Vintage 2025 data. Only Kaufman County at 6.93% and Liberty County at 5.39% grew faster.

That growth has also pushed up the cost of living. Rockwall is among the five most expensive counties in Texas by self-sufficient wage in 2026, alongside Collin, Denton, Kaufman and Travis counties, according to Texas 2036.

The full list of 15 counties and the magazine's detailed selection criteria were not publicly available as of Saturday, Sept. 12. No ceremony or follow-up event tied to the award has been announced.