Rockwall County ranks first in Texas for economic opportunities available to women, according to a new statewide index released by the Texas Women's Foundation.
The Texas Women's Economic Opportunity Index, developed in partnership with Every Texan, scored 252 counties on a scale of 1 to 100, the Rockwall Herald-Banner reported. It uses 12 measures across four categories: work and economic security, health and well-being, child care and family, and education and workforce development, according to Local Profile. The index builds on more than a decade of the foundation's research.
Galveston and Denton counties rounded out the top three. Collin County ranked fourth.
Statewide gaps remain
The top spot does not erase barriers. Women across Texas continue to face challenges with affordable childcare, maternity care and equal pay, the Herald-Banner reported.
Child care was the weakest category in most counties. Infant care costs consume an average of 22% of a working mother's earnings statewide, and only 33% of 3- and 4-year-olds are enrolled in public pre-K.
Texas women working full time, year-round earn 81 cents for every dollar earned by men. That figure is down from 83 cents in 2024, according to the index. Three in 10 Texas women ages 18 to 64 live below 200% of the federal poverty level.
The gap extends to leadership. Women ages 25 and older are more likely than men to hold a bachelor's degree or higher, at 35% compared with 33%. Yet women hold just 22% of management positions within professional occupations.
What comes next
Karen Hughes White, president and CEO of Texas Women's Foundation, said the index identifies where progress is being made and where targeted action is still needed, according to Local Profile.
The interactive tool lets residents compare their county with others across the state. It will be updated as new data becomes available.
