Study: Tech and AI Set to Propel Collin County (Including Frisco) to Lead Tech Boom in Texas

A recent study forecasts that Collin County—which includes Frisco, McKinney, Plano, Allen, and Prosper—could see its real GDP grow to rival that of Missouri by 2050. Representing about 10% of Texas’s entire GDP, around 7% of its workforce, and roughly 6% of its population, this region is on track to become one of the nation's top economic engines.

Key Drivers of Growth:

AI & Technology: Artificial intelligence, automation, and data centers are boosting productivity and shaping the county's economic landscape. In Plano, the establishment of the 150,000-square-foot Resilience DFW data center underscores the city's commitment to supporting high-density, low-latency computing needs. This facility is expected to enhance the region's digital infrastructure and attract further tech investments.

Population Boom: Cities like Frisco and McKinney have seen explosive growth. Frisco's population has surged from around 34,000 to nearly 243,000 over 25 years, while McKinney has grown from about 54,000 to over 220,000 in just five years. This rapid expansion fuels demand for technological advancements and infrastructure development.

Corporate Presence: Plano hosts major headquarters and facilities—such as Hewlett Packard Enterprise, JPMorgan Chase, and Toyota North America—drawing talent and investment. Additionally, Delta Electronics plans to expand its existing facility in Plano to 1.5 million square feet, marking the largest manufacturing project in the city's history. This expansion is expected to employ over 1,500 Texans, further solidifying the region's status as a tech hub.

Infrastructure & Workforce: Investments in airport development, education, training programs, and data-center-ready facilities support long-term growth. Collin College is set to offer a new Bachelor of Applied Technology in Software Development starting in Fall 2025, providing students with hands-on experience in real-world software development practices. This initiative aims to equip the local workforce with the skills needed to thrive in the evolving tech landscape.

Experts believe even modest increases in tech employment within the region will translate into significant gains in GDP. Survey data shows the share of Texas companies using generative AI surged from around one-fifth in spring 2024 to more than one-third by mid-2025—highlighting the growing role of AI across industries.

As Collin County continues to grow its skilled workforce and attract capital, it's poised not just to support Texas’s economic momentum—but to lead it. By mid-century, it may stand on equal footing with entire states in terms of economic output and influence.