Collin County has earned a top‑four spot in the latest Texas Women’s Economic Opportunity Index, a study released Oct. 27 by the Texas Women’s Foundation in partnership with Every Texan. Out of 252 counties, Collin placed fourth, reflecting strong scores in work and economic security, health and well‑being, childcare and family, and workforce development and education.
What the index measures
The interactive index uses 12 measures across four categories to gauge the conditions that affect women’s economic prospects. Each county receives a score from 1 to 100, allowing residents, policymakers and community groups to compare opportunities and barriers across the state.
Collin County’s strengths
Collin’s high ranking is driven by solid performance in work and economic security and in workforce development and education. Women in the county benefit from relatively high employment rates and access to higher‑education institutions, which help close the gap between educational attainment and earnings.
Statewide challenges highlighted
While Collin County shines, the report underscores several issues that affect women throughout Texas. Childcare emerged as the weakest category in most counties; seven of the ten largest counties rank in the bottom half statewide. Infant‑care costs still consume about 22% of a working mother’s earnings, and only roughly one‑third of Texas 3‑ and 4‑year‑olds are enrolled in public pre‑K programs.
Access to maternity care also remains limited. The study found that 63% of Texas counties are classified as maternity‑care deserts or have low access to such services. Moreover, 36% of Texas women who gave birth in 2024 did not receive prenatal care during their first trimester.
Economic disparities persist
Despite women’s educational gains, earnings gaps endure. Texas women working full‑time earn 81 cents for every dollar earned by men, down from 83 cents in 2024. Women own 42% of privately held businesses in the state, yet those businesses generate just 14% of total revenue, indicating under‑representation in high‑growth sectors and leadership roles.
Foundation’s recommendations
Karen Hughes White, president and CEO of the Texas Women’s Foundation, called the findings “consistent” over more than a decade of reporting on women’s economic security. She urged policymakers and community leaders to expand affordable childcare, strengthen paid‑leave policies, improve health‑care access and increase educational and workforce‑development opportunities.
“As the state with the nation’s strongest economy, Texas has the potential to make economic opportunity accessible to women and their families,” White said.
How residents can explore the data
Collin County residents can view the county’s ranking and compare it with other Texas counties through the Texas Women’s Economic Opportunity Index website. The index will be updated as new data become available, providing an ongoing tool for tracking progress and identifying areas in need of improvement.
Original reporting: Plano Magazine — read the source article.
