The largest industry employment is in state and local government, due in part to the location of three Texas Department of Criminal Justice Units located in the county. Also, oil and gas, agriculture in the forms of livestock, pecans, shrimp, wine production, cotton and wind turbines, wholesale and retail trade make significant contributions to the economy.

The 2000 census for Pecos County lists 16,809 residents in the county. This shows a slight increase in population since the 1996 census.

Texas Cooperative Extension plays a vital role in Pecos County. We provide practical information and education to help people make their lives better and to help our communities and neighborhoods address their problems. Extension education programs promote economic development, environmental stewardship, family health and well-being, youth development, and better understanding of agriculture. The Texas Community Futures Forum, a state-wide needs assessment, was sponsored by Texas Cooperative Extension and the following issues were identified as most important in Pecos County:

• Education
• Agriculture
• Water
• Economic Development
• Health Care