Sugar Land, Texas is a city located within the Houston–The Woodlands–Sugar Land metropolitan area. It has a population of 117,868 as of the 2020 census, making it one of the largest and fastest growing cities in the state of Texas.
History
The city of Sugar Land has an interesting history rooted in the sugar industry. In 1853, Samuel M. Williams established a sugar plantation and built a sugar mill and refinery named Sugarland Industries. This company was later acquired by Imperial Sugar Company in 1908. For many decades, Sugar Land was home to a booming sugar industry and the company town around the mill housed factory workers and their families.
After the decline of sugar production in the region, Sugar Land transitioned to become a more diversified city. It incorporated as a municipality in 1959 and much of the old sugar cane land was redeveloped into master-planned communities like First Colony and Greatwood.
Population Growth
Over the past several decades, Sugar Land has experienced explosive population growth. In 1970, the population was just over 3,000. By 2000 it had grown to 63,328 and the latest census estimate for 2020 puts the population at 117,868.
This phenomenal growth, over a 380% increase from 2000 to 2020, can be attributed to several factors. The proximity to the major economic center of Houston makes Sugar Land an attractive suburb. High-tech industries and major employers have moved into the region, bringing new residents. And Sugar Land consistently ranks highly in surveys of best places to live thanks to its family-friendly amenities, low crime rate, good schools, parks, and more.
Economy and Major Employers
While no longer focused solely on sugar production, Sugar Land has a strong and diverse economy. Many major companies have regional headquarters or major facilities in the city, including:
- Imperial Sugar Company – Sugar production and distribution
- Fluor Corporation – Engineering, construction, and maintenance
- Schlumberger – Oil and gas services
- United Space Alliance – Aerospace services
- Fort Bend ISD – Public school district
- Methodist Sugar Land Hospital – Major regional hospital
Other major employers include financial services, technology, and healthcare companies. Sugar Land continues to attract corporate relocations and benefits from its proximity to Houston.
Landmarks
Some of the most notable attractions and landmarks in Sugar Land include:
- Imperial Sugar Refinery – The historic sugar refinery around which the city originally developed.
- – Home stadium for the Sugar Land Skeeters minor league baseball team.
- Smart Financial Centre – State-of-the-art performing arts and concert venue.
- Houston Zoo’s Sugar Land Conservation Center – Animal hospital and rehabilitation facility.
- The Greatwood and New Territory communities – Planned neighborhoods with amenities.
Sports
The city’s local minor league baseball team is the Sugar Land Skeeters, who play at Constellation Field. The Skeeters are an independent baseball team and part of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball.
Many Sugar Land residents also support Houston’s professional sports teams like the Astros, Texans, Rockets, and Dynamo.
City Government
Sugar Land operates under a council-manager form of government. The city council consists of a mayor and four council members representing four districts. The current mayor is Joe Zimmerman.
Residents can get more information about city government and services on the city’s website.
Tourism
Popular tourist attractions in Sugar Land include:
- The Star at Sugar Land Shopping Center – Open air shopping, dining, and entertainment destination.
- Sugar Land Town Square – Mixed use town center with plaza, shopping, and entertainment.
- Houston Museum of Natural Science at Sugar Land – Branch of the Houston museum with exhibits on space, energy, and ancient Egypt.
- Sugar Land Memorial Park – 245-acre recreation area with walking trails, gardens, and recreation center.
The Sugar Land tourism department has more information on things to do for visitors on their website.
Community
Residents can connect with the community through social media groups like the city’s Facebook page. There are also many neighborhood groups and community organizations active in Sugar Land.