Tyler

by The Linguist

Tyler is a city located in northeast Texas in Smith County. As of 2023, Tyler has an estimated population of around 110,000, making it the 16th largest city in Texas.

Population and Demographics

According to Wikipedia, Tyler’s population was estimated to be 110,158 as of 2021. The city has grown rapidly in recent decades, with the population nearly doubling since 1980. Tyler is now the largest city in East Texas.

Tyler has a diverse population in terms of race and ethnicity. Here is a breakdown of the city’s racial demographics according to recent census data:

  • White: 61.3%
  • Black or African American: 24.8%
  • Hispanic or Latino: 24.4%
  • Asian: 1.7%
  • Two or more races: 2.9%

The median age in Tyler is 33.8 years old. Over a quarter of the population is under age 18, and 13.5% of residents are over age 65.

Economy and Major Employers

Tyler has a diverse economy with industries including healthcare, manufacturing, financial services, technology and more. Some of the top employers in Tyler are:

Other major industries that contribute to Tyler’s economy include:

  • Healthcare – Two large hospital systems provide many healthcare jobs in Tyler.
  • Higher education – Tyler is home to the University of Texas at Tyler.
  • Manufacturing – Companies like Carrier, La-Z-Boy and Valmont have manufacturing plants in Tyler.
  • Oil and gas – As Tyler is located near the East Texas Oil Field, oil and gas exploration and production are economic drivers.
  • Retail – Tyler has many national retail chains, outlet malls and restaurants.

Tyler’s central location and transportation access, educated workforce, low business costs and quality of life make it attractive for business. The city has seen strong job growth and economic expansion in recent years.

Landmarks and Attractions

Some of the most notable landmarks and attractions in Tyler include:

  • The Azalea Trails – Each spring, thousands of azalea bushes bloom brightly across Tyler. Historic homes and public gardens are included on the trails.
  • Goodman-LeGrand House and Museum – This historic home built in 1859 is now a house museum displaying 19th century furnishings and artifacts.
  • Caldwell Zoo – This 85-acre zoo is home to over 2,500 exotic, native and endangered animals.
  • Tyler Municipal Rose Garden – With over 500 rose varieties and over 38,000 rose bushes, this 14-acre municipal garden is a stunning display.
  • Cascades Country Golf Club – This scenic public golf course in Tyler offers challenging play amid East Texas pine forests.

Sports

Although Tyler does not have any major professional sports teams, the city is home to a few popular college and minor league teams.

High school football is also a major event in Tyler, with the John Tyler and Robert E. Lee high school teams drawing big crowds on Friday nights.

Government

Tyler has a council-manager form of government. The city council consists of six members elected from single-member districts, along with a mayor elected at-large. The current mayor of Tyler is Don Warren.

City policies and day-to-day operations are overseen by a city manager appointed by the council. The current city manager is Edward Broussard. Many city services and departments are run out of the Tyler City Hall.

Things to Do

Tyler offers many fun things to do for visitors and residents, including:

  • Shopping and dining at The Village at Cumberland Park or Broadway Square Mall
  • Seeing a show at the Tyler Civic Theatre
  • Visiting the Discovery Science Place children’s museum
  • Trying local craft brews on a tour of Tyler breweries
  • Hiking and biking through Tyler State Park
  • Checking out modern and contemporary art at the Tyler Museum of Art

Living in Tyler

Tyler provides an excellent quality of life for residents. Low cost of living, vibrant economic growth, quality schools like Tyler ISD, a charming historic downtown and more make it a popular place to live and work. The city has invested heavily in infrastructure and amenities in recent years to support the growing population.

With its central East Texas location, rich history and culture, and economic opportunity, Tyler is an appealing place to call home.

 

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