The economy of Center, Texas, is characterized by a diverse industrial base. The economic development strategic plan identifies five targeted industries which would supplement or compliment our existing advantages: Aviation, Timber and Wood Products, Poultry and Food Processing, Energy/Natural Gas, and Metal Manufacturing.
Center's economy has gone through a number of transitions over its history. From early settlement through the Reconstruction period, cotton production dominated local commerce. That quickly transitioned into timber leading the economy. Shortly after WWII, the poultry industry was introduced to Center and Shelby County. In the early 2000's, the discovery and development of the Haynesville Shale brought the energy industry.
