Garland remains one of the fastest growing cities in the U.S. Since World War II, Garland has evolved from a farming community into an important center for electronics research and for the production of electronic equipment. Other manufactures residing in Garland include oil-field equipment, chemicals, apparel, sheet metal, and processed foods.
Garland has a strong industrial base of more than 4,500 businesses. The largest employers in Garland are the Garland Independent School District, the City of Garland, Raytheon, Walmart Superstores, Sears Logistics, and the Baylor Medical Center Garland.
Within Dallas County, major industries include corporate headquarters for 7,000 companies, 19 companies on the Fortune 500 public businesses list and 16 companies on the Fortune 500 private businesses list.
The total civilian labor force in Garland as of November 2004 was reported to be 126,148 with total employment sitting at 119,881. The unemployment rate was 5.0 percent. Approximately 63 percent of Garland’s residents are classified as white collar workers, 25 percent are blue collar, and 12 percent are service/other.