Atascosa County, just south of San Antonio, is a growing business hub in South Texas. Its strategic location provides easy access to major highways, railroads, and seaports, along with a large, skilled workforce from nearby San Antonio. With strong infrastructure and a supportive community, the county offers an ideal environment for businesses to thrive.
Communities like Pleasanton, Jourdanton, Poteet, Charlotte, and Lytle present diverse growth opportunities in agriculture, tourism, healthcare, and retail. Atascosa County blends business potential with a welcoming, small-town charm, making it a great place to live and work.
greater:SATX spoke with Sarah Novak Franklin, who serves on the Atascosa County Economic Development Corporation Executive Committtee about this community and why its an ideal place to work and live.
Tell us about Atascosa County and its cities.
Located on the southern border of Bexar County, Atascosa County is a vibrant economic powerhouse in the heart of South Texas, offering vast, open landscapes rich with potential. With its proximity to San Antonio, and vital connections to the Port of Corpus Christi and Laredo, Atascosa County is more than just a location—it’s a gateway to success. Whether you’re a large-scale industry leader or a small business looking to expand, Atascosa County offers the perfect blend of resources, infrastructure, and community support to help your business thrive.
Major cities in the county include:
Pleasanton: Pleasanton, Texas, is a welcoming and vibrant city located in Atascosa County, just 30 miles south of San Antonio. Known as "The Birthplace of the Cowboy," Pleasanton has deep roots in Texas ranching history and proudly celebrates its Western heritage with various community events and landmarks. With a population of around 11,000 residents, Pleasanton offers a small-town charm while providing easy access to the amenities of a major metropolitan area.
The city of Pleasanton is a vital hub for shopping, business and agriculture, with cattle ranching and farming playing a significant role in the local economy. However, Pleasanton has evolved beyond its agricultural roots, embracing growth in various sectors, including oil and gas, retail, and healthcare. The Pleasanton Municipal Airport serves as a critical asset, supporting business travel and contributing to the city’s accessibility. The city is also family-friendly, boasting excellent educational opportunities through the Pleasanton Independent School District, which is known for its commitment to academic excellence and extracurricular activities.
Jourdanton: Jourdanton, Texas, is a charming small town located in the heart of Atascosa County, 35 miles south of San Antonio. As the county seat, Jourdanton plays a central role in the region's governmental and administrative functions. With a population of around 4,000 residents, Jourdanton offers a close-knit community atmosphere where neighbors know each other by name and take pride in their shared heritage.
Jourdanton is home to Methodist Hospital Atascosa, a state-of-the-art healthcare facility that ensures residents receive top-notch medical care close to home.
The town’s economy has traditionally been rooted in agriculture, with cattle ranching and farming forming the backbone of the local economy. However, like many communities in South Texas, Jourdanton has also seen growth in the oil and gas industries, contributing to the town's economic diversification and stability.
Jourdanton Independent School District serves the educational needs of the community, offering quality education and a range of extracurricular activities that foster both academic and personal growth. The district is known for its strong support of student achievement and community involvement.
Poteet: Poteet, Texas, is a small town with a big reputation, known as the "Strawberry Capital of Texas." Located in Atascosa County, about 30 miles south of San Antonio, Poteet has a population of around 3,500 residents. Despite its size, the town is famous statewide for its annual Poteet Strawberry Festival, which attracts over 140,000 visitors each April. This event not only celebrates the town’s agricultural heritage but also serves as a significant economic driver for the community.
Poteet is part of the Poteet Independent School District, which is committed to providing quality education and fostering a supportive environment for students.
Charlotte: Charlotte, Texas, is a small, close-knit community located in Atascosa County, about 45 miles southwest of San Antonio. With a population of around 1,800 residents, Charlotte offers the charm of rural living combined with the warmth of a friendly, supportive community. The town is characterized by its agricultural roots, with farming and ranching playing a central role in the local economy.
Charlotte’s rich history dates back to its founding in the early 20th century, and the town has maintained its rural character while embracing the slow and steady growth typical of small Texas communities. The town is served by the Charlotte Independent School District, which provides education from elementary through high school, fostering a tight-knit educational environment where students receive personalized attention and community support.
Lytle: Lytle, Texas is a great place to live and do business. According to Lytle’s Mayor Ruben Gonzalez, Lytle is one of the safest, small communities in the state. He said this is just one of the reasons Lytle has become the central hub for the area. Daily, Lytle supports nine surrounding communities as well as commuters traveling along I-35 between South Texas and San Antonio.
Some of Lytle’s strongest assets are their amazing partnerships within the community. The mayor recognizes the amazing volunteers at the chamber, fire department, churches, animal care, youth groups, and our nationally recognized VFW post who take care of our community and their families. He said they take pride in being recognized as a "Purple Heart City" by a state veteran's organization.
Ruben Gonzalez says that daily, “We strive to be the FIRST CHOICE for our surrounding communities to take care of their needs. We strive to be the RIGHT CHOICE for business and housing developments in the area, and lastly, we strive to be the EXIT CHOICE for all I-35 corridor travelers.”
Atascosa County’s economic strength is undeniable. With a growing economy, business-friendly atmosphere, and strategic location, it’s clear that Atascosa County means business.
What makes Atascosa County unique within the Greater San Antonio region?
Whether you’re in agriculture or industry, our county provides fertile ground for your business to grow. Positioned at the crossroads of major freeways and interstates (I-37 and I-35), Atascosa County ensures swift and seamless connections to key markets both regionally and globally. Our robust infrastructure—featuring crisscrossing railroads and proximity to leading seaports—cements Atascosa County as a great place to settle and do business. Just 37 miles away lies San Antonio, a city renowned for its cultural amenities, healthy labor force, and thriving business environment, providing businesses in Atascosa with unparalleled access to resources and talent.
How does your organization work to attract potential employers to the region?
Atascosa County has access to an immense workforce that is ready for action! We have local, reliable workforce strength from those who already reside in the county. Additionally, with our close proximity to San Antonio, we have access to a large workforce of over 1.47 million. San Antonio offers a diverse talent pool for both skilled and general labor. One of our biggest advantages is this combination: a dependable local workforce with a vast urban labor pool for optimal business recruitment.
What makes your community a great place for people and jobs?
Atascosa County is more than just a place to do business—it’s a place to call home. The Pleasanton Municipal Airport serves as a key asset, providing convenient access for business travel and logistics, while Methodist Hospital / Atascosa offers top-tier medical care, ensuring the health and well-being of our residents and workforce.
For families considering relocation, our county is home to four strong Independent School Districts that provide excellent educational opportunities for children. Our beautiful city parks offer playgrounds for all levels, including accessible playgrounds, walking and jogging trails and feature splash pads in three parks, making them ideal for family fun and outdoor activities.
The county is also rich in community spirit and tradition, hosting events that draw thousands each year. Celebrate the Christmas season with the magical Merry on Main festival and its Lighted Christmas Parade and the shopping and entertainment extravaganza Vintage in Verdi which bills itself as the greatest show in the southwest. In the spring enjoy the world-famous Poteet Strawberry Festival held in April, which attracts 140,000 visitors annually. The Young Farmer’s Rodeo and various cowboy celebrations are just a few of the many events that make Atascosa County a vibrant and lively place for families and kids of all ages.
Is there anything else you’d like to share about Atascosa County?
We invite you to check out the county’s economic development website at atascosameansbusiness.com, and the following featured article: Atascosa County Means Business: A beacon for growth and opportunity “If someone wants to come and take a tour of the county, nothing will make me happier than to load them up in my pick up and away we go. There is so much to show and be proud of. We want to share it. Contact us today.” Joe Eustace, Atascosa County Economic Development Corporation Chairman.