SpaceX’s Impact in Starbase and Brownsville

SpaceX’s headquarters at Starbase, Texas, emerges unexpectedly after miles of dusty roads in the state’s southern tip. Before the company moved in, the area was known for its wildlife, particularly bird watching. Locals recall a few dozen homes, primarily winter residences for retirees, situated over 20 miles from Brownsville, near the border with Matamoros, Mexico.

Starbase and Brownsville present a contrast. Starbase is a bustling company town, mainly inhabited by relocates from cities like Austin and San Francisco, working at SpaceX. Brownsville, with a predominantly Latino population of approximately 192,000, relies heavily on farming and shrimping industries. Despite these differences, some SpaceX employees live in Brownsville, utilizing local resources and sending their children to schools in the city.

SpaceX employs over 4,000 workers at Starbase, with about 70% coming from the local area. The company aims to expand the workforce to around 8,000 this year. A significant boost to SpaceX’s growth was the recent public offering of its shares, marking the largest IPO to date. This raised the company’s market value to over $2 trillion, with founder Elon Musk becoming the first person worth at least $1 trillion.

The economic impact of SpaceX is felt by local businesses. Marco Colorado of El Buen Pescador in Port Isabel observes increased patronage due to SpaceX events. Customers, often arriving in Tesla vehicles, flock to the restaurant during rocket launches or events. Similarly, Mikael Hinojosa, owner of Double Day Bar of Champions, noticed a surge in business and describes the interest as a “new type of tourism.” However, Hinojosa mentioned that frequent rocket launches could disturb existing tourism due to vibration impacts.

In Brownsville, some express concerns over SpaceX’s presence. Environmental group Save RGV points to the negative effects of rocket launches, such as debris, wildlife disruption, and air quality issues. Housing prices in the area have risen sharply, partly driven by SpaceX employees. Notable increases include a jump from $112,705 in 2018 to $196,920 in 2026, according to Zillow data. This price rise has widened economic disparities within the community.

SpaceX has also sparked downtown Brownsville’s transformation, attracting tech-focused investments. However, according to Etienne Rosas, a local and former congressional candidate, this progress has marginalized long-time residents. He lamented the loss of Brownsville’s original atmosphere and sense of community.