Community Profile: Family, Community And A Wealth of Business Opportunities
There are many locales which believe that their particular location is ‘just a little bit of heaven on earth.’ That may be stretching it for some places, but in the case of Lindale, it’s true!
Lindale is a town that values the family as the cornerstone of our lives. We celebrate the community as a family of families, and we work hard to create and treasure a wide variety of business opportunities to bring prosperity and blessing to every nook and cranny within the greater Lindale area.
There are a number of significant advantages Lindale offers over other locales when considering beginning a new business or relocating an existing enterprise.
Strategic Location
Lindale (city population 4,290) is strategically located in northeast Texas at the intersection of Interstate 20 and U.S. Highway 69. Approximately 70,000 vehicles pass through this intersection daily according to TXDOT traffic surveys. It is one of the highest traffic counts East of Dallas and North of Houston.
The engine of Lindale’s economy is driven by this strategic location. In addition to the tremendous traffic patterns, within 30 miles of Lindale there is a population of 325,228 (2006 estimates) which is projected to grow to 350,265 by 2011—a 7% increase.
Within a 15 minute drive of the intersection of I-20 and U.S. 69 is a population of over 125,000.
In addition to favorable population trends, median household income in Lindale is $43,853.
These kinds of growth trends create a wealth of business opportunities for Lindale. From retail to entertainment & recreation to restaurants to financial services and transportation, Lindale’s future is bright.
Located 15 miles north of Tyler, Texas, a city with the population of 83,650, Lindale enjoys the amenities of a larger city without the problems usually associated with one. Tyler is the county seat and the most prominent city within the county. Lindale is the next most significant city. Less than 100 miles in either direction (East or West) lie major metropolitan areas—Shreveport and Dallas.
Ample, Well-Qualified Workforce
For a local economy to prosper and attract new and relocating businesses, an ample and well-qualified workforce must be available. Lindale draws upon a total workforce within 30 miles of just over 112,200. The last five years has seen an 8.8% increase in available workforce, and the trend continues upward.
Award Winning School System
One of the jewels in Lindale’s crown is its award-winning school system. Lindale is known for its strong support of its schools which are consistently recognized by the Texas Education Agency for its academic achievement.
Up-to-date and well-funded schools underline the community’s belief that Lindale is a great place to live, to work and to rear a family. It also provides the foundation for a well-qualified workforce.
Low Taxes
Because Texas has no state income tax or statewide property tax, another major reason to consider Lindale is that it is attractive from a tax perspective. Texas consistently ranks among the bottom five or so states in per capita tax rates (current ranking #46 by the Washington-based Tax Foundation).
Leadership Committed to Economic Development
The community’s leadership—business, political and non-profit—are committed to the development of the Lindale area. Economic and community development is handled through a close working relationship of three bodies that represent virtually all of the community’s leaders:
The Mayor and the City Council
The Lindale Area Chamber of Commerce
The Lindale Economic Development Corporation
These three entities enjoy remarkable unanimity and together work to create an environment prime for business, industrial and community growth.
Furthermore, Lindale partners closely with its larger neighbor Tyler to cooperatively work toward the greater good of Smith County as a whole. There is a progressive posture toward growth within each of these cities, and a willingness to cooperate for the benefit of all. Incentive packages may even be provided jointly by the Lindale Economic Development Corporation and the Tyler Economic Development Council.
Lindale: Good Country Living
Finally, Lindale is a great place to live. There is a slower pace, without the hustle and bustle of the metropolitan areas. Everything an individual might need, however, is within easy driving distance. Most needs can be met in Lindale and its growing retail sector, but if not, then Tyler’s only a fifteen minute drive away. The major metropolitan areas of Shreveport and Dallas are only an hour and a half‘s drive away via Interstate 20.
Lindale truly is the best of both worlds.
But Lindale’s attractiveness is more than mere convenience and creature comforts. A strong sense of community defines Lindale—a sense that is lost in many places today. Strong Christian values filter through every aspect of this community. Lindale encourages and values what was once common in all communities: family, honesty, self-sacrifice, hard work, persistence, charity, and hope.
Lindale is a great place to live, work and rear a family. It’s also a great place to do business. We hope you will visit and discover why everybody is saying, "You'll Love Living In Lindale."
Demographics (I-20@US-69)
Lindale Demographics
Population
Geographic Area
1990 Census
2000 Census
2006 Estimate
2011 Projection
Lindale City Limits*
2,428
2,954
4,290
Greater Lindale (5-Mile Ring Study)
10,216
12,485
13,968
15,056
Smith County**
151,309
174,706
194,635
Tyler MSA**
150,309
174,706
194,635
Note: * Lindale is located within Smith County and the Tyler MSA Note: ** Tyler MSA and Smith County have the same boundaries, therefore, identical demographics. Source: Texas State Data Center / US Census Bureau
Ring Study Data Based From I-20 and US-69 Intersection
2011 Population Projections
5-Miles
10-Miles
15-Miles
30-Miles
45-Miles
60-Miles
Total Population - 2011
15,056
63,136
163,849
350,265
679,208
1,000,594
Households - 2011
5,472
20,655
53,661
126,452
244,493
350,202
Ring Study Data Based From I-20 and US-69 Intersection
Lindale (2006 population est. 4,290) is strategically located in northeast Texas at the intersection of Interstate 20 and U.S. Highway 69. Approximately 70,000 vehicles pass through this intersection daily according to traffic surveys by the Texas Department of Transportation.
Located 15 miles north of Tyler, Texas, a city with a population of 83,650, Lindale enjoys the amenities of a larger city without the problems that usually accompany size. A significant number of Lindale residents are employed in Tyler.
Lindale is located in northern Smith County, which has a population of 194,635 (2006 estimate), and a workforce of just over 98,000. The county seat of Smith is Tyler, and the next most significant city is Lindale. Within 30 minutes of Lindale, there are over 300,000 residents (30-mile population ring study). These factors help give the city a larger feel than the actual population numbers indicate.
PHOTOGRAPHIC IMAGES BY KARL FULMER
Nearest city with pop. 50,000+: Tyler, TX (14.1 miles, pop. 83,650).
Nearest city with pop. 200,000+: Garland, TX (88.7 miles, pop. 215,768).
Nearest city with pop. 1,000,000+: Dallas, TX (96.9 miles, pop. 1,188,580).
Lindale draws from a commuting range within 45-miles with a workforce-age population base of over 460,000. Over the last five years for the Smith County/Tyler MSA, the increase in workforce (8.8%) has run well ahead of the national average (5.6%) as well as the increase for the state of Texas (7.0%).
Total Non-Farm employment is 92,600 (November 2006) which represents a 1.5% annual increase and a 8.4% increase over five years. Private employment is 80,100 while public sector employment is 12,500.
Lindale Economic Development Corporation (LEDC) and the Tyler Economic Development Corporation (TEDC) periodically conduct a county-wide labor survey and a wage and benefit survey. These are done through the Business School at the University of Texas At Tyler. The links below take you to the latest surveys.
Unemployment Status - Of the 600 people surveyed, 13.3% were presently unemployed and availalbe for work. This 13.3% includes hidden unemployment, such as new entrants and discouraged workers.
Characteristics of Unemployed - The majority of those not working had either been unemployed less than four months (32%) or over one year (47%). The former occupations of these persons were mainly in the office and administrative support, sles, production and healthcare fields.
Length of Employment - Employees had been with the company for an average of 7 years.
Employment Status - A majority of the employed labor market, 85%, was employed full time.
Available Labor Market - 39% of the employed labor market was interested or possibly interested in changing jobs in 2008-09. Therefore, the total available labor market is considered to be those workers unemployed and those who are employed and interested in changing jobs, which totals 47% of the total labor market.
Availability for Employment - The majority, 85% of the available labor market reported they were interested in full-time employment; 33% indicated an interest in part-time employment. Also, 86% stated they were available for employment during the day; 30%, evening; and 29%, night.
Desired Hourly Wage - When asked what was the lowest hourly wage they would accept, respondents gave a wide range of answers. An average hourly wage of $12.26 was computed for those interested in changing jobs. However, those presently employed were willing to accept a lower average wage of $11.17 an hour.
Tyler MSA, Non-Farm Employment Estimates by Industry Sector
Reporting for Month: November
Industry Sector
2001
2003
2005
2006
2007
Total Nonfarm
85,400
87,000
91,200
92,600
Total Private
73,300
74,600
73,300
80,100
Good Producing
15,200
14,100
14,800
14,400
Service Producing
70,200
72,900
76,400
78,200
Private Service Producing
58,100
60,500
63,500
65,700
Natural Resources, Mining and Construction
4,700
4,700
5,500
6,100
Manufacturing
10,500
9,400
9,300
8,300
Trade, Transportation and Utilities
19,800
19,200
19,500
19,900
Wholesale Trade
3,500
6,600
3,100
3,200
Retail Trade
13,400
12,500
13,400
13,700
Transportation, Warehousing and Utilities
2,900
3,100
3,000
3,000
Information
1,800
1,900
2000
2,000
Financial Services
4,500
3,900
4,100
4,200
Professional and Business Services
6,100
6,800
7,500
7,900
Educational and Health Services
15,400
17,200
18,100
18,400
Leisure and Hospitality
7,100
7,900
8,800
9,600
Other Services
3,400
3,600
3,500
3,700
Government
12,100
12,400
12,900
12,500
Federal Government
1,000
900
900
900
State Government
3,100
3,100
3,200
3,000
Local Government
8,000
8,400
8,800
8,600
Employment / Unemployment
Employment/Unemployment Table - Smith County - Tyler MSA Annual Averages
The Lindale Independent School District encompasses 184 square miles in the northern part of Smith County where it serves Lindale as well as the communities of Carroll, Mt. Sylvan, Swan, and Hide-A-Way Lake.
Lindale is known for its strong support of its schools which are rich in local heritage, tradition, and a strong value system. The citizens of Lindale wholeheartedly support the school system because they believe Lindale is a great place to live, to work and rear a family. The community makes every effort to keep all of the district’s six campuses up-to-date in technology, curriculum, facilities and educational services.
That commitment continues to bear fruit. Lindale students consistently receive high marks for academics, vocational programs, athletics, band and scholastic competitions. The Texas Education Agency (TEA)rates Lindale ISD "Acceptable" for its academic achievement. Currently, every campus in Lindale is rated by the TEA as "Recognized." Lindale High School was recognized as an "Exemplary" campus six years in a row, and LHS was named Texas Academic Champions in class AAA in 2004, 2005 and 2006.
Students per Teacher Ratio (K-4): 20.0 (approximate)
Students per Teacher Ratio (5-6): 23.5 (approximate)
Students per Teacher Ratio (7-8): 14.6 (approximate)
Students per Teacher Ratio (9-12): 14.4 (approximate)
Teachers with Minimum of 5 years experience: 70.3%
Teachers with Master’s Degree: 23.9%
Expenditure per Student: $6,037
Post-Secondary Level
There are five post-secondary educational institutions within 40 miles of Lindale:
University of Texas at Tyler
Tyler Junior College
Kilgore College
Jarvis Christian College (Hawkins, Texas)
Texas College (Tyler, Texas)
Taxes
Property Tax
Taxing Entity*
Tax Rate / Per $100**
City of Lindale
.5026
Smith County
.28894
Lindale ISD
1.260
Fire District
.05
Tyler Junior College
.127169
*Not all taxes would apply. Depends on location of business or home **All Property is Assessed @ 100% Valuation
Sales Tax
City
County
State
1.50 %
.50 %
6.25 %
Taxes
Because Texas has a comparably low per capita tax rate (no state income tax or statewide property tax), Lindale and Smith County are quite attractive from a tax perspective.
Income Taxes
Personal: None
Corporate
: Although Texas does not have a corporate income tax, the corporate franchise tax has a component based on earned surplus. Earned surplus is defined as federal net taxable income plus compensation paid to corporate officers and directors if the corporation has more than 35 shareholders.
Ad Valorem (Property) Tax
Texas has no property tax. Local governments and special taxing districts levy taxes on real and tangible personal property. All property is appraised at full market value, and taxes are assessed by local county assessors on 100% of appraised value.
Sales and Use Tax
City of Lindale 1.00% Lindale Economic Development .50% Smith County .50% State of Texas 6.25%
Total Rate 8.25%
(exemptions for groceries, medicine, property for resale, manufacturing equipment, and many items used exclusively on farms and ranches for food production)
Corporate Franchise Tax
The franchise tax is imposed upon all corporations and limited liability companies that do business in Texas or that are chartered or authorized to do business in the state. The tax is based on taxable capital or earned surplus. Both components are apportioned to Texas companies using a single gross receipts factor. Taxable capital is a corporations stated capital plus surplus. The tax rate on taxable capital is 0.25% per year. Earned surplus includes federal net taxable income with certain modifications. The tax rate on earned surplus is 4.5%. Corporations pay the higher of the tax on taxable capital or the tax on earned surplus. Those that owe less than $100 or have less than $150,000 in gross receipts do not pay any tax, but must file a report.
Payroll Costs
Businesses that employ one or more individuals may be subject to the state unemployment tax. New employers pay a tax rate of 2.7% of the first $9,000 of each employee’s annual compensation. A minimum of four complete quarters is required to obtain an experience rating that will determine an employer’s revised rate. The effective tax rate in 2004 ranges from a minimum of 0.67% to a maximum of 8.26%, with a weighted average for all experience-rated accounts being 1.64%.
Incentives
Economic & Community Development
General Information
Economic and community development for Lindale is handled through a close working relationship of the Mayor and City Council with the Lindale Area Chamber of Commerce and the Lindale Economic Development Corporation.
Together these community leaders work to create an environment prime for business, industrial and community growth.
Recognizing that economic development can only be achieved as the community develops, one of the critical commitments for Lindale is the development of people. It is one of the reasons such an emphasis is placed on the community’s school system.
Regional Approach
Located 15 miles north of Tyler, Texas, a city with a population of 83,650, Lindale enjoys an excellent relationship in economic development with Tyler. In 1998, the Texas Department of Economic Development awarded Lindale and Tyler for their cooperative work on securing the Target Stores Distribution Center, which is Lindale's largest employer. There is a progressive posture toward economic growth within each of these cities.
Incentive packages can be provided jointly by the Lindale Economic Development Corporation and/or the Tyler Economic Development Council, which serves all of Smith County. The availability of, and size of any incentive is determined by several factors including number of new jobs to be created, new capital value to be created, level of pay and benefits of the new full time jobs, whether the business is a targeted industry and community/board support of the incentive.
Incentives can include:
Freeport Exemption
Offsite Infrastructure improvements
Workforce training grants through the State of Texas
Reduced price, or free land
Tax abatement
Other financial inducement
Tax Abatements - A common economic development tool that can defer property taxes on new plant and equipment expenditures for expanding companies. Must meet the City of Lindale's criteria.
Freeport Exemption: Lindale has the Texas Freeport Exemption available from all taxing jurisdictions. Companies in Smith County that ship certain products out of the State of Texas within a 175 days can realize substantial savings in taxes with this exemption.
PAST PROJECTS
LEDC has participated in seven projects since LEDC’s formation in 1994.
Relocation of King Manufacturing to Lindale.
Billboard development advertising local motels.
Landing the regional Target Stores Distribution Center. Target’s DC provides 725 jobs together with additional tax revenues.
Relocation of Thermo Manufacturing which included the reconstruction of Walnut Springs Road from North US 69 to the manufacturing site.
Relocation of Cates Caststone to the old brickyard which resulted in the renovation and dramatic improvement of that property which had been vacant for years.
Infrastructure for development of Centenial Boulevard, and opening of Lowes Home Improvement Center, Wal-mart Supercenter and additional retail pad sites.
Business Retention and Expansion support for King Manufacturing to allow them to expand current local operations, and to migrate to Lindale, an operation previously in Oklahoma, creating approximately 10 new jobs.
Financial Institutions
Transportation
Transportation Infrastructure
Proximity to Interstate Highway:
0 miles, I-20
Proximity to Major Highway:
0 miles, US-69
Proximity to Commercial Airport:
11 miles, Tyler Pounds Regional Airport
Proximity to Private Airport:
13 miles, Mineola Wisener Field
Proximity to Port:
250 miles, Houston, Texas
Proximity to Mexican Border:
500 miles
Airports certified for carrier operations nearest to Lindale:
East Texas Regional (about 50 miles; LONGVIEW, TX; ID: GGG)
Cox Field (about 78 miles; PARIS, TX; ID: PRX)
Airlines serving Tyler Pounds Regional Airport:
American Eagle
8 flights/day to DFW, M-F
7 flights/day to DFW, Sat. & Sun.
SkyWest Airlines
4 flights/day to Intercontinental-Houston, M-F
Airfreight Services are available to DFW International Airport.
Other public-use airports nearest to Lindale:
Mineola Wisener Field (about 13 miles; MINEOLA, TX; ID: 3F9)
Wood County (about 17 miles; MINEOLA/QUITMAN, TX; ID: 3T1)
Tarrant Field (about 31 miles; MOUNT SELMAN, TX; ID: 6X0)
Freight Carriers
Number of Motor Freight Carriers: 7
Number of Parcel Service Providers: 6
Utilities & Services
Utilities
Lindale has adequate and reliable utilities to meet the demands of business as well as her citizens and neighbors.
Electric Provider: TXU Electric & Wood Co. Electric COOP Water Supply - City of Lindale Water Source: Wells Water Maximum Capacity - Gallons per Day: 3 million Water maximum daily usage to-date (gallons): 1.6 million
Other Rural Water Supply Corporations provide water service outside the city limits, so it is prudent to find out what provider will supply water if you are acquiring land for new development.
Wastewater Wastewater Treatment Type: Extended Aeration Activated Sludge Plant Wastewater treatment plant capacity (gallons per day): 1.3 million Wastewater maximum daily usage to-date (gallons per day): 1/2 million
Lindale Fire Department - Lindale has an excellent Fire Department manned by paid and volunteer staff. They stay well trained and have a wide array of certifications. Most importantly, Lindale's fire insurance rating is a 3, which is much better than many communties of our size.
Community Services
Motels / Hotels
4
Banks
4
Major Daily Newspaper
1
Local Telephone Services
1
Weekly Newspapers
1
Cable Television Channels
A Whole bunch.
Quality of Life
Lindale is one of the fastest growing communities in East Texas. Its growth can be attributed largely to two key factors:
Lindale’s award-winning school system, and
Lindale’s strategic location
These two critical factors may be what accounts for the rapid growth of Lindale, but a number of other factors play important roles as well.
Lindale’s motto is "Good Country Living". For those who have discovered Lindale, it will always remain a great place to live, work and rear a family. There is a slower pace, without the hustle and bustle of the metropolitan areas. There is, however, everything an individual might need available within easy driving distance. Most needs can be met in Lindale with its growing retail sector. A fifteen minute drive to Tyler offers a larger selection, and just over an hour’s drive away are the metropolitan areas of Dallas (to the West) or Shreveport (to the East). Lindale truly is the best of both worlds.
Complementing Pool Park, educational and recreational facilities were greatly enhanced in 2002 with the opening of Faulkner Park and the new Lindale Library.
Faulkner Park consists of 170 acres of beautiful wooded land with a 15 acre lake. Located just four miles north of the city on U.S. 69, Faulkner Park has four lighted tennis courts, four soccer fields, concession and rest room facilities, a paved walking path around the lake, a volleyball court, basketball court, several picnic areas, as well as a number of spots for easy fishing. Pool Park was named for the Pool Family, who made this park possible. Pool Park has four baseball fields and as well as a Community Center.
The new Lindale Library, located downtown, is a focal point of the community.
Lindale also boasts a wonderful outdoor Rodeo Arena supported by the Chamber of Commerce and built by the people of the City of Lindale. The Lindale Championship Rodeo, founded in 1988, is held the third weekend in May.
Medical facilities are near at hand for Lindale with a major regional health center as well as a rehabilitation hospital and specialty hospital within a 20 minute drive.
Hospitals/medical centers in Lindale:
Lindale Medical Clinic
Trinity Clinic Lindale
East Texas Medical Clinic
Various Private General Practitioners
Hospitals/medical centers near Lindale:
UT Health Center at Tyler (about 15 miles; Tyler, TX)
East Texas Medical Center Tyler (about 15 miles; Tyler, TX)
Trinity Mother Frances Health System (about 15 miles; Tyler, TX)
The major annual town festival for Lindale is Countryfest, established in 1985 on the 2nd Saturday in October. Sponsored by the Lindale Area Chamber of Commerce, it includes a variety of activities for all ages. There is great food, crafts and a carnival to enjoy topped off by the annual Shrine Bullfest which brings professional bull riding to Lindale.
A strong sense of community defines Lindale, but what drives that sense of community are the strong Christian values that filter through virtually every where one turns. It’s not so much that there’s a church on every corner (although area churches are one of Lindale’s hidden assets), as this community encourages those values many of us were reared with: honesty, self-sacrifice, hard work, persistence, charity, and hope.
Climate
Lindale enjoys a temperate climate throughout the year, and lies 547 feet above sea level. Rainfall in the county averages 43.10 inches per year compared to the Texas average of 21.0 inches per year. The average growing season in Smith county is 259 days with the average first freeze generally occurring around November 21.
Economic Indicators
Lindale is a city on the grow. We are seeing development activity from all sectors, particularly construction of new homes and new commercial development.
lindaleedc.com
