The Majority of the Nation’s Largest Corporate Headquarters are Concentrated in a Handful of Major Cities.
The makeup of the Forbes Fortune 500 list of the nation’s largest companies is ever-changing, but where the majority are located has not changed much over the years.Most of the major American corporations have their headquarters in the states of California, New York, and Texas. With a wide range of industries represented and substantial economic clout, these states are home to more Fortune 500 businesses than any other.
California has more Fortune 500 companies among states (58), while (54) are based in Texas and another (53) are in New York according to Fortune 2025 rankings.
Why These States Dominate:
California: Home to (58) Fortune 500 companies, California is a global leader in technology and innovation. Silicon Valley attracts tech giants, while Los Angeles and San Francisco are diverse in their industrial makeup.
Texas: Home to (54) Fortune 500 companies, Texas offers a business-friendly environment, lower taxes, and a diverse economy that spans energy, technology, healthcare, and more. Cities like Houston and Dallas-Fort Worth are major hubs, and companies like Tesla and Oracle have relocated their headquarters to Austin.
New York: With (53) Fortune 500 companies, it is the global financial center. It also has a strong presence in media, healthcare, and retail.
Houston Area Fortune 500 Headquarters
Houston gained three new Fortune 500 headquarters in 2025. Twenty-six companies on the 2025 Fortune 500 list are headquartered in the Houston metro area, ranking Houston third in the country behind New York (49) and Chicago (30) and ahead of Dallas-Fort Worth (19).
Exxon Mobil completed its HQ relocation to Houston in 2023 and Chevron which ranks #16 moved its headquarters to Houston in 2024.
This reaffirms the Lone Star State’s robust business-friendly environment and thriving workforce. The growth in the number of Fortune 500 companies choosing Houston as their headquarters reaffirms the city’s status as a thriving business hub and highlights the overall economic vitality of Texas. This concentration of large corporations in sectors like energy, healthcare, and technology not only boosts the local economy but also attracts a skilled workforce and additional business services.
