Rockdale is adding jobs and rooftops faster than it has in decades, and the shopping, dining, and services haven’t caught up. The Rockdale MDD helps retailers, restaurants, hotels, and commercial developers find their place in a growing market.
A Growing Market
Billions in new manufacturing are going up around Rockdale, and one of the region’s largest new employers is in Rockdale itself.
1,800Jobs planned at T1 Energy’s Rockdale plant
900+New homesites available or planned
10%+Sales tax growth last year, rising every year since 2021
$93.9BEconomy of Milam County and its seven neighboring counties
National and regional brands have already chosen Rockdale, most of them along the US 79 corridor.
National and regional retailers in Rockdale, 2026. Tap or click to enlarge.
Retailers shown: AutoZone, Brookshire Brothers, Dairy Queen, Dollar General, Dollar Tree, Domino’s, McDonald’s, Mr. Gatti’s Pizza, Murphy USA, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Pizza Hut, Sonic, Subway, TX Burger, Walmart
Retail Follows Rooftops
New neighborhoods are bringing new households to Rockdale, and each one needs groceries, meals, services, and everyday shopping close to home.
Cornerstone by D.R. HortonA 672-lot neighborhood with more than 500 lots still available for new homes.
Millerton LandingA new subdivision in planning that will add about 400 more lots.
Room for 42,000 moreThe Perryman Group projects Rockdale could gain about 42,000 residents if the former Alcoa site builds out as planned.
A searchable map of available commercial land and buildings is coming soon. Until then, call the MDD office and we’ll walk you through what’s available.
Coming soon Available commercial sites and buildings
Incentives for Commercial Projects
The City of Rockdale and the Rockdale MDD consider incentives case by case. Depending on the project, these may include:
Building Improvement Incentive GrantMatching grants for façade and building improvements and property redevelopment.Guidelines (PDF) ↗
Digital Marketing GrantA $750 reimbursement for locally owned businesses after their first year.Guidelines (PDF) ↗
Infrastructure assistanceHelp with water, sewer, road, and drainage extensions to your site.
Fee reductions and fast-track approvalsReduced or waived fees and accelerated zoning, permitting, and inspections.
PID and TIRZ financingPublic improvement districts and tax increment zones can help pay for infrastructure in larger developments.
