Jalisco is located in the western region of the country and divided into 125 municipalities. It is the third most populous state, with more than 8.6M inhabitants in 2020. The state is also known as the Silicon Valley and is ranked 1st nationwide in IT services and software design manufacturing costs. The state boasts around 1,100 IT service companies, with the USA as the primary export destination, amounting to $74'932 USD millions in 2021. Other key industrial areas are food, automotive, or electronics. With 30’000 formal jobs in the pharmaceutical industry, it is the entity with the second highest number on national level.
Why invest into Jalisco
The state of Jalisco, located in the western part of Mexico, stands out for its strategic location and extensive network of highways, making it an important industrial and economic center. Jalisco hosts key industrial areas in cities like Guadalajara, Zapopan, Tlaquepaque, and Tonalá, where sectors such as technology, food industry, fashion, health, and electronics have a significant presence. With a total of 125 municipalities and 81 industrial parks, Jalisco offers a conducive environment for business development.
General Info - Jalisco
$342 USD
Average Monthly Salary
4 M
Active working population
13
Institution for higher education
29
Years old as average age
285,423
Enrolled students in higher education
81
Industrial Parks
8.6 M
Population
78'596 km2
total area of Jalisco
1'017 km
Distance to the US-Border
Employment Growth
Employment growth in Jalisco, Mexico, has been robust in recent years, fueled by the state's diverse economy and dynamic business environment. With thriving sectors such as technology, manufacturing, agribusiness, and tourism, Jalisco offers a wide range of job opportunities for its residents. Additionally, initiatives to foster innovation and entrepreneurship have further stimulated job creation, contributing to the state's economic vitality and prosperity. As a result, Jalisco continues to attract talent and investment, positioning itself as a key driver of employment growth in Mexico.
Foreign Direct Investment
Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Jalisco, Mexico, has seen remarkable expansion, especially within technology, automotive, aerospace, and agribusiness sectors. Jalisco's strategic positioning, coupled with its skilled workforce and flourishing business ecosystem, renders it highly appealing to global investors eyeing opportunities within Mexico's dynamic economy.
Economy
The economy of Jalisco, Mexico, is diverse and dynamic, driven by key sectors such as technology, manufacturing, agriculture, and tourism. With its strategic location, skilled workforce, and robust infrastructure, Jalisco serves as a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship. The state's thriving industries, coupled with its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty, attract both domestic and international investment, fostering economic growth and prosperity across the region.
Location of the State Jalisco
Where is Jalisco
Distances from Jalisco
Find below all disctances from Jalisco to some strategicallly important locations.
| Mexico Cities | Km | Hours |
| Mexico city | 550km | 6h |
| San Luis Potosi | 330 km | 4h |
| Monterrey | 800km | 9h |
| USA & Canada Cities | Km | Hours |
| Houston | 980km | 17h |
| Dallas | 1'000km | 18h |
| San Diego | 1'450 | 25h |
| Ports & Border | Km | Hours |
| Altamira (Port) | 780km | 9h |
| Puerto Vallarta (Port) | 250km | 3h30 |
| Nuevo Laredo (Border) | 1'000km | 11h |
The 3 Strategical Advantages of Jalisco
As one of the best-connected regions in the country, Jalisco boasts Mexico's most efficient network of roads and railways. Guadalajara offers modern interconnection services between cities, with suitable routes for efficient goods transportation.
Silicon Valley of Mexico
The Center for Innovation and Design of Mexico (MIND) is located in Jalisco. There, the different productive sectors meet and create ecosystems with the goal of adding value to industry.
Connectivity by Rail & Street
Jalisco's infrastructure and connectivity provide a solid foundation for economic development and competitiveness in the region. The extensive network of roads and highways facilitates both goods and passenger transportation, while the presence of two international airports ensures efficient air connectivity with domestic and international destinations. Moreover, railway connectivity and significant seaports like Manzanillo and Lázaro Cárdenas strengthen cargo transportation options and international trade.
Tech Hub
Jalisco is home of the high tech industry, placing it as the leader in Latin America. It is home to manufacturers of highly-complex electronic devices and automotive parts.
Main Industries in Jalisco
Jalisco offers a diverse economic landscape with thriving industries such as aerospace, automotive, agribusiness, tequila and agave-based products, electronics, information technology, medical devices, and tourism.
IT
In Jalisco, the Information Technology (IT) sector thrives, ranking 1st nationwide in IT services and software design manufacturing costs. The state boasts around 1,100 IT service companies, with the USA as the primary export destination, amounting to 30 billion USD in exports. Additionally, Jalisco hosts 6 private and 3 public development centers.
Automotive
The state of Jalisco is ranked 12th nationally in terms of the cost of auto parts. It houses approximately 150 automotive companies, with 90% of them specializing in the manufacture of supplies for light vehicles and the remaining 10% dedicated to the heavy vehicle market. This sector provides over 30,000 jobs in Jalisco.
Electronics
Ranking 4th nationally in electronics production and manufacturing cost of electronic materials. The breakdown of production includes 5% for televisions, 2% for cell phones, 10% for printed circuit board assemblies (PCBA), 15% for harnesses, 10% for inductors, and 20% for connectors.
Other Industries
Aerospace
The aerospace industry in Jalisco is flourishing, with 30 companies contributing to its growth and creating over 2,000 jobs in the state. These companies engage in various activities such as engineering services, electronic and avionics manufacturing, production of metal mechanic parts, cables, composites, drones, and UAVs. Additionally, the industry encompasses MRO & FBO services as well as software and embedded software development.
Agriculture
In Jalisco, agroindustry is highlighted by its renowned production of Tequila and other agave derivatives, both domestically and internationally. Additionally, the region excels in the production of dairy, poultry, eggs, and various meats, particularly pork.
Metal
Jalisco Metal working industry has 6,209 companies and generates 54,003 jobs
Infrastructure of Jalisco
Jalisco boasts a robust and modern infrastructure, including a well-maintained extensive network of highways, a strategically central location, and a network of industrial parks contributing to its economic vitality.
Highways
The road connectivity in Jalisco is extensive, linking key cities and facilitating transportation both domestically and internationally. With efficient routes connecting cities like Guadalajara, Lagos de Moreno, and Tepic, Jalisco's road network supports the movement of goods and people. Additionally, the state's strategic location provides easy access to major cities in Mexico, such as Mexico City, Monterrey, and Tampico, as well as to border cities like Nogales and Ciudad Juarez.
Railways
Jalisco's extensive railroad network connects key industrial centers and border crossings, facilitating efficient trade between Mexico and the United States. Guadalajara serves as a central hub, enhancing connectivity to major cities and ports. Direct links to U.S. border cities like El Paso and Nogales further bolster transnational commerce. Overall, Jalisco's railroad infrastructure plays a crucial role in fostering economic growth and international trade.
- KCSM 4'674
- Ferrosur 7'930
- Ferrocarril Mexicano 1'886
Air Freight
Jalisco's transportation infrastructure is highly developed. The state boasts two international airports handling over 2,300 flights per month and serving 14.85 million passengers annually. Jalisco's strategic coastal location enhances sea connectivity, with ports in Manzanillo and Lázaro Cárdenas facilitating maritime trade with the Americas and beyond.
- 2nd largest airport in Mexico
- 2'300+ flights per month
- 15'000'000 passengers in 2020
- -1st in volume, 2nd in international operations
Industry Parks
Roberto Arechederra Pacheco, head of the State Secretariat of Economic Development (Sedeco), revealed in an interview that 21 of the new industrial parks planned are already under construction, and some of them will even begin to be inaugurated in the coming weeks.
- 68 Industrial Parks
- 2 Tech districts
- 1 Multimedia park
- 3 Technological Parks
- 1 Software Center
- 1 Autopark
Sea Port
Maritime connections with the main Seaports of : China, United States, Canada, Russia, Colombia, Chile, Ecuador, Peru, Korea, Japan, Hong Kong, Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia
Skilled Labor Force & Universities in Jalisco
Jalisco offers a diverse educational landscape, featuring 13 prestigious universities, 1,135 high schools, and 5 international schools.
3
Biomedical Institutions
16
Technical Institutions
48'500
Graduates Yearly
127
Postprogramms
1,135
High schools
Future Projects & Success Stories
Technology
Jalisco drives a technology-centric economy with over 600 tech firms and five technology parks. The state's Jalisco Tech Hub Act aims to establish it as a top innovation hub by 2030. Recently, Guadalajara inaugurated its first Internet Exchange Point (IXP), a crucial step for local businesses in accelerating digital transformation and reducing costs. With an IXP, local traffic bypasses international routes, ensuring faster and more affordable connections. This development signals a promising future for western Mexico's digital growth and competitiveness.
IT-Talent Development
The total sample is composed of 42 IT companies established in Jalisco, of which one third corresponds to large companies (251 employees or more), slightly less than one third of the sample is composed of small companies (between 11 and 50 employees), followed by 19% corresponding to micro-companies (10 or less employees) and, finally, 16.7%was responded by organizations classified as medium-sized.
Renewable Energy
Within successful projects or stories of success, we find Jalisco's strides in renewable energies. Over the past five years, the region has drawn in $364 million in energy projects, including two wind energy ventures, two solar energy initiatives, and one combined cycle plant. Notably, Jalisco boasts a State Energy Agency along with a comprehensive State Energy Plan, emphasizing its commitment to sustainability.
Technology
Jalisco drives a technology-centric economy with over 600 tech firms and five technology parks. The state's Jalisco Tech Hub Act aims to establish it as a top innovation hub by 2030. Recently, Guadalajara inaugurated its first Internet Exchange Point (IXP), a crucial step for local businesses in accelerating digital transformation and reducing costs. With an IXP, local traffic bypasses international routes, ensuring faster and more affordable connections. This development signals a promising future for western Mexico's digital growth and competitiveness.
IT-Talent Development
The total sample is composed of 42 IT companies established in Jalisco, of which one third corresponds to large companies (251 employees or more), slightly less than one third of the sample is composed of small companies (between 11 and 50 employees), followed by 19% corresponding to micro-companies (10 or less employees) and, finally, 16.7%was responded by organizations classified as medium-sized.
Renewable Energy
Within successful projects or stories of success, we find Jalisco's strides in renewable energies. Over the past five years, the region has drawn in $364 million in energy projects, including two wind energy ventures, two solar energy initiatives, and one combined cycle plant. Notably, Jalisco boasts a State Energy Agency along with a comprehensive State Energy Plan, emphasizing its commitment to sustainability.
Technology
Jalisco drives a technology-centric economy with over 600 tech firms and five technology parks. The state's Jalisco Tech Hub Act aims to establish it as a top innovation hub by 2030. Recently, Guadalajara inaugurated its first Internet Exchange Point (IXP), a crucial step for local businesses in accelerating digital transformation and reducing costs. With an IXP, local traffic bypasses international routes, ensuring faster and more affordable connections. This development signals a promising future for western Mexico's digital growth and competitiveness.
IT-Talent Development
The total sample is composed of 42 IT companies established in Jalisco, of which one third corresponds to large companies (251 employees or more), slightly less than one third of the sample is composed of small companies (between 11 and 50 employees), followed by 19% corresponding to micro-companies (10 or less employees) and, finally, 16.7%was responded by organizations classified as medium-sized.
Renewable Energy
Within successful projects or stories of success, we find Jalisco's strides in renewable energies. Over the past five years, the region has drawn in $364 million in energy projects, including two wind energy ventures, two solar energy initiatives, and one combined cycle plant. Notably, Jalisco boasts a State Energy Agency along with a comprehensive State Energy Plan, emphasizing its commitment to sustainability.
Quality of life in Jalisco
Health & Leisure
Jalisco is a destination offering a wealth of attractions for visitors with varied interests. Club Deportivo, commonly known as Chivas, is a professional soccer club based in Guadalajara. The team was founded by Edgar Everaert, who arrived in Mexico
Hotels & Restaurants
In Jalisco, Mexico, travelers can expect a diverse selection of hotels and restaurants to suit every taste and budget.
Tourism & Culture
Art, Culture, and Museums: Discover the vibrant arts, music, and cultural scene in Guadalajara, the traditional cultural center of Mexico.