The Richest Texans, Ranked (2026 Edition)
Meet the 10 wealthiest Texans by estimated net worth—and the industries driving over $1.2 trillion in combined wealth.
Texas has become one of the world’s premier destinations for entrepreneurs, investors, and business leaders. With no state income tax, a business-friendly climate, and one of the fastest-growing economies in the United States, the Lone Star State is now home to some of the world’s wealthiest individuals.
The 2026 edition of The Richest Texans, Ranked highlights the state’s 10 wealthiest primary residents based on Forbes’ billionaire estimates and verified Texas residency. Together, they represent more than $1.245 trillion in combined wealth—more than the annual GDP of many countries.
While technology dominates the very top of the list, Texas wealth remains remarkably diverse, spanning energy, finance, retail, and professional sports ownership.
Quick Take (1- minute read)
— The 10 richest Texans have a combined estimated net worth of $1.245 trillion.
— Elon Musk remains Texas’ richest resident with an estimated $839 billion fortune.
— Technology accounts for the largest share of billionaire wealth, while energy remains Texas’ second-largest wealth creator.
— Austin, Dallas, Houston, and Fort Worth are home to every billionaire on this year’s list.
— The rankings include only verified primary Texas residents, making this one of the strictest Texas billionaire rankings available.
The 10 Richest Texans
| Rank | Name | Estimated Net Worth | Industry |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Elon Musk | $839 billion | Technology |
| 2 | Michael Dell | $141 billion | Technology |
| 3 | Alice Walton | $134 billion | Retail |
| 4 | Elaine Marshall & Family | $30.9 billion | Diversified |
| 5 | Lyndal Stephens Greth & Family | $30.0 billion | Oil & Gas |
| 6 | Jerry Jones | $20.3 billion | Sports & Real Estate |
| 7 | Richard Kinder | $13.0 billion | Energy |
| 8 | Andrew Beal | $12.6 billion | Finance & Real Estate |
| 9 | Jeff Hildebrand | $12.6 billion | Energy |
| 10 | Kelcy Warren | $11.8 billion | Energy |
Texas Wealth Is Becoming More Diverse
For generations, Texas wealth was almost synonymous with oil.
Today, the picture is far more diverse.
Technology now produces the state’s largest fortunes, led by Elon Musk and Michael Dell, while energy continues to generate enormous wealth through companies like Kinder Morgan, Hilcorp Energy, and Energy Transfer.
Retail, finance, and professional sports ownership round out the list, illustrating just how broad the Texas economy has become.
Austin Still Leads—But Energy Keeps Houston Strong
Austin remains the state’s billionaire capital thanks to its booming technology sector and the presence of companies like Tesla, SpaceX, and Dell Technologies.
Dallas continues to dominate finance, corporate headquarters, and professional sports ownership.
Houston remains one of the world’s energy capitals, producing multiple billionaires through pipelines, exploration, and oil & gas operations.
Fort Worth also maintains a place among the state’s wealthiest cities through the Walton family’s continued Texas presence.
Why This Matters
Billionaire rankings are about more than personal fortunes.
They reveal where investment, innovation, and economic growth are occurring.
The companies represented on this list employ hundreds of thousands of people, generate billions in tax revenue and charitable giving, and influence industries that affect nearly every Texan—from energy prices and technology to banking, real estate, and professional sports.
As more companies relocate to Texas, the state’s billionaire landscape will likely continue evolving over the coming decade.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the richest person in Texas?
Elon Musk is the richest Texas resident with an estimated net worth of approximately $839 billion, according to Forbes’ 2026 billionaire estimates.
Why aren’t Stanley Kroenke and Ann Walton Kroenke included?
This ranking includes only individuals whose primary residence is in Texas. Although the Kroenkes own significant Texas assets, they are generally reported as Colorado residents and were excluded under this methodology.
Why is Alice Walton included?
Alice Walton is widely reported by Texas publications as residing in Fort Worth, qualifying her under this ranking’s residency criteria.
Why do billionaire rankings change?
Most billionaire wealth is tied to stock ownership and privately held businesses. As markets rise and fall, estimated net worth changes accordingly.
Will this ranking be updated?
Yes. Texas Financial Report plans to publish an updated edition each year as Forbes releases new billionaire estimates.
Ever’s Take
Texas has always created opportunity—but the source of that opportunity is changing.
Oil built modern Texas. Today, technology, finance, and innovation are joining energy as the engines of extraordinary wealth. That’s good news for Texans because it signals a stronger and more diversified economy.
The biggest takeaway isn’t who ranks first.
It’s that the industries creating tomorrow’s jobs are increasingly the same industries creating tomorrow’s billionaires.
Methodology
This ranking is based primarily on Forbes World’s Billionaires 2026 estimates.
To qualify, individuals must have a verified primary residence in Texas based on Forbes reporting and corroborating Texas publications. Individuals whose primary residence is reported outside Texas were excluded, even if they own significant businesses, sports franchises, or property within the state.
Net worth estimates are approximate and change with market conditions.
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