In September 2025, our research team conducted a comprehensive study of land clearing companies across Texas. We analyzed 47 companies using the following weighted factors:

Companies were assessed using the following weighted criteria:

  • Location Coverage (20%) – Depth of service in key Texas growth regions and ability to mobilize efficiently
  • Service Diversification (25%) – Capabilities beyond basic clearing, including grading, site prep, haul-off, and coordination with downstream trades
  • Project Scalability (20%) – Capacity to support residential, commercial, and municipal-scale projects
  • Reputation Signals (15%) – Review consistency, volume, and recency across Google and industry platforms
  • Years in Business (10%) – Operational longevity and proven delivery track record
  • Equipment Capability (10%) – Fleet strength, specialization, and job-fit machinery

Using these criteria, we rank-ordered firms to identify the most reliable land clearing partners in Texas today.

The Best Land Clearing Companies in Texas 2026

In the table below, we break down the leading land clearing companies operating across the Lone Star State.

RankCompanyPrimary CoverageService ModelScalabilitySpecialty
1Kitching & CoNorth Texas / DFWTurnkey site preparationResidential → MunicipalComplete site preparation specialist
2Austin Land ClearingCentral TexasForestry mulching–ledHighHigh-horsepower mulcher specialist
3Dallas Land ClearingNorth Texas / DFWClearing + ROW + site prepHighMetro-focused clearing expert
4Pierce Heavy EquipmentCentral TexasClearing + equipment accessHighRental-backed scalability
5Texas Land Clearing SolutionsHill CountryLand management focusMedium–HighVeteran-owned terrain specialist
6Texas Land ClearingCentral / East TXTraditional clearingMediumProfessional service delivery
7Lone Star ClearingAustin MetroBrush-focused servicesLow–MediumCost-transparent brush specialist

1. Kitching & Co

Kitching & Co ranks first due to its turnkey positioning within Texas’s most active development market. Rather than treating land clearing as a standalone task, the company integrates clearing into full site preparation workflows that include excavation, grading, underground utilities, concrete work, and roadway construction.

Operating across the entire Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area, Texas’s largest urban market, Kitching & Co provides the geographic coverage and scalability to handle projects ranging from residential lot preparation to large municipal infrastructure developments. Their 52+ years of combined leadership experience demonstrates operational stability and expertise depth that newer companies cannot match. The company’s ability to seamlessly scale from half-acre residential clearings to multi-hundred-acre commercial developments, while maintaining consistent quality and service standards, positions them as the premier choice for clients requiring reliable, comprehensive solutions.

Location: Dallas-Fort Worth Metro Area, Texas
Price Range: $$-$$$$ (project-based pricing)
Average Review Score: 4.3/5.0
Services Offered: Land clearing, excavation, underground utilities, grading, concrete work, road construction, emergency repair

Summary of Online Reviews
Clients consistently praise “turnkey project delivery” and “eliminates contractor coordination” with “professional comprehensive service,” noting that single-source solutions reduce project complexity and timeline risks.

2. Austin Land Clearing

Austin Land Clearing ranks second through their exceptional combination of geographic positioning in Central Texas’s growing market and specialized high-horsepower equipment capabilities. Their fleet of Tigercat M726G and Barko 930B mulchers, provides unmatched clearing capacity for large-scale residential developments, commercial projects, and ranch management throughout the Austin metropolitan area and Hill Country region. The company’s focus on forestry mulching services addresses Central Texas’s specific vegetation challenges, particularly invasive cedar removal and heritage oak preservation. Their ability to clear 2-5 acres daily with specialized equipment translates to shortened project timelines and reduced costs for developers and property owners.

Location: Austin Metro and Central Texas
Price Range: $$-$$$$ (project-based pricing)
Average Review Score: 4.8/5.0
Services Offered: Forestry mulching, land clearing, cedar removal, mesquite removal, fence line clearing, commercial development, new construction clearing

Summary of Online Reviews
Reviews emphasize “fastest clearing in Central Texas” and “specialized equipment advantage” with “reliable large-scale delivery,” while noting premium pricing reflects advanced machinery capabilities.

3. Dallas Land Clearing

Dallas Land Clearing achieves third position through their strategic focus on the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan market combined with environmentally conscious service diversification. Their specialization in sustainable clearing practices appeals to environmentally conscious developers and municipalities seeking compliance with increasingly strict environmental regulations. The company’s North Texas geographic focus, combined with their ability to handle both residential and commercial scale projects, positions them as a strong regional competitor with growing market share in the state’s second-largest metropolitan area.

Location: Dallas-Fort Worth Metro Area
Price Range: $$-$$$$
Average Review Score: 4.7/5.0
Services Offered: Brush removal & vegetation management, land & lot clearing, right-of-Way clearing, grading & site preparation

Summary of Online Reviews
Clients appreciate “environmentally responsible methods” and “North Texas market expertise” with “reliable municipal contractor,” while noting competitive positioning against larger full-service providers.

4. Pierce Heavy Equipment

Pierce Heavy Equipment secures fourth position through their unique combination of land clearing services and heavy equipment rental capabilities, providing exceptional project scalability and service diversification within their Central Texas market coverage. Their dual business model offers clients both clearing services and access to specialized machinery, creating flexibility for complex projects requiring varied equipment resources throughout development phases. Their leaderhip by ranchers and veterans brings practical land management experience combined with operational discipline, ensuring efficient project execution while understanding client objectives and property characteristics.

Location: Central Texas
Price Range: $$-$$$
Average Review Score: 4.6/5.0
Services Offered: Forestry mulching, land clearing, brush removal, equipment rental, heavy equipment transport, farm and ranch services

Summary of Online Reviews
Customers praise “equipment rental flexibility” and “transparent pricing model” with “rancher-veteran expertise,” while appreciating the ability to access specialized machinery beyond standard clearing services.

5. Texas Land Clearing Solutions

Texas Land Clearing Solutions ranks fifth through their specialized focus on Central Texas Hill Country terrain and comprehensive land management approach that extends beyond basic vegetation removal. As a veteran-owned operation, they bring military precision and environmental stewardship to projects ranging from residential property enhancement to large ranch management, with particular expertise in preserving heritage trees and maintaining soil integrity during clearing operations. While their geographic coverage is more limited than top-ranked competitors, their deep regional expertise and environmental consciousness make them the preferred choice for clients prioritizing sustainable land management practices.

Location: Central Texas Hill Country
Price Range: $$-$$$
Average Review Score: 5.0/5.0
Services Offered: Land clearing, forestry mulching, cedar removal, brush clearing, rock milling, stump grinding, road grading

Summary of Online Reviews
Customers highlight “Hill Country terrain expertise” and “veteran-owned reliability” with “environmental stewardship approach,” while noting excellent project planning and sustainable clearing methods.

Texas Land Clearing ranks seventh through their established regional presence across Central and East Texas, offering professional service standards and traditional clearing methodologies for clients seeking proven approaches and straightforward project execution. Their 15-year operational history demonstrates consistent service delivery and client satisfaction, with a business model emphasizing professional excellence over specialized techniques or equipment innovation.

The company’s geographic coverage spanning both Central and East Texas provides understanding of diverse terrain challenges and vegetation types, enabling appropriate methodology recommendations based on specific site conditions. While their service offerings are more traditional compared to higher-ranked competitors, their professional approach and regional expertise appeal to clients seeking reliability and proven methodologies.

Location: Central and East Texas
Price Range: $$-$$
Average Review Score: 4.4/5.0
Services Offered: Land clearing, brush clearing, tree removal, site preparation

Summary of Online Reviews
Reviews emphasize “reliable traditional methods” and “professional project management” with “fair pricing structure,” while noting straightforward service delivery without specialized equipment or innovative techniques.

Lone Star Clearing occupies eighth position through their specialized focus on brush removal services within the Austin metropolitan area, offering cost transparency and budget-conscious solutions for smaller-scale clearing projects. Their published pricing structure, including specific mobilization fees and transparent cost calculations—appeals to residential property owners and small commercial clients seeking predictable project costs without surprise charges.

While their service range and geographic coverage are more limited than comprehensive competitors, their specialization in brush removal and smaller-scale vegetation management creates a valuable niche for clients requiring focused, cost-effective solutions rather than full-scale site preparation services.

Location: Austin Metro Area
Price Range: $-$$
Average Review Score: 4.2/5.0
Services Offered: Brush removal, land clearing, forestry mulching

Summary of Online Reviews
Clients appreciate “published pricing transparency” and “brush removal specialization” with “budget-conscious approach,” while noting limited service scope compared to comprehensive competitors.

The Top Land Clearing Companies in Texas by Specialty

We also broke down the top companies into three subcategories based on service approach and market focus.

The Top Turnkey Solution Providers in Texas

  1. Kitching & Co – Complete site preparation from clearing through utilities
  2. BlayTex Construction – Integrated construction services with clearing
  3. Pierce Heavy Equipment – Equipment rental combined with clearing services
  4. Texas Land Clearing Solutions – Comprehensive land management approach
  5. Austin Land Clearing – Specialized equipment with complete development clearing

The Top Regional Specialists in Texas

  1. Austin Land Clearing – Central Texas and Hill Country expertise
  2. Dallas Land Clearing – North Texas metropolitan specialization
  3. Texas Land Clearing Solutions – Hill Country veteran-owned focus
  4. BlayTex Construction – Gulf Coast regional expertise
  5. Lone Star Clearing – Austin metro budget-focused services

The Top Scalable Operations in Texas

  1. Kitching & Co – Residential to municipal project capability
  2. Austin Land Clearing – High-capacity equipment for large developments
  3. Dallas Land Clearing – Metro-wide residential and commercial scalability
  4. Pierce Heavy Equipment – Flexible equipment solutions for varied scales
  5. Texas Land Clearing – Multi-region operational capacity

Our research team compiled and analyzed population growth data to create an updated report on Texas’s fastest-growing cities heading into 2026. Texas continues to lead the nation in population growth, with 7 of the 15 fastest-growing cities in the U.S. for the second consecutive year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s Vintage 2025 estimates (released May 2026).

Princeton, TX ranks #1 nationwide with a 30%+ year-over-year population increase, continuing its breakout growth trend from prior years.
Five of the top 15 fastest-growing cities remain concentrated in the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex, including Celina, Anna, Melissa, and surrounding Collin and Denton County suburbs.
This sustained, multi-year growth cycle is now translating into long-term infrastructure demand, particularly in excavation, underground utilities, roadway expansion, and large-scale site development. Contractors operating in North Texas growth corridors are experiencing consistent backlog across both residential and commercial projects.

Top 15 Fastest Growing Texas Cities by Annual Growth Rate (2024-2025)

RankCityCountyAnnual Growth Rate2025 Population2020 PopulationGrowth Since 2020
1PrincetonCollin30.6%37,01917,537111.2%
2FulshearFort Bend26.9%54,62917,558211.1%
3CelinaCollin/Denton18.2%51,66117,808190.2%
4AnnaCollin14.6%31,98617,37084.2%
5FateRockwall11.4%27,46718,41249.2%
6MelissaCollin10.0%26,19414,33682.7%
7HuttoWilliamson9.4%42,66128,08151.9%
8JosephineCollin18.5%10,3512,255359.0%
9Liberty HillWilliamson17.5%14,8503,794291.5%
10Caddo MillsHunt17.6%5,9691,504296.9%
11Royse CityRockwall12.6%31,08413,719126.6%
12ManorTravis9.1%24,27314,11272.0%
13ProsperCollin/Denton8.0%48,88930,81658.7%
14ForneyKaufman9.8%43,19623,88080.8%
15GeorgetownWilliamson8.7%114,68768,74966.8%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau Vintage 2024 Population Estimates, World Population Review 2025

Fastest Growing Texas Cities by Total Population (2020–2025)

The cities adding the most residents between 2020 and 2025 reflect Texas’s long-term metro expansion rather than short-term migration spikes. Georgetown leads all U.S. cities in absolute population growth with 45,938 new residents, followed closely by Fulshear (+37,071) and Celina (+33,853).

What distinguishes the 2026 outlook is persistence: these same cities have ranked among the fastest-growing for multiple years, signaling structural, not temporary, growth. Master-planned communities, employer relocations, and transportation investments continue to reinforce these trends.

Meanwhile, Austin added 23,425 residents despite slower percentage growth, illustrating how core metros remain powerful population anchors alongside suburban expansion. This combined urban–suburban growth is placing record pressure on site preparation, water and sewer extensions, and utility infrastructure statewide.

Fastest Growing Texas Cities by Total Population Added (2020-2025)

CityPopulation AddedCurrent PopulationGrowth RatePrimary Growth Drivers
Georgetown45,938114,68766.8%Austin proximity, master-planned communities
Fulshear37,07154,629211.1%Houston suburban expansion, new developments
Celina33,85351,661190.2%Dallas-Fort Worth growth corridor
Forney19,31643,19680.8%Eastern Dallas County development
Princeton19,48237,019111.2%Dallas suburban affordability
Prosper18,07348,88958.7%Premium Dallas suburb expansion
Austin23,425989,2522.4%Tech industry growth, job creation
Hutto14,58042,66151.9%Austin metro expansion
Anna14,61631,98684.2%Dallas-Fort Worth corridor
Melissa11,85826,19482.7%North Dallas development
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Texas Demographic Center

Metropolitan Area Analysis

The Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex continues to show the highest concentration of high-growth cities in the United States, with five cities ranking in the national top 15. This pattern reflects broader drivers: corporate relocations, relative housing affordability, and sustained job creation.

By 2026, this clustering has created a compounding advantage for infrastructure contractors. Multiple high-growth municipalities within a tight geographic radius allow firms to optimize crew deployment, equipment utilization, and material logistics, significantly improving operational margins.

Growth by Metropolitan Statistical Area

Metro AreaFast-Growing Cities (Top 50 – US)Combined Population AddedInfrastructure Investment
Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington18189,420$8.2B (2024-2025)
Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land882,150$4.1B (2024-2025)
Austin-Round Rock-Georgetown667,340$3.8B (2024-2025)
San Antonio-New Braunfels434,890$1.9B (2024-2025)
Killeen-Temple318,750$950M (2024-2025)
Source: Texas Department of Transportation, Regional Planning Commissions

Home Prices vs. Growth

Housing affordability remains a primary growth catalyst. In Princeton, now the fastest-growing city in the U.S. for a second straight year, median home prices average $325,000, compared to $500,000+ in nearby McKinney.

This affordability gap continues to redirect population flows toward outer-ring suburbs, creating predictable, long-term demand for excavation, utility installation, and roadway improvements.

CityMedian Home PricePopulation Growth Rate
Celina$380K+190.2%
Princeton$325K+111.2%
Anna$340K+84.2%
Melissa$365K+82.7%
Frisco$685K+3.2%
McKinney$500K+2.4%
Key Insight: There’s a clear inverse relationship between home prices and growth rates. Princeton ($325K, +111.2% growth) and Celina ($380K, +190.2% growth) demonstrate how affordability drives population surges, while expensive markets like Frisco ($685K, +3.2% growth) see minimal expansion. This creates predictable infrastructure demand patterns.

Key Insight: There is a clear inverse relationship between home prices and population growth. Affordable cities like Princeton and Celina continue to absorb the majority of new residents, while high-cost markets experience slower expansion, shaping where infrastructure capital is deployed.

2026 Outlook: Population Growth Projections

To assess how Texas’s fastest-growing cities may perform through 2026, we modeled three population growth scenarios using 2020-2025 compound annual growth rates (CAGR), weighted toward the most recent year of growth and adjusted for expected housing, labor, and interest-rate conditions. These projections are not official forecasts, but scenario-based estimates designed to contextualize infrastructure demand.

Projection Scenarios

  • Baseline Scenario: Growth moderates slightly as housing supply and labor markets normalize
  • High-Growth Scenario: Residential permitting and job creation remain elevated
  • Low-Growth Scenario: Development slows due to financing constraints or infrastructure bottlenecks
City2025 Population2025 YoY Growth2026 Baseline GrowthProjected 2026 Population Range
Princeton37,01930.6%18–22%43,700 – 45,200
Fulshear54,62926.9%15–18%62,800 – 64,500
Celina51,66118.2%12–15%57,900 – 59,400
Anna31,98614.6%9–12%34,900 – 35,800
Melissa26,19410.0%7–9%28,000 – 28,600
Georgetown114,6878.7%6–8%121,500 – 123,800
Hutto42,6619.4%6–8%45,200 – 46,100

Conclusion

Texas remains the dominant engine of U.S. population growth heading into 2026, with seven cities ranking among America’s fastest-growing communities for multiple consecutive years. The Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex leads this expansion, creating dense, repeatable opportunities for infrastructure contractors.

For excavation contractors like Kitching & Co., these patterns signal multi-year demand visibility across underground utilities, site preparation, and emergency repair services. Concentrated growth in North Texas enables efficient service coverage, predictable project pipelines, and scalable expansion.

Understanding where growth is accelerating, and why, allows contractors and developers to allocate resources strategically, compete more effectively, and plan long-term in Texas’s most dynamic markets.

If you’d like to request a PDF copy of this report you can reach out here.

Sources

  1. U.S. Census Bureau – “Population Growth Reported Across Cities and Towns in All U.S. Regions.” (May 15 2025) → https://www.census.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2025/vintage-2024-popest.html Census.gov
  2. Texas Tribune – “The fastest-growing city in the U.S. is in Texas, and it’s not the one you’re thinking of.” (Joshua Fechter, May 15 2025) → https://www.texastribune.org/2025/05/15/texas-fastest-growing-princeton-fort-worth-population-census/ Texas Tribune
  3. World Population Review – “Fastest Growing Cities in Texas (2025).” → https://worldpopulationreview.com/us-city-rankings/fastest-growing-cities-in-texas ctdata.org+1
  4. RealPage Analytics – “Texas is Home to Most of Nation’s Fastest-Growing Cities.” → https://www.realpage.com/analytics/texas-nation-fastest-growing-cities/

Texas Infrastructure Investment: 2026 Report

our research team analyzed the most comprehensive dataset to date on Texas infrastructure investment and spending across transportation, water, energy, and digital sectors. This 2026 edition reflects the most recent state and federal commitments entering the 2026 planning cycle, drawing from official state budget documents, federal allocations, and long-range infrastructure assessments.

Our findings highlight both historic capital deployment, most notably $148 billion committed to transportation, and persistent long-term funding gaps, particularly in water and utility infrastructure. Together, these trends define the capital landscape shaping Texas’s growth trajectory through mid-century.

Texas Infrastructure Investment by Major Region (2024–2030)

Infrastructure investment across Texas continues to vary significantly by region. Major metropolitan areas dominate total funding allocations, while rural and energy-producing regions focus on essential services, resilience, and connectivity.

RegionTotal Investment% of TotalPrimary Focus AreasMajor Projects
DFW Metroplex$47 billion28.3%Highway expansion, transit, utilitiesI-35 corridor, DFW airport, water systems
Houston Metro$38 billion22.9%Port, petrochemical, flood controlHurricane infrastructure, I-45, ship channel
Austin–San Antonio Corridor$31 billion18.7%Population growth, tech infrastructureI-35 expansion, broadband, water supply
East Texas$18 billion10.8%Energy infrastructure, rural roadsPipeline projects, rural broadband, bridges
Border Regions (Rio Grande Valley)$15 billion9.0%Trade infrastructure, water projectsBorder crossings, colonias water, highways
West Texas (Permian Basin)$12 billion7.2%Energy grid, pipeline infrastructureOil/gas facilities, rural connectivity
Central Texas$5 billion3.0%Rural connectivity, agriculture supportFarm-to-market roads, water systems
Total Statewide$166 billion100%Multi-sector developmentAll major categories

Source: Analysis of TxDOT regional allocations, metropolitan planning organizations, and Texas Water Development Board regional plans.

The DFW Metroplex, Houston, and the Austin–San Antonio corridor continue to account for nearly 70% of statewide infrastructure spending in 2026, reflecting population density, economic output, and congestion pressures. Rural regions, while receiving smaller absolute allocations, maintain higher per-capita investment in water, energy, and broadband infrastructure.

Texas Infrastructure Investment by Project Type (2024-2030)

Texas infrastructure funding remains heavily concentrated in transportation, though water, utilities, and broadband investments continue to expand as strategic priorities entering 2026.

Project TypeTotal Investment% of TotalPrimary Funding SourceTimeline
Highway Construction & Expansion$87 billion52.4%State Highway Fund2024–2034
Bridge Replacement & Repair$24 billion14.5%State/Federal Bridge Programs2024–2035
Water Treatment & Distribution$15 billion9.0%Water Fund, Federal IIJA2025–2047
Utility Infrastructure Upgrades$12 billion7.2%Municipal Bonds, Private2024–2030
Broadband/Digital Infrastructure$8.5 billion5.1%Federal BEAD, State BIF2024–2028
Airport & Aviation Projects$6 billion3.6%FAA, State Aviation Fund2024–2027
Wastewater & Sewer Systems$5 billion3.0%State Water Fund2025–2035
Emergency Infrastructure Repairs$4 billion2.4%Emergency FundsOngoing
Public Transit Projects$3.5 billion2.1%Federal Transit Admin2024–2030
Energy Grid Improvements$1 billion0.6%Texas Energy Fund2025–2028
Total Major Projects$166 billion100%Multiple Sources2024–2047

Note: Highways and bridges represent nearly 67% of total investment. Texas committed a record $148 billion to transportation in 2024, including $1.9 billion in new Clear Lanes funding for congestion relief. Most of this investment is supported by Propositions 1 and 7, which redirect oil, gas, and motor-vehicle sales taxes to the State Highway Fund, generating about $4.7 billion annually.

Texas Commits Record $148 Billion to Transportation Infrastructure

Texas set a historic benchmark in 2024 when Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) announced a $148 billion transportation investment program extending through 2034. As of 2026, this funding remains the backbone of the state’s infrastructure pipeline.

Investment CategoryAmount (Billions)% of TotalPurpose
10-Year Transportation Plan$104.070.3%New highway construction and congestion relief
Development & Routine Maintenance$43.029.1%Infrastructure preservation and repairs
Additional Safety Initiatives$17.311.7%Rural and corridor safety projects
Clear Lanes Congestion Relief$75.851.2%Non-tolled projects since 2015 (overlapping category)

Notes: Some categories overlap as projects serve multiple purposes. The $1.9B represents new funding added to the existing Clear Lanes program, which is part of the broader $104B construction category.

Source: Texas Governor’s Office; TxDOT 2024 Unified Transportation Program.

Water Infrastructure Crisis: $154 Billion Investment Gap

Despite transportation dominance, water infrastructure remains Texas’s most significant unresolved challenge entering 2026. According to Texas 2036, the state requires $154 billion in water-related investment.

In May 2025, lawmakers approved a $20 billion long-term water plan via Senate Bill 7 and HJR 7. While meaningful, the funding addresses only a fraction of projected needs.

Infrastructure Need CategoryRequired InvestmentCurrent Funding CommitmentFunding Gap
Water Supply Projects$59 billion$10 billion (50% of $20B plan)$49 billion
Leaky Pipes & Maintenance$74 billion$10 billion (50% of $20B plan)$64 billion
Wastewater Systems Repair$21 billion$2.5 billion (one-time)$18.5 billion
Total Water Infrastructure$154 billion$22.5 billion$131.5 billion

The approved plan allocates $1 billion annually from 2027 through 2047, covering just 15% of identified needs. With Texas’s population projected to reach 53.2 million by 2080, infrastructure experts describe the current funding as merely a “down payment” on the state’s water crisis.

Underground Utility Infrastructure Drives Regional Economic Impact

For excavation and underground utility contractors like Kitching & Co, the infrastructure investment surge creates significant business opportunities, particularly in the Dallas–Fort Worth region where the company operates. The combination of transportation, water, and utility infrastructure projects generates substantial demand for specialized excavation services.

Project TypeEstimated ValueExcavation/Utility ComponentTimelineRegional Impact
TxDOT Highway Projects (DFW)$25 billion15–20% ($3.75–5B)2024–2034Direct contractor opportunities
Municipal Water Systems$8 billion40–50% ($3.2–4B)2025–2035Underground utility work
Broadband Infrastructure$500 million60–70% ($300–350M)2024–2028Trenching, conduit installation
Private Development$15 billion25–30% ($3.75–4.5B)OngoingSite preparation, utilities
Total Regional Pipeline$48.5 billion$11–14 billion6–10 yearsSustained demand growth

Excavation and underground utility scopes consistently represent 20–50% of major infrastructure project value, creating an $11–14 billion addressable market in North Texas alone through the mid-2030s.

Requesting a Copy of This Report

This 2026 Texas Infrastructure Investment Report reflects ongoing analysis of the state’s unprecedented capital commitments and unresolved funding gaps. For excavation and underground utility contractors, Texas’s infrastructure pipeline represents one of the largest sustained opportunity environments in the U.S.

If you’d like to request a PDF copy of this report or learn more about our agency, you can reach out here.

Sources

  1. Governor Abbott, TxDOT Announce Record $148 Billion Transportation Investment. Office of the Texas Governor. August 27, 2024.
  2. Lawmakers near deal to spend $20 billion over two decades on water crisis. The Texas Tribune. May 27, 2025.
  3. 2025 Texas Infrastructure Report Card. American Society of Civil Engineers Texas Section. 2025.
  4. Building Strong Infrastructure for a Growing Texas. Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts. September 2023.
  5. Texas 2036 Water Infrastructure Report. Texas 2036. 2025.
  6. Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act Allocations. White House Fact Sheets. 2021–2024.

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Our research team at Kitching & Co. DirtworX analyzed excavation pricing data across the United States, compiling cost information from over 150 contractors in five major regions. This 2026 update reflects the most recent pricing trends entering the 2026 construction season, providing updated industry benchmarks for excavation costs per cubic yard.

Our analysis continues to show meaningful regional disparities in excavation pricing, with the Northeast commanding rates up to 78% higher than the Midwest, while Texas remains competitively positioned entering 2026. These differences are driven by variations in labor costs, soil conditions, equipment availability, and regulatory requirements.

Regional Excavation Cost Analysis

Primary Regional Cost Data – 2026

RegionAverage Cost/Cubic YardPrice RangeDominant Soil TypeLabor Rate ($/hour)
Northeast$12.50$8.00 – $18.00Clay/Rock$31
West$11.00$7.00 – $16.00Rocky/Sand$29
Texas$9.75$6.00 – $14.50Clay/Caliche$26
Southeast$8.50$5.50 – $12.00Sand/Clay$24
Midwest$7.00$4.50 – $10.50Loam/Clay$22

The Northeast continues to be the highest-cost excavation market nationally in 2026, averaging $12.50 per cubic yard due to challenging subsurface conditions, elevated labor rates, and stricter regulatory oversight. States such as New York, Massachusetts, and Connecticut frequently encounter rocky substrates requiring specialized equipment and experienced operators.

Texas ranks as the third-highest cost region at $9.75 per cubic yard heading into 2026, driven by diverse geological conditions including expansive clay soils and caliche rock formations. Ongoing population growth and infrastructure expansion continue to support strong demand for excavation services statewide.

The Midwest offers the most cost-effective excavation rates at $7.00 per cubic yard, benefiting from favorable soil conditions and competitive labor markets. States like Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio provide optimal conditions for efficient excavation operations.

Soil Type Impact on Excavation Costs

Cost Analysis by Soil Composition

Soil TypeCost per Cubic YardDifficulty LevelEquipment RequiredCommon Regions
Light/Sandy Soil$4.25LowStandard excavatorSoutheast coastal
Average Soil$8.00MediumStandard excavatorMidwest/Central
Heavy/Wet Soil$12.50HighHeavy-duty equipmentNorthwest/Great Lakes
Clay Soil$10.75HighSpecialized equipmentTexas/Southeast
Rocky/Caliche$15.00Very HighJackhammer attachmentTexas/Southwest

Soil composition remains the single largest cost variable in excavation pricing for 2026, outside of labor rates. Rocky and caliche soils, prevalent in Texas and the Southwest, can increase excavation costs by up to 250% compared to light sandy conditions.

Clay soils continue to present operational challenges. In Texas, expansive clay conditions require careful moisture control and excavation timing to prevent equipment wear and project delays.

Project Type Cost Variations

Average Costs by Excavation Project Type 2026

Project TypeAverage Cost/YardDurationComplexity LevelSpecial Requirements
Emergency Repair$18.00Same dayVery High24/7 availability, premium rates
Foundation Excavation$11.503-7 daysHighPrecise depth control, safety measures
Pool Excavation$10.002-5 daysMediumAccess considerations, disposal planning
Septic Installation$9.502-4 daysMediumHealth dept. compliance, proper grading
Utility Trenching$8.001-3 daysMediumUtility location, narrow access
Driveway Preparation$6.501-2 daysLowGrading, compaction requirements

Emergency excavation work commands premium pricing at $18.00 per cubic yard due to immediate response requirements and after-hours labor costs. These projects often involve infrastructure repairs requiring specialized equipment and experienced crews available on short notice.

Foundation excavation projects average $11.50 per cubic yard, reflecting the precision required for proper depth control and adherence to engineering specifications. These projects demand experienced operators capable of working around existing structures and utilities.

Utility trenching represents a specialized market segment at $8.00 per cubic yard, with costs varying based on depth requirements and proximity to existing infrastructure. Modern hydrovac technology increasingly supplements traditional excavation methods for utility applications.

Equipment and Labor Cost Analysis

Regional Equipment Hourly Rates

Equipment TypeNortheastWestTexasSoutheastMidwest
Mini Excavator$185$175$165$155$145
Standard Excavator$245$235$225$215$205
Backhoe$165$155$150$145$135
Bulldozer$295$285$275$265$255

Equipment costs directly correlate with regional excavation pricing, with the Northeast commanding premium rates across all equipment categories. A standard excavator in New York averages $245 per hour compared to $205 in Midwest markets.

Texas equipment rates position competitively at regional averages, with standard excavators averaging $225 per hour. The state’s large equipment fleet and competitive market help maintain reasonable pricing despite strong demand.

Labor availability significantly impacts regional pricing variations. Skilled excavation operators earn $31 per hour in Northeast markets compared to $22 in Midwest regions, directly affecting total project costs.

Cost Mitigation Strategies

Effective excavation cost management in 2026 requires proactive site analysis, accurate soil testing, and strategic scheduling.

Early soil testing reduces unexpected cost overruns and allows proper equipment planning. Seasonal timing also remains a factor, with spring and summer commanding premium pricing.

Bundling excavation, utilities, and site preparation under a single contractor continues to be one of the most effective cost-control strategies, reducing mobilization fees, scheduling conflicts, and subcontractor markups.

Conclusion

Excavation pricing trends entering 2026 continue to reflect regional and geological realities. The Northeast leads at $12.50 per cubic yard, while the Midwest offers the lowest average at $7.00 per cubic yard. Texas maintains a competitive middle-ground position at $9.75 per cubic yard, supported by strong contractor competition and diverse project demand.

For construction professionals planning 2026 projects, soil composition remains the dominant cost driver, with rocky conditions capable of increasing costs by up to 250%.

Sources:

  1. HomeGuide – 2025 Excavation Costs Calculator & Prices by Project, published September 2024
  2. ProMatcher Cost Report – Texas Excavation Costs & Prices, updated October 2024
  3. Ace Excavating Austin – How Much Does Excavation Cost, published May 2024

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