Industrial Boom in Pesquería
The arrival of KIA México in 2015 and Ternium’s industrial center has dramatically transformed Pesquería’s rural landscape. Once home to just 20,800 residents in 2010, Pesquería’s population soared to 147,624 by 2020, making it Mexico’s municipality with the highest ultra-growth rate, as per the 2025 Intercensal Population Census.
KIA México and Ternium’s Impact
These industrial giants have not only boosted Pesquería’s population but also fostered collaboration between government, businesses, and academia to address the growing population. However, this coordination has not been replicated in other rapidly growing municipios due to a lack of institutional articulation, warns an expert from UANL.
Economic Growth Disparity
Pesquería’s 53.6% contribution to Monterrey’s economic growth between 2012 and 2021, as estimated by UANL’s Economics Faculty using NASA satellite imagery measuring nighttime brightness, stands in stark contrast to other metropolitan municipios.
Edgar Mauricio Luna Domínguez’s Analysis
Edgar Mauricio Luna Domínguez, director of UANL’s Center for Economic Research (CIE), explained to El Economista that analyzing luminosity maps allows for estimating economic activity. In Pesquería’s case, this analysis revealed growth far exceeding other metropolitan municipios.
Other Rapidly Growing Municipios
Examining other municipios with ultra-growth, data from Inegi’s Population and Housing Census shows that El Carmen grew from 16,092 residents in 2010 to 104,478 in 2020. Ciénega de Flores increased from 24,526 to 68,747; García surged from over 90,000 to over 397,000; Juárez doubled its population from 150,000 in 2010 to 308,285; and Apodaca grew from 467,157 to 536,436.
Uneven Economic Growth
This rapid population growth in Pesquería, Ciénega de Flores, García, Juárez, Escobedo, and Apodaca has also been accompanied by increased economic participation in the metropolis, driven by new industries, housing developments, and other services.
Monterrey’s Economic Contribution
According to luminosity maps, Monterrey remains the municipio with the highest economic contribution to the metropolitan area. However, its participation has decreased: from 25.3% in 2012 to 21.2% in 2024.
Apodaca’s Second-Place Standing
Apodaca maintains second place in economic contribution to the metropolitan area, with 17.2% in 2024—just 0.8 points below its 2012 level. This municipio is notable for housing the most industrial parks due to its proximity to Monterrey International Airport.
García, Guadalupe, and Escobedo’s Rise
García climbed from sixth to third place, increasing from 7.37% to 10.8%, driven by automotive, steel, and advanced manufacturing industries, as well as robust housing growth. Guadalupe follows with 9.84%, chosen by German ZF for its automotive multifunctional center, while Escobedo stands at 9% due to industrial park and residential development expansion.
Challenges for Rapidly Growing Municipios
The rapid urban sprawl in Pesquería, Ciénega de Flores, García, Juárez, Escobedo, and Apodaca outpaces basic services like potable water, waste collection, public lighting, transportation, and school access. Meanwhile, Monterrey’s center has sufficient infrastructure but faces vacant home issues.
Coordinated Urban Planning
Edgar Luna emphasized the need for coordinated urban planning among all levels of government. Currently, each municipio makes decisions independently, and policy changes occur with every new administration.
Limitations of Fragmented Planning
“This fragmentation restricts economies of scale and generates unequal service and infrastructure distribution, directly impacting the population’s quality of life,” Luna Domínguez stressed.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the main reason for Pesquería’s rapid population growth? The arrival of KIA México and Ternium industrial centers has significantly contributed to Pesquería’s population boom.
- How has Pesquería’s economic contribution to Monterrey’s growth changed? Pesquería’s contribution dropped from 25.3% in 2012 to 21.2% in 2024.
- Which municipios have experienced the most rapid population growth? El Carmen, Ciénega de Flores, García, Juárez, Escobedo, and Apodaca have seen significant population increases.
- What challenges do rapidly growing municipios face? These municipios struggle to keep up with basic service demands, while Monterrey’s center grapples with vacant homes.
- Why is coordinated urban planning essential? Fragmented planning restricts economies of scale and results in unequal service distribution, negatively impacting the population’s quality of life.
