How fast is Austin growing? That’s what a friend recently asked me. We’ve been in a fast-growth mode here in Central Texas for a number of years.
Well, the 2017 numbers are now out and the Austin area grew by 151 people a day last year. That’s a tiny bit slower than the 159 people a day moving here in 2016, but who’s going to miss eight people.
That’s about the equivalent of a 757 Jumbo Jet load of passengers moving here every week.
People love Austin, Texas and want to move here. In fact, Austin is one of the fastest growing cities in the United State. It is the 11th most populated city and the 2nd most populated State Capital.
Forbes ranked Austin the 3rd fastest growing city back in 2016.
Here’s a few facts to help us understand why Austin is growing so rapidly.
No. 1 Low Unemployment
Take a lot at the chart below. In October 2017 our unemployment rate was only 2.4%.
I’ve seen projections of up to 43% job growth expected over the next 10 year.
No. 2 Quality of Life
We also enjoy a high quality of life in Austin. Wallethub named Austin as the “Best large U.S. city to live in.”
“Best cities for high pay and low expenses” – Yahoo 2016
In 2012 Austin had the 3rd lowest crime rate in America.
“Best city to raise a family” – Parenting.com
No. 3 Green and Fit
Shape magazine listed Austin is the 14th fittest cities. It’s very normal to see people enjoying the outdoors from running, biking, to hiking, to rowing, to boating, and lots of other activities. Personally, I love hiking to miles and miles of trails around Central Texas.
Did you know that Austin is the #1 Greenest cities in Texas? I didn’t know that either. It’s also the #6th most energy efficient cities and #3 of the top 10 CleanTech cities.
No. 4 Great Employment Opportunities
Need a good job. Come to Austin. In 2015 CBS ranked Austin as the best city to start a career. CEO Magazine ranked the #1 Top City for Young Entrepreneurs Under 30.
Bottom line. I could on and on. The fact that 151 people a day are moving to Austin speaks for itself.
