



There is a spreadsheet version of the data on the page Several of the types of data on this page are also available in the Economic Indicators section, which is updated monthly. |
Austin became a world-renown region for the knowledge-based economy built on outstanding university-based research, an entrepreneurial culture, venture funding, a broad array of support services and a rich pool of intellectual talent and leadership. That’s why it’s no surprise that Samsung chose Austin to locate its newest next generation semiconductor facility, one of the largest foreign investments in the U.S., and why Whole Foods grew from a single Austin grocery store to a Fortune 500 giant.
Austin companies contribute the technological infrastructure that makes cars run smarter, games play faster, cell phones do more and will take all industries into the future. And thanks to our strong ties to the University of Texas, university and corporate collaborations have yielded world-class programs in bioengineering, computer science, engineering, business, nanotechnology, bioinformatics and pharmaceutical research.
In fact, Site Selection named the state of Texas “Top Business Climate” in 2006 saying Texas triumphs other cities due to pro-business measures, ease of doing business, overall business costs, actual capital investment and the state’s fiscal health. And Austin is the top place to do business in Texas. So in other words, it doesn’t get any better than this.
| Region's Largest Employers
This region boasts the addresses of business leaders, in all sizes from all across the globe. And there are some very good reasons why. From championing innovation to cost advantages and incentives, we are not only positioned for success, we are poised for it. And so are the companies that grow and move here. Find yourself in some very good company: |
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| Major Employers Map High Tech Employers Map Call Centers Map |
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| Recent Announced Locations & Expansions The Austin area was named number one in Expansion Management’s “Top Metros for Future Business Locations” in 2006, calling Austin "the total package" and number one again in 2007 as "The City Where Business Opportunity is Greatest for Growing Companies." These evaluations are based on assessments of 332 metro areas based on criteria used by site selectors in making location recommendations. From a low cost of doing business to affordable home prices, to a lower overall cost of living compared with most of the rest of the country, the Austin region makes financial sense. Our tax structure is fair, user friendly, competitive and designed to make companies feel welcome. Recent announcements to either locate significant new facilities or expand existing operations have been made by: |
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| For a more comprehensive listing see the Relocations and Expansions Log in the Media Center. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Venture Capital Investment
With a demonstrated capacity of generating new ideas, Central Texas is one of the top targets for venture capital investment in the country. |
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| Venture Capital Investment in Austin Area Companies | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Venture Capital Investment in Austin Area Companies by Industry/Technology | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Note: Additional venture capital data is available via the Chamber's Economic Indicators page. Source: PricewaterhouseCooper/Venture Economics/NVCA MoneyTree Survey. |
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| Patent Activity
Austin has earned its reputation as a city of creativity, innovation and invention. Patents are one of the best measurements of innovation and Austin has always been extremely competitive in the number of patents issued yearly. The University of Texas is third in the nation in the number of patents earned. According to a U.S. Patent and Trademark Office geographic analysis patent activity in the 1990s, Austin outpaces much larger and more economically diverse regions such as Phoenix, Seattle, Denver and Raleigh-Durham. This demonstrated capacity for generating new ideas has only increased in the new century. In 2006, The Wall Street Journal named Austin the No. 3 Most Inventive City due to patent activity. |
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| Note: Additional patent data is available via the Chamber's Economic Indicators page. Source: U.S. Patent & Trademark Office data compiled by Locke Lord Bissell & Liddell, Austin, TX. |
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| Business Establishments by Employment Size Class
If the large employers reflect diversity, it is the smaller ones that reflect the economy's dynamism. Ever since Michael Dell started selling computers from his University of Texas dorm room, thousands of talented, creative people have started businesses in Austin. The award-winning Austin Technology Incubator, the technology commercialization programs at the University of Texas' IC2 Institute and the Central Texas Angel Network, which matches investors and promising new companies, are among the area's resources for entrepreneurial companies. |
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| Business Establishments by Employment Size Class 2006 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Source: U.S. Bureau of the Census, County Business Patterns. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Business Establishments by Industry 2006 |
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| Source: U.S. Bureau of the Census, County Business Patterns. |
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| Retail Sector | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Retail Sector 2008, Austin MSA | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Note: Additional retail sales data is available via the Chamber's Economic Indicators page. Source: Claritas/Market Statistics, Demographics USA. |
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| Office & Industrial Real Estate Market
Corporate real estate opportunities abound for growing companies with long-term expansion plans. Thanks to a continuing supply of office and industrial space and a wide variety of environmental characteristics, the region can accommodate nearly any operation, large or small. With much of Austin’s development occurring over the past decade, facilities are modern and attractive. Class A office space is available in a vibrant downtown as well as a variety of suburban markets. In addition, the area has several campus-style facilities that are available for lease. The Austin Chamber can help your company locate the site that fits your needs. |
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| Office Real Estate Market, 1st Quarter 2009 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Note: Additional office and industrial real estate market data is available via the Chamber's Economic Indicators page. Source: CoStar. |
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| Construction Cost Index, 2008 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Source: R.S. Means. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Residential Building Permits |
| Residential Permits, Austin MSA |
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| Residential Permits by County, 2007 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Note: Additional residential permits data is available via the Chamber's Economic Indicators page. Source: U.S. Bureau of the Census. |
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