About the Author
Chad Swiatecki is a 20-year journalist who relocated to Austin from his home state of Michigan in 2008. He most enjoys covering the intersection of arts, business and local/state politics. He has written for Rolling Stone, Spin, New York Daily News, Texas Monthly, Austin American-Statesman and many other regional and national outlets.
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Travis County investment remains high
Friday, May 18, 2018 by Chad Swiatecki
Austin’s reputation as an economic hotbed continues, with a new study from SmartAsset showing that Central Texas is among the fastest-growing areas in the country in total economic activity. SmartAsset, a financial technology company, compiled stats on total investment and business growth across the U.S. and found that Travis County ranks 23rd overall. Texas posted two counties – Comal and Fort Bend – in the national top 10, with Travis County ranking eighth in the state. According to the data, the Austin area’s total number of businesses grew by 11 percent, its gross domestic product grew by $6.1 billion and it added 27.1 building permits per 1,000 homes. That gave the area an overall incoming investment index of 68.30. Neighboring counties Williamson and Hays ranked sixth and ninth, respectively.
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