Austin’s job market held steady for 2009, shrinking by a mere 0.3%. While we’re not at the 4% unemployment rate we enjoyed in early 2008, we’re still at a respectable 6.9%. Here are the best performing metro areas in the country:
Austin 2nd Best Performing Job Market in the US for 2009
Jan 26th, 2010 5:22:12pm +0000
Pretty scary that every one of those cities has thousands of job losses, and even the top cities have negative numbers. just that list alone shows over 100k jobs lost. Just think how many families (kids) that effects.
WOW!
I think the relatively mild climate and low business/lifestyle costs help keep Austin a cut above the rest. The fact that there is so much culture in Austin also helps. It’s a great city and it’s not hard to see why it’s so popular!
Unfortunately, things aren’t as rosy in the Phoenix job market. A large part of our economy was and still is largely based on population growth. With the construction industry in the dumps because of the housing market it will be awhile before we see Phoenix on list like that.
Interesting figures. In Spain the average unemployment figures are between 17% – 20 % depending upon which survey you read. Property development has been a major contributor to Spain’s growth since joining the European Union over the last 20 years. It helped Spain diversify from reliance on tourism and agriculture. The property recession here has caused massive difficulties. Whilst demand for property is improving we have a long way to go to in Spain before we see an economic recovery.
It is very sad to see that every one in the top ten is down at least a thousand from 08. I am glad to be in the Austin area and I’m hoping theses numbers nation wide turn around for 2010.
I have to agree. I think we are very lucky to be in Austin. In times like these it is key to “keep it local” – and also, keep it weird.
I do think that keeping it local and weird have been the biggest factor to keeping Austin’s local economy in pretty good shape.
I hope Austin will maintain these figures for the next year also.
Every time I turn around a national publication is printing a positive story about Austin, it’s economy, etc. It must be the combination of a being great city and having a great PR agency. Nobody gets good press like Austin. Well deserved I might add.
Nobody gets good press like Austin. Well deserved I might add.
It is nice to see some good press for the job market in Austin. Hopefully this continues everywhere.
Jason Luke
In Croatia we are excpecting number of unemployees in 2010 up to 300 000 :-(
Thats bad news, I’m sorry to hear that the numbers are so high. Lets hope for a better year world wide.
I believe Texas, in general, is a great state (I see it as its own nation), and is one of the many few states that can take care of its self, without the need of other states. Thus bringing me to my point, Texas has roots that have been established for generations, being so, the state’s traditions and ideals have built the city of Austin and will shield it from the debt and evils of socialism.
Thanks a lot for sharing :) Was a good read
Eric I must say that I am envious of the huge success Austin continues to have. You are definitely in the right place at the right time. I still believe Austin has white water rapids coming soon! Anything is possible in Austin!
I was recently in Austin, since it is the home of Keller Wiliams. Great Place! However, according to a recent Forbes study, Portland, Maine is one of the 10 best places to live – and we agree! If you love the ocean, Southern Maine is great.