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This analysis predates the COVID-19 crisis and the economic impacts that followed.
It is offered as an overview of the
Capital regional economy and a resource for comparative purposes.
Regional Snapshot
Capital
The 10-county Capital region covers about 8,600 square miles in central Texas, stretching from Llano to San Marcos and from La Grange to Georgetown.
The region has one metropolitan statistical area (MSA), the Austin-Round Rock MSA, which includes Bastrop, Caldwell, Hays, Travis and Williamson counties.
Capital Region Counties:
- Bastrop
- Blanco
- Burnet
- Caldwell
- Fayette
- Hays
- Lee
- Llano
- Travis
- Williamson
Top 10 Industries by Location Quotient
- Computer and Electronic Product Manufacturing
- Data Processing, Hosting and Related Services
- Funds, Trusts and Other Financial Vehicles
- Museums, Historical Sites and Similar Institutions
- Administration of Human Resource Programs
- Other Information Services
- Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction
- Motion Picture and Sound Recording Industries
- Administration of Environmental Quality Programs
- Merchant Wholesalers, Durable Goods
Source: JobsEQ®
Population Growth
Capital REGION VS. TEXAS AND U.S., 2010-2019
Region
28.5%
U.S.
6.3%
Texas
15.3%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau
In 2019, the Capital region’s estimated total population was about 2.4 million or nearly 8 percent of the state’s total population. That marked an increase of 28.5 percent (more than 500,000 people) since the 2010 Census.
Education
Average Annual Earnings by Educational Attainment, Capital Region
| Educational Attainment | Average Annual Earnings, Region |
|---|---|
| Less than High School | $41,802 |
| High School or Equivalent, No College | $45,878 |
| Some College or Associate Degree | $50,484 |
| Bachelor’s Degree or Advanced Degree | $68,165 |
| Educational Attainment Unavailable | $22,583 |
| Total | $48,423 |
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau and JobsEQ
Capital region workers with some college or associate degrees and stable jobs earn an average of $4,606 more annually than those with a high school degree, while those with at least a bachelor’s degree earn an average of $22,287 more.
JOBS & WAGES
From 2009 to 2019, the Capital region’s employment growth exceeded that of the state and nation, at 38.5 percent — the highest of any Texas region. In 2019, the region accounted for about 8.7 percent of the state’s total employment.
The Capital region’s most significant occupations are shown below, sorted by numerical growth during the last five years.
Employment Growth in the Capital Region vs. Texas and U.S., 2009 to 2019
Note: Figures include private and public sector employees with the exception of active-duty military personnel, railroad employees, religious institution employees and the self-employed.
Sources: JobsEQ and U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Top Occupations in the Capital Region by Numeric Growth, 2014 to 2019
| Occupation | Number Employed | Average Annual Wages |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Occupations | 56,718 | $90,900 |
| Food and Beverage Serving Workers | 68,897 | $24,600 |
| Construction Trades Workers | 47,502 | $40,700 |
| Business Operations Specialists | 42,359 | $74,200 |
| Information and Record Clerks | 48,122 | $34,300 |
Note: Data are as of Q4 2019 except wage data, which are for covered employment in 2018.
Source: JobsEQ
Regional Economy
In 2019, taxable sales directly attributable to businesses in the region approached $44 billion, contributing nearly 7.9 percent to the state’s overall taxable sales.
Regional Receipts Subject to Sales Tax
| Year | Revenue Capital Region |
|---|---|
| 2007 | 23.27 billion dollars |
| 2008 | 23.43 billion dollars |
| 2009 | 21.49 billion dollars |
| 2010 | 22.40 billion dollars |
| 2011 | 24.12 billion dollars |
| 2012 | 26.49 billion dollars |
| 2013 | 28.46 billion dollars |
| 2014 | 30.61 billion dollars |
| 2015 | 32.24 billion dollars |
| 2016 | 34.25 billion dollars |
| 2017 | 36.25 billion dollars |
| 2018 | 40.01 billion dollars |
| 2019 | 43.93 billion dollars |
Note: Numbers shown are for reported revenue subject to sales tax and directly attributed to the region.
Source: Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts
Summary
The Capital region is a microcosm of the state, both urban and rural, with a vibrant and diverse economy. Travis County, with the city of Austin at its center, is the region’s economic hub.
The Capital region and its 10 counties have many unique economic conditions and challenges. It has a highly educated population with high income and low unemployment. If it were a state, the region would have the nation’s second-highest share of population with at least a bachelor’s degree, behind Massachusetts.
The Capital region’s local economy has demonstrated strong, steady and consistent growth. It boasts a large concentration of technology- related industries and, in the last decade, maintained high employment growth with high average wages.
The Capital Region is one of the Comptroller’s 12 economic regions.
View a complete list of these regions, plus more in-depth county-by-county data.
Questions?
If you have any questions or concerns regarding the material on this page, please contact the Comptroller’s Data Analysis and Transparency Division.