Population
Because of its draw as a destination for migrating talent, metro Austin's population grew to nearly 1.8 million in 2011. The decade ending 2010 saw a 37% increase in population, and growth was 3.2% for the year ending July 2011. Census Bureau estimates show that Austin remains one of the top destinations for migrating talent. Austin ranked first among the 50 largest U.S. metros based on net migration as a percent of total population in 2011. In addition, 7% of Austin residents in 2011 lived elsewhere one year earlier. That is also the largest rate among the top 50 U.S. metros.
Population & Population Growth
1990 |
2000 |
2010 |
Percent change |
||
1990-2000 |
2000-2010 | ||||
| Austin MSA | 846,227 |
1,249,763 |
1,716,289 |
47.7% |
37.3% |
| Bastrop Co. | 38,263 |
57,733 |
74,171 |
50.9% |
28.5% |
| Caldwell Co. | 26,392 |
32,194 |
38,066 |
22.0% |
18.2% |
| Hays Co. | 65,614 |
97,589 |
157,107 |
48.7% |
61.0% |
| Travis Co. | 576,407 |
812,280 |
1,024,266 |
40.9% |
26.1% |
| Williamson Co. | 139,551 |
249,967 |
422,679 |
79.1% |
69.1% |
| Texas | 16,986,335 |
20,851,820 |
25,145,561 |
22.8% |
20.6% |
| United States | -- |
-- |
-- |
13.2% |
9.7% |
Population Growth 2000-2010
Source: U.S. Bureau of the Census, Decennial Census.
Population Projections
| 2000 | 2020 | 2030 | 2040 | 2050 | |
| Austin MSA | 1,716,289 | 2,322,988 | 3,077,805 | 4,046,649 | 5,333,411 |
| Bastrop Co. | 74,171 | 101,908 | 143,212 | 200,583 | 282,036 |
| Caldwell Co. | 38,066 | 49,478 | 63,441 | 77,903 | 92,471 |
| Hays Co. | 157,107 | 257,643 | 406,051 | 628,309 | 952,790 |
| Travis Co. | 1,024,266 | 1,273,260 | 1,508,642 | 1,732,860 | 1,990,820 |
| Williamson Co. | 422,679 | 640,699 | 956,459 | 1,406,994 | 2,015,294 |
| Growth rates | 2010-2020 | 2020-2030 | 2030-2040 | 2040-2050 | |
| Austin MSA | 35.30% | 32.50% | 31.50% | 31.80% | |
| Texas | 21.80% | 22.00% | 21.50% | 21.60% |
Note: Texas' State Demographer produces multiple sets of projections based on alternative migration scenarios. The projections above are based on the experience of 2000-2010. For data based on other scenarios, click on the source link below. Projections by race/ethnicity, sex, and age group are also available.
Source: Texas State Data Center, 2012 Population Projections. TopEducational Attainment
Educational Attainment of Persons 25 Years or Older, 2011
| Austin MSA | Texas | United States | |
| High school graduate or higher | 87.9% | 81.1% | 85.9% |
| At least some college | 68.7% | 55.6% | 57.5% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 40.6% | 26.4% | 28.5% |
| Graduate degree | 14.2% | 8.7% | 10.6% |
Source: U.S. Bureau of the Census, American Community Survey.
Population by Age & Sex
Nearly half of the region's population, 43%, is in the peak working years between the ages of 18-44 (compared to 36% nationally). The median age of the Austin metro is more than four years younger than the national median (32.9 years vs. 37.3 years).
Population by Age & Sex, Austin MSA, 2011
| Male | Female | Total | |
| 0-17 | 229,702 | 219,273 | 448,975 |
| 18-24 | 101,785 | 99,242 | 201,027 |
| 25-44 | 293,128 | 280,314 | 573,442 |
| 45-64 | 203,420 | 208,121 | 411,541 |
| 65+ | 65,641 | 82,893 | 148,534 |
| Total | 893,676 | 889,843 | 1,783,519 |
Population Distribution by Age, 2011
Population by Race & Hispanic Origin
Austin's population is diverse and continues to attract talent from around the world in areas such as technology, research and higher education. The Hispanic population makes up 32% of the metro's population and grew 64% between 2000 and 2010. The Asian population had greater growth, 87%, for the same period, but the largest rate of growth was American Indian and Alaska Native – 158%.
Population by Race & Hispanic Origin, Austin MSA, 2011
| Total | Non-Hispanic | Hispanic | |
| Total population | 1,783,519 | 1,216,692 | 566,827 |
| White | 1,488,808 | 968,072 | 520,736 |
| Black or African American | 140,552 | 126,946 | 13,606 |
| American Indian & Alaska Native | 22,561 | 5,287 | 17,274 |
| Asian | 89,582 | 85,977 | 3,605 |
| Native Hawaiian & other Pacific Islander | 2,103 | 1,160 | 943 |
| Two or more races | 39,913 | 29,250 | 10,663 |
Income
Income, 2011
| Austin MSA | Texas | United States | |
| Median household income | $56,783 | $49,392 | $50,502 |
| Per capita income | 30,093 | 24,682 | 26,708 |
Households by Income Group, 2011
Source: U.S. Bureau of the Census, American Community Survey.
Income Map 
Population Density [Map]
- Resources
- There is a spreadsheet version of the data on the page
(xls).
The Texas Moving Image Industry Incentive Programs provides incentives for film, animation, television, video games, and post-production. Qualifying projects can receive rebates on qualifying Texas production expenses, up to 29% for film and 7.5% for video game development.
