Business & Industry

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:

Major Employers Map
Major Manufacturers Map
High Tech Employers Map
Call Centers Map

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:

For a comprehensive and up-to-date listing, see the Relocations and Expansions Log.

With a demonstrated capacity of generating new ideas, Central Texas is one of the top targets for venture capital investment in the country.

Venture Capital Investment in Austin Area Companies

Venture Capital Investment in Austin Area Companies by Industry/Technology

Note: Additional venture capital data is available via the Chamber's Economic Indicators page.
Source: PricewaterhouseCooper/Venture Economics/NVCA MoneyTree Survey.

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.

Patents Awarded to Austin Area Inventors

Note: Additional patent data is available via the Chamber's Economic Indicators page.
Source: U.S. Patent & Trademark Office.

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.

Business Establishments: Maps of Density and Growth by Zip Code

Establishments 2000 | Establishments 2009 | Establishments Change 2000-2009 | Establishments Percent Change 2000-2009

Business Establishments by Employment Size Class 2008

Business Establishments by Employment Size Class, Austin MSA

Source: U.S. Bureau of the Census, County Business Patterns.

Source: U.S. Bureau of the Census, County Business Patterns.

Retail Sector 2008, Austin MSA

Retail Sector 2008, By County

Note: Additional retail sales data is available via the Chamber's Economic Indicators page.
Source: Claritas/Market Statistics, Demographics USA.

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.

Office Real Estate Market, Year-End 2011

Industrial Real Estate Market, Year-End 2011

Note: Additional office and industrial real estate market data is available via the Chamber's Economic Indicators page.
Source: CoStar.

Source: R.S. Means.

Residential Permits, Austin MSA

Residential Permits by County, 2009

Note: Additional residential permits data is available via the Chamber's Economic Indicators page.
Source: U.S. Bureau of the Census.