Hays County is the 2nd fastest growing large county in the nation having increased its population by 36.5% between 2010 and 2017. The county's location on I-35 between Austin and San Antonio makes it ideal for companies needing good roadway links. The state's fourth largest public university, Texas State University in San Marcos, provides the area with a young, well-educated workforce. The nation's largest outlet mall complex, located on I-35 south of San Marcos, makes the area a strong retail center. The County's next largest cities, Kyle and Buda, are also thriving communities on the I-35 corridor. Dripping Springs, 24 miles west of Austin, offers business an opportunity to grow in a beautiful Hill Country town.

Sources: Texas Comptroller for retail sales; Texas Workforce Commission for labor force, unemployment, businesses, employees, and salaries; Texas Education Agency for public school enrollment and graduates; ESRI for 2017 demographic estimates; and U.S. Census Bureau for all other data.