A recent evaluation of all 50 state capitals has ranked Austin, Texas, as number one overall. The assessment considered 48 metrics spanning affordability, economic well-being, education, health care, and quality of life.
Austin’s Strengths
Austin distinguished itself with particularly strong scores in economic well-being, the quality of education and health care available, and median household income adjusted for cost of living. The city’s adjusted median household income is $93,902 – the highest among all 50 state capitals.
The city also stands out for its highly educated population, ranking fourth in the percentage of residents over 25 years old with a bachelor’s degree. Austin reports the second-highest life expectancy among the capitals and a significant number of restaurants and attractions per capita.
These findings could lead to increased interest in Austin as a place to live and work, potentially impacting housing costs and infrastructure demands. It is also possible that other state capitals may seek to emulate Austin’s successes in these key areas. Analysts expect continued focus on improving these metrics across the country.
Frequently Asked Questions
What factors were used to evaluate the state capitals?
The evaluation considered 48 metrics, including affordability, economic well-being, education, health care, and quality of life.
What is Austin’s adjusted median household income?
Austin’s adjusted median household income is $93,902, the highest among all 50 state capitals.
How did Austin rank in terms of education?
Austin ranked first for public schools, which were rated “above average” by GreatSchools.org, and fourth in the percentage of residents over 25 years old with a bachelor’s degree.
As cities compete for residents and economic growth, how important are factors like education, healthcare, and quality of life in your decision-making process?
