One reason for the strong growth in Austin real estate is the comparatively high median income of Austin households. According to the City of Austin Neighborhood Housing and Community Development Office, the median family income for 2006 is $69,600 annually. This figure is an increase from $67,300 in 2005, and a jump from $64,578 in 2004.

For many families, Austin represents an attractive alternative to other popular U.S. cities that require bread-winners take a pay cut in order to move. In terms of family spending power, a dollar in Austin goes further than a dollar in Boston or Denver. According to the ACCRA Council for Community and Economic Research, if you make $65,000 in Austin, you would need approximately the following annual income in these other cities:

San Antonio: $56,314
Phoenix: $58,465
Salt Lake City: $63,182
Austin: $65,000
Houston: $65,651
Denver: $65,730
Dallas: $70,566
Boston: $93,488
Los Angeles: $96,183