Education has always been a central concern in Austin, probably because the city's such an educated town.

In a June 2006 study conducted by BizJournals.com, of the 53 largest cities in the U.S., Austin jumped from number 26 to number 3 as one of the top communities with "the highest concentration of brainpower." The study analyzed the educational level of adults in nearly 16,000 cities and towns with criteria that included the number of college graduates and the resident's abilities to "innovate, create, compete and make money."

According to the U.S. Bureau of the Census 2004 American Community Survey - the most recent survey available - the city of Austin ranks fifth in the number of college graduates, with 45 percent of the population holding a degree.

Fortune magazine has also recognized Austin as one of the country's top five intellectual capitals, and we're ranked number 3 on Forbes "Best Place for Business and Careers" ranking, in part because of a highly educated workforce.

Growth, education and community support
That workforce has grown, too. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the population of the Austin MSA (which includes Bastrop, Caldwell, Hays, Travis and Williamson counties) jumped from 846,227 to 1,249,763 from 1990 to 2000 - a nearly 48 percent increase in growth. And, as of July 2006, Austin's population hit 1,541,400.

Needless to say, the city's growth has had an impact on education. Between the business growth and the schools bringing people to this area, school districts have doubled in size to accommodate more students. It's no wonder that Austinites are very supportive of education and have consistently approved bond packages in Austin and nearby communities to renovate and build new schools.

The business community is also committed to education, forming alliances like Austin Partners in Education (APIE) - a collaboration between the Austin Independent School District and the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce in which business community partners are matched with schools or districts, providing volunteer services, in-kind contributions, or cash donations. The group has become so popular that it's now a nonprofit organization of its own - offering schools support when it comes to technology and needed resources.

Many other partnerships exist, including the Skillpoint Alliance - a program that promotes workforce development in such in-demand industries as technology (especially semiconductor, information technology and digital media); healthcare; and construction.

Austin is tops for relocating families, singles and more
No matter where you're moving - and whether or not you have children - education is an important consideration for those who are relocating. The quality of education in a community affects everything from resale value to the schools in your neighborhood.

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