The headline is misleading. In terms of absolute growth, yes, we top the nation. But a more meaningful measure, it seems to me, our percentage population growth puts us farther down the list.
In a related note, kudos to the DMN for reporting the story without once using the word “Metroplex.”
The area is also one of the cheapest to do business.
http://www.star-telegram.com/461/story/548872.html
I went to the Census data. Here are the rankings when you factor out birthrate increase and international. We look good, but not quite as good.
(This is the number moving in from elsewhere in the US minus the number moving out to elsewhere in the US - for 2006-7).
Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Marietta, GA 75,577
Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ 67,785
Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX 53,613
Charlotte-Gastonia-Concord, NC-SC 46,233
Austin-Round Rock, TX 40,534
New Orleans-Metairie-Kenner, LA 36,838
Las Vegas-Paradise, NV 33,754
Raleigh-Cary, NC 31,558
San Antonio, TX 30,962
Thanks, JA. It’s been conventional wisdom for decades that the “Sunbelt” is where the growth is, but it’s remarkable how closely reality tracks to that truism. (I think NC counts as the Sunbelt, somewhat loosely speaking.)
You won’t see “Metroplex” in the DMN or on WFAA unless it’s specifically referenced in a story. That word is verboten at Belo properties for many of the same reasons outlined in your piece in this month’s issue.
You know, I like the word “metroplex”. I grew up in Dallas hearing that word describe where I live. What next? Are you gonna tell me the Easter Bunny isn’t a real rabbit? Savages.