Houston ranked among the top-performing U.S. metros last year and has historically been a top 10 metro leading the nation in population and job growth. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land MSA recorded the 3rd largest year-over-year increase in nonfarm payroll employment, recording an increase of 86,200 jobs or 2.8%. Professional and business services added the largest number of jobs from April 2018 to April 2019, up 22,300.

Since the dramatic fall of oil prices that occurred in late 2014, Houston’s economy slowed significantly and grew at a lesser pace in 2015, 2016 and 2017 than its’ average annual rate. Even though Houston’s economy experienced accelerated growth in 2017, it was well below Houston’s potential due to the impact of Hurricane Harvey, which paralyzed the city for several weeks in August 2017. Houston’s resiliency to overcome immense devastation led to an up-tick in consumer spending within weeks after the event and within a years time the city was back in growth mode.

Houston has historically been one of if not the top metro in population growth. Metro Houston area, which consists of nine counties, recorded the third largest numeric population gains in population growth between July 2017 and July 2018 of 91,689 people and added one million new residents between 2010 and 2018, an 18.2% increase. A recent study by the Greater Houston Partnership reports that... To read the full report click here.