Exponential growth is directly correlating to the increase in people making investments in Hays County, according to a survey conducted by SmartAsset, a New York-based financial technology company.
SmartAsset’s survey measured each county in Texas on business establishment growth, Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth, new building permits and federal contracts.
Hays County ranked 8th on the list with a business growth of 11.5 percent and a GDP growth of $1.3 million. GDP is the total value of goods produced and services provided in an area during one year.
In addition, Hays County had 36.2 new building permits per 1,000 homes.
Ann Miller, executive director of the Buda Economic Development Corporation, said more investments from businesses and individuals “means more capital investment into the community, which directly correlates with property tax revenue.”
According to SmartAsset, people make investments every day. Examples include opening a small business or buying a home.
Miller said she attributed the high rank of Hays County on the high investment list to its proximity to large metropolitan areas like Austin and San Antonio.
“The majority, if not all, of the counties in Texas on this list are part of a larger metropolitan area,” Miller said. “Texas is one of the best states to do business in and businesses are attracted to areas where there is a high level of activity as this increases their likelihood of success.”
Miller said people invest in Buda because of the low tax rate and unique charm.
She added the city was an attractive location for investors as it doesn’t have as many issues for businesses located in larger communities.
“Our development and permitting process is simple, straightforward and easy to navigate.” Miller said, “Our low tax rate is also a contributing factor as to why people should invest in Buda.”
Miller lauded Hays CISD for their contribution to Hays County’s place on the list of high investment areas.
Here's a link to SmartAsset's study.
The top 10 counties with high investments in Texas
- Comal
- Fort Bend
- Collin
- Harris
- Travis
- Rockwall
- Williamson
- Hays
- Kendall
- Dallas
