Do you have any visitor information?

No, please contact the Austin Convention and Visitors Bureau

512-478-0098 or 866-462-8784

209 E. Sixth St., 78701

Open Sunday–Thursday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Friday–Saturday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

What is the population of Austin and the surrounding area?

City 1990 2003
City of Austin 465,622 680,899
Austin Metropolitan Statistical Area 846,227 1,377,633

Source: U.S. Census Bureau

The Austin metropolitan area is the 38th largest region nationally and the City of Austin is 16th. For more information, visit the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the projected growth of Greater Austin?

Growth in the Greater Austin Region has been extraordinary –Metro Austin population reached 1.4 million in 2003. The 1990’s saw a 47 percent increase in population and growth has been averaging 3 percent annually since the 2000 census.

What is the cost of living?

Composite Index: 100.3
Grocery Items: 89.8
Housing: 93.9
Utilities: 123.3
Transportation: 94.3
Health Care: 115
Miscellaneous Goods and Services: 103.5

Who are the major employers of Austin?

Austin Independent School District

City of Austin

Dell

Federal Government

Freescale Semiconductor

IBM Corp.

Seton Healthcare Network

State of Texas

St. David’s Healthcare Partnership

Texas State University–San Marcos

University of Texas at Austin

What is the climate like?

The climate is temperate, with 300 days of sunshine annually. Average temperatures range from 42 to 62 degrees in winter and 75 to 95 degrees in the summer. Average rainfall is 32.49 inches. Snowfall is rare. Get-up-to-the-minute weather forecast, for Greater Austin from these local television stations:

KTBC FOX 7

KVUE 24

KXAN-TV 36

K-EYE 42

What is the unemployment rate?

The civilian labor force for the Austin-San Marcos MSA averaged 771,330 for 2003. Total nonfarm employment averaged 652,300 As of November 2003, total employment is estimated at 759,447 with a 4.8 percent unemployment rate. For more information, visit: www.tracer2.com .

Is there a list of state agencies?

Yes, Click here for a list of state agencies.

What is the daily newspaper?

The daily newspaper is the Austin American-Statesman . Subscribe online , or call in-state 1-800-445-9898. For out-of-state inquiries, call direct to 512-445-4040.

Where are Austin's bats?

Each dusk between April and October, the world’s largest urban colony of Mexican free-tailed bats emerges from beneath the Congress Avenue Bridge to feast on insects that fly above the city. An observation area near the Austin American-Statesman’s facility displays the latest information on the bat colony. For viewing times and parking information, call the hotline at 512-416-5700, category 3636, or find information online . For more information, call Bat Conservation International at 512-327-9721.

What will it cost me to purchase a home in the Austin area?

As of first quarter of 2003 the median price for an existing single-family home was $156,700. For more information look in Housing .

What is the major industry?

MSA Austin has a strong high-tech presence. Austin’s high-tech employment represents almost 20% of total non-agricultural employment. Chamber efforts are focused on strengthening the technology sector and recruiting such new industries as automotive suppliers, medical products and pharmaceuticals and wireless.

What are the different school districts in and around Austin?

Austin ISD

Bastrop ISD

Del Valle ISD

Eanes ISD

Georgetown ISD

Hays ISD

Lake Travis ISD

Leander ISD

Pflugerville ISD

Round Rock ISD

For more information on school districts look in Education: K-12 .

What is Austin's sales tax rate?

The tax rate is 8.25 percent. For tax rates in Greater Austin, look in Relocate to Austin: Taxes .

Who provides telephone and utility service in Austin?

A number of companies provide local telephone service. The city of Austin and some other areas are served by Austin Energy, a municipal utility. For more information look in Telephone and Utilities .

Where can I find the locations of churches in the Austin area?

Call the Austin Area Conference of Churches at 512-472-7627 for a list.

Who provides public transportation in the Austin area?

Area bus service is provided by Capital Metro. Call 512-474-1200 for routes, fares, and schedules. Taxicabs and rental cars are also available.

What colleges and universities are in the Austin area?

The University of Texas at Austin

Huston-Tillotson College

St. Edward’s University

Concordia University at Austin

Southwest Texas State University

Austin Community College

Southwestern University

For more information, look in Higher Learning .

Do you have a directory of the Chamber's marketing and information lists?

Yes! Click here to shop online or call 512-478-9383 or 1-800-856-5602 to request a copy of The Chamber Store Catalog .

Where can I find a community profile?

Click here for a demographic snapshot of Greater Austin. For a condensed print version is call 512-478-9383 or 1-800-856-5602 to request a copy.

What colleges and universities are in the Austin area?

The University of Texas at Austin

Huston-Tillotson College

St. Edward’s University

Concordia University at Austin

Southwest Texas State University

Austin Community College

Southwestern University

For more information, look in Higher Learning .