Game 2: Saturday, September 7, 2024 | Michigan vs. Texas | Michigan Stadium | Noon
This weekend, the Michigan Wolverines will face off against the Texas Longhorns at the Big House, marking a thrilling matchup between two powerhouse universities. As always, our football blog series is not just about the game but also about comparing Ann Arbor to other college towns around the nation represented by U-M’s competition. Let’s dive into how Ann Arbor stacks up against Austin, Texas!
Ann Arbor vs. Austin, TX: A Tale of Two College Towns
Ann Arbor and Austin are often compared as vibrant, innovative college towns, even though they differ significantly in size. Ann Arbor, home to the University of Michigan, has a population of approximately 119,000, making it a smaller yet dynamic city. In contrast, Austin, the capital of Texas and home to the University of Texas, is a bustling metropolis with nearly 980,000 residents. Despite this difference in scale, both cities are known for their strong university ties, thriving economies, and cultural richness.
Economic Indicators: Income, Cost of Living, and Employment
When comparing economic indicators, both Ann Arbor and Austin showcase strong numbers, but with some differences:
- Median Household Income: Austin has a higher median household income at $86,556, compared to Ann Arbor’s $78,546.
- Cost of Living: While the median household income may be higher in Austin, so are the costs. The cost of living in Austin (Travis County) is higher, with an index of 106.6, compared to Ann Arbor’s 99.5. The higher costs in Austin can be attributed to its rapid growth, popularity, and high demand for housing and amenities.
- Unemployment Rate: As of July 2024, Austin boasts a lower unemployment rate of 3.5% compared to Ann Arbor’s 4.8%. This can be linked to Austin’s diversified economy.
Education and Research: A Battle of Academic Excellence
Both cities pride themselves on being centers of academic excellence:
- Educational Attainment: Ann Arbor shines with a highly educated population, where 77.5% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Austin, while also home to a highly educated population, has 56.5% of its residents with a bachelor’s degree or higher.
- University Enrollment and Graduates: Both universities boast impressive student bodies, with the University of Michigan enrolling 51,225 students in Fall 2022 and the University of Texas enrolling 52,384. Texas also leads in the number of graduates, with 17,518 compared to Michigan’s 16,132 for the 2022-2023 academic year.
- Research and Development (R&D) Expenditures: When it comes to research, Michigan leads with a substantial $1.77 billion in R&D expenditures in 2022, ranking #4 nationally. Meanwhile, Texas spent $846 million on R&D, ranking #35. This underscores the University of Michigan’s significant role in driving research and innovation, further enhancing its reputation as a top-tier institution.
Looking Ahead
As we head into this weekend’s game, it’s not just about football but also about the vibrant communities these universities represent. Ann Arbor, with its tech-driven economy, world-class research, and high educational attainment, continues to be a hub of innovation and culture. Despite its smaller size, Ann Arbor is often compared to Austin for its forward-thinking community, entrepreneurial spirit, and high quality of life.
Want to Learn More?
If you’re interested in discovering more about what makes Ann Arbor a thriving community, our business development team at SPARK is here to help. We can connect you with detailed data, resources, and insights about the region to support your business decisions or relocation plans. Contact us today to learn how we can assist you in tapping into the opportunities that Ann Arbor has to offer.
In case you missed it, here are links to the regional comparisons we’ve posted so far this season:
Game 1: Ann Arbor vs. Fresno, CA
