Top 10 Metros with the Most Population Change and Their Rental Rates

Changes in population and changes in employment are two of the most commonly cited drivers for rental change. Listed below are the top 10 MSA’s for population growth from 2013 to 2014.

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At more than 3 percent growth, Austin significantly outperforms all other metros. Most of the other metros are near 2 percent growth. Of note is that all metros except Denver are warm weather metros.

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Austin does not significantly stand out from the rest of the group. However, Denver clearly leads the group in rental increase.

Although population change is a driver for rental change, it clearly does not have a direct relationship. Cities with high barriers to entry for construction, such as the Bay Area, will not appear on a list of top metros for population growth.