Residential construction activity in the Rural Capital Area (RCA) has increased substantially over the last fifteen years. Under 5,000 new units were permitted in 2010 but growth led to more than 23,000 new units in 2021. Since then, new units have fallen to 13,000 in 2025. Single-family houses accounted for 83% of all new units permitted in 2025, and multi-family units account for a smaller share (17%) than five years prior (28%).

The Rural Capital Area has seen consistent growth in the number of people receiving Social Security or Disability benefits – due to high population growth. Still, the number of people receiving these benefits has grown more slowly over time, a trend also seen at the national level. In 2024, the region received $392 million in Social Security or Disability benefits.

TThe number of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients has followed a similar trend, both for the region and the US. Growth rates were much higher in the early 2010s but have been mostly negative for the last ten years. The growth rate bottomed at -3.9% for the region in 2021 but has since rebounded into positive growth in 2024.

The Austin metro has enjoyed crime rates that have been falling for the most part, particularly for burglaries. Auto theft has risen in recent years.

The metro has enjoyed a lower murder rate compared to the U.S. (the average of all metro areas), though 2022 saw a spike upward. In 2024, the Austin metro experienced 3.4 murders per 100,000 population, compared to a national rate of 5.0.