Austin job stats were released showing Austin to have strongest job market in 6 years.  The demand for labor is outstripping the local labor supply.  The last time Austin saw such low unemployment was during the tech boom.  The job growth has stayed above 4 percent for the last year.
 
This is in sharp contrast to the rest of the nation.  Since August 2006, the area has seen job growth of 29,500 jobs.  Over the same time period, the nation saw a decrease of 4,000 jobs --the first decrease in 4 years.
 
Local companies have not had a difficult time finding workers for entry level jobs.  But for higher paid jobs that require more experience and education, it has been difficult to find qualified applicants.
 
With the country at large seeing job decreases and Austin seeing a job increase, the Austin population is set to expand as companies look to recruit people outside of Austin.  This should help to steady the Austin Real Estate market that has been hit by stricter loan standards due to the credit crunch.

Ki is a realtor in Austin Texas.  His website Austin Real Estate Guide provides information on the Austin market.  It also includes a search for Austin homes along with downtown Austin condos.