COMMUNITY PROFILE. Abilene, Texas

Transcription

1 2017 COMMUNITY PROFILE Abilene, Texas

2 Table of Contents Location... 2 Transportation. 4 Demographics 5 Workforce 6 Military Installations 11 Education 12 Incentives and Business Climate Taxes.. 18 Utilities 19 Quality of Life

3 Location Abilene is a city in Taylor and Jones counties in central Texas that occupies approximately 110 square miles. The city is centrally located in the state, providing easy access to both east and west coasts, the industrial Midwest, northeast and the markets in Mexico. Distance to Major Cities City Distance Albuquerque, New Mexico 484 Atlanta, Georgia 963 Chicago, Illinois 1,080 Dallas, Texas 184 Denver, Colorado 707 Los Angeles, California 1,255 St. Louis, Missouri 779 National Map 2

4 State Map City Map 3

5 Transportation Abilene, Texas offers all major forms of transportation including highways, rail, ground distribution, and air, making the city well connected. Ground Abilene is located directly on Interstate 20 (I-20) that connects west to El Paso, Texas and east that connects to Dallas/Ft. Worth moving approximately 40,000 vehicles on an average day. The City also serves as a hub for U.S. Highways 83, 84, 277 and State Highways 36 and 18. Encircling the east side of the City, Loop 322 links I-20 to U.S. Highways 84/84. Ground transportation services are available from major carriers including FedEx, UPS, Central Freight Lines, R&L Carriers, Saia, Yellow Freight Systems and twenty other providers in Abilene. Rail Rail transportation service is provided by Union Pacific and Southern Switching Company ("SSC"). SSC is a "short-line" railroad located in Abilene, Texas. Interchanging with the Union Pacific in downtown Abilene, SSC operates 8.5 miles of railroad within the City. It serves a variety of existing customers that are shipping and receiving commodities such as grain, feed, fertilizers, oil, scrap, corn sweetener, and lumber. Air The Abilene Regional Airport (ABI) is a Federal Aviation Regulation (FAR) Part 139 certified airport on 1,700 city owned acres and is located approximately three nautical miles southeast of the central business district. The airport is commercially served by Envoy (formerly known as American Eagle) with 14 regular daily flights to and from DFW International (DFW). The airport is ten minutes from practically anywhere in the City and offers travelers common amenities and car rental from Avis, Enterprise and Hertz. Public Transportation The citizens of Abilene also have access to "CityLink," the public transit system for the City of Abilene. CityLink offers an affordable transportation alternative for the citizens of Abilene that provides a safe, efficient and courteous service to every major area of town. The system includes fixed-route bus service, ADA Complimentary Paratransit Service and demand-response evening service. 4

6 Demographics Abilene's population has steadily grown at a rate of 4%-5% for several years and is estimated to continue to do so for the next five years. Abilene is also is ranked as the 27 th most populous city in the State of Texas, similar in size to Denton, Waco and Midland/Odessa. Geographic Area 2017 Population 2022 Estimate City of Abilene 122, ,427 Abilene MSA 172, ,489 The overall age makeup of the city is significantly younger than the national average with a median age of 32.2 years, which is 5.7 years less than the national average. Age Distribution Under 21 30% % % 65 and Over 14% Abilene' Median Age is 32.2 years. U.S. Median Age: 37.9 years In the past three years, the average household income has grown from $52,273 to $63,499, representing a 21% increase in that timeframe. Education Attainment Percent Nongraduate 17% High School (or GED) 29% Some College 26% Associate Degree 6% Bachelor's Degree 15% Master's/Prof Degree 7% Households and Income Number of Households 46,272 Avg Household Income $63,499 Avg Household Size 2.44 Avg Work Travel Time 17 min 5

7 Workforce Abilene is the major community serving a 19-county region in Central Texas (as highlighted on the following map). Located 148 miles west of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metro, the Abilene MSA consists of three counties Taylor, Jones, and Callahan. Labor demographic data is verified each month through the Labor Market & Career Information Department (LMCI) of the Texas Workforce Commission. Local Workforce Summary 2016 Regional CLF (Civilian Labor Force) 165,000 Labor Force (West Central WDA) 141,500 Employed (West Central WDA) 135,300 Unemployed (West Central WDA) 6,200 Unemployment Rate (West Central WDA) 4.4% 6

8 Labor Market Data The workforce available to Abilene is significantly larger than the population of the City, representing a greater potential labor pool. The following graph depicts the population available to the Abilene employers. Recent labor study results indicate a substantial amount of underemployed workers available to employers. Candidate Classification Number Number of Underemployed Workers 17,685 Part-Time, Prefer Full-Time 2,526 Non-Permanent, Prefer Permanent 1,758 Overqualified for Current Position 13,401 Unemployed Workers 5,493 Not Participating, But are Willing to Re-enter 5,288 Total Readily Available Workers 28,466 7

9 Unemployment and Average Employment 8

10 Leading Employers As of 2015, the Bureau of Economic Analysis estimates the Abilene economy produces $6.5 billion in gross domestic output for all industries. The employers listed here represent the top 30 public entities, businesses and non-profit organizations. # Company Sector Product/Service Empl. 1 Dyess Air Force Base Military Air Force Base 8,400 2 Hendrick Health System Medical Hospital 3,200 3 Abilene Independent School Education Public School 2,450 District 4 Abilene Christian University Education Private University 1,900 5 State Supported Living Center Healthcare Mental Health 1,350 6 City of Abilene Government City 1,300 7 Texas Department of Criminal Government Prisons 1,200 Justice 8 Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas Telecommunications Call Center 1,100 9 Abilene Regional Medical Medical Hospital 830 Center 10 AbiMar Foods Manufacturing Food Manufacturing First Financial Bank FIRE Banking and Financial Taylor County Government County Wylie Independent School Education Public School 500 District 14 Teleperformance Telecommunications Contract Call Center Hardin-Simmons University Education Private University Eagle Aviation Services Aviation Aviation Mechanic Rentech Boiler Systems and Manufacturing Metal Fabrication 365 Services 18 Cisco College Education Public College Coca-Cola Refreshments Manufacturing Food Manufacturing Abilene Diagnostic Clinic Medical Primary Care Physicians U.S. Postal Service Government Postal Service 255 Distribution 22 Lauren Engineers Engineering Engineers and 250 Constructors 23 McMurry University Education Private University Betty Hardwick Center Medical Mental Health PetroSmith Manufacturing Metal Fabrication Run Energy Energy Wind Energy Broadwind Towers Manufacturing Wind Tower 180 Manufacturing 29 Tigé Boats Manufacturing Fiberglass Boats West Texas Rehabilitation Center Medical Physical Rehabilitation AEP Utilities Electric Utility 175 9

11 Average Salary by Occupation SOC # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # Title Abilene Entry Abilene Mean Abilene Exp. State Mean General & Operations Managers $22.05 $54.75 $71.15 $61.99 Human Resources Managers $30.95 $53.56 $64.86 $62.32 Accountants and Auditors $18.46 $31.41 $37.88 $37.74 Computer Programmers $20.93 $29.03 $33.09 $41.66 Civil Engineers $29.11 $38.83 $43.69 $47.07 Electrical Engineers $30.72 $46.96 $55.08 $49.79 Industrial Engineers $27.49 $44.56 $53.09 $47.09 Mechanical Engineers $27.81 $46.37 $55.65 $49.15 Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks $8.53 $10.74 $11.85 $13.17 $9.91 $15.62 $18.48 $18.75 Procurement Clerks $9.28 $15.12 $18.03 $19.53 Customer Service Representatives $10.12 $13.53 $15.23 $15.74 Receptionists and Information Clerks Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative $9.02 $11.40 $12.58 $12.61 $14.49 $22.02 $25.79 $26.66 Data Entry Keyers $9.07 $13.23 $15.32 $13.99 Insurance Claims and Policy Processing Clerks Assemblers and Fabricators, All Other $12.05 $17.68 $20.49 $18.59 $7.86 $10.68 $12.09 $13.64 Machinists $17.10 $23.37 $26.50 $19.95 Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers $14.53 $22.62 $26.67 $20.95 $14.62 $21.39 $24.77 $

12 Military Installations For the past 60 years, Abilene has been home to Dyess Air Force Base and for the past 30 years, the B-1B bomber. In recent years, Abilene has seen the arrival of 28 new C-130 J aircraft that are now stationed at the base, making it the largest active-duty C-130 J aircraft base in the USAF. Established in 1943 as Abilene Army Air Base (AAB), the base was named in honor of Lieutenant Colonel William Dyess (a native of Albany, Texas). Today, Dyess is home to the 7th Bomb Wing and the 317th Airlift Group, both of which provide a significant economic contribution to the City of Abilene. Over fifty years ago, the Abilene Chamber of Commerce formed the Military Affairs Committee (MAC). MAC s mission is to maintain and expand the military presence and missions, and continue the strong relationship with the military community. MAC is instrumental in ensuring Dyess remains a premier large aircraft installation, modernizing base infrastructure, and supporting our more than 5,000 military and civilians in addition to 8,000 family members and retirees. Dyess Air Force Base Amount Air Combat Command Base 1 Air Mobility Command Tenant Unit 1 B-1 Flying Squadrons (including training) 2 C-130 J Flying Squadrons 2 B-1 Aircraft 33 C-130 J Aircraft 28 Employment (Active Duty and DoD Civilian) 4,700 Annual Payroll $248.2 million Total Economic Impact $412.9 million Data provided by Dyess AFB Economic Resource Impact Statement 11

13 Education Abilene is home to many institutions of higher education three private universities, one twoyear college, one technical college, and the Texas Tech University Health Science Center School of Pharmacy, Nursing and Public Health. There are two main school districts in the City of Abilene: 1) Abilene Independent School District and 2) Wylie Independent School District as well as multiple private school systems. Within the Abilene Independent School District and Wylie Independent School District, there are over 40 school campuses, including 30+ special programs and magnet schools. Combined, Abilene ISD and Wylie ISD have over 20,000 students enrolled and nearly 2,800 employees working to educate Abilene s student population. Abilene Public Schools Abilene Independent School District 241 Pine Street Abilene, Texas (325) Enrollment: 17,300 Wylie Independent School District 7049 Buffalo Gap Road Abilene, Texas (325) Enrollment: 3,800 12

14 Abilene Private Schools School Name Phone Abilene Christian Schools (325) Abilene Montessori Center (325) Cornerstone Christian Academy (325) Evergreen Christian School (325) Happy Days School Pre-K thru Kindergarten (325) Kenley School (325) St. John s Episcopal School (325) Colleges and Universities Institution Enrollment Graduates Abilene Christian University 4,460 1,065 Hardin Simmons University 2, McMurry University 1, Texas Tech Health Science Center Cisco College 2, Texas State Technical College 1, Abilene Christian University is a faith based university which offers 71 baccalaureate, 25 masters and 7 certificate degrees with an average annual enrollment of 4,500 students. (325) Hardin Simmons University is a faith based university which offers 70 baccalaureate and 7 masters degrees with an average annual enrollment of 2,300 students. (325)

15 McMurry University is a faith based university which offers 45 baccalaureate degrees and 1 master's degrees with an average annual enrollment of 1,200 students. (325) TTU Health Science Center opened the School of Public Health in The program provides students with professional training to enter the public health care professions. (325) TTU Health Science Center offers a comprehensive and practical education that encompasses a broad range of health issues with an average enrollment of 160 students. (800) TTU Health Science Center also offers many options in nursing education including traditional and second degree BSN programs with graduate and doctorate programs. (325) Cisco College is the only State funded technical college which offers more than 30 certificate and degree programs with an average enrollment 3,500 students. (325) TSTC is the only State funded technical college which offers more than 25 certificate and degree programs with an average enrollment 1,300 students. (325)

16 Incentives and Business Climate The following list identifies many of the economic development incentives potentially available. In addition to the local incentives, the Abilene Industrial Foundation can assist businesses in gaining the maximum benefit from state, federal, and other government entities incentives programs. Local Incentives With low taxes, a predictable regulatory climate and a skilled workforce, Texas leads the nation in economic growth. On November 16, 1989, City Council approved Resolution No authorizing the creation of the Development Corporation of Abilene, Inc. (DCOA) pursuant to the Development Corporation Act of 1979 (Texas Civil Statutes Article ), making Abilene the first city in Texas to do so. The act allows municipalities to create a nonprofit corporation that will promote the creation of new and expanded industry and manufacturing activity within the municipality and its vicinity using a ½ cent sales tax to fund its operation. This money is fully controlled at the local level and is not dependent on state or county approval. Every economic development incentive package is prepared to meet the best possible solution for each company s relocation needs with an emphasis on capital investment and job creation. State Incentives Texas Enterprise Fund The Texas Enterprise Fund (TEF) is the largest "deal-closing" fund of its kind in the nation. The fund is a cash grant used as a financial incentive tool for projects that offer significant projected job creation and capital investment and where a single Texas site is competing with another viable out-of-state option. Since its inception in 2004, the TEF has awarded over 100 grants totaling more than $500 million across a wide variety of industries and projects. Projects that meet the fund criteria may apply for this incentive in addition to local incentives provided by the city. 15

17 State Tax Incentives Texas Enterprise Zone Program The Texas Enterprise Zone Program is an economic development tool for local communities to partner with the State of Texas to promote job creation and capital investment in economically distressed areas of the state. Designated projects are eligible to apply for state sales and use tax refunds on qualified expenditures. The level and amount of refund is related to the capital investment and jobs created or retained at the qualified business site. Manufacturing Exemptions Manufacturing Exemptions provide state sales and use tax exemptions to taxpayers who manufacture, fabricate or process tangible property for sale. The exemption generally applies to tangible personal property that becomes an ingredient or component of an item manufactured for sale, as well as taxable services performed on a manufactured product to make it more marketable. Freeport Exemptions A Freeport exemption is a property tax exemption. Freeport property includes goods detained in Texas for 175 days or less before they are transported out of Texas. The exemption applies to goods, wares, ores and merchandise other than oil, gas and petroleum products (defined as liquid and gaseous materials immediately derived from refining petroleum or natural gas) and to aircraft or repair parts used by a certified air carrier. Goods must be in Texas for assembling, storing, manufacturing, repair, maintenance, processing or fabricating purposes. Currently, businesses located in the Abilene Independent School District may utilize this exemption. Data Center Incentive Texas is ideally positioned for data center operations. The state is centrally located and has access to talented, experienced high tech workers. A data center exemption applies to state sales and use tax on certain items necessary and essential to the operation of a qualified data center. The exemption is for state sales tax only. Local sales taxes are due on purchases of these qualifying items. 16

18 Workforce Development Incentives Skills Development Fund The Skills Development Fund is Texas' premier job-training program providing local customized training opportunities for Texas businesses and workers to increase skill levels and wages of the Texas workforce. The Texas Workforce Commission administers funding for the program. Success is achieved through collaboration among businesses, public community and technical colleges, Workforce Development Boards and economic development partners. Self Sufficiency Fund The Self Sufficiency program provides grants to community and technical colleges and community-based organizations to implement customized job training programs in cooperation with employers, to help low-income individuals and those receiving public assistance achieve self-sufficiency and independence. 17

19 Taxes With no corporate income tax and no individual income tax, Texas has one of the lowest tax burdens in the country, ranking as a Top 10 Best State in the Tax Foundation's 2013 State Business Tax Index. Abilene has placed new industry that includes manufacturing of plastics, wind energy towers, fiberglass boats in addition to its world class oil and gas industry. Sales Tax Texas imposes a state sales tax on all retail sales, leases and rentals of most goods, as well as taxable services. Texas cities, counties, transit authorities and special purpose districts have the option of imposing an additional local sales tax for a combined state and local tax rate of up to 8.25% (the City of Abilene levies the full local rate of 2.0%). Income Tax Due to the presence of sales tax, the State of Texas does not levy personal income tax. Property Tax Taxing Entity Rate/$100 Valuation Taylor County City of Abilene Abilene ISD Total Rate: Taxes on real estate and real/personal property are levied by the following local government entities on an annual basis. Corporate Income Tax Texas has no corporate income tax at the state level, making it an attractive tax haven for incorporating a business. Texas corporations still, however, have to pay the federal corporate income tax. While Texas does not have a corporate income tax, a gross receipts style tax is applicable to all companies and serves a similar purpose. This tax is called the Texas Franchise Tax (sometimes referred to as the margin tax) that levies a 1% tax on calculated margins for businesses in Texas (retailers pay a 0.5% rate), but exempts sole proprietorships and general partnerships. Businesses can elect to deduct either the cost of goods sold or employment costs. Additional rate information and calculation methods can be found online. 18

20 Utilities The City of Abilene offers its businesses and citizens all major utilities and services provided by a mix of both municipal government and private corporations. Electric Texas power consumers can choose their electricity service from a variety of retail electric providers (REPs), including the incumbent utility. The incumbent utility in the area still owns and maintains the local power lines (and is the company to call in the event of a power outage) and is not subject to deregulation. The incumbent utility in Abilene is AEP Texas (American Electric Power). AEP can provide dual parallel circuits to its customers. AEP also operates a looped distribution system which provides the capabilities to serve each site from more than one distribution substation or from multiple distribution circuits. In the event of a power outage, service can be rerouted to the site manually. For a complete list of available REPs, please visit Taylor Electric Cooperative serves Abilene, Texas and the surrounding areas. Taylor EC offers one point of contact business installation with competitive business rates. A community partner for more than 75 years, Taylor EC is the choice for business. Learn more at Natural Gas Atmos Energy Corporation, headquartered in Dallas, is one of the country s largest natural-gasonly distributors, serving approximately 3 million customers in more than 1,400 communities from the Blue Ridge Mountains in the East to the Rocky Mountains in the West. The company is a fullservice natural gas distribution provider and the retail supplier of natural gas in Abilene, Texas. Atmos serves residential, commercial and large volume customers, tailored to their specific needs. For more information please visit Telecommunications Abilene is served by three primary telecommunications providers: AT&T, Suddelink Communications and FiberLight. These providers offer the latest fiber optic network availability throughout Abilene for phone, internet, VoIP, data center, cloud storage, wireless and other network based services. For more information visit and 19

21 Water and Wastewater The City of Abilene provides all the water and wastewater resources and infrastructure throughout the city. The Water Utilities Department is responsible for storm water pollution abatement, water operations, and wastewater operations in the City of Abilene, including: providing for adequate, high quality water supply; treating and distributing potable water; collecting all wastewaters discharged to sanitary sewer systems; and transporting and treating all wastewater prior to discharging it into the environment. For assistance in connecting new service contact the City of Abilene, Water Department. Customer Service (325) Water and Wastewater Line Location (325) Water Current average daily water supplied in Million Gallons per Day: Current system capacity in Million Gallons per Day: 22 MGD 51 MGD Water treatment system is conventional coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection. Expansion of the pipeline to O.H. Ivie Reservoir for future expanded water resources has been completed. This project has been funded by the USDA and municipal bonds. Wastewater Current average daily user in Million Gallons per Day: Current system capacity in Million Gallons per Day: 11 MGD 22 MGD Raw water at three plants undergoes complete treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection in order to meet or exceed State and Federal rules and regulations. For more information please visit 20

22 Quality of Life Abilene's quality of life presents a wide array of benefits for its citizens. Residents can enjoy cultural events, a thriving arts scene, unique museums, sporting events, parks, children's activities, hunting, fishing and so much more. These combined with a low-cost of living, warm climate and a ten-minute commute time ensures those that move to Abilene, stay in Abilene. #1 More Home for the Money Abilene home prices are nearly 35 percent below the U.S. average. That s an extra 764 square feet! It also leaves $323 extra in your pocket every month based on a 30-year mortgage. Lifelong Learning Opportunities In addition to two highly-regarded public school systems, Abilene has six institutions of higher learning and nearly 10,000 students pursuing higher education. #2 #3 A Spirit of Community The Chronicle of Philanthropy estimates that Abilene is among the top 20 percent in median community contributions among metropolitan cities in the U.S. Lower Taxes Texas is one of only seven states without a state income tax, allowing Abilene residents to keep more of their earned wages. #4 #5 Low Cost Energy Located directly in the heart of Texas, Abilene benefits from one of the nation's leaders in energy production. Residences and businesses alike spend 25% less than the nation's average city for electricity, dramatically reducing the cost to live and work. 21

23 A Lively Downtown Abilene is known for a vibrant downtown featuring special feature restaurants, The Grace Museum, Center for Contemporary Arts, National Center for Children s Illustrated Literature and the Convention Center. #6 #7 Shorter Commutes Abilene s commute time of 17 minutes is significantly less than U.S. average of 25.4 minutes. Over a full year, that gives Abilenians an extra 4,212 minutes or nearly 70 hours of additional time. Low Cost of Living Abilene s cost of living is 93% of the U.S. average according to the Council for Community and Economic Research, making every dollar earned go that much further. #8 #9 Sports and Recreation With prime land and scenic lakes, the Big Country boasts a solid reputation for hunting and fishing. Sports enthusiasts can enjoy playing around on one of several world class golf courses, or finish a set at one of the tennis centers. Commitment to Dyess AFB A community support award given out each year by the U.S. Air Force, Air Mobility Command, was won so frequently by Abilene, the Air Force said Abilene could no longer compete. Instead, the award was renamed the "Abilene Trophy". #10 22

24 Cost of Living Abilene's cost of living index ranks one of the most affordable places to live in the United States. With an average home sale price that is 35% of the U.S. average, homeowners find living significantly cheaper. The Cost of Living Index measures relative price levels for consumer goods and services in participating areas. The average for all participating places in each quarter equals 100, and each participant's index is read as a percentage of the average for all participating places. The following table summarizes Abilene's "cost of living index" relative to other major cities in the U.S. City All Grocery Housing Utilities Transport Health Care Misc. Abilene, TX Chicago, IL Denver, CO Los Angeles, CA Miami, FL Information provided by the Council for Community and Economic Research Average Home Sale Price $169,862 23

25 Climate Abilene's weather is a typical southern climate with hot summers and relatively mild winters. Weather Avg. Low Avg. High Avg. Annual January Temperature July Temperature Annual Temperature Weather Average Annual Precipitation 24.4" Snowfall 4.6" Wind Speed 11.9mph Clear Days 149 Partly Cloudy Days 95 Relative Humidity 64.5% Healthcare Abilene is home to two major medical centers, Hendrick Health System and Abilene Regional Medical Center and two minor. These facilities offer a combined 870 hospital beds for the Abilene region with more than 250 physicians. Patients can find specialty care for asthma, cancer, diabetes, emergencies, heart and vascular, neuroscience, orthopedics, ostomy, palliative, birth, pulmonary, radiology, rehabilitation, respiratory, sleep disorders, stroke, women's health and wound care. Hendrick Health System Abilene Regional Medical Center

26 Parks and Recreation Abilene citizens enjoy an abundant resource of public parks and recreational opportunities. Auditoriums 3 Gymnasiums 4 Skateboard Parks 1 Ball Diamonds (35 lighted) 96 In-Line Hockey Rink 1 Soccer Fields 14 Bocce Ball Courts 1 Miniature Golf Courses 2 Splash Pad 1 Bowling Centers 2 Movie Screens 32 Swimming Pools (Private) 7 Disc Golf Courses 3 Parks (2,400+ acres) 32 Swimming Pools (Public) 2 Dog Parks 1 Park Playgrounds 20 Tennis Courts 21 Football Fields 15 Recreation Centers 7 Walking Trails 5 Golf Courses 6 Running Tracks 24 YMCA 2 Group Picnic Shelters 16 Sand Volleyball Courts 6 Youth Centers 13 Arts and Attractions Abilene is host to a wide array of cultural attractions, museums, sporting events and shopping. These include the Abilene Zoo, the 12th Armored Division Memorial Museum, Abilene Motorsports, Abilene Philharmonic Orchestra, Abilene State Park, Buffalo Gap Historic Village, Center for Contemporary Arts, Abilene Civic Center, Abilene Zoological Gardens, Fort Phantom Hill, Frontier Texas, The Grace Museum, Mall of Abilene, National Center for Children's Illustrated Literature, Paramount Theatre, Play Faire Park, Family Fun Center & Miniature Golf Course, Prime Time Family Entertainment Center, Classical Chorus of Abilene and the Western Heritage Classic. 25