Revenue up, unemployment down
The Woodlands and South Montgomery County continued to experience growth in several facets of the community in 2012.
Population in The Woodlands grew by nearly 4,400 people while enrollment in Conroe ISD rose more than 3,100. Conroe ISD spokeswoman Lisa Meeks said the district's enrollment increase was a trend in 2012 she expects to continue as Montgomery County grows.
"Conroe ISD is one of the fastest growing districts in the state," Meeks said. "With low tax rates, high achieving schools, and many career opportunities, people want to live in Montgomery County."
The Woodlands also experienced growth in sales tax revenue, as allocations rose 16.09 percent, or nearly $5 million in 2012 compared to 2011 figures.
Population and economic growth contributed to growth in home sales, said Cindy Hamann, vice president and branch manager of the Coldwell Banker United Woodlands office. Existing home sales in Southwest Montgomery County increased 14.9 percent from January through November 2012 compared to the same time period in 2011.
Hamann attributed much of the home sales growth to the upcoming ExxonMobil move, as well as the recent Anadarko expansion and relocation of other businesses to the area.
"As soon as we put a home on the market that is priced right in the right area, we're getting multiple offers," Hamann said.
Describing South Montgomery County as a "seller's market," Hamann said builders are running out of inventory and homes are selling for higher than the list prices. She said the growth would likely to continue in 2013, especially around Kuykendahl Road in The Village of Creekside Park and Augusta Pines communities.
Among the few figures that did not rise in 2012 was the unemployment rate. The average monthly unemployment rate in Montgomery County dropped more than a percent in 2012 compared to 2011, reaching a yearly low of 5.1 percent in November after peaking at 6.8 percent in June. Similarly, unemployment reached a yearly high of 7.8 percent in June 2011 before falling to 6.2 percent in December.
