Summer 2003, Vol 28, No 2

Abstract: An important part of real estate market analysis is an estimate of the economic growth of the local economy. The correlation between local economic growth and competitive, growing rental income and increasing property equity is a well-known relationship that causes profitable rates of return and signals new investment. This paper suggests that median family income is a conceptually correct and readily available indicator of family well-being that can be examined periodically to determine the level of productivity of the local work force. This statistic is used to show the history of one MSA, its comparative performance relative to other metro areas in the state, and its relative position with selected MSAs in the Midwest and West.