Incomes are growing fastest in U.S. metro areas with a military base, according to an analysis by USA Today of per-capita income rankings.
After adjusting for inflation, military compensation rose 84 percent from 2000 through 2009. During that time, private sector compensation rose 9 percent and federal civil workers’ compensation grew 37 percent, according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis.
The 10 metro areas (and their military connections) that saw the biggest percentage gains in per-capita income 2000 to 2009 were:
1. Jacksonville, N.C. - Camp Lejeune
2. Houma-Bayou Cane-Thibodaux, La. - military shipbuilding
3. Manhattan, Kan. - Fort Riley
4. Fayetteville, N.C. - Fort Bragg and Pop Air Force Base
5. Killeen-Temple-Fort Hood, Texas - Fort Hood
6. Lawton, Okla. - Fort Sill
7. Farmington, N.M. - none
8. Hanford-Corcoran, Calif. - Naval Sir Station Lemoore
9. Clarksville, Tenn. - Fort Campbell
10. Cheyenne, Wyo. - Warren Air Force Base
Coldwell Banker Sea Coast has an office in Jacksonville and it is only about 40 minutes north of Wilmington. If you need any information about Jacksonville or Wilmington NC Real Estate contact me at 910-431-9395 or visit my website at www.livingbythecoast.com.




