San Antonio Makes Forbes List Again – This Time For The Wrong Reasons

By rerockstar • February 21st, 2009

Usually Forbes.com loves San Antonio, TX.

Not this time. We didn’t make it onto a good list. Forbes.com has released its list of America’s Most and Least Family-Friendly Cities and San Antonio isn’t on the “most” list. Instead, we wind up at #7 on the Least Family-Friendly Cities list.

The data used to determine the rankings was based on the 2007 American Community Survey by the U.S Census Bureau. Because its 2007 data, it does not take into account much of the country’s current economic troubles. The main data used is the basic budget of a family of four (two parents and two children) and the annual income for such a family. “Basic budget” took into account housing, child care, taxes, and food; but did not include such things as savings, splurges or dining out.

The numbers.

Median Annual Family Income: $50,299
Average Annual Family Budget: $44,254
Budget as Percent of Income: 88%

As a city, we are spending 88% of our income on basic living expenses. In comparison the top rated Most Family-Friendly City was San Jose, spending only 55% of their annual income of their basic needs. Our neighbor to the north, Austin, ranked #2, using up 64% of their annual income on their annual budget.

Family-Friendly?

I have to admit, I was a bit thrown off by the title of this top ten list. Family-friendly to me suggested they were going to take a look at activities for a family and what a city had to offer in terms of entertainment, safety, and schools for families with children. As any resident of San Antonio can tell you, we’ve got plenty to offer for a family to do and enjoy. The Alamo, Riverwalk, San Antonio Zoo, Sea World, Six Flags Fiesta Texas, lots of park land, lakes and rivers, and many great towns surrounding the area. There’s always something to do here in San Antonio for kids.

photo courtesy of shareski