Texas continues to dominate this year’s index. Leading metros, including Killeen-Temple-Fort Hood, Texas, were shielded from losses in the production of capital equipment and consumer durable goods. A diversified technology base such as high-tech manufacturing; reliance on service industries; a large military presence; and a relatively small presence of financial services were common characteristics in this year’s top performers.

2010

1. Killeen-Temple-Fort Hood, TX
2. Austin-Round Rock, TX
3. Huntsville, AL
4. McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX
5. Kennewick-Richland-Pasco, WA
6. Washington DC
7. Raleigh-Cary, NC
8. Anchorage, AK
9. El Paso, TX
10. Houston, TX
11. Lafayette, LA
12. Trenton-Ewing, NJ
13. Brownsville-Harlingen, TX
14. San Antonio, TX
15. Durham, NC
16. Amarillo, TX
17. Dallas, TX
18. Fayetteville, NC
19. Charleston, SC
20. Bethesda, MD