The Crossroads' future is bright.

At least that is what a forecast released in June by Waco-based The Perryman Group shows.

The combination of drilling activity, incoming industry, plant expansions and more means major growth is headed this way.

Among the report's key findings are estimates that the Crossroads' population will expand by 34,030 people by the year 2020 to 226,910 people.

Meanwhile, Eagle Ford Shale activity will mean $7.9 billion in output each year and 24,776 jobs by 2020, according to the report.

Personal income is also expected to grow by 4.80 percent - or $3.63 billion - between 2012 and 2020.

The findings are encouraging, Ray Perryman, The Perryman Group's president, said in an email. With that growth stemming from multiple sources, he said it insulates the area from industry cycles.

"Also, the fact that community leaders are taking steps now to be ready for the future is extremely promising," he said.

That was the thinking behind the report all along, said Charmelle Garrett, Victoria's city manager.

The city requested the study last spring to help meet the oncoming changes, she said.

"We felt we needed to get a handle on how much growth we might see," she said, explaining that findings would help determine new solid waste routes, infrastructure upgrades, fire station locations and more.

The study cost the city $24,000, Assistant City Manager John Kaminski said.

Garrett said the timing was also right, with the Victoria City Council's budget discussions coming soon.

Related stories:

Victoria's future includes new industry, higher wages, added jobs

Victoria law enforcement looks toward future growth

Victoria officials say infrastructure planning critical for growth

The future of education in the Crossroads

Environment: When Victoria grows, the city is prepared

Future growth in the Crossroads means more health care professionals

• For a more in-depth look at the future of Victoria, turn to H1, H4 and H6.

  Topics include:

  Infrastructure

  CrimeMore people means more crime?

  Education: More schools on the horizon

  Environment: Protecting the water supply

  Health care: Attracting doctors to meet needs