Population increase in Dickinson area (over doubling)
Those prices are insane. If you were talking renting a 2 bedroom twin home or something sure maybe over $1000. I don't think your probelm is population growth, its a lack of space and those who have the buildings can charge what they want because someone will pay it. You could be renting a very nice place or paying a mortgage payment on a $200,000 house with those prices.
I remember those prices around that time. Even last year, it was in the $600-700's (in the $500's a year before) for a two bedroom at the Eastwood appartments, now asking $1,700.
It's multiple factor's, the population is increasing far to fast for our city to support it. I hear a lot of people complain The city seems to be just sitting back thinking someone else will do it, but they are the one's who approve or disaprove these things. They are too quick to let all this activity come in without much strategic planning. All I hope is this becomes stabalized soon, but doubt it.