Most-depressed markets are now showing the biggest bounce up.

• Position: MARKETING NEWS - Brief article

THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST, TEXAS AND THE SOUTH ATLANTIC COASTAL STATES show the highest household growth forecasts over the five years ending in 2017, according to Bancography's annual outlook for the financial services industry.

The report, entitled, "Outlook 2013: Deposit and Demographic Trends," states that among the 30 largest metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs), the outlook is for revived growth. The revival is especially true in markets that suffered severe slowdowns during the recession--MSAs such as Las Vegas, Phoenix and Riverside, Calif. Three of the 10 fastest-growing metro areas are in Texas. Nine of the 10 are located west of the Mississippi River.

The number of bank branches has declined by almost 2,000 over the past three years, including a decline of 750 units in 2012 alone. The 2012 closures were connected to a limited number of institutions, mostly regional and national banks, that were pruning...