EL PASO, Texas -- Thousands of El Pasoans were out shopping Thursday afternoon, and Forbes said that's because most of them have more money in their pockets.

According to the online magazine, the expansion of the city is the main reason for the extra green.

In the recent years there has been growth at Fort Bliss and at the University of Texas at El Paso that is requiring more job intelligence and white collar jobs that pay more.

The violence in Juarez has also helped El Pasoans pay scales. The extra security needed has also provided several high paying positions.

Some El Pasoans said they are having a hard time believing the study.

"I don't think so. I don't know where they're getting their information from, but I'm not getting paid more," said Tammy Blolner who lives in Canutillo. Duran Debons lives in west El Paso and couldn't agree more with Blolner.

"I really have a hard time believing that. I was born and raised in Detroit and they have the same job that I do and they are getting paid a lot higher than I am here, so I am suprised the wages are higher here than in such cities as Detroit or New York." said Debons.

The study, done by Payscale.com, shows El Pasoans pay has risen by nearly 20 percent since 2005.