Austin is the capital city of the state of Texas and is known as the “Live Music Capital of the World.” Austin is known for its liberal politics, strong economy, and a well-educated population. The city’s nickname refers to the many music venues that are located in Austin. The city is also known for its food, which includes barbecue and Tex-Mex cuisine.
Austin was originally incorporated into the Republic of Texas in 1839 and was named after Stephen F. Austin, the first president of the Republic. However, the area was inhabited for thousands of years beforehand, all the way back to the 9th millennium before Christ. When European settlers first arrived, it was inhabited by the Tonkawa tribe, and the area quickly became a nexus of forts for the new residents.
Little more than a trading post at first, Austin had grown into a full-sized city by the turn of the 20th century, boasting the Texas State Capitol Building as the 7th largest building in the world at the time and the development of new, modernized industries. Austin would continue to grow as the capital of one of America’s best-known states after that.
Austin’s reputation for modernization and industry is something that remains to this day. Easily the most hip and modern city in Texas, there’s a reason so many choose to move here. If you’re looking for the best city in America’s biggest state, Austin TX is a good place to live.
Where is Austin, TX?
Austin is in Travis County, with parts of it extending into the Hays and Williamson counties as well. The oldest sections of the city are on the Colorado River, although the limits of the city have expanded well beyond that. The city is filled with dams and reservoir lakes, which leads to a surprising amount of waterside properties. It is also located in the Austin-Round Rock-Georgetown, TX metro area.
Want to know where Austin is in relation to other nearby cities? Austin is bordered by a large number of smaller, suburban communities, primarily concentrated to the north. These include Pflugerville, Round Rock, Cedar Park, and more. The distance from Austin, TX to Houston, TX is 162 miles.
Austin Texas Information
- County: Travis County
- Austin Area: 326.51 miles
- Austin Zip Code: 73301–78799
- Austin Area Code: 512, 737
- Austin Elevation: 289–1,450’
- Austin Time Zone: Central Standard Time (CST)
- Closest airport to Austin: Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, 58WM+XF Austin, Texas, 10 miles from Austin’s city center
Austin, TX Population & Demographics
The population of Austin Texas is 964,177, distributed over 320 miles at a population density of about 3,000 people per square mile. Its population has grown by 0.5% since 2020. Austin is located in the Austin-Round Rock-Georgetown, TX metro area, which has a population of 2,352,426. The median age here is 34.4 years. The median household income in Austin is $79,542, with 41% of the population making $100k annually or more.
59.9% of Austin’s population has attained a bachelor’s degree or higher, which is nearly double the average rate in Texas (33.1%).
The largest racial group in Austin demographically is Whites, at 48%, with Hispanics taking up the second position at 32% and Asians coming third at 8%. Austin is a very diverse city! 18.2% of the population of Austin is foreign-born, with 51% of the foreign-born population coming from Latin America. Austin’s gender ratio is skewed slightly towards men, at 51%.
Notable people from Austin include former professional cyclist Lance Armstrong, WWE wrestler Stone Cold Steve Austin, actress Sandra Bullock, and PGA golfer Rich Beem.
Austin, TX Transportation
Austin is intersected by a large number of highways and other major roadways, notably including Interstate 35, Loop 1, and U.S. Route 183. A variety of bus public transportation systems are jointly handled by the Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority. There is also a commuter rail system in the city. The most substantial airport near the city is the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (code: 58WM+XF Austin, Texas, USA), and a robust airport shuttle service routes to and from this airport.
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Cost of Living in Austin, TX
The cost of living index in the Austin-Round Rock-Georgetown, TX metro area is 1% higher on average than in other places in America. Austin has a cost of living that outpaces other areas of Texas, but the baseline affordability in the state is so high that you’ll find prices for most things here are comfortably affordable.
According to the Economic Policy Institute, a family of four will need a yearly income of $87,105 to live in Austin.
According to the MIT living wage calculator, the living wage of a typical family of 4 in the area is $25.38 per hour.
Basic everyday costs like utilities and groceries will generally be lower than or at the average cost, with the exception of housing and healthcare, although nothing is that expensive in Texas. The average Austin utility bill is $203 per month, according to Doxo.
Austin, TX Typical Living Expenses
Here are some common items you might buy and their prices according to Numbeo:
- Milk – $4.05
- Loaf of Bread – $2.62
- 12 Regular Eggs – $4.00
- 1 Pound Chicken Filet – $5.73
- 1 Pound Apples – $2.34
- 1 Pound Tomatoes – $1.37
- Gasoline, 1 Gallon – $3.45
- Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant – $18.00
- Monthly Internet Cost – $71.41
Austin has a sales tax of 6.25%, no personal income tax, and a median property tax of $0.38 per $100 worth of value.
Austin, TX Real Estate
Austin gets a 38 on Redfin’s competitiveness scale, with home sale prices and the number of homes being sold both dropping. The boom that overtook Austin at the turn of the 21st century due to the tech bubble has subsided in recent years, but don’t let that convince you that Austin still isn’t a wonderful place to live!
The median sale price for Austin homes is $530,000. It should come as little surprise that this is significantly higher than the average home price for the Austin-Round Rock-Georgetown, TX metro area ($397,100) and more than double the average for the entire state of Texas ($237,400). The number of houses sold above list price yearly has depressed by a significant margin, with 484 homes being sold annually. The median days on the market in this area is 76 days, a number that has been increasing yearly. It’s a buyer’s market!
54% of Austin residents rent their homes, according to RentCafe, which is actually somewhat low for a hip big city. The average rent in Austin is $1,825 monthly for 863 sq. ft., which is unsurprisingly more expensive than most areas of Texas, yet significantly more affordable than comparable big cities.
If you want to make yourself a part of any of these communities, you should check out the latest listings for Austin, TX homes for sale.
Austin, TX Neighborhoods | Where to Live in Austin, TX
Austin takes its place as one of Texas’ most cultured cities for a reason, and a large reason for that is its wealth of unique and artsy neighborhoods. Check out some of Austin’s best neighborhoods here!
Downtown – Industry, Attractions, Heart of Austin
The center of Austin’s bustling industries, this area is home to the highest skyscrapers in the city and also where most of the businesses in Austin have made their headquarters. Don’t think that Austin’s downtown is all business and no fun, though – areas like the historic 6th Street provide plenty of room for shopping, eating, and recreation.
East Austin – Diverse & Packed with Attractions & Restaurants
Among the most diverse cultures and ethnicities of any Austin neighborhood, East Austin is just as diverse in people as it is in fantastic attractions and restaurants. From coffee houses to Brazilian grills to sushi bars, the selection of 5-star restaurants is nearly endless, to say nothing of the many attractions and excellent shopping in the area!
Central Austin – Culture & the Arts
Home of the University of Texas at Austin, it should be no surprise that Central Austin is hip, young, and artsy, with the culture that comes hand-in-hand with that sort of population. Packed full of interesting art and cultural attractions, as well as plenty of fantastic eateries needed to sate a hungry population of college students, the reasons for moving to Central Austin are many!
Austin, TX Climate & Weather
Austin is classified as having a humid subtropical climate, according to the Koppen scale. Austin is more humid than some parts of Texas. You can expect lows of 38 degrees Fahrenheit during the winter months and highs of 95 degrees Fahrenheit during the summer months. Austin experiences slightly less than the average amount of rainfall when compared with the rest of the United States, with 35 inches per year. Austin does not experience snow. The best month to visit Austin, in terms of comfort rating, are April and October. The coldest month in Austin is January.
Austin does not experience much in the way of extreme weather events but does occasionally experience tornadoes. While generally very rare, proper plans should be made to prepare for these weather events.
Austin Restaurants
In Austin, the choice of great food is overwhelming! Check out some of the best restaurants in Austin, TX below.
Odd Duck
Serving new American dishes in an upscale environment, people who consider themselves discerning foodies will find that Odd Duck scratches their itch for high-quality eats!
1201 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704, (512) 433-6521
Hoover’s Cooking
Love the food of the South? Hoover’s Cooking serves the best Southern comfort food in Austin!
2002 Manor Rd, Austin, TX 78722, (512) 479-5006
Salty Sow
Great dishes coming from a variety of backgrounds and equally great dishes, Salty Sow is a laid-back Austin restaurant that is sure to please!
1917 Manor Rd, Austin, TX 78722, (512) 391-2337
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Things to Do in Austin
When it comes to the state of Texas, Austin is one of the best cities in the state for having a wealth of attractions merely a short stroll away! You should check out some of the best things to do in Austin, TX below.
Top Austin Attractions
- Texas Capitol – Constructed in 1888, this building was once the 7th largest in the world. Today, it is still incredibly impressive and contains public exhibits on the building, Austin, and Texas.
- Mayfield Park & Nature Preserve – Peaceful and quiet, the 21-acre walking grounds is well-known for the wild, beautiful peacocks that strut about in the daylight hours.
- Austin Aquarium – This family-friendly aquarium contains all sorts of exhibits on all sorts of aquatic life – perfect for the budding marine biologist!
- Austin Zoo – Big cats, bears, monkeys, reptiles, rare birds, and other wonderful and rare species call this stunning zoo in Austin their home.
Austin Museums
- Bullock Texas State History Museum – Considered one of the best state history museums in Texas, the Bullock Texas State History Museum is an expansive complex with exhibits on the art, culture, and history of the largest U.S. state.
- Blanton Museum of Art – Hosting exhibits on art from Ancient Greece to 20th century America, the Blanton Museum of Art is an Austin attraction with something for every discerning art consumer.
Austin Parks & Outdoors
- Mueller Lake Park – Set on the picturesque Mueller Reservoir, this park contains a lovely amphitheater, picnicking areas, and a walking trail.
- Bull Creek District Park – Largely undeveloped, Bull Creek District Park provides miles of dog-friendly trails and picnicking areas in a natural environment.
- Butler Metro Park – Surrounded by beautiful city vistas, Butler Metro Park offers a fountain, pond, walking paths, and more in the middle of Austin.
- Emma Long Metropolitan Park – Among Austin’s most high-end parks, this attraction contains over 12 miles of forested trails, as well as areas for BBQing and boat docks.
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Shopping in Austin
- The Domain – The Domain is a ritzy outdoor shopping plaza with all sorts of luxury brand names and a wide variety of products. One of the best shopping experiences in Austin!
- Barton Creek Square – Over 170 retail stores and a luxury movie theater call this affluent bi-level shopping mall home.
- Capital Plaza – This casual shopping center has fast food, retail stores, and all the essentials you need while living in Austin.
Map of Austin Texas Things to Do
Sports in Austin, TX
If you love sports, you’ll find that Austin is definitely the right place for you! Austin is packed with professional sports teams, arenas, and more casual venues to please professional and casual sports fans alike. Austin’s most popular set of teams includes the Texas Longhorns, representing the University of Texas at Austin. Other popular teams include the Austin Spurs NBA team, headquartered at the H.E.B. Center at Cedar Park, and the newly-founded Austin FC soccer team. There’s plenty in Austin for sports lovers!
Austin Texas Crime
Thinking about moving to this iconic Texas city, but wondering if Austin Texas is a safe place to live? Austin, unfortunately, does have a crime problem, but this is mostly concentrated in property crime. Austin’s overall crime rate is 4,098 crimes per 100,000 people, which is 74.7% higher than the national average. The property crime rate is 3,631 per 100,000 people, which is 85.4% higher than the national average, while the violent crime rate is 467 per 100,000 people, or 20.4% higher. Austin’s murder rate is comparably better, 38.9% lower than the national average, with 4 murders per 100,000 people.While Austin’s crime rates are certainly not positive, you can rest easy that violent crime, particularly murder, is only a fraction of Austin’s crime problem, with most of it consisting of property crime.
Here’s how Austin compares in crime to three cities of similar size:
- Dallas, TX – 6% lower
- Fort Worth, TX – 39% higher
- El Paso, TX – 99% higher
Moving to any city in America is generally a trade-off between location and convenience and more risk of crime victimization, and Austin is no different. However, despite Austin’s issues with crime, there are still safe places to live in Austin. Neighborhoods like Shady Hollow, Spanish Oaks, and Brushy Creek all make the list for the safest neighborhoods in Austin. Austin is served in law enforcement matters by the excellent and well-staffed Austin Police Department, staffed by 1,738 sworn police officers.
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Economy & Jobs in Austin, TX
Austin is a juggernaut when it comes to local industry, with a gross domestic product of no less than $86 billion. It is also a center for the tech industry in this part of the United States, with high-tech companies like Apple, 3M, Amazon, and others all having large operations ongoing within the city. According to Payscale, the most popular positions of employment are Registered Nurse, Administrative Assistant, and Customer Service Representative. The most popular employers in Austin are Ascension Health, St. David’s Healthcare, and the City of Austin. The average salary for a worker in Austin is $77k a year, while the average hourly wage is $20.48.
One of the primary draws of Austin, Texas is the massive amount of promising employment opportunities and industries there! With such a wide selection of industries, you’re sure to find the job of your dreams in Austin. Check out the latest listings for jobs in Austin, TX, and the Austin City job board.
Austin Healthcare
Austin is a city with a wide range of healthcare options, including four that have been listed as the top 100 hospitals in the United States. These hospitals include St. David’s Medical Center, Ascension Seton Medical Center, and more.
The University of Texas at Austin also has the UT Health Austin facility, which provides individualized care at one of the most advanced facilities in the city. This includes the Dell Seton Medical Center, which has one of the few Level 1 trauma centers in the city. The Baylor Scott & White Medical Center regularly tops national hospital lists for its excellent care in a wide variety of specialized fields. Needless to say, there are plenty of qualified healthcare centers to deal with any health issue that may come up!
Austin, TX Schools
Living in Austin means access to some of the best schools in the state, whether that be for primary education or higher education. Half of Austin is served by the Austin Independent School District, which contains over 700,000 students within its jurisdiction. The other half of the city is served by a myriad of smaller districts, such as the Round Rock Independent School District and the Leander Independent School District. Some of the best schools you’ll find in and around Austin include the Liberal Arts and Science Academy, Meridian World School, and Westlake High School – all of which make the list of the best schools in the Austin, TX area!
Austin is also home to a wide variety of private schools – nearly 200 different institutions, in fact! From child developmental institutions to private schools with special or more robust teaching programs, the possibilities for your child’s education are endless.
If you or a family member are looking to get into higher education, Austin will have a large variety of excellent options for you, with many prestigious colleges basing their operations out of this highly-educated city. The most notable Austin area college is the University of Texas at Austin, which prides itself as the flagship of the entire UT system. There is also the St. Edwards University, Huston-Tillotson University, Concordia University, and many, many more. You will have many options when it comes to higher education in Austin.
Austin’s students and avid readers are served by many libraries, most notably by the many branches of the Austin Library System.
Austin Texas Utilities & DMV Change of Address
If you’re planning a move to Austin, having utilities set up and DMV documentation all filled out and filed correctly is vitally important for a smooth transition over. The crew at Unicorn Moving won’t be able to do this on your behalf, but we can give you some helpful tips for getting started! Check out a list of a few Austin utility providers below:
- Electric: Austin Energy
- Gas: Texas Gas Service
- Water: Austin Water
- Sanitation: Austin Resource Recovery
Need to change your address or get a new license after moving to Austin, Texas? Thankfully, there are no trips to the DMV required! Check out this guide by the Texas Department of Public Safety for help on how to change your address in Austin. You can also find out more about Austin’s regional branch of the TxDMV, with all the relevant information about changing driver’s licenses, addresses, and more.
Thinking about moving to and living in Austin, Texas? Austin is a great place to be, and to get there, you’ll want the help of a team of professional Austin Movers! Call Unicorn Moving at 512-339-9922! With years of experience and excellent training, our crew is sure to make your relocation simple and easy! Call now or fill out our online form for a free quote!
