Known locally as the “Sports Capital of Texas”, Round Rock is a relatively affluent suburban city, near neighbor to Austin. As one might guess, the community of Round Rock is known for the wide variety of sports-related stadiums and attractions within the confines of the city, being the headquarters of the Dell corporation, as well as having one of the best school districts in the state.
Compared to today, the origins of Round Rock were much more humble. The area was inhabited since prehistory, about 9,200 B.C. to be precise. During the settling of America, the area was inhabited by a diverse group of warring Native tribes, which were eventually crowded out by American colonization. Round Rock is so named because of a round rock on the Brushy Creek, which travellers would often pass by to get to Austin. Starting out as a humble farming community, primarily dealing in cotton, Round Rock would remain a typical Wild West town up until the ‘50s, where the construction of I-35 caused an economic boom in the area. It then remained as a bedroom community up until the ‘90s, where economic focus and the move of the Dell corporation’s headquarters into the region instead made it an economic hub.
As of today, little has changed. Round Rock still remains an economic hub, while also having a history tied to the famous Wild West era of America’s history. The combination of sports, jobs, historic sites, and attractions are all reasons so many are moving to Round Rock!
Where is Round Rock, TX?
Round Rock is located in Williamson County, bordering Austin to the south and Georgetown to the north, and is in the Austin-Round Rock-Georgetown, TX metro area. Set right on Interstate 35, the highway was vital to Round Rock’s development during the mid-20th century. Round Rock is also right on the Brushy Creek, and the historic Chisolm Trail.
Want to know where Round Rock is in relation to other cities? Beyond Georgetown and Austin, Round Rock is also bordered by Pflugerville to the southeast, and Cedar Park and Leander to the west. The distance from Round Rock, TX to Austin, TX is 19 miles.
Round Rock Information
- County: Williamson County
- Area: 38 miles
- Zip code: 78664, 78665, 78680–78683
- Area code: 512, 737
- Elevation: 735’
- Time zone: CST
- Closest airport: Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, 58WM+XF Austin, Texas, 24 miles from Round Rock
Round Rock, TX Population & Demographics
The population of Round Rock is 119,519 distributed over 37.6 miles at a population density of about 3,400 people per square mile. Round Rock’s population has grown by 3.6% since 2010. Round Rock is located in the Austin-Round Rock-Georgetown, TX metro area, which has a population of 2,173,804 people. The median age here is 35.4. The median household income in Round Rock is $86,121, with 43% of the population making $100k annually or more.
41.3% of Round Rock’s population has attained a bachelor’s degree or higher.
The major ethnic majority in Round Rock demographically is White, at 51%, with Hispanics coming second at 29%, as well as small Asian and Black demographics. 14.3% of Round Rock’s population are foreign-born, with 46% of the foreign-born population coming from Latin America. Round Rock’s gender ratio is very slightly skewed towards women, at 51%.
Notable people from Round Rock include MLB player Ryan Goins, Nigerian American rapper Wande, and NFL player Donnie Little.
Round Rock, TX Crime
Thinking about moving to this community, but wondering if Round Rock, TX is safe? Don’t worry about a thing – Round Rock is a very safe community! Round Rock’s overall crime rate is 27% lower than the national average, with the property crime rate being 20.2% lower than the national average and the violent crime rate being 66.2% lower.
Here’s how Round Rock compares in crime to three cities of similar size:
- Concord, CA – 67.9% lower
- Vallejo, CA – 113.8% lower
- Oceanside, CA – 57% lower
Compared to other cities of its size, Round Rock is a very safe community. Part of the draw of Round Rock is just how safe it is, and part of that is Round Rock’s excellent police department. Round Rock is served in law enforcement matters by the Round Rock Police Department.
Cost of Living in Round Rock, TX
The cost of living index in the Austin-Round Rock-Georgetown, TX metro area is only 1% higher on average than other places in America, which is just about average for the United States, as you might’ve guessed.
Basic everyday costs like housing, utilities, and groceries will generally be lower than the average. The average utility bill in Round Rock is $185.46 per month.
According to the Economic Policy Institute, a family will have to make, on average, $87,105 to live here.
Round Rock, TX Typical Living Expenses
Here are some common items you might buy, and their prices according to Numbeo:
- Milk – $3.35
- Loaf of Bread – $2.58
- 12 Regular Eggs – $3.00
- 1 lb. Chicken Filet – $5.25
- 1 lb. Apples – $1.78
- 1 lb. Tomatoes – $2.23
- Gasoline, 1 Gallon – $4.39
- Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant – $12.50
- Monthly Internet Cost – $71.25
- Average monthly Round Rock utilities bill – $185.46 (per Payscale)
Round Rock has a sales tax of 8.25%, and a property tax of 0.4%. Low taxes are one of the draws of moving to Texas!
Round Rock, TX Transportation
Round Rock is linked to Interstate 35, which has been acting as Round Rock’s economic pipeline since its construction. The area also has a number of toll roads, courtesy of the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority. The most substantial airport in the city is the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (code: 58WM+XF Austin, Texas).
Round Rock, TX Schools & Colleges
If you choose to start living in Round Rock, you’ll have access to a variety of absolutely excellent school districts – the Round Rock Independent School District was rated among the best in Texas in 2008 by the Texas Education Agency. Some of the best schools you’ll find in and around Round Rock include Cactus Ranch Elementary, James Garland Walsh Middle School, and Round Rock High – all of which are rated excellently on GreatSchools!
If you or a family member are looking to get into higher education, Round Rock will have everything you need! The Texas State University has a local campus in the area, and there are also options for community colleges in the local campus of the Austin Community College
Round Rock has a wealth of excellent libraries, most notably the Round Rock Public Library.
Round Rock, TX Climate & Weather
Round Rock is a humid subtropical climate, according to the Koppen scale. If you know the Austin area, there’ll be few surprises for you climate-wise in Round Rock. You can expect lows of 38 degrees Fahrenheit during the winter months, and highs of 95 degrees Fahrenheit during the summer months. Round Rock experiences nearly the average amount of rainfall when compared with the rest of the United States, with 36 inches per year. Round Rock is an arid area and does not experience snow. The best times to visit Round Rock, in terms of comfort rating, are April and October. The coldest month is January.
This area of Texas experiences tornadoes, and very rarely minor earthquakes. Other than that, Round Rock does not generally experience extreme weather.
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Round Rock, TX Neighborhoods | Where to Live in Round Rock, TX
Round Rock is a place with varied communities for all sorts of folks. From the typical suburbs to the urban area packed with Round Rock’s famous economic opportunity and attractions, Round Rock has something for everyone! Check out some of the best neighborhoods in Round Rock below:
Teravista – Affluent planned community with fantastic golfing
Teravista is an affluent planned community that was developed relatively recently by the Newland Communities corporation. Alongside the classiness of the homes contained within, it is also well-known for its 18-hole golf course, excellent neighborhood amenities, and more. Teravista is some of the hottest real estate in the Round Rock area, with the community being rated highly for its type by the Home Builders Association of Greater Austin.
Brushy Creek – Historic neighborhood with a wealth of attractions
If you read that lengthy introduction, you’ll know that Brushy Creek, and the round rock contained within which is the city’s namesake, is one of the most established areas of Round Rock. Living here is to live among the first settlers of this area. As of today, it’s more suburban than roughshod Wild West settlement, but it’s plenty historical. It also has quick access to many lovely attractions in nearby Cedar Park as well as Round Rock, such as the Old Settler’s Park.
Highlands at Mayfield Ranch – Highly desirable developed community for families and the wealthy
Developed incredibly recently – 2016, to be precise – Highlands at Mayfield Ranch is a neighborhood specially built to take advantage of all of Round Rock’s best features, and is standing proof of Round Rock’s soaring economic development. Surrounded by excellent parks, schools, attractions, amenities, and more, this neighborhood is one of the best new additions to the city.
Round Rock, TX Real Estate
Round Rock gets a 76 on Redfin’s competitiveness scale, with home sale prices on a rapid trajectory upwards and a majority of homes being sold over list price. With how much Round Rock has to offer to people of all backgrounds, it’s little surprise the community is so competitive to get into!
The median sale price for Round Rock homes is $525,000, which is a significant leap higher than the average home price for the Austin-Round Rock-Georgetown, TX metro area ($303,300) and the entire state of Texas ($187,200). The number of houses sold yearly has depressed, by 29.7% year over year, with 204 homes being sold this year. The median days on the market in this area is 22 days, a number that has been decreasing yearly.
41% of Round Rock residents rent their homes, according to RentCafe, on the lower end thanks to Round Rock’s competitive home prices. The average rent in Round Rock is $1,623 monthly, fairly typical for a city of this size.
If you want to make yourself a part of any of these communities, you should check out the latest listings for homes for sale in Round Rock, TX.
Jobs in Round Rock, TX
Round Rock is a city that is bursting at the seams with major economic opportunity, and you most certainly won’t struggle to find a lucrative job while living here! According to Payscale, the most popular positions of employment are Software Engineer, Principal Software Engineer, and Senior Software Engineer. The largest employers in the area, and by extension the best places to work in Round Rock, are Dell, Inc., Westinghouse, and M3 Design. The average salary for a worker in Round Rock is $75k a year, while the average hourly wage is $19.05.
Round Rock is packed with other major employers, like Emerson Process Management, IKEA, and more! Check out the latest listings for jobs in Round Rock, TX here.
Things to Do in Round Rock, TX
It should come as no surprise that there are plenty of great attractions and specialized shopping centers in Round Rock! You should check out some of the best things to do in Round Rock, TX below:
Top Attractions:
- Rock’N’River Water Park – The only theme park you’ll be able to access without going all the way to Austin, Rock’N’River Water Park has slides, pools, lazy rivers, tipping buckets, and more to make a day of swimming supremely fun! Your kids will love it, and so will you – don’t worry, we don’t judge!
- Escapology Escape Rooms Austin – Escape rooms are all the rage these days, and (despite the misleading location name) Round Rock has one of their very own in Escapology! Do you have the brains to find your way out of a locked room? Don’t feel too bad if you don’t!
- Inner Space Cavern – If you don’t get creeped out by caves, you’ll love Inner Space Cavern! Three levels of tour taking you deeper and deeper into an immense cave that feels like something from a different planet. A one-of-a-kind experience!
Parks & Outdoors
- Old Settlers Park – An immense 645-acre outdoor facility, Old Settlers Park has trails, giant playsets, sports fields, and more, all of which make it a top spot for spending a day outdoors in Round Rock!
- Play For All Abilities Park – A large 51,000 sq. ft. playset designed for universal access to all children, Play For All Abilities Park is a fantastic attraction, whether your children are physically disabled or not.
- Memorial Park – More or less your typical park, for more mundane outings, Memorial Park has two playgrounds, walking trails, picnicking areas, and lovely views for a relaxing day.
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Shopping
- Round Rock Premium Outlets – Offering more than 125 name brands in a shopping mall environment, Premium Outlets is the place to go in Round Rock if you want anything, well, premium! Brands on offer here range from Adidas to Duluth to Micheal Kors.
- University Oaks Shopping Center – If you’re looking for something a little more general, University Oaks might be your spot. Offering all sorts of well-known brand name stores for a variety of purposes, most will come here for its variety of fast food and other restaurants.
Map of Round Rock Things to Do
Places to Eat in Round Rock, TX
In Round Rock, fantastic restaurants are the norm! Take a look at some of the best restaurants in Round Rock below:
Jack Allen’s Kitchen
This wonderful upscale restaurant & sports bar has a southwestern theme, providing similarly upscale dishes with a Texas background, for a truly cowboy experience!
Jack Allen’s Kitchen, 2500 Hoppe Trail, Round Rock, TX 78681, (512) 215-0372
Chuy’s
Unabashedly kitschy, Chuy’s provides excellent TexMex cuisine with signature huge burritos, and other iconic dishes!
Chuy’s, 2320 N Interstate Hwy 35, Round Rock, TX 78681, (512) 255-2211
Hopdoddy Burger Bar
Known for excellent burgers and drinks, Hopdoddy combines the best of both worlds in this excellent restaurant-fast food-bar hybrid!
Hopdoddy Burger Bar, 2600 Hoppe Trail, Round Rock, TX 78681, (512) 310-2337
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Sports in Round Rock, TX
Hey, they don’t call Round Rock the “Sports Capital of Texas” for nothing! Round Rock is home to the Round Rock Express, a Minor League Baseball team whose home stadium is the famous Dell Diamond. Many MiLB games are played in the Dell Diamond, so if you love baseball, you’re in luck! Don’t think Round Rock is all baseball though – alongside a skate park, Round Rock also has fields for playing cricket, disc golf, softball, and soccer, to name just a few. Sports lovers will be in heaven while living in Round Rock!
Planning on moving to Round Rock, Texas? With how much Round Rock has to offer, it’s a wonderful idea that you won’t regret! But you’ll need a properly-trained, trustworthy moving company to do the job, which is why you should give Unicorn Moving a call at 512-339-9922! With our group of top-rated Round Rock movers, your move will transform from a stressful process to a quick and easy endeavor! Call now or fill out our online form for a free quote!
