The vibrant city of San Marcos is nestled in Hays County, in the heart of the Lone Star State, and offers a perfect blend of small-town charm and big-city amenities. San Marcos, Texas, has a rich and fascinating history that stretches back thousands of years. Settled in the 1800s, the settlement of San Marcos began to take shape with the establishment of a mission and a fort. The city grew rapidly during the 20th century, fueled by the construction of the railroad and the founding of Southwest Texas State University. Today, everything from its picturesque landscapes and abundant outdoor activities to its thriving arts and culture scene means that San Marcos has something for everyone. If life in this charming Austin-San Antonio suburb sounds good to you, you’ll love living in San Marcos!
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Where is San Marcos, TX?
San Marcos is a city located in Hays County, situated in the beautiful Hill Country region between Austin and San Antonio. The city’s prime location offers residents and visitors easy access to a diverse range of natural wonders. With its proximity to the rolling hills, sparkling rivers, and lush green landscapes, San Marcos provides an ideal setting for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Additionally, its close proximity to major urban centers ensures convenient connectivity and access to a wide array of amenities and opportunities. The distance from San Marcos, TX, to Austin, TX is 31 miles.
San Marcos, TX Population & Demographics
San Marcos has a population of 64,812, with a population density of approximately 1,800 people per square mile, spread over an area of 36.3 miles. The town has a median age of 24.9, and 8% of its residents were born outside the United States, with 52% coming from Latin America. 34.8% of the population of San Marcos holds a bachelor’s degree or higher certification.
Celebrities and notable people who live in San Marcos include country music singer George Strait, former NFL player and coach Bum Phillips, and Grammy Award-winning musician Christopher Cross
San Marcos has a very diverse population, with Whites comprising a slight majority at 45%, followed by Hispanics at 41%. The town’s gender distribution is heavily weighted towards women, at 53%.
San Marcos as a community does struggle with elevated crime rates, although San Marcos is still a relatively safe community. San Marcos’s overall crime rate is 25% higher than the national average, with 2,929 crimes annually per 100,000 people. The property crime rate is 22% higher than the national average, while the violent crime rate is 37% higher. The community of San Marcos is served by the San Marcos Police Department.
Cost of Living in San Marcos, TX
Texas occupies a happy middle when it comes to the cost of living, and considering that San Marcos is off the national average by only a fraction of a percent, this community is no different! The cost of living index for San Marcos is only 0.1% higher than the national average. The median home price in San Marcos is $336,225, significantly more than the average Texas home price of $202,600. If you want to make yourself a part of this community, you should check out the latest listings for San Marcos, TX homes for sale. According to RentCafe, the average rent in San Marcos and nearby areas is around $1,640 per month for 1,005 square feet.
Based on statistics from the Economic Policy Institute, a family of four will need a yearly income of $84,984 to live in San Marcos.
San Marcos, TX Everyday Expenses
Want to know what sort of daily expenses you’ll be paying in San Marcos? Check out these everyday expenses for San Marcos, provided by Numbeo.
- Gallon of milk – $3.79
- Loaf of bread – $2.90
- Gallon of gasoline – $2.72
- Average San Marcos utilities per month – $225 (per Doxo)
- Internet per month – $69.38
Where to Live in San Marcos, TX
Want to know about the best neighborhoods in San Marcos? San Marcos has a wide variety of sub-communities that will suit any sort of resident!
Blanco River
Situated along the picturesque Blanco River, this neighborhood offers stunning waterfront views and a tranquil atmosphere. It is popular among nature enthusiasts and those seeking a serene residential setting close to outdoor recreational activities.
Willow Creek
Known for its family-friendly environment, Willow Creek features well-maintained homes and a tight-knit community. The neighborhood offers a range of amenities, including parks, playgrounds, and nearby schools, making it an appealing option for families.
Cottonwood Creek
This newer neighborhood showcases modern homes and a suburban feel. It boasts well-planned streets, sidewalks, and green spaces. It is conveniently located near shopping centers, restaurants, and major roadways, providing easy access to amenities and neighboring cities.
San Marcos, TX Climate & Weather
According to the Koppen Climate Classification, San Marcos is a humid subtropical climate. San Marcos will not surprise any familiar with the climate of Austin. You can expect lows of 39 degrees Fahrenheit during the winter months and highs of 94 degrees Fahrenheit during the summer months. San Marcos gets less than the average amount of rainfall for the United States, with 35 inches per year. San Marcos does not experience snow. The best times to visit San Marcos, in terms of comfort rating, are April and October.
San Marcos can be regularly subject to wildfires and rarely to tornadoes.
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Things to Do in San Marcos
If you are searching for the top activities in San Marcos, TX, make sure to visit the San Marcos Premium Outlets for an excellent San Marcos shopping experience! Moreover, below are some of the best attractions to explore in the San Marcos area.
Rio Vista Park
A 14-acre regional park, this park is well-beloved by San Marcos residents for its excellent pools!
555 Cheatham St, San Marcos, TX 78666, (512) 393-8400
San Marcos Plaza Park
With beautiful sights, a lovely gazebo, and walking trails, San Marcos residents love this park for a reason!
206 N C M Allen Pkwy, San Marcos, TX 78666, (512) 393-8400
LBJ Museum
Focusing on President Lyndon B. Johnson, this museum is a must-visit for San Marcos residents!
131 N Guadalupe St, San Marcos, TX 78666, (512) 353-3300
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San Marcos, TX additional attractions
San Marcos is served by the San Marcos Parks & Recreation Department. See upcoming events and attractions on the San Marcos event calendar.
Places to Eat in San Marcos, TX
San Marcos, Texas boasts a diverse selection of outstanding restaurants. Discover some of the top-rated dining destinations in the community below.
Grin’s Restaurant
Serving New American dishes in a tree-shaded locale, Grin’s Restaurant is an excellent place to eat in San Marcos.
802 N LBJ Dr, San Marcos, TX 78666, (512) 392-4746
Italian Garden
Who doesn’t love a good Italian restaurant? Italian Garden provides excellent, authentic Italian dishes to San Marcos locals.
415 N LBJ Dr, San Marcos, TX 78666, (512) 392-8730
Palmer’s Restaurant
Taste the most delicious dishes of the South at Palmer’s Restaurant, located conveniently in the center of San Marcos!
218 Moore St, San Marcos, TX 78666, (512) 353-3500
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Jobs in San Marcos, TX
With all sorts of industries blooming in this community, finding San Marcos job opportunities will be a breeze! The most popular positions in San Marcos are Office Manager, Director of Operations, and Retail Store Manager. The most popular employers in San Marcos are Texas State University – San Marcos, Southwest Texas State University, and Hays County. The average salary for a worker in San Marcos is $56k a year, while the average hourly wage is $16.24, according to Payscale.
See the latest openings for jobs in San Marcos, as well as the city job board.
San Marcos, TX Schools
The San Marcos Consolidated Independent School District serves San Marcos, providing quality education to students from pre-kindergarten through high school. Notable examples of schools from the district include Blanco Vista Elementary and San Marcos High. The city is home to Texas State University, a renowned institution that offers a wide variety of undergraduate and graduate programs. Furthermore, San Marcos is also home to private schools and specialized educational programs, ensuring that individuals have diverse options to meet their educational needs.
Students and others residing in San Marcos are served by the San Marcos Library.
San Marcos, TX Statistics & Information
- Located in Hays County
- San Marcos Area: 35.71 square miles
- San Marcos Zip Codes: 78666, 78667
- San Marcos Area Codes: 512, 737
- San Marcos Elevation: 617’
- San Marcos Time Zone: Central Standard Time (CST)
- San Marcos’s Closest airport: San Marcos Regional Airport (HYI), 4.4 miles from San Marcos
Map of San Marcos, TX
Explore San Marcos’s large variety of things to do, places to eat, and more with this map!
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