Living in Smithville TX 🏘 What to Know Before Moving to Smithville
Living in Smithville TX is right for everyone! According to the City of Smithville, Thomas Jefferson Gazley was the first White settler in the Smithville area. Gazley established a popular store that drew people to the area, including William Smith and his family. The community remained small until 1887, when the Taylor, Bastrop, and Houston Railroad opened a terminus there. People began moving to Smithville in large numbers, and the state government incorporated it as a city in 1895. Smithville got its name from William Smith and his family.
Smithville became a prosperous town due to the railroad, with over 100 businesses in the early 1900s. The population remained relatively small due to the city's remote location. Smithville today is similar to a small town, and it's a nice place to live with a tight-knit community and top community events. Smithville's nickname is "Heart of the Megalopolis." Smithville is also known as the “Hollywood of Texas”, best known for being a filming location for movies like Hope Floats, Bernie, and The Tree of Life.
Moving to Smithville may seem like a great idea. But you shouldn't call a moving company until you know the ins and outs of this special community. Here's what to know about living in Smithville TX.
Where Is Smithville Texas? Location & Distance to Austin
Smithville TX is located in Bastrop County, inside the Austin metropolitan area. It is 42.4 miles from Smithville to Austin, so Smithville is a suburb of Austin. Smithville borders Alum Creek, Colorado, and Winchester. These communities are unincorporated communities with large tracts of farmland. Smithville is well-developed with a gridlike street structure, containing only a few undeveloped areas close to its borders. The Colorado River flows through Smithville.
The Capital Area Rural Transportation System (CARTS) provides limited transportation services for residents living in Smithville TX. You can order curb-to-curb rides Monday to Thursday between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. CARTS does not provide fixed-route service. You can order rides only within CARTS' service area, which includes the non-urbanized areas of Bastrop, Blanco, Burnet, Caldwell, Fayette, Hays, Lee, Llano, Travis, and Williamson counties. You can use CARTS rides for moving to Smithville from these counties. State Route 71 runs through Smithville, so you can drive to the community from Bastrop and other nearby communities.
Smithville TX Population and Demographics
According to the most recent US Census, the Smithville TX population is currently at 4,216. The population has hovered around 3,900 residents since 2000. Smithville is the second-smallest incorporated city in Bastrop County, and it has a smaller population than a few census-designated places. The Smithville TX population density is 1,019.2 people living in Smithville TX per square mile, 10 times higher than the countywide density.
Notable people living in Smithville TX include DJ Screw, Thomas Carter, and Sonny Rhodes. Smithville TX demographics include:
- 48% male, 52% female
- Median age of residents living in Smithville TX: 43.1
- Racial and ethnic composition of people living in Smithville TX: 62% White , 13% Hispanic or Latino, 12% two or more races, 11% Black or African American, 2% Asian
- Median household income of residents living in Smithville TX: $59,977 (roughly 60% of the state median)
- Educational attainment of people living in Smithville TX: 87.7% of residents older than 25 have graduated from high school, 20.7% have a bachelor's degree
- Foreign-born population of residents living in Smithville TX: 9%
Smithville's median age is 8.5 years higher than the median age of the Austin area. 22.9% of residents living in Smithville TX are 65 years of age or older, nearly double the Austin metro area rate. 4.6% of Smithville residents are 80 years old or older. Many married couples are living in Smithville TX, with nearly 60% of residents being currently married.
Smithville is a safe community to live in. Here are its latest crime rates, according to the FBI in 2022:
- Overall Smithville crime rate: 645 offenses per 100,000 people living in Smithville TX (70.0% lower than the Austin crime rate, 73.46% lower than the Texas rate, 70% lower than the national rate)
- Violent Smithville crime rate: 96 crimes per 100,000 residents living in Smithville TX (75.32% lower than the Texas rate, 73% lower than the national average)
- Property Smithville crime rate: 549 offenses per 100,000 residents living in Smithville TX (73.10% lower than the Texas rate, 69% lower than the national average)
The City of Smithville Police Department employs 12 police officers living in Smithville TX who respond to all emergencies in the community.
Smithville TX Cost of Living
Smithville cost of living statistics can be hard to find, so you should use Austin cost of living statistics as a substitute. The Austin cost of living index is 119.3, meaning items in the area cost 1.1% less than the national average. According to the Economic Policy Institute, a family of four living in the Austin area would need to earn $114,739 a year to cover their cost of living.
Austin is a relatively affordable major city, and you can save money by living in Smithville TX. Child care is a high expense, at $1,805 a month and $21,657 a year, so singles living in Smithville TX without kids can live a very affordable life.
Smithville TX real estate is affordable. According to Redfin, the median cost of homes for sale in Smithville TX is $303,000, with a median cost per square foot of $146. There are a few Smithville TX apartments for rent; the average rental price in Smithville is $1,460 monthly, according to Zillow.
Typical Smithville Texas* Living Expenses
- 1 gallon of regular milk: $3.79
- 1 pound of apples: $2.48
- 1 pound of oranges: $2.26
- 1 gallon of gasoline: $3.07
- Average Smithville* utilities per month: $203.39
- 1 pair of Nike running shoes (mid-range): $84.40
Source: Numbeo
*Living expenses actually for Austin
Homes for Sale in Smithville TX
Smithville does not have any official neighborhoods due to its small size and rural location. It's still a great place to buy real estate and find a nice home for yourself and your family. You can find homes for sale in Smithville TX throughout the community, and you have different options for architecture, layout, and amenities. Many homes are ranch-style properties with single-story layouts. These homes tend to have two or three bedrooms and around 1,600 square feet, making them suitable for small families. The cost of these homes is around $303,000.
If you don't like the homes for sale in Smithville TX, you can buy a plot of land and build your own home. Some plots are located close to the downtown area, while others are on the outskirts of Smithville. Prices and plot sizes vary, so you should compare your options before you buy one.
There are very few Smithville apartments on the market. A private homeowner occasionally puts a home for rent on the market, but there are no apartment or condo complexes in Smithville.
Smithville TX Weather and Climate
Smithville has a humid subtropical climate with hot, very humid summers and short, mild winters, similar to the weather in Austin. According to Weather Spark, August is the hottest month of the year, with an average temperature of 84 degrees and an average high of 95. Temperatures stay relatively consistent throughout the summer and decline steadily through the fall. January is the coldest month of the year, with an average temperature of 51 degrees and an average low of 43.
Smithville receives an average of 30.3 inches of rain per year. The high amount of rain creates very high levels of humidity during the summer. Almost every single day in the summer feels humid, and roughly 90% of days feel muggy, oppressive, and miserable. You can also experience severe heat days during the summer, with heat indexes above 105 degrees. You should check Smithville weather forecasts in the summer and avoid going outside on high-humidity or high-heat days.
October is the best month for visiting and moving to Smithville. The average temperature is 70 degrees, and 70% of the days in October are clear, mostly cloudy, and partly cloudy. You can stay comfortable in a short-sleeved shirt, and most days are sunny enough that you don't need a coat or umbrella while living in Smithville TX.
Things to Do in Smithville TX
You can enjoy a wide range of unique and family-friendly things to do in Smithville TX, including top stores! Brookshire Brothers is the best grocery store in Smithville. You can also go shopping at Riverside Service, Consuela, and Milton's Furniture.
Buescher State Park
Buescher State Park covers over 1,000 acres and is the top outdoor attraction in Smithville. The park contains a 30-acre lake open for boating and fishing, nearly six miles of hiking trails, and scenic roads for biking.
100 Park Road 1C, Smithville, TX, 78957, 512-237-2241
Scream Hollow
The Scream Hollow is one of the top haunted houses in Texas, and it's one of the best things to do in Smithville TX in the fall. Scream Hollow is home to five haunted attractions, including a haunted hayride. You can also attend special events during the spring and winter, including Christmas-themed haunted attractions.
149 Split Rail Lane, Smithville, TX, 78957, 512-699-1292
Texas Halloween History Museum
The Texas Halloween History Museum is the only Halloween history museum in the world. You can view unique artifacts and supposedly haunted items, and you can go on paranormal investigations on select nights.
149 Split Rail Lane #23, Smithville, TX, 78957, 512-699-1292
Additional Things to Do in Smithville TX
Ask someone living in Smithville TX what to do in Smithville TX, and they'll tell you to enjoy the festivals and special events. The City of Smithville Parks and Recreation Department plans educational programs, summer camps, and fun runs. You can use the Smithville events calendar to see when these events will occur while living in Smithville TX.
Restaurants in Smithville TX
Texas is home to thousands of unique restaurants serving classic dishes like chicken-fried steak, breakfast tacos, and pecan pie. You can try out these dishes and many others in Smithville restaurants, enjoying family-friendly experiences after moving to Smithville.
Comfort Cafe
Comfort Cafe is a pay-what-you-want cafe operated by SerenityStar, a non-profit organization that helps people recover from addiction. All proceeds from the cafe go to SerenityStar and support its programs. The cafe serves breakfast and lunch, including salads, sandwiches, and burgers.
111 Northwest 1st Street, Smithville, TX, 78957, 512-629-7065
Smithville Brewing Company
Smithville Brewing Company is the best restaurant in Smithville for alcoholic drinks. You can order craft beer and wine as well as burgers, pizza, and snacks, including happy hour specials.
661 N W Loop 230, Smithville, TX, 78957, 512-718-9733
Bubby's BBQ
Bubby's BBQ is a kid-friendly barbecue restaurant. It's one of the most affordable restaurants in Smithville, serving half-pound portions of brisket, pulled pork, and sausage for $15 or less.
320 N W Loop 230, Smithville, TX, 78957, 512-658-8794
Smithville Jobs
According to DataUSA, roughly 1,920 people have jobs in Smithville TX. Retail trade, educational services, and health care are the three biggest job sectors in Smithville, with each accounting for roughly 10% of Smithville jobs. According to the City of Smithville, roughly one-eighth of jobs in Smithville TX are office and administrative jobs, and another one-eighth of jobs are education, training, and library jobs.
Top employers in Smithville include the United States Postal Service, Smithville ISD, Smithville Regional Hospital, Dollar General, and Dairy Queen. According to Payscale, the average salary of Smithville jobs is $68,000 a year, with an average hourly wage of $20.00. You can apply for Smithville jobs on Indeed, and you can apply for City of Smithville jobs on the city government's website.
Smithville Schools
The Smithville Independent School District is the official Smithville school district, serving all students living in Smithville TX. The Smithville school district contains four schools:
- Brown Primary School, serving kindergarten to 2nd grade
- Smithville Elementary School, serving 3rd to 5th grade
- Smithville Junior High School, serving 6th to 8th grade
- Smithville High School, serving 9th to 12th grade
Smithville High School has a student-to-teacher ratio of just 13:1, giving your child living in Smithville TX individualized support. The high school has a graduation rate of 94%, with many students going on to two-year and four-year colleges.
Smithville Texas is in the service area for Austin Community College, but the college is roughly 40 miles away. There are no colleges, universities, or private schools in Smithville. The Smithville Public Library serves all residents living in Smithville TX.
Smithville Statistics and Information
- County: Bastrop County
- Smithville area: 4.02 square miles
- Smithville zip code: 78957
- Smithville area code: 512 and 737
- Smithville elevation: 325 feet
- Smithville time zone: Central Time Zone (UTC -5 and -6)
- Closest airport to Smithville: Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS), 35.9 miles from Smithville
Smithville Map
You can use this Smithville map to find the best amenities, things to do, and restaurants in Smithville!
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Main Industry in Smithville?
Smithville, TX, is a diverse local economy with agriculture and railroad operations as the foundation of the area’s economy under the Union Pacific Railroad. Today, tourism, small manufacturing, and local businesses supported by visitors have also begun supporting the local economy.
Is Smithville a Rural Area?
Smithville is a rural area that offers a slow pace of life compared to neighboring Texas Cities. It is located in Bastrop County and is known for its open land, historical homes, and access to Buescher State Park. While rural in character, it still offers essential services, local schools, and proximity to larger employment centers within commuting distance.
Are There Any Famous People From Smithville?
Smithville is connected to many famous people, such as the cast of the film “Hope Floats,” which brought the nation’s attention to the town. While it’s not known for producing celebrities, its exposure to film and historical charm makes it recognizable. To this day, many artists are attracted to its atmosphere and scenic surroundings.
What Part of Texas Is Smithville?
Smithville, TX is located in Central Texas and is southeast of Bastrop County. It is alongside the Colorado River and is part of the Greater Austin metropolitan area. Smithville offers rural landscapes with easy access to urban amenities, making it a good transitional area between the Texas Hill Country and the coastal plains.
How Far Is Austin From Smithville?
Smithville is 40 to 45 miles southeast of Austin. It takes 45 minutes to one hour via State Highway 71 to reach Austin or Smithville. This makes it easy for residents of Smithville TX to commute to Austin for work, school, or urban amenities.
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