TexasPop. 979,539Large cities
Is Austin a Good Place to Live? Austin, Texas: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Austin ranks #496 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #7 of 37 large cities and #25 of 74 in Texas. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low unemployment (3.3%, #3 of 37) and high household income ($93,658, #7 of 37), and trails on high rents ($1,729/mo, #28 of 37) and expensive homes ($555,300, #28 of 37).
Austin by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Austin's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Austin?
Austin's cost of living index is 98.1, 2% below the US level of 100 and #584 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,729/mo against $1,472/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $497,418, 66% above the typical Texas home ($299,367).
| Measure | Austin | TexasTX | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 100.3 · US 100 | 98.1#584 of 1,308 | 97.1 | 100.3 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $345,503 · US $368,697 | $497,418#810 of 1,187 | $299,367 | $345,503 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,615/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,586/mo#406 of 1,115 | — | $1,615/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $334,100 | $555,300#1030 of 1,309 | — | $334,100 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,472/mo | $1,729/mo#898 of 1,309 | — | $1,472/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.7x | 5.9x#1024 of 1,309 | — | 4.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.6% | 22.2%#698 of 1,309 | — | 23.6% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). Texas is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Austin housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Austin is in the Austin-Round Rock-Georgetown, TX metro.
Texas housing market →Is Austin safe?
Austin recorded 422 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 29% above the US rate of 328 and 22% above Texas's 345. That ranks #751 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #7 of 36 large cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Austin Police Department. Property crime runs 3,099 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Austin | TexasTX | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 677 · US 328 | 422#751 of 1,085 | 345 | 677 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 2,958 · US 1,548 | 3,099#967 of 1,085 | 1,786 | 2,958 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). Texas is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Austin?
The median household in Austin earns $93,658, 13% above the US figure of $83,163 and 17% above Texas ($79,721). Unemployment is 3.3% (US 4.3%). 12% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.4% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Austin | TexasTX | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $73,877 · US $83,163 | $93,658#419 of 1,312 | $79,721 | $73,877 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.4% · US 4.3% | 3.3%#186 of 1,058 | 4.2% | 4.4% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 15.8% | 12%#651 of 1,312 | — | 15.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +0.4%#435 of 1,132 | +1.3% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). Texas is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Austin?
The median resident of Austin is 34.7 years old, against 35.2 in similar-size cities. 59.6% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #134 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 43.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Austin | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 35.2 | 34.7 | 35.2 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 37.1% | 59.6%#134 of 1,312 | 37.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 51% | 43.4% | 51% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Austin's schools and health?
There is no city graduation rate for Austin; its public schools have 14.8 students per teacher and spend $12,430 per pupil. 30.1% of adults are obese and 8.1% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 32.9% and 11.9%.
| Measure | Austin | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.7 | 14.8#428 of 1,188 | 16.7 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $17,204 | $12,430#887 of 1,188 | $17,204 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 32.9% | 30.1%#398 of 1,311 | 32.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.9% | 8.1%#120 of 1,311 | 11.9% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.8% | 16.9%#618 of 1,311 | 17.8% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 13% | 15.1%#1085 of 1,311 | 13% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. 131,426 students are enrolled in Austin's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Austin?
The average commute in Austin is 23.7 minutes (Texas 27.5); 2% of workers take transit and 30.7% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Austin scores 11.9 of 20 (above average walkable), #485 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 83.8°F and winters 52°F, with 35.6 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Austin | TexasTX | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.7 min | 23.7 min#652 of 1,312 | 27.5 min | 24.7 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.9% | 4.5%#488 of 1,312 | 9.1% | 4.9% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 65.8% | 56% | 71.8% | 65.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2.1% | 2% | 1% | 2.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2.1% | 2.5% | 1.6% | 2.1% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.5% | 0.8% | 0.2% | 0.5% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 17.8% | 30.7% | 12.9% | 17.8% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 12.6 | 11.9#485 of 1,312 | — | 12.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). Texas is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 62.5 | 37.7 | 2.8 |
| Feb | 66.4 | 42.1 | 1.9 |
| Mar | 73.1 | 49 | 2.9 |
| Apr | 80.1 | 56.1 | 2.4 |
| May | 86.8 | 65.2 | 5 |
| Jun | 93 | 71.5 | 3.4 |
| Jul | 96.1 | 73 | 2.2 |
| Aug | 97 | 72.6 | 2.5 |
| Sep | 90.9 | 67.2 | 3 |
| Oct | 82.5 | 57.2 | 4.3 |
| Nov | 71.7 | 46.9 | 2.7 |
| Dec | 64.1 | 39.5 | 2.6 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Austin Bergstrom International Airport.
| Measure | Austin | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 61.4°F | 68.4°F | 61.4°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 78.4°F | 83.8°F | 78.4°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 44.3°F | 52°F | 44.3°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 35.6 in | 35.6 in | 35.6 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Austin Bergstrom International Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Austin?
Travis County's air had a median air quality index of 53, and 44% of measured days were rated good; 6 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Travis County's biggest natural hazard losses in hail, inland flooding, and tornado, with expected yearly losses of 0.12% of building value, lower than 72% of US counties.
| Measure | Austin | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 51 | 53#913 of 1,138 | 51 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 7 | 6#761 of 1,138 | 7 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.12%#412 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Travis County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Travis County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hail | 0.012% | 87% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.084% | 53% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0095% | 53% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0011% | 33% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Austin compare with similar-size cities?
Austin is one of 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track and ranks #7 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 979,539.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Austin, TXPop. 979,539 | #496 | 58.1 | $93,658 | $1,729/mo | 422 | 23.7 min |
| San Jose, CAPop. 990,138 | #416 | 59.7 | $146,427 | $2,669/mo | 505 | 27.3 min |
| Jacksonville, FLPop. 977,670 | #946 | 50.9 | $69,872 | $1,465/mo | 519 | 24.1 min |
| Columbus, OHPop. 914,802 | #726 | 54.5 | $66,082 | $1,295/mo | 380 | 21.5 min |
| Charlotte, NCPop. 903,844 | #623 | 56.3 | $82,068 | $1,612/mo | 559 | 24.7 min |
| Indianapolis, INPop. 885,860 | #947 | 50.9 | $66,219 | $1,156/mo | 769 | 24.6 min |
| Seattle, WAPop. 754,195 | #338 | 61.1 | $123,860 | $2,030/mo | 706 | 26 min |
| Denver, COPop. 718,877 | #722 | 54.6 | $94,718 | $1,831/mo | 882 | 24.9 min |
| Oklahoma City, OKPop. 697,125 | #938 | 51.1 | $68,656 | $1,130/mo | 681 | 22.2 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Austin compare with the rest of Texas?
Austin ranks #25 of the 74 Texas cities we track, with a score of 58.1 against Texas's statewide 52.2. Its households earn 17% above the Texas median. Violent crime is 22% above the statewide rate. Homes are 66% above the typical Texas home.
| City | Rank in TX | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flower Mound, TXPop. 78,389 | #1 | 67.4 | $161,235 | $2,231/mo | 42 |
| Frisco, TXPop. 219,304 | #2 | 66.6 | $150,212 | $2,014/mo | 98 |
| Cedar Park, TXPop. 78,301 | #3 | 66.3 | $129,545 | $1,846/mo | 91 |
| McKinney, TXPop. 210,600 | #4 | 65.3 | $124,215 | $1,901/mo | 115 |
| Leander, TXPop. 74,067 | #5 | 65.2 | $139,048 | $1,939/mo | part year |
| Round Rock, TXPop. 127,786 | #6 | 64.9 | $99,287 | $1,763/mo | 125 |
| The Woodlands, TXPop. 121,002 | #7 | 63.6 | $140,701 | $1,822/mo | no data |
| Georgetown, TXPop. 85,999 | #8 | 63.4 | $95,062 | $1,795/mo | 149 |
| Mansfield, TXPop. 77,510 | #9 | 63.4 | $121,126 | $1,954/mo | 106 |
| Allen, TXPop. 110,265 | #10 | 63.3 | $130,901 | $1,932/mo | 79 |
| New Braunfels, TXPop. 104,643 | … #21 | 60.0 | $86,021 | $1,654/mo | 223 |
| Pearland, TXPop. 127,514 | #22 | 59.5 | $118,842 | $1,860/mo | 82 |
| Rowlett, TXPop. 65,463 | #23 | 59.4 | $112,081 | $1,990/mo | 157 |
| Burleson, TXPop. 52,918 | #24 | 58.7 | $93,928 | $1,685/mo | 155 |
| Austin, TXPop. 979,539 | #25 | 58.1 | $93,658 | $1,729/mo | 422 |
| North Richland Hills, TXPop. 70,780 | #26 | 57.4 | $97,305 | $1,704/mo | 151 |
| Irving, TXPop. 256,492 | #27 | 57.3 | $81,830 | $1,619/mo | 268 |
| Denton, TXPop. 152,866 | #28 | 57.3 | $76,019 | $1,420/mo | 205 |
| Atascocita, TXPop. 99,354 | #29 | 57.0 | $118,226 | $1,849/mo | no data |
The top 10 of the 74 and the cities ranked either side of Austin among the Texas cities we track, by overall score. Texas statewide: median income $79,721, violent crime 344.9 per 100,000.
How is Austin's score calculated?
Austin scores 58.1 out of 100, #496 of 1,312 (grade B, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Texas's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Austin. Similar-size median 50.4.
64.9 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Austin's police agency. Similar-size median 44.7.
57.6 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Austin. Similar-size median 52.4.
66.5 - EducationCity data, some inputs missing · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Austin's public schools. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 52.5.
47.0 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Austin's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 64.1.
54.4 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Austin. Similar-size median 43.4.
58.8 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Austin. Similar-size median 40.4.
47.6 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Austin. Similar-size median 56.6.
67.6 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Austin's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 61.1.
57.4 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 46.4.
52.8 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Austin's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Austin has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Austin
Is Austin, TX a good place to live?
Austin ranks #496 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #7 of 37 large cities and #25 of 74 in Texas. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low unemployment (3.3%, #3 of 37) and high household income ($93,658, #7 of 37), and trails on high rents ($1,729/mo, #28 of 37) and expensive homes ($555,300, #28 of 37).
What is the cost of living in Austin?
Austin's cost of living index is 98.1, 2% below the US level of 100 and #584 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,729/mo against $1,472/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $497,418, 66% above the typical Texas home ($299,367).
What is the crime rate in Austin?
Austin recorded 422 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 29% above the US rate of 328 and 22% above Texas's 345. That ranks #751 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #7 of 36 large cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Austin Police Department. Property crime runs 3,099 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Austin?
The median household in Austin earns $93,658, 13% above the US figure of $83,163 and 17% above Texas ($79,721). Unemployment is 3.3% (US 4.3%). 12% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.4% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Austin?
Median rent in Austin is $1,729/mo (Census), #898 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,586/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 22.2% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Austin?
The typical home value in Austin is $497,418, down 3.7% in a year, against $299,367 for Texas and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $555,300.
How are the public schools in Austin?
There is no city graduation rate for Austin; its public schools have 14.8 students per teacher and spend $12,430 per pupil.
How long is the commute in Austin?
The average commute is 23.7 minutes, #652 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 27.5 minutes across Texas. 4.5% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Austin?
Austin averages 68.4°F over the year, 83.8°F in summer and 52°F in winter, with 35.6 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Austin walkable?
Austin scores 11.9 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #485 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Austin at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Travis County's biggest natural hazard losses in hail, inland flooding, and tornado, with expected yearly losses of 0.12% of building value, lower than 72% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Austin?
Travis County's air had a median air quality index of 53, and 44% of measured days were rated good; 6 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Austin?
Austin has 979,539 residents. The median resident of Austin is 34.7 years old, against 35.2 in similar-size cities. 59.6% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #134 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 43.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Austin compare with the rest of Texas?
Austin ranks #25 of the 74 Texas cities we track, with a score of 58.1 against Texas's statewide 52.2. Its households earn 17% above the Texas median. Violent crime is 22% above the statewide rate. Homes are 66% above the typical Texas home.
What cities are similar in size to Austin?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Austin's population of 979,539 are San Jose, CA (#416 overall), Jacksonville, FL (#946 overall), Columbus, OH (#726 overall), Charlotte, NC (#623 overall), and Indianapolis, IN (#947 overall). Austin is #496.