TexasPop. 74,067Smaller cities
Is Leander a Good Place to Live? Leander, Texas: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Leander ranks #174 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #84 of 524 smaller cities and #5 of 74 in Texas. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+3.9%, #18 of 468) and high household income ($139,048, #42 of 524), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
Leander by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Leander's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
No crime figure is shown for Leander: its police agency reported only part of the year. See Is Leander safe?
What is the cost of living in Leander?
Leander'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 $1,939/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $421,703, 41% above the typical Texas home ($299,367).
| Measure | Leander | TexasTX | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 98.1#584 of 1,308 | 97 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home value (Zillow)Zillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $421,703#671 of 1,187 | $299,367 | $431,438 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rent (Zillow)Zillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,884/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,899/mo#655 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $506,200#993 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,939/mo#1064 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 3.6x#435 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 16.7%#136 of 1,309 | — | 22.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 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.
Leander 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. Leander is in the Austin-Round Rock-Georgetown, TX metro.
Texas housing market →Is Leander safe?
The FBI figures we hold for Leander are far below Texas's rates for a city of 74,067, which usually means the police agency reported only part of the year, so we don't publish them or rank Leander on safety. Texas as a whole records 401 violent crimes per 100,000 residents against 373 nationally.
What do people earn in Leander?
The median household in Leander earns $139,048, 81% above the US figure of $76,827 and 90% above Texas ($73,035). Unemployment is 3.4% (US 4.2%). 5.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 3.9% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
| Measure | Leander | TexasTX | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $76,827 | $139,048#72 of 1,312 | $73,035 | $83,646 | $76,827 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.2% | 3.4%#212 of 1,058 | 4.2% | 4.2% | 4.2% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 5.8%#160 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.8% | +3.9%#35 of 1,132 | +1.7% | +0.2% | +0.8% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Texas is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Leander?
The median resident of Leander is 36.3 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 53.3% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #210 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 73.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Leander | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 36.3 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 53.3%#210 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 73.4% | 61.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Leander's schools and health?
There is no city graduation rate for Leander; its public schools have 14.3 students per teacher and spend $10,652 per pupil. 31.9% of adults are obese and 8.7% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Leander | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 14.3#337 of 1,188 | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $10,652#1103 of 1,188 | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 31.9%#535 of 1,311 | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 8.7%#175 of 1,311 | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 15.9%#390 of 1,311 | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 11%#780 of 1,311 | 10.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. 18,992 students are enrolled in Leander's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Leander?
The average commute in Leander is 29.2 minutes (Texas 23.7); 0.9% of workers take transit and 30.6% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Leander scores 6.7 of 20 (below average walkable), #1265 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 83.1°F and winters 50.2°F, with 37.1 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Leander | TexasTX | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 29.2 min#1064 of 1,312 | 23.7 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 8.7%#967 of 1,312 | 8.1% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 58.5% | 75.1% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.9% | 1% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 0.9% | 1.5% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0% | 0.2% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 30.6% | 11% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 6.7#1265 of 1,312 | — | 11.1 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 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 | 60.3 | 36.2 | 2.5 |
| Feb | 64.6 | 40.1 | 2.2 |
| Mar | 71.5 | 47.2 | 3.1 |
| Apr | 78.6 | 54.2 | 3 |
| May | 85.4 | 63.4 | 4.3 |
| Jun | 92 | 69.5 | 4 |
| Jul | 95.9 | 72.2 | 2.2 |
| Aug | 96.8 | 72 | 2.6 |
| Sep | 90.1 | 66.5 | 4 |
| Oct | 81.3 | 56.8 | 3.9 |
| Nov | 69.8 | 46.3 | 2.7 |
| Dec | 61.7 | 38.2 | 2.6 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Georgetown Lake.
| Measure | Leander | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 67.1°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 83.1°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 50.2°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 37.1 in | 38.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Georgetown Lake.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Leander?
The EPA has no air-quality monitor in Leander's county, so we have no air reading for it. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Williamson County's biggest natural hazard losses in hail, wildfire, and tornado, with expected yearly losses of 0.1% of building value, lower than 84% of US counties.
| Measure | Leander | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.1%#254 of 1,312 | 0.15% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Williamson County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Williamson County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hail | 0.014% | 89% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.0014% | 63% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0065% | 42% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.07% | 35% 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 Leander compare with similar-size cities?
Leander is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #84 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 74,067.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leander, TXPop. 74,067 | #174 | 65.2 | $139,048 | $1,939/mo | part year | 29.2 min |
| Appleton, WIPop. 75,023 | #256 | 63.0 | $80,483 | $1,030/mo | 189 | 19.3 min |
| Lauderhill, FLPop. 74,896 | #1252 | 42.3 | $51,165 | $1,684/mo | part year | 30 min |
| Lakeville, MNPop. 74,354 | #44 | 70.9 | $139,041 | $1,806/mo | 92 | 23.6 min |
| New Britain, CTPop. 74,223 | #814 | 53.1 | $58,613 | $1,253/mo | 424 | 21.5 min |
| Bolingbrook, ILPop. 74,096 | #225 | 63.8 | $108,400 | $1,749/mo | 220 | 30 min |
| Redlands, CAPop. 73,375 | #620 | 56.4 | $105,041 | $2,005/mo | 272 | 24.9 min |
| Noblesville, INPop. 73,362 | #142 | 66.6 | $104,047 | $1,389/mo | 71 | 26.6 min |
| Kalamazoo, MIPop. 73,076 | #1266 | 40.7 | $52,272 | $1,078/mo | 1,084 | 18.5 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 Leander compare with the rest of Texas?
Leander ranks #5 of the 74 Texas cities we track, with a score of 65.2 against Texas's statewide 45.8. Its households earn 90% above the Texas median. Homes are 41% 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 |
The top 10 of the 74 and the cities ranked either side of Leander among the Texas cities we track, by overall score. Texas statewide: median income $73,035, violent crime 401 per 100,000.
How is Leander's score calculated?
Leander scores 65.2 out of 100, #174 of 1,312 (grade A, which follows rank). It is scored on the 9 of 11 categories with local data; safety and outdoor access are 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 · 18% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Leander. Similar-size median 55.5.
84.1 - HealthCity data · 15% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Leander. Similar-size median 58.9.
64.9 - EducationCity data, some inputs missing · 15% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Leander's public schools. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 55.2.
43.5 - AffordabilityCity data · 12% of score
Leander's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
54.0 - Household financesCity data · 10% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Leander. Similar-size median 56.1.
90.1 - GrowthCity data · 9% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Leander. Similar-size median 42.4.
82.3 - TransportationCity data · 9% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Leander. Similar-size median 50.0.
57.7 - WalkabilityCity data · 9% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Leander's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
30.0 - EnvironmentCity data, some inputs missing · 5% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 50.8.
83.6 - SafetyNot scored
Leander's police agency has no full year of FBI reports to score.
— - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Leander's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Leander 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 Leander
Is Leander, TX a good place to live?
Leander ranks #174 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #84 of 524 smaller cities and #5 of 74 in Texas. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+3.9%, #18 of 468) and high household income ($139,048, #42 of 524), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
What is the cost of living in Leander?
Leander'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 $1,939/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $421,703, 41% above the typical Texas home ($299,367).
Is Leander safe?
The FBI figures we hold for Leander are far below Texas's rates for a city of 74,067, which usually means the police agency reported only part of the year, so we don't publish them or rank Leander on safety. Texas as a whole records 401 violent crimes per 100,000 residents against 373 nationally.
What is the median household income in Leander?
The median household in Leander earns $139,048, 81% above the US figure of $76,827 and 90% above Texas ($73,035). Unemployment is 3.4% (US 4.2%). 5.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 3.9% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
How much is rent in Leander?
Median rent in Leander is $1,939/mo (Census), #1064 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Zillow's typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,899/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 16.7% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Leander?
Zillow's typical home value in Leander is $421,703, down 6.2% in a year, against $299,367 for Texas and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $506,200.
How are the public schools in Leander?
There is no city graduation rate for Leander; its public schools have 14.3 students per teacher and spend $10,652 per pupil.
How long is the commute in Leander?
The average commute is 29.2 minutes, #1064 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 23.7 minutes across Texas. 8.7% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Leander?
Leander averages 67.1°F over the year, 83.1°F in summer and 50.2°F in winter, with 37.1 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Leander walkable?
Leander scores 6.7 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #1265 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 Leander at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Williamson County's biggest natural hazard losses in hail, wildfire, and tornado, with expected yearly losses of 0.1% of building value, lower than 84% of US counties.
Who lives in Leander?
Leander has 74,067 residents. The median resident of Leander is 36.3 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 53.3% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #210 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 73.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Leander compare with the rest of Texas?
Leander ranks #5 of the 74 Texas cities we track, with a score of 65.2 against Texas's statewide 45.8. Its households earn 90% above the Texas median. Homes are 41% above the typical Texas home.
What cities are similar in size to Leander?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Leander's population of 74,067 are Appleton, WI (#256 overall), Lauderhill, FL (#1252 overall), Lakeville, MN (#44 overall), New Britain, CT (#814 overall), and Bolingbrook, IL (#225 overall). Leander is #174.