Lost Pines scenery with Austin access built into daily life

Bastrop County is home to approximately 108,116 residents across eleven cities and communities ranging from rapidly growing Austin suburbs to agricultural service centers. Median home values span from the low $100,000s in rural McDade to the mid-$400,000s in northern developments near Elgin, with the county median at $305,813. Bastrop Independent School District anchors education alongside Elgin and Smithville ISDs, serving families across the county. The county's economy centers on construction, retail, and hospitality, reflecting the building boom transforming the region as Austin expands eastward. The 78 percent homeownership rate and median household income of $88,196 indicate an established community of working families drawn to affordability and the distinctive Lost Pines landscape.

Cities Compared

Home values range from the low $100,000s in rural communities like McDade and Paige to the mid-$400,000s in northern developments near Elgin and Circle D-KC Estates. Bastrop itself offers the widest range, from historic homes near downtown in the low $200,000s to newer subdivisions exceeding $400,000, while Smithville maintains affordability with most homes in the $150,000 to $250,000 range.

Demographics

The median age of 42.7 reflects an established population of working families rather than young professionals or retirees. The demographic mix of 46.6 percent White and 42.7 percent Hispanic represents both historical settlement patterns and recent migration from Austin's diverse metro area.

Economy

Construction leads employment with 1,972 workers earning an average of $89,718, reflecting the building boom as Austin growth pushes into the county. Retail trade and hospitality employ more than 7,500 workers combined, serving both residents and tourists drawn to the Lost Pines forest and historic communities.

Schools

Bastrop Independent School District serves the county seat and surrounding areas, while Elgin ISD covers the rapidly growing northwestern corner and Smithville ISD serves the southeastern communities. The county's schools serve a growing population of families relocating from Austin in search of smaller class sizes and lower housing costs.

Cost of Living

The median home value of $305,813 and median rent of $1,415 position Bastrop County as significantly more affordable than neighboring Travis County, though prices have risen rapidly as Austin growth pushes eastward. Texas's lack of state income tax provides additional savings, though specific property tax data varies by jurisdiction within the county.

About Bastrop County

Bastrop County stretches across 888 square miles of Central Texas where the Colorado River cuts through the largest stand of loblolly pines west of East Texas. The county sits directly east of Austin, sharing a border with Travis County along Highway 71, and that proximity has fundamentally reshaped what was once a sleepy collection of rural communities into one of the fastest-growing counties in Texas. The Lost Pines forest that gives the region its distinctive character survived the devastating 2011 wildfire that burned 34,000 acres, and the recovery has paralleled the county's own transformation from agricultural backwater to Austin bedroom community.

The county's geography divides naturally along Highway 71, which runs east-west through Bastrop itself. North of this corridor, communities like Cedar Creek and Circle D-KC Estates have evolved into suburban developments serving families priced out of Austin proper. These northern areas blend into the edge of the Austin metro, with newer construction, planned communities, and residents who commute westward each morning. South of Highway 71, the landscape remains more rural, with working ranches, older homesteads, and towns like Smithville and Paige that still revolve around local economies rather than Austin's gravitational pull.

Bastrop itself anchors the county as the seat of government and the largest city. The historic downtown along Main Street preserves the 19th-century character that attracted Stephen F. Austin's colonists in the 1820s, when Felipe Enrique Neri, Baron de Bastrop, served as land commissioner for the colony. The city grew as a crossing point on the Colorado River and a stop along the Old San Antonio Road, the Camino Real that connected Spanish missions across Texas. That transportation corridor remains relevant today, as Highway 71 funnels Austin commuters through Bastrop and eastward toward Houston.

Elgin occupies the county's northwestern corner, straddling the Bastrop-Travis county line and historically famous for its sausage industry. The city has experienced explosive growth as Austin expands, with new subdivisions filling former agricultural land and the population surging past 10,000. Elgin represents the leading edge of suburbanization in Bastrop County, where proximity to Austin's tech economy meets lower housing costs and more space than Travis County can offer at comparable prices.

Smithville sits in the county's southeastern corner along the Colorado River, a railroad town established in the 1880s that maintains a distinct identity separate from Austin's influence. The city's historic downtown served as a filming location for movies including "Hope Floats," and the community has preserved its small-town character even as the rest of the county has transformed. Smithville draws retirees and families seeking genuine small-town life rather than suburban convenience.

The smaller communities scattered across the county each occupy specific niches in the regional landscape. McDade and Paige remain agricultural service centers along Highway 290 in the county's eastern reaches. Red Rock and Rosanky are unincorporated communities where ranch land still dominates. Camp Swift, site of a former World War II training facility, now houses the Texas Military Forces Museum and provides a reminder of the county's military history. Wyldwood exists primarily as a residential community north of Bastrop along Highway 95.

The Lost Pines provide the county's defining natural feature, creating a landscape unlike the typical Central Texas Hill Country. These pines thrive in the sandy soil deposited by ancient rivers, creating an ecosystem more common hundreds of miles to the east. Bastrop State Park and Buescher State Park protect portions of this forest, offering hiking trails and camping that attract visitors from Austin and beyond. The 2011 fire that devastated much of the forest also revealed the county's vulnerability to natural disaster and the challenges of managing growth in a fire-prone landscape.

The Colorado River flows through the county from northwest to southeast, creating recreational opportunities and water resources that have supported settlement since Spanish colonial times. Lake Bastrop, a cooling reservoir for a power plant, provides fishing and boating access. The river corridor remains largely undeveloped compared to other Central Texas waterways, preserving habitat and scenic beauty even as development pressure increases.

Construction employment in Bastrop County reflects the building boom transforming the region, with nearly 2,000 workers earning an average of nearly $90,000 annually. This construction activity concentrates in the northern tier of the county, where new subdivisions and commercial development follow Austin's eastward expansion. The retail and hospitality sectors employ another 7,500 workers combined, serving both residents and tourists drawn to the Lost Pines and the county's historic sites. Manufacturing maintains a presence with 1,325 employees, a reminder of the county's industrial heritage before the current growth wave.

The county's homeownership rate of 78 percent exceeds both state and national averages, reflecting a housing stock that still skews toward single-family homes on larger lots rather than apartments or dense urban development. The median household income of $88,196 suggests a population of working families rather than retirees or college students, and the median age of 42.7 indicates an established community rather than a transient one. The demographic mix of 46.6 percent White and 42.7 percent Hispanic reflects both the county's historical settlement patterns and recent migration from Austin's increasingly diverse population.

Cities and Communities Across Bastrop County

Bastrop serves as the county seat and largest city, with a population approaching 10,000 in the city proper and considerably more in the surrounding area. The historic downtown centers on Main Street, where 19th-century commercial buildings house locally owned shops, restaurants, and professional offices. The city maintains a distinct identity separate from Austin despite the proximity, with residents who value the small-town atmosphere and access to the Lost Pines. Housing ranges from historic homes near downtown starting in the low $200,000s to newer subdivisions on the city's edges where homes reach $400,000 and beyond. Bastrop Independent School District serves the city, and the community attracts families seeking small-town schools and retirees drawn to the lower cost of living compared to Austin. The city's location along Highway 71 provides direct access to Austin 30 miles west, making it viable for commuters willing to trade drive time for affordability and space.

Elgin has transformed from a small agricultural town famous for sausage into one of the fastest-growing communities in Central Texas. The city straddles the Bastrop-Travis county line in the northwestern corner of Bastrop County, putting it squarely in the path of Austin's eastward expansion. New subdivisions have filled former farmland, and the population has surged past 10,000 as families priced out of Austin proper discover homes in the $250,000 to $400,000 range with larger lots than comparable properties in Travis County. Elgin Independent School District serves the community, and the city's proximity to Austin's tech corridor makes it particularly attractive to young families working in the metro area. The historic downtown along Main Street preserves the city's heritage, including the sausage shops that made Elgin famous, but the growth centers on new development along Highway 290 and the surrounding areas.

Cedar Creek occupies the northern edge of the county along the shores of Lake Bastrop, a cooling reservoir that provides recreational opportunities and defines the community's character. The area developed as a lake community with a mix of permanent residents and weekend retreats, but recent growth has brought more year-round families seeking affordable housing within commuting distance of Austin. Homes range from older lake houses starting in the $200,000s to newer construction reaching $350,000 and beyond. The community lacks a traditional downtown or commercial center, functioning instead as a residential area where residents drive to Bastrop or Austin for shopping and services. Cedar Creek attracts buyers seeking waterfront or near-water properties at prices well below what similar locations would command closer to Austin.

Smithville sits in the southeastern corner of the county along the Colorado River, a railroad town of roughly 4,000 residents that has maintained its small-town character despite growth elsewhere in the county. The historic downtown features 19th-century buildings that served as filming locations for Hollywood productions, and the community takes pride in its preservation efforts and independent identity. Housing remains affordable compared to the western parts of the county, with older homes near downtown starting in the $150,000s and newer construction on the edges reaching the mid-$200,000s. Smithville Independent School District serves the community, and the city attracts retirees, railroad workers, and families seeking genuine small-town life rather than suburban convenience. The distance from Austin, roughly 50 miles, means Smithville functions as a separate economy rather than a bedroom community.

Circle D-KC Estates exists as a residential community north of Bastrop along Highway 95, developed primarily as a planned subdivision with homeowners association governance. The community offers newer construction in the $300,000 to $450,000 range, attracting families seeking modern homes with amenities in a semi-rural setting. The location provides access to Bastrop for schools and services while maintaining separation from the city itself. Residents tend to work in either Bastrop or Austin, with the latter requiring a 40-minute commute. The community represents the type of development that has become common in Bastrop County as growth pressure from Austin pushes eastward.

Wyldwood functions as a small residential community north of Bastrop, offering a mix of older and newer homes in a semi-rural setting. The community lacks commercial development, with residents relying on Bastrop or Elgin for shopping and services. Housing prices range from the $200,000s to the mid-$300,000s, and the area attracts buyers seeking more land and privacy than typical suburban subdivisions provide. Bastrop ISD serves the area, and the community appeals to families and individuals who want proximity to Bastrop without living in the city itself.

McDade remains an agricultural service center along Highway 290 in the eastern part of the county, a community of a few hundred residents where ranching and farming still dominate the local economy. The town features a small historic downtown with limited commercial activity, and housing consists primarily of older homes and properties on larger tracts of land. Prices remain the most affordable in the county, with homes starting in the $100,000s and land available for buyers seeking to build or ranch. McDade attracts individuals seeking rural life and the space that comes with it, far removed from Austin's suburban sprawl.

Paige sits along Highway 290 east of McDade, another small agricultural community that has seen minimal growth compared to the western parts of the county. The town of fewer than 300 residents serves ranchers and farmers in the surrounding area, with a small commercial district and housing stock that skews older and more affordable. Paige appeals to buyers seeking land and rural living, with properties often including acreage for livestock or agriculture. The distance from Austin, more than 50 miles, means residents here work locally or in nearby communities rather than commuting to the metro.

Red Rock exists as an unincorporated community in the southern part of the county, a crossroads settlement that never incorporated as a city. The area remains agricultural with scattered homes on larger tracts, and the community lacks commercial development beyond a few businesses serving local residents. Red Rock attracts buyers seeking land and privacy, with properties that emphasize acreage over home size. The area remains largely untouched by the growth transforming other parts of the county.

Rosanky sits along Highway 304 in the northwestern part of the county, a small unincorporated community that has seen some growth pressure as development spreads from Elgin and Austin. The area features a mix of older homes and newer construction on larger lots, with prices ranging from the $200,000s to the mid-$300,000s. Rosanky attracts buyers seeking semi-rural living with reasonable access to Austin, roughly 35 miles away. The community lacks commercial development, with residents driving to Elgin or Bastrop for services.

Camp Swift occupies the site of a former World War II training facility in the northern part of the county, now home to the Texas Military Forces Museum and training grounds for the Texas National Guard. The area includes some residential development, but the military presence defines the community's character. Camp Swift represents a unique piece of the county's history and continues to serve a military function even as surrounding areas transform into bedroom communities for Austin.

Identifiers

GEOID

48021

State FIPS

48

County FIPS

021

Statistics

Neighborhoods

8

Population

45,400

Geography

Type

polygon

Area

2,320 km²

Data Source

Primary Source

tiger

Census Reference

QuickFacts

Frequently Asked Questions About Bastrop County

What is Bastrop known for?

Bastrop County is known for the Lost Pines forest, the largest stand of loblolly pines west of East Texas, which creates a distinctive landscape unlike the typical Central Texas Hill Country. The county centers on Bastrop, a historic community along the Colorado River that served as a crossing point on the Old San Antonio Road connecting Spanish missions across Texas. Baron de Bastrop, the land commissioner for Stephen F. Austin's colony in the 1820s, gave the county its name and anchored early Anglo settlement in the region. The 2011 wildfire that burned 34,000 acres brought national attention to the county and the fragility of the Lost Pines ecosystem. Today, Bastrop County is increasingly recognized as Austin's eastern frontier, where rapid growth meets preserved history and natural beauty. Bastrop State Park and Buescher State Park protect portions of the forest and attract visitors from across the region. The county's historic sites include the Confederate Arms Factory that operated during the Civil War and numerous Texas Historical Commission markers documenting the area's role in Texas independence. Elgin's sausage heritage and Smithville's role as a Hollywood filming location add to the county's cultural identity. The proximity to Austin, just 30 miles from Bastrop itself, has fundamentally reshaped the county from agricultural backwater to one of the fastest-growing regions in Texas.

What cities are in Bastrop County?

Bastrop serves as the county seat with a population approaching 10,000, offering a historic downtown along Main Street and a mix of older neighborhoods and newer subdivisions. Elgin straddles the Bastrop-Travis county line in the northwestern corner with a population exceeding 10,000, growing rapidly as Austin expands eastward and transforming from agricultural town to suburb. Smithville sits in the southeastern corner with roughly 4,000 residents, maintaining its railroad heritage and small-town character along the Colorado River. Cedar Creek functions as a lake community along Lake Bastrop in the northern part of the county, attracting both permanent residents and weekend retreaters. Circle D-KC Estates exists as a planned residential development north of Bastrop with homeowners association governance. Wyldwood operates as a small residential community north of Bastrop offering semi-rural living. McDade remains an agricultural service center along Highway 290 in the eastern county with a few hundred residents. Paige sits east of McDade as another small agricultural community serving ranchers and farmers. Red Rock exists as an unincorporated crossroads settlement in the southern county. Rosanky occupies the northwestern area along Highway 304 with a mix of older homes and newer construction. Camp Swift encompasses the former World War II training facility now used by the Texas National Guard.

Is Bastrop County growing?

Bastrop County ranks among the fastest-growing counties in Texas, driven almost entirely by Austin's eastward expansion and families seeking affordability. The population has surged in recent years, particularly in the northern tier of communities like Elgin, Cedar Creek, and the areas surrounding Bastrop itself. Construction employment of nearly 2,000 workers reflects the building boom transforming former agricultural land into subdivisions. Elgin has experienced particularly explosive growth, with new development filling former farmland and the population more than doubling in the past two decades. The southern and eastern parts of the county, including Smithville, McDade, and Paige, have seen far less growth and maintain their rural agricultural character. The Lost Pines fire of 2011 temporarily slowed development but also prompted improved building codes and fire management practices that have allowed growth to resume.

What is the cost of living in Bastrop?

The median home value of $305,813 positions Bastrop County as significantly more affordable than Travis County, where the median exceeds $450,000, making it attractive to families priced out of Austin proper. Specific property tax rates vary by jurisdiction within the county, with different cities and special districts assessing their own levies, but the overall tax burden remains lower than Austin while still funding growing school districts and infrastructure. Home values range from the low $100,000s in rural communities like McDade to the mid-$400,000s in northern developments near Elgin, providing options across the affordability spectrum. The median rent of $1,415 reflects the limited apartment inventory, as the county's housing stock skews heavily toward single-family homes. Texas's lack of state income tax provides additional savings compared to other states, and the median household income of $88,196 suggests that working families can achieve homeownership more readily here than in the Austin metro core. Utility costs and everyday expenses align with Texas averages, though commuting costs to Austin add to the budget for families working in the metro area.

How are the schools in Bastrop?

Bastrop Independent School District serves the county seat and surrounding areas with multiple elementary campuses, a middle school, and Bastrop High School. Elgin Independent School District covers the rapidly growing northwestern corner of the county, expanding facilities to keep pace with the population surge driven by Austin's growth. Smithville Independent School District serves the southeastern communities with a smaller enrollment that reflects the area's stable population and rural character. The county's schools generally offer smaller class sizes than Austin-area districts, which attracts families seeking more individual attention for students. Performance varies by district and campus, with some schools earning recognition for improvement while others face challenges common to rapidly growing areas. The influx of families from Austin has brought higher expectations and more parental involvement to districts historically serving rural communities. Private school options remain limited, with most families choosing between the public districts or commuting to private schools in Austin.

What is the job market like in Bastrop?

The Bastrop County job market centers on construction, retail, and hospitality, with nearly 2,000 construction workers earning an average of $89,718 building the subdivisions and infrastructure supporting growth. Retail trade employs 4,195 workers across 226 establishments serving both residents and tourists, while accommodation and food services add another 3,325 jobs reflecting the county's role as a destination for Lost Pines visitors. Healthcare and social assistance employ 2,192 workers, providing local medical services and supporting the aging population. Manufacturing maintains a presence with 1,325 employees earning an average of $66,673, though this sector has declined from its historical prominence. Professional and technical services employ 741 workers at an average pay of $88,626, reflecting some knowledge economy presence but far less than neighboring Travis County. Many residents commute to Austin for employment in the tech sector, energy industry, and state government, treating Bastrop County as a bedroom community rather than a local employment center. The unemployment rate generally tracks state averages, and the construction boom has created demand for skilled trades.

Is Bastrop good for families?

Bastrop County appeals to families seeking affordability, space, and small-town schools within reach of Austin's employment opportunities. The 78 percent homeownership rate reflects a housing stock dominated by single-family homes on larger lots than comparable Austin-area properties, giving children room to play and families space to spread out. School districts offer smaller class sizes than Austin ISDs, and many families report more traditional values and community involvement than they experienced in urban areas. Bastrop State Park and Buescher State Park provide outdoor recreation including hiking, camping, and nature programs that engage children with the distinctive Lost Pines ecosystem. Youth sports leagues, 4-H programs, and community events in towns like Bastrop and Smithville create the small-town atmosphere many families seek. The trade-off comes in commute times for parents working in Austin, with drives ranging from 30 minutes from Elgin to an hour or more from Smithville. Crime rates vary by community but generally remain lower than urban areas, contributing to the family-friendly reputation.

How does Bastrop compare to nearby areas?

Bastrop County offers significantly lower home prices than Travis County to the west, where the median home value exceeds $450,000 compared to Bastrop's $305,813, making it the primary destination for Austin-area families seeking affordability. Lee County to the north remains more rural and agricultural with even lower prices but less access to Austin employment. Caldwell County to the south, anchored by Lockhart, provides similar affordability to Bastrop but with a different character centered on barbecue heritage rather than the Lost Pines forest. Fayette County to the east remains firmly agricultural with minimal Austin influence, appealing to buyers seeking working ranches rather than suburban convenience. Bastrop County's defining advantage over these neighbors lies in the combination of Austin proximity, the distinctive Lost Pines landscape, and communities like Bastrop and Elgin that offer more amenities than typical rural county seats. The growth rate in Bastrop County far exceeds surrounding counties, bringing both opportunity and challenges as infrastructure struggles to keep pace with the population surge.

Find Your Place in Bastrop County

Whether you're drawn to Bastrop's historic downtown, Elgin's growing suburbs, or Smithville's small-town charm, Bastrop County offers options from urban convenience to rural land. Connect with a Texas Ally advisor who knows the Lost Pines region and can match you with communities that fit your lifestyle and budget.