A Lake Community with Deep German Roots and a Neighborly Pace

McQueeney is an unincorporated lakeside community of approximately 2,127 residents in Guadalupe County, located along Lake McQueeney on the Guadalupe River between San Antonio and San Marcos. The median home value sits at $238,500, with an exceptionally high homeownership rate of 89 percent. Students attend schools in the Seguin Independent School District, which holds a B rating from the Texas Education Agency. The local economy is anchored by manufacturing and construction jobs throughout Guadalupe County, with median household income reaching $97,553 according to Census Bureau estimates.

History

McQueeney's history is inseparable from the German and Prussian immigrants who settled Guadalupe County in the 1840s and 1850s, establishing farms, mills, and cemeteries that remain landmarks today. The Schumann, Altwein, and Blumberg families were among the pioneering settlers whose descendants still live in the area.

ZIP Codes Compared

As an unincorporated community, McQueeney doesn't have distinct ZIP code variations in housing stock, but properties range from modest lakefront cottages to larger acreage homes with river access. Most housing was built decades ago and reflects the area's evolution from agricultural land to recreational retreat.

Demographics

McQueeney skews older and more established than most Texas communities, with a median age of 48.9 and nearly nine in ten residents owning their homes. The population is 54 percent White and 31.5 percent Hispanic, with a substantial 7.5 percent Asian population and a bachelor's degree attainment rate of 23.4 percent.

Economy

Guadalupe County's economy is driven by manufacturing, which employs nearly 10,000 workers at an average annual pay of $70,967, alongside strong construction and retail trade sectors. Many McQueeney residents commute to jobs in Seguin, New Braunfels, or San Antonio, while others work in the county's growing transportation and warehousing industry.

Schools

Students in McQueeney attend schools in Seguin ISD, which serves 324 students in the area and carries a B rating from the Texas Education Agency. Families typically send children to campuses in nearby Seguin, about ten minutes west.

Cost of Living

Housing costs in McQueeney run below state metro averages, with a median home value of $238,500 and household income of $97,553 providing comfortable affordability for established buyers. Property taxes and everyday expenses align closely with broader Guadalupe County figures.

Homeowners Associations

McQueeney has no registered homeowners associations in county records, reflecting its unincorporated status and the prevalence of larger lots and rural properties. Residents maintain their own properties without subdivision-level covenants or architectural review boards.

About McQueeney

McQueeney sits along the shores of Lake McQueeney on the Guadalupe River, about halfway between San Antonio and San Marcos in Guadalupe County. This unincorporated community of roughly 2,100 residents has the kind of small, familiar rhythm where you're just as likely to recognize a neighbor's truck at the Pic n Pac McQueeney convenience store as you are to bump into friends grabbing breakfast at Blake's Cafe. The town's character is deeply rooted in its German immigrant past, visible in the historical markers that dot the landscape and tell stories of families who shaped this area in the mid-1800s.

The Schumannsville Cemetery and Altwein Family markers speak to the waves of Prussian and German settlers who arrived in the 1840s and 1850s, establishing farms and mills along the river. August Wilhelm Schumann bought a large parcel here in 1846 after arriving from Germany, while Johann Gotthülf Altwein, a grain mill builder, settled his family on a farm in 1851. The Blumberg Cemetery stands as another testament to these founding families. This heritage created a community that values land, self-sufficiency, and continuity across generations—qualities still evident in McQueeney's high homeownership rate and stable population.

Today's McQueeney is a lakeside retreat for people who want acreage, water access, and distance from urban density without sacrificing proximity to job centers. The lake itself is the town's centerpiece, drawing boaters and anglers year-round and giving the community a recreational identity. Residents run errands in nearby Seguin or New Braunfels, grab tacos at Pica Taco, or meet for drinks at Silver Eagle Taphouse. The median age hovers near fifty, and most households own their homes outright or are well into paying them off. It's a place where people stay put, raise families on properties their parents might have owned, and measure time by lake levels and river conditions rather than traffic reports.

Classification

Type

Census Designated Place

Class Code

U1

Identifiers

GEOID

4845948

State FIPS

48

Place FIPS

45948

Statistics

Neighborhoods

0

Population

2,371

Geography

Geometry

polygon

Area

11 km²

County

Guadalupe

Data Source

Primary Source

tiger

Census Reference

QuickFacts

Frequently Asked Questions About McQueeney

Is McQueeney a good place to live?

McQueeney is an excellent choice for buyers seeking a lakeside lifestyle with acreage and a slower pace, particularly those who value homeownership stability and proximity to water recreation. The community's 89 percent homeownership rate according to Census Bureau data reflects a population that puts down roots and stays, creating continuity and familiarity. The median household income of $97,553 supports comfortable living without the housing cost pressures of nearby metro areas, and the median home value of $238,500 offers entry points for buyers priced out of Austin or San Antonio suburbs. Lake McQueeney provides year-round boating, fishing, and waterfront access, which defines much of the town's identity and daily rhythm. The trade-off is limited walkability, few commercial amenities within town limits, and a reliance on Seguin or New Braunfels for shopping, dining, and services. For people who want land, water, and neighbors they know by name, McQueeney delivers exactly that.

What is the cost of living in McQueeney?

McQueeney offers a cost of living that's manageable for middle- and upper-middle-class households, with housing costs well below those in Austin or San Antonio metro areas. The median home value of $238,500 according to Census Bureau estimates positions the town as affordable for buyers with stable income, especially given the median household income of $97,553. Property taxes in Guadalupe County are moderate compared to urban counties, though rates vary by district and exact location. Everyday expenses like groceries, gas, and utilities track closely with statewide averages, and the lack of HOA fees—there are no registered homeowners associations in McQueeney—eliminates one common suburban cost. Residents do need to budget for vehicle expenses, as commuting to jobs in Seguin, New Braunfels, or San Antonio is the norm, and there's no public transit. Dining and entertainment options within town are limited to a few local spots like Blake's Cafe and Silver Eagle Taphouse, so households that eat out frequently or seek variety will drive to neighboring cities. Overall, McQueeney rewards buyers who prioritize housing value and land over urban convenience.

How are the schools in McQueeney?

McQueeney students attend schools in Seguin Independent School District, which holds a B rating from the Texas Education Agency and serves 324 students in the McQueeney area. Families typically send children to campuses in Seguin, about ten minutes west, where the district operates elementary, middle, and high schools. Seguin ISD has a solid reputation for athletics and vocational programs, though it doesn't rank among the state's top-tier academic districts. Parents seeking specialized programs, advanced coursework, or higher accountability ratings sometimes consider private schools in New Braunfels or San Marcos, or they look at nearby districts with different attendance zones. The district's performance is consistent and steady rather than exceptional, which fits the community's overall character—reliable, established, and focused on fundamentals. For families prioritizing small-town familiarity and school stability over competitive academics, Seguin ISD meets expectations. Those with children who need significant special education services or gifted programs should research specific campus offerings closely, as smaller districts sometimes have fewer specialized resources than large suburban systems.

Is McQueeney good for families?

McQueeney works well for families who want space, outdoor recreation, and a tight-knit community where children grow up with continuity and connection to place. The high homeownership rate of 89 percent according to Census Bureau data means neighbors stay put, creating stability for kids who attend Seguin ISD schools together for years. Lake McQueeney offers swimming, boating, and fishing literally in residents' backyards, giving children outdoor activities that don't require scheduled playdates or organized sports. The median age of 48.9 indicates an older population, so families with young children may find fewer peers initially, though the community's small size means everyone knows each other quickly. Safety is strong, crime is low, and the unincorporated nature of the town means less traffic and fewer strangers passing through. The trade-offs include limited youth programming, no public library or community center within town limits, and a reliance on driving to Seguin or New Braunfels for activities like movies, trampoline parks, or team sports. Families who thrive here are those who value land, water access, and self-directed play over structured suburban amenities.

Find Your Place Along the Lake in McQueeney

Whether you're looking for waterfront acreage or a quiet retreat near the Guadalupe River, a Texas Ally advisor can help you navigate McQueeney's unique property market. We know the area's history, the best lakefront opportunities, and what it takes to make a life here work. Let's talk about your move.