Round Rock has become one of the hottest relocation spots in Central Texas.
The choice is not a random one though, as its prime location, a little less than 30 miles north of Austin, is the magnet that pulls families and professionals here.
Living in Round Rock, TX, gives you easy access to Austin’s music scene, food trucks, and tech-job capital.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Round Rock’s population jumped by nearly 23% over the last decade. The city also consistently ranked among the fastest-growing cities in the U.S.
Why? People are catching on to what locals already know: Round Rock balances serenity and opportunity.
However, before you move, here are a few things you need to know!
The Cost of Living in Round Rock
Living in Round Rock isn’t cheap, but it’s practically a bargain compared to Austin. The overall cost of living is about 8% lower than the national average.
You win the biggest on housing since its costs are about 11% lower than the national average. For a home that would sell for over $470,000 in Austin, you can buy one for about $400,000 in Round Rock.
If you are a renter, you will find a sweet spot too. One-bedroom apartments average around $1,300 per month, while a four-bedroom costs around $2,700.
- Average House Rent: $1,446
- Median Home Value: $401,300
The only thing you will pay more for in Round Rock is utility costs, which are 9% higher than the national average. Most of this is due to high energy costs from air conditioning. Texas heat is no joke.
| Cost of Living Category | Compared to the National Average |
| Housing | 11% lower |
| Utilities | 9% higher |
| Groceries | 15% lower |
| Transportation | 20% lower |
| Healthcare | 8% lower |
Weather in Round Rock
As mentioned earlier, Round Rock receives its fair share of the Central Texas heat. Sunshine is practically a year-round guest, with Round Rock getting up to 250 sunny days a year.
Such weather is great for your mood and weekend plans, but summers can get hot. Summer temperatures in July and August often reach highs of 97°F, with lows in the 70s.
So, if you are not a fan of heat, brace yourself; living in Round Rock, TX, might take its toll on you. That’s why many newcomers prefer to work with a moving company in Round Rock to get settled in quickly without worrying about the stress of relocation under such conditions.
Winters are short and sweet, with average lows never dipping below the 40s—snowfalls are very rare. Spring and fall are when this city shines.
Average Seasonal Temperature in Round Rock, TX
Winter — 53°F
Fall — 69°F
Spring — 69°F
Summer — 85°F
Transportation and Commuting in Round Rock
Get this: less than 1% of Round Rock residents use public transportation to get around. What does this mean? You are good to go if you own a car.
Round Rock is a driver’s city, and most residents rely on personal vehicles to get around.
While the city isn’t known for its public transit, it’s working to improve its connectivity with the CapMetro system. The system will offer limited but helpful routes into Austin.
Average commute time sits at 31 minutes, which is only a minute less than the national average. While this doesn’t mean a gridlocked rush hour, it can get pretty tight sometimes.
If you work remotely or have a flexible schedule, you are in good shape.
Note:
The I-35 corridor can get busy, but recent and ongoing infrastructure upgrades are helping smooth things out.
What’s Healthcare Like in Round Rock?
Living in Round Rock, TX, means your healthcare is in good hands.
The city is home to top-notch healthcare facilities, including Baylor Scott & White Medical Center. There are also multiple specialty clinics and urgent care centers.
Whether it’s a routine check-up, pediatric care, or something more specialized, you’ll find quality services close to home. Often, this comes without the long wait times you would see in bigger cities.
With so many active families and retirees moving in, wellness and preventive care options are plentiful.
- Doctor visit cost: $129.64
- Dentist visit cost: $106.61
- Optometrist visit: $118.74
Round Rock’s Education Scene
The schools in Round Rock have high-quality ratings compared to the rest of Texas and the nation. For instance, Round Rock Independent School District (RRISD) rates better than 81.3% of all Texas school districts.
With over 60 schools and a 14:1 student-teacher ratio, the district consistently scores high in academics, college readiness, and extracurricular excellence.
Some of the best schools in Round Rock, TX, include:
- Round Rock High School
- Cactus Ranch Elementary School
- Florence W Stiles Middle School
- Chandler Oaks Elementary School
- Fern Bluff Elementary School
Economy and Career Growth
When it comes to jobs and economic growth opportunities, Round Rock does not play around.
It’s part of the Austin-Round Rock metro area, which has one of the lowest unemployment rates in Texas and also one of the strongest job markets in the U.S.
Dell Technologies employs thousands of people in Round Rock alone. But beyond Dell, the economy is booming in sectors like healthcare, manufacturing, education, logistics, retail, and tech.
With new companies moving in and remote work on the rise, living in Round Rock, TX, offers great career flexibility and upward mobility.
Plus, the average salary is about $85,000, and the median household income is higher than the national average.
- Population: 130,406
- Median Household Income: $91,888
- Unemployment Rate: 3.7%
- Poverty Rate: 7.7%
Security and Community: How Safe Is Round Rock?
Safety is always on the checklist, and Round Rock is one of the safest cities in Texas, especially when it comes to violent crimes.
According to FBI stats, Round Rock’s violent crime rate is nearly 40% lower than the national average. Although property crime is higher than the national average, it is also on the decline compared to last year.
For instance, while the chance of being a victim of violent crime in Round Rock is 1 in 724, that of Texas is 1 in 246. Property crime is 1 in 46 for Round Rock and 1 in 45 for Texas.
per 1,000 residents Round Rock Median Texas Median National Median Violent Crime 1.38 4.06 4.0 Property Crime 21.53 22.38 19.0
Other than that, Round Rock is the kind of place where neighbors know each other and kids ride bikes to school together.
Community events like Music on Main Street bring everyone together. Whether downtown or in a quiet cul-de-sac, Round Rock has that safe and friendly vibe you will love.
Round Rock: More Than Just a Dot on the Map
Perhaps you’re on a search for a city that’s family-friendly, economically strong, and just a short drive from Austin’s excitement, Round Rock might just be your perfect match.
With a reasonable cost of living, excellent schools, solid job prospects, and many days of sunshine, it’s easy to see why so many people are planting roots here.
If living in Round Rock, TX, sounds right to you, just bring your sunscreen and a laid-back attitude. Life in Round Rock moves at a friendlier, more relaxed pace.
Once you are here, you might just wonder why you didn’t come sooner.
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