Bastrop County sits east of Austin along the Colorado River, between Austin and Houston. It is known for the Lost Pines, a distinctive forest of loblolly pines, and for fast-growing towns that include Bastrop, Elgin, and Smithville. Bastrop is the county seat.
A quick look at the county, according to the Austin Chamber and Wikipedia's county profile:
Population - 97,216 at the 2020 census, up about 31 percent from 2010, with a 2025 estimate of about 119,000
County seat - Bastrop
Largest city - Elgin, which extends partly into Travis County
Employers - life sciences, research, and industrial employers, including Agilent Technologies and a research center affiliated with M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
Bastrop County offers historic homes near downtown Bastrop, newer subdivisions around Bastrop and Elgin, lakeside and river lots, and acreage under the pines. Growth near SH-71 and SH-95 has brought new construction, while the eastern county around Smithville keeps a quieter, small-town feel. Prices vary by city and property type, so ask your agent for recent sales that match the home you want.
What buyers commonly look for:
Value - lower entry prices than many Travis and Williamson County suburbs
Trees and space - larger lots and the Lost Pines setting
Small-town life - historic downtowns and local events
Access to Austin and the airport - routes on SH-71, US-290, and SH-130
If you are considering a new build, our guide to new construction homes in Austin covers what to ask builders.
Bastrop County is served by several districts. See our pages for Bastrop ISD, Elgin ISD, Smithville ISD, and McDade ISD. Some edge addresses fall in neighboring districts, so confirm the zoned district for any address. Check current results on TXschools.gov. For a wider comparison, see our best school districts in Austin guide and our tips for buying a home near a school.
Bastrop - a historic downtown on the Colorado River, with Main Street shops and restaurants
Elgin - the Sausage Capital of Texas, with a historic depot and downtown
Smithville - a small river town in the eastern county
McDade - a rural community known for its barbecue
Cedar Creek and Lost Pines - subdivisions and acreage near Bastrop State Park and the pines
Bastrop State Park and Buescher State Park - hiking, camping, and the Lost Pines
Colorado River - fishing, kayaking, and river access
Historic downtown Bastrop - the 1883 courthouse, shops, and dining
Resort and golf - the Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort is a nearby destination
SH-71, US-290, SH-95, and SH-130 are the main routes. Bastrop is roughly 30 miles southeast of downtown Austin, about 40 to 50 minutes by car, Elgin is roughly 25 miles east, and Smithville is roughly 45 miles away. Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is a reasonable drive from the western part of the county. Our Austin traffic and commute guide explains rush hour patterns.
Ask about wildfire risk and insurance, especially in wooded areas of the Lost Pines.
Ask about flood zones near the river and creeks.
Ask about HOA dues, MUD charges, and PID charges in newer subdivisions, and about wells and septic systems on acreage.
Sellers can start with a free home value estimate.
Where is Bastrop County? Bastrop County is in Central Texas, east of Austin along the Colorado River.
What is the county seat of Bastrop County? Bastrop is the county seat.
How far is Bastrop County from Austin? Bastrop is roughly 30 miles southeast of downtown Austin, and Elgin is roughly 25 miles east.
What school districts serve Bastrop County? Bastrop ISD, Elgin ISD, Smithville ISD, and McDade ISD serve most of the county. Confirm for any address.
Is Bastrop County growing? Yes. The population grew about 31 percent between 2010 and 2020 and has continued to rise, with a 2025 estimate of about 119,000.
What are the Lost Pines? The Lost Pines is an isolated forest of loblolly pines near Bastrop, in sandy soil far from the main East Texas pine forests.
What is there to do in Bastrop County? State parks, river recreation, historic downtowns, and local events are popular.
Is Bastrop County good for first-time buyers? Many first-time buyers look at the county for lower prices than closer-in Austin. Compare total monthly costs.
Is wildfire a concern in Bastrop County? Some wooded areas have wildfire risk. Ask about insurance and defensible space for any property.
Is Bastrop County good for land? Yes. Acreage and larger lots are common outside the towns.
Bastrop County is growing quickly, and each town has its own feel. A Spyglass Realty agent can help you compare communities, confirm school zoning, and time your move.
Thinking of selling? Get your home value
Buying in Bastrop County? Start your search here
Have questions either way? Speak with a Spyglass Realty consultant
Prefer to talk it through first? Call us at 512-640-2077, and a Spyglass Realty agent can help you figure out the right next step in Bastrop County.
