Llano County sits in the Highland Lakes region of the Hill Country, northwest of Austin. It is known for granite hills, the Llano River, Lake LBJ, Lake Buchanan, and Enchanted Rock State Natural Area. Llano is the county seat, and Horseshoe Bay is the largest city.
A quick look at the county, based on the 2020 census:
Population - 21,243 at the 2020 census
County seat - Llano
Size - about 966 square miles, including about 32 square miles of water
Lakes - Lake Buchanan, Inks Lake, and Lake LBJ, which lie partly in the county
Llano County offers lakefront and lake-view homes, golf and resort communities, small-town houses near the Llano courthouse square, and acreage. Lake and resort properties often sell at a premium, while homes in Llano and Kingsland can offer more space for the money. Prices vary widely by property type, so ask your agent for recent sales that match the home you want.
What buyers commonly look for:
Waterfront and lake access - boat docks, views, and Highland Lakes recreation
Retirement and second homes - golf, marinas, and a slower pace
Land - ranch properties and Hill Country acreage
Small-town character - a historic courthouse square and local restaurants
School districts vary by community, and district lines do not always match city lines. Llano ISD serves the Llano and Kingsland area, and Horseshoe Bay and nearby addresses are served by Marble Falls ISD and Burnet CISD, 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.
Horseshoe Bay - a resort and golf community on Lake LBJ that extends into Burnet County
Llano - the county seat, with an 1893 courthouse, access to the Llano River, and well-known barbecue
Kingsland - a lakeside community with the historic Antlers Hotel
Sunrise Beach Village - a smaller Lake LBJ community
Castell - a small community and the last surviving Adelsverein colony in the county
Enchanted Rock State Natural Area - a granite dome with hiking and climbing, popular for day trips
Lakes - boating, fishing, and swimming on Lake LBJ and Lake Buchanan
Llano River - kayaking, fishing, and river access in Llano
Downtown Llano - a courthouse square with local dining
TX-71, RM 1431, and US-281 connect the area. Horseshoe Bay is roughly 50 miles northwest of downtown Austin, about an hour and fifteen minutes by car, and Llano is roughly 75 miles, about an hour and a half. Many residents work locally, remotely, or in the Marble Falls area. Our Austin traffic and commute guide explains Austin-area traffic.
On waterfront homes, ask about lake levels, dock rules, and flood or wildfire insurance.
On acreage, ask about wells, septic systems, and water service.
Ask about HOA dues and rental rules in resort and golf communities.
Sellers can start with a free home value estimate. See also our Burnet County page.
Where is Llano County? Llano County is in the Texas Highland Lakes region, northwest of Austin.
What is the county seat of Llano County? Llano is the county seat.
What is the largest city in Llano County? Horseshoe Bay is the largest city, and it extends into neighboring Burnet County.
How far is Llano County from Austin? Horseshoe Bay is roughly 50 miles northwest of downtown Austin, and Llano is roughly 75 miles away.
What lakes are in Llano County? Lake LBJ, Lake Buchanan, and Inks Lake are in or along the county.
What is there to do in Llano County? Boating, fishing, hiking at Enchanted Rock, river recreation, and golf are popular.
What school districts serve Llano County? Llano ISD serves Llano and Kingsland, and Horseshoe Bay is served by Marble Falls ISD and Burnet CISD. Confirm for any address.
Is Llano County good for retirees? Many retirees choose Horseshoe Bay and the lakes for golf and recreation. Ask about HOA rules and healthcare access.
Is Llano County growing? The county had 21,243 residents at the 2020 census, and Lake LBJ and Lake Buchanan keep drawing second-home and retirement buyers.
Can I buy waterfront property in Llano County? Yes. Lakefront and lake-view homes are available, though prices vary and insurance matters.
Lake, golf, and land properties each come with different questions. A Spyglass Realty agent can help you compare communities, review waterfront and land details, and time your move.
Thinking of selling? Get your home value
Buying in Llano 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 Llano County.
