McDade ISD serves the small community of McDade and the rural countryside around it in eastern Bastrop County. It is one of the smallest districts near Austin, with a close-knit feel and plenty of open space.
A quick look at the district:
Location - McDade, Bastrop County
Students - about 360
Campuses - two: McDade Elementary and McDade High School
Setting - rural, with pine and pasture land along US-290
Homes in McDade ISD are mostly rural: older homes, manufactured homes, and properties with land. Very few homes sell each year, so a single sale can change the numbers. HAR does not publish a city snapshot for McDade, so price figures are left out here. Ask your agent for recent sales that match what you want.
What buyers commonly look for:
Land - room for animals, a workshop, or a future build
Privacy - quiet roads and low density
Value - often lower entry prices than closer-in communities
Small-school feel - a single campus per level
For nearby comparisons, see Elgin ISD, Bastrop ISD, and Smithville ISD. If you want acreage, our guide to homes with land near Austin may help.
McDade ISD operates two campuses:
Elementary - McDade Elementary School
High school - McDade High School
McDade ISD earned an overall C in the 2026 state ratings, with a C in student achievement and a D in both school progress and closing the gaps. Small districts often mean small class sizes and familiar faces, though course choices can be narrower than in a larger district. Review current results on TXschools.gov, and visit the campuses before you buy. For a wider comparison, see our best school districts in Austin guide.
Rural pace - open fields, country roads, and quiet nights
Community events - school and local gatherings are central
Nearby towns - Elgin and Bastrop have more shopping and dining
Longer errands - expect to drive for groceries, medical care, and entertainment
McDade is roughly 35 miles east of downtown Austin, and most drives take about 45 to 55 minutes depending on the route and traffic. Our Austin traffic and commute guide explains rush hour patterns.
What areas does McDade ISD serve? McDade ISD serves McDade and surrounding rural areas of eastern Bastrop County.
How many schools are in McDade ISD? McDade ISD has two campuses: McDade Elementary and McDade High School.
What is McDade ISD's rating? McDade ISD earned an overall C in the 2026 state accountability ratings.
How many students attend McDade ISD? McDade ISD enrolls about 360 students, based on 2023-24 state data.
What kind of homes are in McDade ISD? Most homes are rural properties, older homes, and homes on acreage. Prices vary widely because so few homes sell each year.
How far is McDade from downtown Austin? McDade is roughly 35 miles east of downtown Austin, and most drives take about 45 to 55 minutes.
Rural homes and land are unique, so pricing and marketing them well takes local knowledge. A Spyglass Realty agent can help you find the right property or position your home for the best result.
Thinking of selling? Get your home value
Buying in McDade ISD? 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 McDade ISD.
