Travis County is the center of the Austin metro area and home to the state capital, the University of Texas, and a large share of the region's jobs. Austin is the county seat, and the county also includes Lakeway, Bee Cave, West Lake Hills, Pflugerville, Manor, and parts of Round Rock, Cedar Park, and Leander.
A quick look at the county, according to the U.S. Census Bureau:
Population - 1,290,188 at the 2020 census, with a July 2025 estimate of 1,389,670
Median home value - $523,000 for owner-occupied homes (2020-2024)
Owner-occupied housing - 52.1 percent of homes (2020-2024)
Size - about 994 square miles of land
Travis County has the widest range of homes in Central Texas, from condos downtown and historic bungalows in central Austin to master-planned communities in the suburbs, lake and Hill Country estates west of the city, and acreage in the east. The census median home value is a countywide figure, and prices vary a lot by neighborhood, so ask your agent for recent sales that match the home you want.
What buyers commonly look for:
Central access - short commutes to downtown, the university, and major employers
Variety - condos, townhomes, single-family homes, and acreage
Lake and Hill Country living - Lake Travis and Barton Creek areas to the west
Value farther out - newer homes in Manor, Pflugerville, and Del Valle
Travis County is served by many districts, and the district matters as much as the city. See our pages for Austin ISD, Eanes ISD, Lake Travis ISD, Pflugerville ISD, Manor ISD, Del Valle ISD, Round Rock ISD, Leander ISD, and Lago Vista ISD. 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.
Austin - downtown, central neighborhoods such as Pemberton Heights and Bull Creek, and the West Campus condo area including Texan Tower
Lakeway, Bee Cave, and West Lake Hills - lake and Hill Country communities to the west
Pflugerville and Manor - suburban and growing communities to the northeast
Del Valle - an area southeast of Austin near the airport
Lago Vista and Jonestown - Lake Travis communities to the northwest
Parks and water - Lady Bird Lake, Zilker Park, Barton Springs, and Lake Travis
Music, food, and events - downtown, South Congress, and festivals throughout the year
Universities and employers - the University of Texas, state government, and major tech employers
Airport - Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in the southeast
I-35, MoPac, US-183, SH-71, SH-130, and Loop 360 are the main highways, and Capital Metro runs buses and the MetroRail Red Line. Drive times depend heavily on where you live and when you travel. Close-in neighborhoods can be a short drive or bike ride from downtown, while Pflugerville, Manor, and Lakeway are roughly 15 to 25 miles away. Our Austin traffic and commute guide explains the corridors.
Confirm the school district and city for the exact address, since lines do not match.
Ask about HOA dues and any MUD or PID charges, which are common in newer communities.
Ask about flood zones, slopes, and drainage, especially near creeks.
Sellers can start with a free home value estimate. See also our Williamson County page.
Where is Travis County? Travis County is in Central Texas and includes Austin, the state capital.
What is the county seat of Travis County? Austin is the county seat.
What is the population of Travis County? The Census Bureau estimated 1,389,670 residents in July 2025.
What is the median home value in Travis County? The census median value of owner-occupied homes was $523,000 for 2020-2024. Prices vary a lot by neighborhood.
What school districts serve Travis County? Austin ISD, Eanes ISD, Lake Travis ISD, Pflugerville ISD, Manor ISD, and Del Valle ISD are among the largest. Confirm for any address.
What cities are in Travis County? Austin, Lakeway, Bee Cave, West Lake Hills, Pflugerville, Manor, and parts of Round Rock, Cedar Park, and Leander are in the county.
What is there to do in Travis County? Parks, lakes, music, food, festivals, and trails are popular.
Is Travis County good for first-time buyers? Many first-time buyers look at Pflugerville, Manor, and Del Valle for lower prices than central Austin. Compare total monthly costs.
Is Travis County close to the airport? Yes. Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is in the southeast part of the county.
Is Travis County growing? Yes. The population grew from 1,290,188 at the 2020 census to an estimated 1,389,670 in 2025.
Travis County has very different markets from neighborhood to neighborhood, so local knowledge matters. A Spyglass Realty agent can help you compare areas, confirm school zoning, and time your move.
Thinking of selling? Get your home value
Buying in Travis 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 Travis County.
