Greater Austin

{{Use American English|date=May 2026}} {{Use mdy dates|date=January 2025}} {{infobox settlement | name = Greater Austin | official_name = Austin–Round Rock–Georgetown, Texas Metropolitan Statistical Area | settlement_type = Metropolitan statistical area | image_skyline = File:View of Downtown Austin from Pfluger Pedestrian Bridge October 2022.jpg | imagesize = 280px | image_caption = Downtown Austin in October 2022 | image_map = {{maplink|frame=yes|zoom=8|plain=yes|frame-align=center|frame-width=300|frame-height=300|frame-coord={{coord|30.26|-97.7}} | type1=shape|id1=Q108436|title1=Bastrop County|stroke-color1=#720000|stroke-width1=0.5|fill1=#720000|fill-opacity1=0.4 | type2=shape|id2=Q26591|title2=Caldwell County|stroke-color2=#720000|stroke-width2=0.5|fill2=#720000|fill-opacity2=0.4 | type3=shape|id3=Q27018|title3=Hays County|stroke-color3=#720000|stroke-width3=0.5|fill3=#720000|fill-opacity3=0.4 | type4=shape|id4=Q110426|title4=Travis County|stroke-color4=#720000|stroke-width4=0.5|fill4=#720000|fill-opacity4=0.4 | type5=shape|id5=Q112686|title5=Williamson County|stroke-color5=#720000|stroke-width5=0.5|fill5=#720000|fill-opacity5=0.4 | type6=shape|id6=Q16559|title6=City of Austin|stroke-color6=#BD000A|stroke-width6=0.5|fill6=#BD000A|fill-opacity6=0.5 | type7=shape|id7=Q128334|title7=City of Round Rock|stroke-color7=#0000FF|stroke-width7=0.5|fill7=#0000FF|fill-opacity7=0.5 | type8=shape|id8=Q982353|title8=City of San Marcos|stroke-color8=#169000|stroke-width8=0.5|fill8=#169000|fill-opacity8=0.5 | type9=shape|id9=Q990898|title9=City of Georgetown|stroke-color9=#EEE900|stroke-width9=0.5|fill9=#EEE900|fill-opacity9=0.5 }} | mapsize = 280px | map_caption = Interactive map of the Austin Metropolitan Area {{Col-begin}} {{Col-break}} {{leftlegend|#C39290|Austin–Round Rock–San Marcos MSA}} {{leftlegend|#BD000A|City of Austin}} {{leftlegend|#0000FF|City of Round Rock}} {{leftlegend|#169000|City of San Marcos}} {{leftlegend|#eee600|City of Georgetown}} {{Col-end}} | subdivision_type = Country | subdivision_name = border|23px United States | subdivision_type1 = State | subdivision_name1 = border|23px Texas | parts_type = Principal cities | parts_style = para | p1 = * Austin * Buda * Bastrop * Bertram * Burnet * Dripping Springs * Elgin * Kyle * Taylor * Round Rock * Cedar Park * Georgetown * Pflugerville * Hutto * Jarrell * Leander * Liberty Hill * Lockhart * Manor * Marble Falls *San Marcos * Wimberley | government_footnotes = | government_type = | leader_title = | leader_name = | established_title =  | established_date = | area_magnitude = | unit_pref = US | area_footnotes = | area_total_sq_mi = | area_total_km2 =  | area_land_km2 =  | area_water_km2 = | area_metro_km2 = | area_metro_sq_mi = | area_blank1_title = MSA | area_blank1_sq_mi = 4279 | population_as_of = 2020 | population_footnotes = <ref name="2020CensusDataPopulationMetroAreas"> {{ cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/library/visualizations/interactive/2020-population-and-housing-state-data.html|title=2020 Population and Housing State Data|publisher=United States Census Bureau, Population Division|access-date=December 25, 2021}} </ref>

<ref name="2018CensusEst">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov|title=Table 1. Annual Estimates of the Resident Population: April 1, 2010 to July 1, 2018 – United States -- Metropolitan Statistical Area; and for Puerto Rico more information; 2018 Population Estimates|work=2018 Population Estimates|publisher=United States Census Bureau, Population Division|access-date=May 12, 2019}}</ref> | population_note = | population_total = | population_density_km2 = | population_density_sq_mi = | population_blank1_title = MSA | population_blank1 = 2,473,275 (26th) | population_density_blank1_sq_mi = 533.62 | population_blank2_title = | population_blank2 = | demographics_type2 = GDP | demographics2_footnotes = <ref>{{Cite web|title=Total Gross Domestic Product for Austin-Round Rock, TX (MSA)|url=https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/NGMP12420|website=fred.stlouisfed.org}}</ref> | demographics2_title1 = MSA | demographics2_info1 = $248.110 billion (2023) | timezone = CST | utc_offset = -6 | timezone_DST = CDT | utc_offset_DST = -5 | latd = | latm = | lats = | latNS = | longd = | longm = | longs = | longEW = | elevation_footnotes = | elevation_min_m = | elevation_max_m = | elevation_min_ft = | elevation_max_ft = }}

The '''Austin–Round Rock–San Marcos''' metropolitan statistical area, otherwise known as the '''Capital Region''' or '''Greater Austin''', is a five-county metropolitan area in the U.S. state of Texas, as defined by the Office of Management and Budget.<ref name=OMB>{{cite web|url=https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/sites/default/files/omb/bulletins/2013/b13-01.pdf|title=Revised Delineations of Metropolitan Statistical Areas, Micropolitan Statistical Areas, and Combined Statistical Areas, and Guidance on Uses of the Delineations of These Areas|date=February 28, 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170121004708/https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/sites/default/files/omb/bulletins/2013/b13-01.pdf|via=National Archives|work=Office of Management and Budget|archive-date=January 21, 2017}}</ref> The metropolitan area is situated in Central Texas on the western edge of the {{nowrap|American South}} and on the eastern edge of the {{nowrap|American Southwest}}, and borders Greater San Antonio to the south. It forms part of the larger San Antonio-Austin Metroplex.

As of the 2020 U.S. census, the Austin–Round Rock–San Marcos MSA is the 26th-largest metropolitan area in the United States, with a total population of 2,352,426.<ref name="2020CensusDataPopulationMetroAreas"/> The metropolitan area contains the city of Austin—the fourth-largest city in Texas and the 10th-largest city in the United States with a population of 974,447 people.<ref>{{ cite web|url=https://www.austintexas.gov/news/austin-now-10th-largest-city-us|title=Austin is now the 10th Largest City in the U.S.|access-date=May 19, 2023}}</ref> Austin's largest suburbs are Round Rock, Cedar Park, Georgetown, San Marcos, Leander, and Pflugerville.

==History== {{Further|History of Austin, Texas}}

=== Prehistory === Archeologists divide the Texas prehistoric archeological record into five general periods: pre-Clovis (ca. 18,000 plus –13,400 year ago), Paleoindian (13,400–10,000 years ago), Archaic (10,000 years ago to ca. 2000 years ago), Woodland (ca. 2500–1150 years ago; select regions), and the Late Prehistoric (ca. 1250–1150–420 years ago). All but the Woodland period are applicable to the Greater Austin area. Some research adds what is called the Protohistoric period, the short period of first contact between Indigenous Peoples and Europeans (Spanish and French) upon their first arrival; it is before the start of what is considered historic times.<ref>{{Cite web |title=What is Protohistoric? |url=https://www.texasbeyondhistory.net/landis/images/proto-spanish-textbox.html |access-date=2025-07-23 |website=www.texasbeyondhistory.net}}</ref><ref>Kenmotsu, Nancy A. and Douglas Boyd, editors. ''The Toyah Phase of Central Texas, Late Prehistoric Economic and Social Processes.'' Texas A&M University Press, 2012.</ref><ref>Collins, Michael. ''The Prehistory of Texas'', Texas A&M Anthropology Series, Timothy K. Perttula, editor</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Association |first=Texas State Historical |title=Exploring Texas Prehistory: A Journey Through 13,500 Years |url=https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/entries/prehistory |access-date=2025-07-23 |website=Texas State Historical Association |language=en}}</ref>

The earliest known inhabitants of the area, during the late Pleistocene (Ice Age), date to between 12,000 to 22,000 years ago as evidenced by the Gault (archaeological site) just west of Williamson County and the Wilson-Leonard Site, best known for the discovery of Leanderthal Lady ("Leanne") at the Wilson-Leonard site near Leander, Texas.<ref>{{cite web|title=Handbook of Texas Online, "Gault Site" entry|date=June 15, 2010|url=https://tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/bbgya|publisher=Texas State History Association|access-date=July 18, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Association |first=Texas State Historical |title=Wilson-Leonard Site: A Comprehensive Archaeological Overview |url=https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/entries/wilson-leonard-site |access-date=2025-07-24 |website=Texas State Historical Association |language=en}}</ref> But archeology dig sites show a much greater evidence of Archaic Period inhabitants has been recovered from burned rock middens and rock shelters near Round Rock along Brushy Creek, in Georgetown along the San Gabriel River, and in Austin especially near Barton Springs. The prehistory of Texas has been studied by both professional and avocational archeologists for many decades. Pre-historic campsites are found throughout the county along streams or other water sources; most are "open occupation" sites, though caves and rockshelters are often found along various rivers and streams.<ref name=":0" />

Native American Coahuiltecan descendants include Barton Springs among the four springs part of their creation story dating to prehistoric times; these springs are Comal Springs, Barton Springs, San Marcos Springs and San Antonio Springs.<ref>Spirit Waters. Austin Parks and Recreation. <nowiki>https://www.austintexas.gov/sites/default/files/files/Parks/ANSC/2020%20Spirit%20Waters%20Booklet%20hyperlinked%20table%20of%20contents%205.27.2020.pdf</nowiki></ref> While there were many other tribes associated with the Greater Austin area, the present territory of central Texas was not the long-term ancestral homeland of any indigenous group for whom an ethnographic account exists. The ethnographically well-known Comanche, Lipan Apache, Waco and even the Tonkawa arrived in central Texas just before or during the early European contact period."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Association |first=Texas State Historical |title=The Tonkawa Indians: History, Culture, and Legacy |url=https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/entries/tonkawa-indians |access-date=2025-07-23 |website=Texas State Historical Association |language=en}}</ref><ref>Collins, Michael. The Prehistory of Texas, Texas A&M Anthropology Series, p.217, Timothy K. Perttula, editor</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Tribal histories project |url=https://www.txdot.gov/business/resources/environmental/compliance-toolkits/historic-resources/tribal-histories.html |access-date=2025-07-24 |website=www.txdot.gov |language=en}}</ref><ref>Prikryl, Daniel J. Fiction and Fact about the Titskanwatits, or Tonkawa, of East Central Texas. Bulletin of the Texas Archeological Society 72:63–72, 2001. <nowiki>https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth1013930/m1/69/</nowiki></ref>

===18th and 19th century=== Spanish explorers, including the Espinosa-Olivares-Aguirre expedition, traveled through the area for centuries though few permanent settlements were created for some time.<ref name="HOT: Hays Co">{{Handbook of Texas | name=Hays County | id=hch11 | retrieved=February 17, 2010 | author=Cecil, Paul F.; Greene, Daniel P.}} Texas State Historical Association.</ref> In the mid-18th century the San Xavier missions were established along the San Gabriel River in what is now western Milam County to facilitate exploration.<ref name="HOT: Williamson Co">{{Handbook of Texas|name=Williamson County|id=hcw11|retrieved=February 17, 2010|author=Odintz, Mark}} Texas State Historical Association.</ref>

In 1804 the fort Puesta del Colorado was established by the Spanish in what is now Bastrop.<ref name="HOT: Bastrop"/> In 1807 the San Marcos de Neve settlement (modern San Marcos) was established on the San Marcos River.<ref name="HOT: Hays Co"/> Following the independence of Mexico, of which Texas was a part, the empresario Stephen F. Austin issued grants to settlers in what is now Bastrop and Fayette Counties. During the mid-1820s settlements were established along the Colorado River near modern La Grange.<ref>{{Handbook of Texas | name=Fayette County | id=hcf03 | retrieved=February 17, 2010 | author=Garrett, Daphne Dalton}} Texas State Historical Association.</ref> The village of Mina (later renamed Bastrop) was established in 1827. Growth of the settlements was stagnant for some time because of conflicts with the Native Americans in the region.<ref name="HOT: Bastrop">{{Handbook of Texas | name=Bastrop, Texas | id=hgb04 | retrieved=February 17, 2010 | author=Marks, Paula Mitchell}} Texas State Historical Association.</ref> Nevertheless, the region sat along an important trade route known as the Camino Real de los Tejas, which ran from Mexico, though San Antonio and San Marcos, to Natchitoches.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.elcaminorealtx.com|title=El Camino Real de los Tejas Historic Trail|publisher=El Camino Real Trail Partners|access-date=March 12, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181122062932/http://www.elcaminorealtx.com/|archive-date=November 22, 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref> During the 1830s others, such as Martín Veramendi and Thomas G. McGehee, were issued land grants by the Mexican government to encourage settlement in the region.<ref name="HOT: Hays Co"/> A string of forts was established east of modern Austin in what was then the western frontier.<ref name="HOT:Travis Co">{{Handbook of Texas | name=Travis County| id=hct08 | author=Smyrl, Vivian Elizabeth | retrieved=February 17, 2010}} Texas State Historical Association.</ref>

In 1835 Texans fought for independence in the Texas Revolution and won. Following independence other settlements were gradually established including Waterloo and Brushy Creek (modern Round Rock).<ref name="HOT: Williamson Co"/> In 1839 a commission appointed by Texas President Mirabeau B. Lamar selected Waterloo as the site for the new capital and the name ''Austin'' was chosen as the town's new name.<ref>{{Handbook of Texas | name=Waterloo, Texas| id=hvw13 | retrieved=February 17, 2010}} Texas State Historical Association.</ref> In 1840 a series of conflicts between the Texas Rangers and the Comanche occurred. It began with the Council House Fight, also known as the Council House Massacre, in which a large number of Penateka Comanche leaders and family were killed in San Antonio while attending a peace treaty. The Comanche in turn attacked Victoria and Linnville in what is known as the Great Raid of 1840. This was followed by the Battle of Plum Creek near Lockhart, Texas, and finally in October of 1840 an expedition commanded by Colonel John Henry Moore in what is known as the Comanche Village Massacre.<ref>{{Handbook of Texas | name=Plum Creek, Battle of | id=btp04 | retrieved=February 17, 2010}} Texas State Historical Association.</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Comanche Village Massacre Historical Marker |url=https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=73318 |access-date=2026-04-22 |website=www.hmdb.org |language=en}}</ref> Travis County, originally part of Bastrop County, was established in 1840 and the surrounding counties were mostly established within the next two decades.<ref name="HOT:Travis Co"/><ref>{{Cite web |title=Introduction |url=https://traviscountyhistory.org/introduction/ |access-date=2026-04-22 |website=Travis County Archives |language=en}}</ref>

thumb|right|An 1873 illustration of Austin

In 1861, with the outbreak of the American Civil War, voters in Austin, Bastrop, and other Central Texas communities and counties voted against secession.<ref name="HOT: Bastrop"/><ref name="HOT: Austin"/> However, as the war progressed and fears of attack by Union forces increased, the communities contributed hundreds of men to the Confederate forces. With the end of the war and the emancipation of Texas slaves, the African American population of the area swelled dramatically. Black communities such as Wheatville, Pleasant Hill, and Clarksville were established around Austin by these newcomers.<ref name="HOT: Austin">{{Handbook of Texas | id=hda03 | name=Austin, Texas | author=Humphrey, David C. | retrieved=February 17, 2010}} Texas State Historical Association.</ref> The postwar period saw dramatic population and economic growth. The town of Bastrop became a significant manufacturing center producing iron, coal, and textiles.<ref name="HOT: Bastrop"/> The Chisolm Trail, one of the major routes for exporting cattle, passed through the region.<ref>{{Handbook of Texas | id=her03 | name=Round Rock, Texas | author=Scarbrough, Clara Stearns | retrieved=February 17, 2010}} Texas State Historical Association.</ref> The opening of the Houston and Texas Central Railway, connecting Austin with Houston, transformed Austin into the major trading center for the region. However, as new railroads were built through the region in the 1870s, Round Rock and other communities took over much of Austin's role as a trading center.<ref name="HOT: Austin"/> In 1868 the Coronal Institute was established in San Marcos and in 1873 Texas University (later renamed Southwestern University) was opened in Georgetown following the consolidation of five earlier colleges.<ref name="HOT: Coronal">{{Handbook of Texas | id=kbc42 | name=Coronal Institute | author=Young, Nancy Beck | retrieved=February 25, 2010}} Texas State Historical Association.</ref><ref name="HOT: Southwestern">{{Handbook of Texas | id=kbs40 | name=Southwestern University | author=Lansford, Edwin M. Jr. | retrieved=February 25, 2010}} Texas State Historical Association.</ref> During the 1880s Austin gained new prominence as the state capitol building was constructed and other universities were established in the area, most notably the University of Texas.<ref name="HOT: Austin"/> Cattle and cotton production were major economic drivers for many outlying communities.<ref name="HOT: San Marcos">{{Handbook of Texas | name=San Marcos, Texas | id=hes02 | author=Greene, Daniel P. | retrieved=February 25, 2010}} Texas State Historical Association.</ref> In the late 19th century Austin expanded its city limits to more than three times its former area and the Austin Dam was built to power a new street car line and the new municipal water system.<ref name="HOT: Austin"/>

===20th century=== In the early 20th century the Texas Oil Boom took hold creating tremendous economic opportunities in Southeast Texas and North Texas. The growth generated by this boom largely passed by Austin at first, with the city slipping from 4th largest to 10th largest in Texas between 1880 and 1920.<ref name="HOT: Austin"/> Bastrop, however, became a significant center for oil drilling and coal mining in the early-to-mid-20th century.<ref name="HOT: Bastrop"/> San Marcos, and some other communities, established significant manufacturing operations during the world wars substantially diversifying their economies.<ref name="HOT: San Marcos"/>

Beginning in the 1920s and 1930s, Austin launched a series of civic development and beautification projects that created much of the city's infrastructure and parks. In addition, the state legislature established the Lower Colorado River Authority that, along with the City of Austin, created the system of dams along the Colorado River that formed the Highland Lakes. These projects were enabled in large part by the fact that Austin received more Depression era relief funds than any other Texas city.<ref name="HOT: Austin"/>

During the mid- and later 20th century, Austin became firmly established as the major metropolitan center of what is now Greater Austin. Communities such as Round Rock, Georgetown, and San Marcos increasingly became attractive bedroom communities for Austin, even as each of these communities has maintained its own economic core as well.<ref name="HOT: San Marcos"/> In the late 20th century, the face of the Austin community was changing very rapidly.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.unpakt.com/blog/top-hipster-neighborhoods-in-austin/|title=Top Hipster Neighborhoods in Austin|date=April 7, 2014|access-date=May 3, 2017}}</ref>

==Geography== [[File:Balcones-canyonlands-nat-wildlife-refuge.jpg|thumb|150px|left|Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge.]]

Greater Austin is located in Central Texas along the Balcones Fault and Interstate 35, northeast of San Antonio. The bisecting Balcones Fault renders eastern portions relatively flat and western portions—located on the edge of the Texas Hill Country—mildly hilly.<ref>Baird (2009), p. 24.</ref>

The region is crossed by the Colorado River with several human-made lakes, known as the Highland Lakes, along its length.<ref name="HOT: Austin"/> Because the hills to the west are primarily limestone rock with a thin covering of topsoil, the western portions of the area are frequently subjected to flash floods from the runoff caused by thunderstorms.<ref name=Handbook>{{Handbook of Texas | id=ryh02| name=Hill Country | retrieved=November 7, 2009 | author=Jordan, Terry G.}} Texas State Historical Association.</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.news8austin.com/content/weather/watches_and_warnings/|title=Watches and warnings|publisher=News 8 Austin|access-date=February 7, 2010|archive-date=January 14, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100114040732/http://news8austin.com/content/weather/watches_and_warnings/|url-status=dead}}</ref> To help control this runoff and to generate hydroelectric power, the Lower Colorado River Authority operates a series of dams that form the lakes.<ref>{{Handbook of Texas | id=mwl03 | name=Lower Colorado River Authority | author=McCann, William | retrieved=February 7, 2010}} Texas State Historical Association.</ref>

The Austin area is located at the intersection of four major ecological regions and is consequently a temperate-to-hot green oasis with a highly variable climate having some characteristics of the desert, the tropics, and a wetter climate.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.stxmaps.com/go/birding-sites-in-south-texas.html|title=Birding in South Texas|publisher=Fodor's}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.srh.noaa.gov/images/ewx/aus/ausclisum.pdf|title=Austin Climate Summary|publisher=NOAA|access-date=February 7, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.visiting-austin-texas.com/austin-texas-weather.html|title=Austin Texas Weather Patterns|publisher=Visiting Austin Texas|access-date=February 7, 2010}}</ref> The area is very diverse ecologically and biologically, and is home to a variety of animals and plants.<ref>Vines (1984), p. 4–6.</ref> {| class="wikitable" style="float:right;" |+ {{nowrap|Highland Lakes}} |- ! Lake ! Dam |- | Lake Buchanan | Buchanan Dam |- | Inks Lake | Inks Dam |- | Lake LBJ | Wirtz Dam |- | Lake Marble Falls | Max Starcke Dam |- | Lake Travis | Mansfield Dam |- | Lake Austin | Tom Miller Dam |- | Lady Bird Lake | Longhorn Dam |}

The soils of Central Texas range from shallow, gravelly clay loams over limestone in the western outskirts to deep, fine sandy loams, silty clay loams, silty clays or clays in the city's eastern part. Some of the clays have pronounced shrink-swell properties and are difficult to work under most moisture conditions. Many of Austin's soils, especially the clay-rich types, are slightly to moderately alkaline and have free calcium carbonate.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sbs.utexas.edu/fowler/epveg/epgeol.htm|title=Geology (Edward's Plateau Ecology)|first1=Nora|last1=Fowler|author2=School of Biological Sciences|publisher=University of Texas at Austin|access-date=February 7, 2010}}</ref>

===Climate=== Greater Austin has a humid subtropical climate, characterized by hot summers and mild winters.<ref name="aboutweather">{{cite web|url=http://austin.about.com/od/weatherenvironment/a/weather.htm|title=Austin Weather & Climate|publisher=About.com|access-date=March 19, 2007|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070118231257/http://austin.about.com/od/weatherenvironment/a/weather.htm|archive-date=January 18, 2007}}</ref> On average, the City of Austin receives {{convert|33.6|in|mm|1}} of rain per year, with most of the precipitation in the spring, and a secondary maximum in the fall.<ref name="weatherdotcom"/> To the east, away from the Hill Country, precipitation is typically higher. For example, Bastrop receives an average of {{convert|38.0|in|mm|1}} of rain per year.<ref name="Weather: Bastrop">{{cite web|url=http://www.weather.com/outlook/recreation/golf/wxclimatology/monthly/graph/USTX0082|title=Monthly Averages for Bastrop, TX|publisher=Weather.com|access-date=February 16, 2010}}</ref> During springtime, severe thunderstorms sometimes occur, though tornados are rare in the city. Austin is usually at least partially sunny.

Central Texas summers are usually hot and humid, with average temperatures of approximately 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32 Celsius) from June until September. Temperatures above {{convert|100|°F|°C|0}} are common.<ref name="aboutweather" /><ref name="weatherdotcom">{{cite web|url=http://www.weather.com/weather/wxclimatology/monthly/graph/USTX0057|title=MontAverages|publisher=Weather.com|access-date=July 13, 2006}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.srh.noaa.gov/ewx/html/wxevent/2000_2001/sep2wx.htm|title=VERY HOT EARLY SEPTEMBER 2000 WEATHER|publisher=National Weather Service|access-date=March 19, 2007|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080103083353/http://www.srh.noaa.gov/ewx/html/wxevent/2000_2001/sep2wx.htm|archive-date=January 3, 2008}}</ref> For the entire year there is an average of 111 days above {{convert|90|°F|°C|0}} and 198 days above {{convert|80|°F|°C|0}} in the City of Austin.<ref name="aboutweather" /> In general temperatures are somewhat cooler to the west in the Hill Country than in the plains to the east. The average August high temperature in Marble Falls is {{convert|94|°F|°C|0}} compared to {{convert|96|°F|°C|0}} in Bastrop, and the average January low in Marble Falls is {{convert|33|°F|°C|0}} compared to {{convert|37|°F|°C|0}} in Bastrop.<ref name="Weather: Bastrop"/><ref name="Weather: Marble Falls">{{cite web|url=http://www.weather.com/outlook/recreation/golf/wxclimatology/monthly/graph/USTX0829|title=Monthly Averages for Marble Falls, TX|publisher=Weather.com|access-date=February 16, 2010}}</ref> Winters in the Austin area are mild and dry. For the entire year, Austin averages 88 days below {{convert|45|°F|°C|0}} and 24 days when the minimum temperature falls below freezing. Snowfall is rare in Central Texas, but the area suffers occasional ice storms each year that freeze over roads and can affect parts of the region for as much as 48 hours or more.<ref name="aboutweather" />

=== Boundaries === thumb|Greater Austin

==== Counties ==== As of March 2020, the U.S. Office of Management and Budget defines the Austin–Round Rock-San Marcos MSA as including Bastrop, Caldwell, Hays, Travis, and Williamson Counties. <ref> {{cite web|title=OMB Bulletin No. 20-01, Revised Delineations of Metropolitan, Micropolitan, and Combined Statistical Areas, 6 March 2020|url=https://bidenwhitehouse.archives.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Bulletin-20-01.pdf|access-date=December 25, 2021}} </ref>

The U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis includes the counties of Blanco, Burnet, Lee, Llano, Mason, and Milam Counties, in addition to the Austin MSA, in its definition of the Austin Economic Area.<ref>[https://www.bea.gov/regional/reis/complist.cfm?selfips=57013 Bureau of Economic Analysis] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170211032125/https://www.bea.gov/regional/reis/complist.cfm?selfips=57013 |date=February 11, 2017 }} – Definition of Austin Economic Area</ref> The Capital Area Council of Governments, an Austin-area intergovernmental cooperative, adds Blanco, Burnet, Fayette, Lee, and Llano Counties to the MSA counties in its definition of the metropolitan area.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.capcog.org/|title=Capital Area Council of Governments|publisher=Capital Area Council of Governments|access-date=February 16, 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090423184310/http://www.capcog.org/|archive-date=April 23, 2009}}</ref> {| class="wikitable sortable" !Census Area !2020 census<ref name="2020CensusDataPopulationMetroAreas" /> !2010 census !2000 census !1990 census |- !'''Bastrop''' | align="right" |97,216 | align="right" |74,171 | align="right" |57,733 | align="right" |38,263 |- !'''Caldwell''' | align="right" |45,883 | align="right" |38,066 | align="right" |32,194 | align="right" |26,392 |- !'''Hays''' | align="right" |241,067 | align="right" |157,127 | align="right" |97,589 | align="right" |65,614 |- !'''Travis''' | align="right" |1,290,108 | align="right" |1,024,266 | align="right" |812,280 | align="right" |576,407 |- !'''Williamson''' | align="right" |609,017 | align="right" |422,679 | align="right" |249,967 | align="right" |139,551 |- !'''Austin Metropolitan Area''' | align="right" |'''2,283,371''' | align="right" |'''1,716,309''' | align="right" |'''1,249,763''' | align="right" |'''846,227''' |}

==== Communities ==== The following are cities, towns, and villages categorized based on the United States Census Bureau 2024 population estimates.<ref>{{Cite web |title=City and Town Population Totals: 2020-2024 |url=https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/demo/popest/2020s-total-cities-and-towns.html |access-date=2025-06-14 |publisher=US Census Bureau |language=en}}</ref> No population estimates are released for census-designated places (CDPs), which are marked with an asterisk (*). These places are categorized based on their 2020 Census population.

===== Cities with more than 20,000 inhabitants ===== {| class="wikitable sortable" !City !2024 Estimate !2020 census !Change !Image |- |Austin |993,588 |961,855 | +3.30% |200px |- |Round Rock |135,359 |119,468 | +13.30% |200px |- |Georgetown |101,344 |67,176 | +50.86% |200px |- |Leander |87,511 |59,202 | +47.82% |200px |- |Cedar Park |78,380 |77,595 | +1.01% |200px |- |San Marcos |74,316 |67,553 | +10.01% |200px |- |Pflugerville |66,819 |65,191 | +2.50% |200px |- |Kyle | 65,833 | 45,697 | +44.06% |200px |- |Hutto |42,661 |27,577 | +54.70% |200px |- |Brushy Creek* | — |22,519 | — |200px |- |Manor |21,500 |13,652 | +57.49% |200px |}

===== Places with 5,000 to 20,000 inhabitants ===== {{Div col|colwidth=15em}} * Bastrop (12,720) * Bee Cave (8,510) * Buda (16,090) * Camp Swift* (7,943) * Dripping Springs (10,165) * Elgin (12,438) * Jarrell (5,151) * Lago Vista (10,201) * Lakeway (19,056) * Liberty Hill (11,984) * Lockhart (17,166) * Luling (5,752) * Taylor (17,872) * Wells Branch* (14,000) {{div col end}}

===== Places with 1,000 to 5,000 inhabitants ===== {{Div col|colwidth=15em}} * Bartlett (partial) (1,676) * Barton Creek* (3,356) * Briarcliff (2,387) * Circle D-KC Estates* (2,588) * Florence (1,211) * Garfield* (1,825) * Granger (1,209) * Hudson Bend* (4,005) * Jonestown (2,615) * Lost Creek* (1,276) * Martindale (1,266) * Mustang Ridge (1,002) * Point Venture (1,243) * Rollingwood (1,438) * Serenada* (2,098) * Shady Hollow* (4,822) * Smithville (4,335) * The Hills (2,342) * Thorndale (partial) (1,388) * Uhland (1,885) * West Lake Hills (3,208) * Wimberley (2,889) * Woodcreek (1,866) * Wyldwood* (3,694) {{div col end}}

===== Places with fewer than 1,000 inhabitants ===== {{Div col|colwidth=15em}} * Bear Creek (461) * Coupland (302) * Creedmoor (423) * Hays (264) * Mountain City (676) * Niederwald (720) * San Leanna (517) * Sunset Valley (617) * Thrall (873) * Volente (522) * Webberville (472) * Weir (770) {{div col end}}

===== Unincorporated places ===== {{Div col|colwidth=15em}} * Alum Creek * Andice * Butler * Cedar Creek * Colorado * Corn Hill * Dale * Delhi * Driftwood * Flower Hill * Hills (partial) * Hornsby Bend * Jeddo * Jollyville* * Kirtley (partial) * Manchaca * Maxwell * McDade * McNeil * Norman's Crossing * Paige * Prairie Lea * Sayersville * Schwertner * String Prairie * Red Rock * Rosanky * Theon * Togo * Upton * Walburg * Waterloo * Windemere* {{div col end}}

===== Other ===== More distant communities such as Marble Falls, Burnet, Johnson City, Killeen, and Lampasas are sometimes considered part of Greater Austin though they fall outside the bounds of the OMB definitions.<ref>Hylton (2006), p. 236, 370.</ref> There are almost 5 million people in the Austin-San Antonio corridor.

==Demographics== {{US Census population | 1950 = 160980 | 1960 = 212136 | 1970 = 295516 | 1980 = 536688 | 1990 = 781572 | 2000 = 1249763 | 2010 = 1716309 | 2020 = 2283371 | estyear = 2024 | estimate = 2550637 | align-fn = center | footnote = [https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html U.S. Decennial Census] [https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?g=310XX00US12420&y=2020&d=DEC%20Redistricting%20Data%20%28PL%2094-171%29&tid=DECENNIALPL2020.P1 2020 estimate] }} Greater Austin is one of the fastest growing large metropolitan areas in the U.S.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.statesman.com/story/news/local/2023/12/13/austin-population-metro-growth-georgetown-round-rock/71905598007/|title=Austin metro area claims fastest-growing population for 12th straight year}}</ref> In 2020, U.S. Census Bureau<ref name="USCensus2020">{{cite web|url=https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?g=310XX00US12420&y=2020&d=DEC%20Redistricting%20Data%20%28PL%2094-171%29&tid=DECENNIALPL2020.P2|title=P2 Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race|access-date=April 12, 2022}}</ref><ref name="US2020Housholds">{{cite web|url=https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?q=S1101%3A%20HOUSEHOLDS%20AND%20FAMILIES&g=310XX00US12420&y=2020&tid=ACSST5Y2020.S1101|title=Households and Families|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=April 12, 2022}}</ref> estimated that in the Austin–Round Rock–Georgetown MSA increased to 2,283,371 people, 796,315 households, and 495,990 families. The racial makeup of the metropolitan area was 66.4% White, 6.6% African American, 0.9% Native American, 7.0% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 11.1% from other races, and 16.5% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 31.9% of the population.

{{As of |2010}}, U.S. Census Bureau estimated that in the Austin–Round Rock–Georgetown MSA there were 1,719,289 people. The racial makeup of the metropolitan area was 72.9% White, 7.4% African American, 0.8% Native American, 4.8% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 10.9% from other races, and 3.2% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 31.4% of the population.

The median income for a household in the MSA was $46,512 and the median income for a family was $54,361. Males had a median income of $35,612 versus $27,095 for females. The per capita income for the MSA was $20,721.

{{As of|2014}}, the U.S. Census Bureau estimated the population of the Austin–Round Rock–Georgetown MSA had increased to 1,943,299.<ref name="Census pop">{{cite web|title=Table 1. Annual Estimates of the Resident Population: April 1, 2010 to July 1, 2019 – United States -- Metropolitan Statistical Area; and for Puerto Rico more information; 2019 Population Estimates|url=https://www.census.gov|access-date=June 11, 2020|work=2019 Population Estimates|publisher=United States Census Bureau, Population Division}}</ref> In 2010, the urban area population (as defined by the Census Bureau) was estimated to be 1,362,416 while the 2013 population of Austin proper estimated at 885,400.<ref name="Census: Urban Area">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/geo/www/ua/ua2k.txt|title=Population Densities|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=February 17, 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120622161742/http://www.census.gov/geo/www/ua/ua2k.txt|archive-date=June 22, 2012}}</ref><ref name="wwwcensusgov">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov|title=U.S. Census website|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=March 23, 2010}}</ref> {{clear}} {| class="wikitable" style="float: right; font-size:90%" |+Municipal population history 1950–2020<ref name="texasalmanac">[https://www.texasalmanac.com/sites/default/files/images/CityPopHist%20web.pdf Texas Almanac: City Population History from 1850–2000]. Population 1850–2000 ([https://www.texasalmanac.com/sites/default/files/images/CityPopHist%20web.pdf PDF]).Texas Almanac. Retrieved June 20, 2014.</ref> |- ! style="background-color: #cfb;" | # ! style="background-color: #cfb;" | Largest cities in Greater Austin ! style="background-color: #cfb;" | County ! style="background-color: #cfb;" | 1950 ! style="background-color: #cfb;" | 1960 ! style="background-color: #cfb;" | 1970 ! style="background-color: #cfb;" | 1980 ! style="background-color: #cfb;" | 1990 ! style="background-color: #cfb;" | 2000 ! style="background-color: #cfb;" | 2010 ! style="background-color: #cfb;" | 2020 |---- | align="right" | 1 || align="left" | Austin || align="left" | Travis || align="right" | 132,459 || align="right" | 186,545 || align="right" | 251,808 || align="right" | 345,496 || align="right" | 472,020 || align="right" | 656,562 || align="right" | 790,390 || align="right" | 961,855 |----- | align="right" | 2 || align="left" | Round Rock || align="left" | Williamson || align="right" | 1,438 || align="right" | 1,878 || align="right" | 2,811 || align="right" | 11,812 || align="right" | 30,923 || align="right" | 61,136 || align="right" | 99,887 || align="right" | 119,468 |----- | align="right" | 3 || align="left" | Cedar Park || align="left" | Williamson || align="right" | 202 || align="right" | 385 || align="right" | 692 || align="right" | 3,474 || align="right" | 5,161 || align="right" | 26,049 || align="right" | 48,937 || align="right" | 77,595 |---- | align="right" | 4 || align="left" | Georgetown || align="left" | Williamson || align="right" | 4,951 || align="right" | 5,218 || align="right" | 6,395 || align="right" | 9,468 || align="right" | 14,842 || align="right" | 28,339 || align="right" | 47,400 || align="right" | 67,176 |---- | align="right" | 5 || align="left" | San Marcos|| align="left" |Hays|| align="right" | 9,980 || align="right" | 12,713 || align="right" | 18,860 || align="right" | 23,420 || align="right" | 28,738 || align="right" | 34,733 || align="right" | 44,894 || align="right" | 67,553 |---- | align="right" | 6 || align="left" | Pflugerville|| align="left" | Travis || align="right" | - || align="right" | - || align="right" | 549 || align="right" | 745 || align="right" | 4,444 || align="right" | 16,335 || align="right" | 46,936 || align="right" | 65,191 |---- | align="right" | 7 || align="left" | Leander || align="left" | Williamson || align="right" | - || align="right" | - || align="right" | - || align="right" | 2,179 || align="right" | 3,398 || align="right" | 7,596 || align="right" | 26,521 || align="right" | 59,202 |---- | align="right" | 8 || align="left" | Kyle || align="left" | Hays || align="right" | n/a || align="right" | 1,023 || align="right" | 1,629 || align="right" | 2,093 || align="right" | 2,225 || align="right" | 5,314 || align="right" | 28,016 || align="right" | 45,697 |---- | align="right" | 9 || align="left" | Hutto || align="left" | Williamson || align="right" | n/a || align="right" | 400 || align="right" | 545 || align="right" | 659 || align="right" | 630 || align="right" | 1,250 || align="right" | 14,698 || align="right" | 25,367 |---- | align="right" | 10 || align="left" | Lakeway || align="left" | Travis|| align="right" | - || align="right" | - || align="right" | - || align="right" | 790 || align="right" | 4,044 || align="right" | 8,002 || align="right" | 11,391 || align="right" | 19,189 |---- | align="right" style="background-color: #cfb;" | || align="left" style="background-color: #cfb;" | '''Metropolitan Area total''' || align="right" style="background-color: #cfb;" | || align="right" style="background-color: #cfb;" | 160,980 || align="right" style="background-color: #cfb;" | 301,261 || align="right" style="background-color: #cfb;" | 398,938 || align="right" style="background-color: #cfb;" | 585,051 || align="right" style="background-color: #cfb;" | 846,227 || align="right" style="background-color: #cfb;" | 1,249,763 || align="right" style="background-color: #cfb;" | 1,716,289 || align="right" style="background-color: #cfb;" | 2,283,371 |} {{clear}}

==Economy== {| class="wikitable" style="float:left; font-size:80%;" |+ {{wrap|Employment by industry for MSA<ref>{{cite web|title=Employment by Industry, Austin MSA|url=https://www.austinchamber.com/economic-development/austin-profile/workforce/employment-by-industry|access-date=December 25, 2021}}</ref>}} |- ! Sector ! Percentage |- | Professional and business services | 18.3% |- | Government | 17.3% |- | Education and health services | 11.6% |- | Leisure and hospitality | 9.8% |- | Retail trade | 9.7% |- | Construction, natural resources, and mining | 6.4% |- | Financial activities | 6.3% |- | Manufacturing | 5.8% |- | Wholesale trade | 4.9% |- | Information | 3.6% |- | Transportation, warehousing, and utilities | 2.4% |- | Other services | 3.8% |}Greater Austin has a diverse economy, anchored by government, technology (particularly software and semiconductors), and education. The Austin-Round Rock MSA had an estimated gross domestic product of $168.4 billion in 2020, making it the 24th largest metropolitan economy in the U.S.<ref>{{cite web|title=GDP by MSA|url=https://www.bea.gov/data/gdp/gdp-county-metro-and-other-areas|access-date=December 25, 2021}}</ref>

Dell, Oracle Corporation and Tesla, Inc. are headquartered in Greater Austin. Other major employers include Accenture, Amazon, Apple, Applied Materials, Austin Independent School District, Ascension Seton HealthCare network, H-E-B Grocery, IBM, NXP Semiconductors, Samsung Semiconductors, St. David's HealthCare Partnership, the Texas State Government, the United States Federal Government, The University of Texas at Austin, Whole Foods, and Wal-Mart.<ref>{{cite web|title=Major Employers, Austin Chamber|url=https://www.austinchamber.com/economic-development/austin-profile/major-employers|access-date=December 25, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=The List: Austin Area Employers, Austin Business Journal|url=https://www.bizjournals.com/austin/subscriber-only/2021/07/30/the-list-austin-area-employers.html|access-date=December 25, 2021}}</ref>

==Culture and recreation== ===Annual events and festivals=== The communities in Greater Austin hold many annual events. In Austin two of the most well known festivals are the ''South by Southwest'' Music and Film Festival and the Austin City Limits Music Festival, which draw artists and spectators from around the world. Many other Austin festivals take place including the ''Old Pecan Street Festival'', ''Blues on the Green'', and the ''Laguna Gloria Art Museum Fiesta''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.austinchamber.com/LiveWork/AustinLifestyle/ArtsAndEntertainment.html#4|publisher=Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce|access-date=February 17, 2010|title=Arts and Entertainment|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100104165029/http://austinchamber.com/LiveWork/AustinLifestyle/ArtsAndEntertainment.html|archive-date=January 4, 2010}}</ref> The ''Texas Hill Country Wine and Food Festival'' is centered in Austin but takes place at restaurants and venues in multiple communities.<ref>Hylton (2006), p. 219.</ref>

Outside of Austin many communities host local events of their own. Marble Falls hosts the ''Bluebonnet Blues and Fine Arts Festival'', an event that attracts artists and performers from around the state to the community's downtown. Burnet hosts the Spring ''Bluebonnet Festival'', which features a golf tournament, car shows, vintage airplane shows, and other activities.<ref>Hylton (2006), p. 217.</ref> The ''Old Settler's Music Festival'' in Driftwood features live outdoor performances ranging from folk music to bluegrass and jazz.<ref>Hylton (2006), p. 218.</ref> Some area communities host civic heritage festivals including the ''Cedar Park Heritage Festival'' and the ''Chisolm Trail Round Up'' in Lockhart.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ci.cedar-park.tx.us/cp/page32992213.aspx|title=Heritage Fest and Parade|publisher=City of Cedar Park, TX|access-date=February 17, 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100413053346/http://www.ci.cedar-park.tx.us/cp/page32992213.aspx|archive-date=April 13, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lockhartchamber.com/ChisholmTrail.htm|title=Chisolm Trail Round Up|publisher=Lockhart Chamber of Commerce|access-date=February 17, 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090615145616/http://www.lockhartchamber.com/ChisholmTrail.htm|archive-date=June 15, 2009}}</ref> The ''Oktoberfest'' celebration in Fredericksburg is one of the largest and most traditional in Texas.<ref>Hylton (2006), p. 228.</ref>

Rodeo fairs occur annually including the ''Star of Texas Fair and Rodeo'' and the ''Burnet Rodeo''.

===Arts and music=== Austin has adopted the nickname "Live Music Capital of the World" based on its claim of having the highest percentage of music performers of any other major city.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/music/|title=Austin: Live Music Capital of the World|publisher=City of Austin, Texas|access-date=February 17, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070607230232/http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/music/|archive-date=June 7, 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref> The city has a variety of venues for live music performance of popular and country music including famous clubs such as Antone's and Emo's. The long-running television program Austin City Limits has for decades showcased the city's music scene, as has the South by Southwest festival and other events in the city. Apart from these the city hosts major classical music performances via the Austin Lyric Opera and the Austin Symphony Orchestra.

Other communities in the Austin Area host their own music venues and organizations as well. The Williamson County Symphony Orchestra, founded in 2002, offers performances at locations throughout the county.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.williamsoncountysymphonyorchestra.org/|title=Williamson County Symphony Orchestra|publisher=Williamson County Symphony Orchestra|access-date=February 17, 2010}}</ref> The Starlight Symphony, a community orchestra, offers performances at various venues within the southwestern areas of Greater Austin including San Marcos, Dripping Springs, and Johnson City.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.sanmarcosrecord.com/features/x546352309/Starlight-Symphony-opens-new-season-at-FBC-in-Wimberley|title=Starlight Symphony opens new season at FBC in Wimberley|work=San Marcos Record|date=October 13, 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110927145042/http://www.sanmarcosrecord.com/features/x546352309/Starlight-Symphony-opens-new-season-at-FBC-in-Wimberley|archive-date=September 27, 2011}}</ref> The Round Rock Symphony, a recently established organization, offers performances within Round Rock.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://impactnews.com/round-rock-pflugerville/148-nonprofit-profile/1697-round-rock-symphony|work=Community Impact Newspaper (Round Rock, Pflugerville)|title=Round Rock Symphony Share|author=Pulsifer, Eric|date=September 5, 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110713022355/http://impactnews.com/round-rock-pflugerville/148-nonprofit-profile/1697-round-rock-symphony|archive-date=July 13, 2011}}</ref>

===Sports=== {{Main|Sports in Austin}}

Austin's sole major-league professional sports team is Austin FC, a Major League Soccer team that debuted in 2021. Until then, the Austin metropolitan area was the second largest market in North America not to have any such franchises, behind the Inland Empire.<ref>{{cite news|last=Stejskal|first=Sam|date=October 8, 2021|title=Austin is now a hotbed of U.S. soccer, but Austin FC has on-field work to do|url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/2877087/2021/10/08/austin-is-now-a-hotbed-of-u-s-soccer-but-austin-fc-has-on-field-work-to-do/|work=The Athletic|access-date=May 12, 2022}}</ref> The area is also home to several minor-league teams, as well as the Texas Longhorns and Texas State Bobcats collegiate sports programs and the Circuit of the Americas motor-racing circuit.

Regional professional sports clubs include the Round Rock Express in AAA baseball, the Texas Stars in AHL hockey, the Austin Spurs in G-League basketball, the Austin Aztex in USL soccer, the Austin Outlaws in WFA football, and the Austin Aces in WTT tennis. In professional motorsport, the Circuit of the Americas hosts the United States Grand Prix and the Motorcycle Grand Prix of the Americas, as well as the X Games. Austin also hosts the Texas Rollergirls flat-track roller derby league.

The region is also home to several endurance and multi-sport race events, including the Austin Marathon, the Capitol 10K race, and the Capital of Texas Triathlon. Sizeable running, swimming and bicycling communities make use of a network of trails and greenbelts centered on the Lady Bird Lake Hike and Bike Trail and local pools like Barton Springs Pool.

===Parks and preserves=== thumb|right|Bastrop State Park The Austin area has long been known for its outdoor attractions and is home to numerous parks and nature preserves.

Major parks within the City of Austin include McKinney Falls State Park, Emma Long Metropolitan Park, Zilker Park, and Hippie Hollow Park. Mount Bonnell Park is a popular destination, located at one of the highest points in the city. Outside of the Austin various other parks, including Bastrop State Park, Lockhart State Park, and Longhorn Cavern State Park, are available. Further from the area's core is the Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, a {{convert|640|acre|adj=on}} park near Fredericksburg featuring a large granite mound that is popular with hikers and climbers. Additionally Pedernales Falls State Park in Johnson City, and Inks Lake State Park in Burnet, are among the many other parks available in Central Texas.

The largest nature preserve in the area is the Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge, a preserve northwest of Austin near Burnet and Marble Falls comprising {{convert|21436|acre}}.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fws.gov/southwest/refuges/texas/balcones/prescribedfire.html|title=Prescribed Burning at Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge|publisher=U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service|access-date=February 17, 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100409080023/http://www.fws.gov/southwest/refuges/texas/balcones/prescribedfire.html|archive-date=April 9, 2010}}</ref> Other preserves in the area include the Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve, the Louis René Barrera Indiangrass Wildlife Sanctuary, and the Onion Creek Wildlife Sanctuary. These preserves are all part of the Heart of Texas Wildlife Trail, a network of trails and sites for viewing wildlife habitats, created by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.

The region contains numerous universities. Major area universities include the University of Texas at Austin (flagship of the University of Texas System), Texas State University (flagship of the Texas State University System), and Southwestern University (Georgetown). The city of Austin itself contains numerous other institutions of higher education including Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary, Concordia University, Huston–Tillotson University, St. Edward's University, Austin Community College, and others. Additional institutions in the suburban communities include Temple College in Taylor and the Texas State University extension in Round Rock.

In 2006, 35% of adults in the City of Austin held college degrees, placing fourth among the 77 largest cities in the U.S.<ref>Hylton (2006), p. 3.</ref> {{As of|2010}} this percentage had climbed to 43.3%. In Round Rock 37.2% of adults held degrees, in Pflugerville 40.50% held degrees, in Cedar Park 39.1% held degrees, and in San Marcos 34.1% held degrees.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.usnews.com/money/best-places/listing/texas/round_rock|title=Best Places: Round Rock, TX|publisher=U.S. News & World Report|access-date=February 17, 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100131053829/http://www.usnews.com/money/best-places/listing/texas/round_rock|archive-date=January 31, 2010}} {{cite news|url=https://www.usnews.com/money/best-places/listing/texas/cedar_park|title=Best Places: Cedar Park, TX|publisher=U.S. News & World Report|access-date=February 17, 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091213142617/http://www.usnews.com/money/best-places/listing/texas/cedar_park|archive-date=December 13, 2009}} {{cite news|url=https://www.usnews.com/money/best-places/listing/texas/san_marcos|title=Best Places: San Marcos, TX|publisher=U.S. News & World Report|access-date=February 17, 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100131050743/http://www.usnews.com/money/best-places/listing/texas/san_marcos|archive-date=January 31, 2010}} {{cite news|url=https://www.usnews.com/money/best-places/listing/texas/pflugerville|title=Best Places: Pflugerville, TX|publisher=U.S. News & World Report|access-date=February 18, 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100129030442/http://www.usnews.com/money/best-places/listing/texas/pflugerville|archive-date=January 29, 2010}}</ref> This compares to 23.2% for all of Texas and 24.4% for the entire U.S. making the Austin area one of the most educated metropolitan areas in the U.S.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/48000.html|title=State & County QuickFacts: Texas|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=February 17, 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131023121850/http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/48000.html|archive-date=October 23, 2013}}</ref><ref>Urban Land Institute (1995), p. 13.</ref> {{Clear}}

===Primary and secondary=== [[File:AustinIndependentSchoolDistrictHeadquarters.JPG|thumb|Austin Independent School District headquarters]]

The region is served by numerous school districts. {{As of|2010}} the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce lists 29 public school districts, 17 charter schools, and 69 private schools.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.austinchamber.com/DoBusiness/GreaterAustinProfile/education.html|title=Education|publisher=Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce|date=February 16, 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081121160217/http://www.austinchamber.com/DoBusiness/GreaterAustinProfile/education.html|archive-date=November 21, 2008}}</ref>

The Chamber lists as the primary districts Austin ISD, Bastrop ISD, Del Valle ISD, Eanes ISD, Georgetown ISD, Hays CISD, Lake Travis ISD, Leander ISD, Pflugerville ISD, and Round Rock ISD.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.austinchamber.com/LiveWork/AustinLifestyle/Quickfacts.html#2|title=Quick Facts|publisher=Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce|access-date=February 16, 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081121135343/http://www.austinchamber.com/LiveWork/AustinLifestyle/Quickfacts.html|archive-date=November 21, 2008}}</ref> Adding to this list the San Marcos Consolidated Independent School District, there are a total of 11 core districts. {{As of|2009}} the Texas Education Agency ranks one district, Eanes, as "Exemplary", the highest rating. Three districts, Del Valle, Leander, and Round Rock, are ranked as "Recognized", the second highest rating. All of the others are ranked as "Academically Acceptable". These 12 districts operate 330 individual schools. Of these schools 98 (30%) are ranked as "Exemplary", and 87 (26%) are ranked as "Recognized".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ritter.tea.state.tx.us/perfreport/account/2009/districtlist.srch.html|title=2009 Accountability System: List by District|publisher=Texas Education Agency|access-date=February 16, 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091205050718/http://ritter.tea.state.tx.us/perfreport/account/2009/districtlist.srch.html|archive-date=December 5, 2009}}</ref> <!-- = Data from http://ritter.tea.state.tx.us/perfreport/account/2009/districtlist.srch.html

Austin ISD – AA 120 schools 24 exemplary 30 recognized Bastrop – AA 13 schools 3 exemplary 2 recognized Del Valle – Rec 12, 2, 6 Eanes – Ex 9, 9, 0 Georgetown – AA 18, 3, 8 Hays – AA 20, 4, 3 Lake Travis – AA 9, 5, 1 Leander – Rec 34, 16, 12 Marble Falls – AA 7, 2, 3 Pflugerville – AA 28, 3, 10 Round Rock – Rec 49, 24, 11 San Marcos – AA 11, 3, 1 -->

Major private schools in the area include Redeemer Lutheran School, Brentwood Christian School, Hill Country Christian School, Hyde Park Baptist School, the Regents School, Round Rock Christian Academy (Round Rock), Summit Christian Academy (Leander), St. Andrew's Episcopal School, and St. Michael's Academy.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.austinchamber.com/upload/files/ed/austin-private-schools-list.pdf|title=Private Elementary & Secondary Schools in the Austin MSA|publisher=Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce|date=March 18, 2018|access-date=March 18, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170131192542/https://www.austinchamber.com/upload/files/ed/austin-private-schools-list.pdf|archive-date=January 31, 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>

==Transportation== ===Highways=== The principal highways in the metropolitan area are Interstate 35 and the MoPac Expressway (State Highway Loop 1), both of which are the primary north–south roadways. Other important arteries in the city and its immediate vicinity are U.S. Highway 183 (also known as "Research Blvd."), and U.S. Highway 290 which provide East/West thoroughfares. Other important highways include State Highway 71 (also known as "Ben White Blvd.") which connects Austin with Houston to the south, and to Marble Falls and the Highland Lakes chain to the west. And State Highway Loop 360 is a scenic highway which runs to the north–south on the west side of Austin but curves westward into the hills. Loop 360 carries special scenic zoning as well preventing billboards and minimizing views of the surrounding buildings. Austin's new toll roads include State Highway 130, U.S. Highway 183-A, and State Highway 45 discussed below. Interstate 10 also runs through the extreme southern portion of Caldwell County.

[[File:Texas45.jpg|thumb|right|Interchange of Interstate 35 and State Highway 45 under construction in 2004.]] In November 2006, the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority (CTRMA)<ref>{{cite news|title=On the road again|first=D.Ann|last=Shiffler|newspaper=Austin Business Journal|date=September 26, 2003|url=http://austin.bizjournals.com/austin/stories/2003/09/29/focus1.html?page=2}}</ref> opened the first segment of the region's first toll road system. Both State Highway 130 and State Highway 45 toll roads run through portions of Austin and provide greatly increased mobility to the city. State Highway 130 prior to 2013 ran just south of Austin Bergstrom International Airport at US Highway 183 and ended at Interstate 35 north of Georgetown. It provides mobility and access to the easternmost part of Austin and Travis County, and allows residents in Williamson County easy access to the airport. This project, completed in October 2012, now ends at Interstate 10 just east of Seguin, about 30 miles east-northeast of San Antonio. The speed limit on the newly completed stretch is the highest in the United States, but not the first is Texas as I-10 has had an 85 mph speed limit for decades{{citation needed|date=December 2023}}{{when|The highway had 55-mph speed limit from 1973 to 1986 when it was raised to 65 mph for a several years|date=December 2023}}, at {{convert|85|mph|abbr=on}}. thumb|right|SH 45 was built on a fast-track basis with bonds sold in advance based on the projected toll revenues. State Highway 45 is part of an eventual partial loop that runs east from U.S. Highway 183 in Cedar Park to State Highway 130 at Pflugerville (east of Round Rock) where it merges with the SH 130 toll road, and then intersects with the southern portion of SH 45 near Buda, south of Austin. SH 45 is one of the very few East/West connectors in Austin, but it also connects to a tolled extension of Loop 1 (also known locally as the "Mopac Expressway") and allows direct access from to I-35 to Loop 1 by use of flyover connections rather than ground level intersections. The toll roads also provide access to the Dell headquarters and its approximately 16,000 employees.<ref name="bizjournals.com">Hall, Christine. "[http://www.bizjournals.com/austin/stories/2010/04/26/daily41.html Cyberstates: Texas second-largest tech employment]." ''Austin Business Journal''. Wednesday April 28, 2010. Retrieved May 4, 2010.</ref> Despite the overwhelming initial opposition to the toll road concept, both toll roads have improved mobility in and around the Austin area and are significantly exceeding their revenue projections.<ref name="Toll Road Revenue">{{cite news|first=Ben|last=Wear|title=Positive signs for financial future of Texas 130;|date=September 28, 2009|url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=AASB&p_theme=aasb&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&s_hidethis=no&p_field_label-0=Author&p_text_label-0=Ben%20Wear&p_field_label-1=title&p_bool_label-1=AND&s_dispstring=Toll%20revenue%20exceed%20AND%20byline(Ben%20Wear)%20AND%20date(09/01/2009%20to%2001/01/2010)&p_field_date-0=YMD_date&p_params_date-0=date:B,E&p_text_date-0=09/01/2009%20to%2001/01/2010)&p_field_advanced-0=&p_text_advanced-0=(Toll%20revenue%20exceed)&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&xcal_useweights=no|work=Austin American-Statesman|pages=B–1|access-date=August 7, 2010|quote=Report on the tollway...has been making more money than projected.}}</ref>

===Public transportation=== The metro area is served by buses of the Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Capital Metro). Capital Metro operates 48 fixed-route, 1 flex-route, and eight express bus services within the city of Austin and several nearby suburbs in Travis and Williamson counties. Capital Metro also operates the shuttles of the University of Texas, which provides limited-stop services to and from neighborhoods where many university students reside. A commuter rail service—the Red line of Capital MetroRail—began service on March 22, 2010, connecting Downtown Austin with the city of Leander.<ref name="Red line">{{cite web|url=http://www.capmetro.org/news/news_detail.asp?id=8395|title=Capital MetroRail Rolls Out Service|publisher=Capital Metro|access-date=March 23, 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100329211917/http://www.capmetro.org/news/news_detail.asp?id=8395|archive-date=March 29, 2010}}</ref>

The region's primary airport is Austin-Bergstrom International Airport.

==Politics== {| class="wikitable" style="float:right; font-size:95%;" |+ '''Presidential election results'''<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ourcampaigns.com/|title=Our Campaigns|access-date=July 22, 2020}}</ref> |- style="background:lightgrey;" ! Year ! DEM ! GOP ! Others |- | align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}} |'''2024''' | align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}} |'''59.4%''' ''634,882'' | align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}} |39.0% ''416,716'' | align="center" {{Party shading/None}} |1.7% ''18,012'' |- | align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}} |'''2020''' | align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}} |'''62.5%''' ''661,325'' | align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}} |35.6% ''377,293'' | align="center" {{Party shading/None}} |1.9% ''19,836'' |- | align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}} |'''2016''' | align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}} |'''56.3%''' ''441,316'' | align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}} |36.7% ''288,229'' | align="center" {{Party shading/None}} |7.0% ''54,966'' |- | align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}} |'''2012''' | align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}} |'''51.9%''' ''334,855'' | align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}} |44.8% ''288,873'' | align="center" {{Party shading/None}} |3.3% ''21,160'' |- | align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}} |'''2008''' | align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}} |'''56.3%''' ''367,229'' | align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}} |42.1% ''274,866'' | align="center" {{Party shading/None}} |1.6% ''10,640'' |- | align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}} |'''2004''' | align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}} |48.9% ''275,308'' | align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}} |'''49.3%''' ''277,916'' | align="center" {{Party shading/None}} |1.8% ''9,937'' |- | align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}} |'''2000''' | align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}} |37.8% ''174,349'' | align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}} |'''52.7%''' ''241,972'' | align="center" {{Party shading/None}} |9.3% ''42,927'' |- | align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}} |'''1996''' | align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}} |'''48.5%''' ''175,459'' | align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}} |43.6% ''157,717'' | align="center" {{Party shading/None}} |8.0% ''28,893'' |- | align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}} |'''1992''' | align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}} |'''44.1%''' ''170,871'' | align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}} |34.1% ''132,050'' | align="center" {{Party shading/None}} |21.8% ''84,653'' |- | align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}} |'''1988''' | align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}} |'''52.2%''' ''171,212'' | align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}} |47.1% ''154,497'' | align="center" {{Party shading/None}} |0.8% ''2,517'' |- | align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}} |'''1984''' | align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}} |40.5% ''118,843'' | align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}} |'''59.2%''' ''173,939'' | align="center" {{Party shading/None}} |0.3% ''885'' |- | align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}} |'''1980''' | align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}} |45.8% ''99,320'' | align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}} |'''47.6%''' ''103,350'' | align="center" {{Party shading/None}} |6.6% ''14,305'' |- | align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}} |'''1976''' | align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}} |'''53.0%''' ''103,380'' | align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}} |45.5% ''88,844'' | align="center" {{Party shading/None}} |1.5% ''2,999'' |- | align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}} |'''1972''' | align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}} |42.3% ''65,911'' | align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}} |'''57.2%''' ''89,233'' | align="center" {{Party shading/None}} |4.8% ''741'' |- | align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}} |'''1968''' | align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}} |'''49.8%''' ''54,317'' | align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}} |38.6% ''42,082'' | align="center" {{Party shading/None}} |11.6% ''12,674'' |- | align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}} |'''1964''' | align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}} |'''71.4%''' ''62,760'' | align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}} |28.5% ''25,059'' | align="center" {{Party shading/None}} |0.1% ''83'' |- | align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}} |'''1960''' | align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}} |'''58.5%''' ''40,943'' | align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}} |41.2% ''28,832'' | align="center" {{Party shading/None}} |0.3% ''190'' |} Politically, Greater Austin leans toward the Democratic Party, though it has voted Republican in the past, such as during Texan George W. Bush's presidential victories in 2000 and 2004. However, at a local level, Austin has only two Democrats, Lloyd Doggett and Greg Casar, representing any part of it in Congress.

==Notes== {{notelist}}

==References== ;General {{Reflist}}

;Specific * {{Cite book|title=Insiders' Guide to Austin|author1=Hylton, Hilary|author2=Rossie, Cam|publisher=Globe Pequot|year=2006|edition=5th|isbn=978-0-7627-4041-3|location=Guilford, CT|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5j3-6BBOmowC}} * {{Cite book|title=Census of population and housing (2000): Texas Summary Population and Housing Characteristics|editor=Kincannon, Charles Louis|date=October 2002|publisher=United States Census Bureau, U.S. Dept. of Commerce|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Vw8FXF7_djsC|isbn=978-1-4289-8674-9}} * {{Cite book|title=ULI market profiles: North America|volume=3|year=1995|publisher=Urban Land Institute|isbn=978-99959-776-3-4|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=siZPAAAAMAAJ}}

==External links== * [http://www.austinchamber.com/ Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce]

Category:Greater Austin Category:Geography of Travis County, Texas Category:Geography of Hays County, Texas Category:Geography of Caldwell County, Texas Category:Geography of Williamson County, Texas Category:Geography of Bastrop County, Texas