Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Austin, TX
Thinking of moving to Austin, TX? With a vibrant population of 974,447 and a median home price of $567,000, Austin is known for its dynamic culture, top-ranked schools, and booming job market. The city blends a relatively moderate cost of living with warm, sunny weather year-round, and offers an average commute of 25.8 minutes. While property crime rates are a bit higher than average, Austin stands out for its excellent higher education options, tech scene, and unique music and food culture. Dive into the details below to see if Austin is the right fit for your next move!
Demographics - Austin, TX
Demographics - Austin, TX
Austin is a diverse city of nearly one million residents, with a youthful median age of 34.7 and a balanced gender ratio. The population features a blend of ethnicities, including significant White, Hispanic, Black, and Asian communities, and about 27% of residents speak a language other than English at home. Its vibrant demographic mix contributes to Austin's dynamic cultural scene and inclusive atmosphere.
Population:
974,447
Density:
3,100 per sq mi
Median Age:
34.7
Gender Ratio:
101 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
26.6%
Ethnic Composition
White:
48.8%
Black:
7.8%
Asian:
7.3%
Others:
36.1%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Austin, TX?
Austin's overall cost of living is moderately high, with a cost of living index of 119.3 and a median home value around $567,000. While groceries and healthcare remain relatively affordable, housing costs are notably above the national average, and typical rents for a two-bedroom apartment are about $1,650 per month. Texas’s lack of state income tax can help balance some living expenses for residents.
Median House Value:
$567,000
Gross Rent:
$1,650
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$150
Auto Insurance:
$1,340
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,350
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$800
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
0%
Cost Of Living Index:
119.3
Grocery:
97.5
Housing:
130.8
Utilities:
106.5
Transportation:
104.2
Health Care:
97.3
Miscellaneous:
98.0
Crime
Is Austin, TX a safe place to live?
Austin experiences a property crime rate higher than the national average, with about 3,066 property crimes per 100,000 people, while violent crime remains relatively low at 318 incidents per 100,000. Residents have roughly a 1 in 33 chance of being affected by property crime but a much lower risk of violent crime. The city’s diverse neighborhoods offer varying safety profiles, making local research important for newcomers.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
318
Property Crimes Per 100k:
3,066
Crime Index:
3,384
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 314
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 33
Weather
What is the weather like in Austin, TX year-round?
Austin enjoys a warm climate with mild winters averaging highs in the low 60s, hot summers peaking near 97°F, and around 60% sunny days each year. The city receives about 35.5 inches of rainfall annually, supporting its lush green spaces and outdoor lifestyle. Seasonal changes are distinct but rarely extreme, making Austin ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.
Winter
Min:
42°F
Max:
62°F
Spring
Min:
56°F
Max:
80°F
Summer
Min:
74°F
Max:
97°F
Fall
Min:
58°F
Max:
81°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
35.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
60%
Neighbors
Residents of Austin benefit from a median household income of about $89,000 and a relatively low unemployment rate of 3.3%. The area has a well-educated population, with over half holding at least a bachelor’s degree, and an average commute time of just under 26 minutes. Neighborhoods are diverse, contributing to the city's inclusive and welcoming feel.
Median Income:
$44,600
Household Income:
$89,415
Family Income:
$113,000
Per Capita Income:
$47,580
Income Male:
$54,400
Income Female:
$47,200
Poverty Rate:
12.5%
Non English Speakers:
26.6%
Rent:
$1,650
Unemployment Rate:
3.3%
Public Transport Usage:
3.1%
Commute Time:
25.8 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
90.6%
Bachelors or More:
54.5%
Education
How are the schools in Austin, TX?
Austin is home to top-rated public and private schools, as well as renowned higher education institutions like The University of Texas at Austin. Public schools such as LASA and Anderson High School offer strong academic programs and reasonable student-teacher ratios. The city’s diverse educational landscape makes it attractive for families and lifelong learners alike.
Public Schools
Name:
Liberal Arts and Science Academy (LASA)
Street:
1012 Arthur Stiles Rd
Phone:
512-414-5272
Students:
1,300
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.0
Name:
Anderson High School
Street:
8403 Mesa Dr
Phone:
512-414-2538
Students:
2,200
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.5
Private Schools
Name:
St. Andrew's Episcopal School
Street:
1112 W 31st St
Phone:
512-299-9800
Students:
940
Colleges
Name:
The University of Texas at Austin
City:
Austin
State:
TX
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
51,000
Name:
St. Edward's University
City:
Austin
State:
TX
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
4,000
Healthcare
Austin offers strong healthcare access, anchored by major hospitals such as St. David's Medical Center and Ascension Seton Medical Center, and a physician-to-resident ratio of 2.6 per 1,000 people. About 86% of residents have health insurance coverage, and the city's healthcare index reflects reliable services. Emergency care and specialized medical facilities are readily available throughout the city.
Major Hospitals
Name:
St. David's Medical Center
Address:
919 E 32nd St, Austin, TX 78705
Phone:
(512) 476-7111
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Ascension Seton Medical Center Austin
Address:
1201 W 38th St, Austin, TX 78705
Phone:
(512) 324-1000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
85.6%
Health Care Index:
76.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Austin, TX?
The Austin housing market is robust, with a median home price of $567,000 and a one-year appreciation rate of 3.1%. Owner-occupied housing accounts for nearly 45% of residences, and the rental market remains competitive with average rents around $1,650 for a two-bedroom. New construction and low foreclosure rates signal continued demand and growth.
Median Home Price:
$567,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,650
Owner Occupied Rate:
44.9%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.1%
New Construction Rate:
2.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Vehicle registration, licensing, and related services in Austin are managed by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located on Jackson Avenue. Residents can access comprehensive information and online services through the official state DMV website. The facility provides support for new residents, renewals, and general motor vehicle needs.
State:
Texas
Department:
Texas Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
4000 Jackson Ave, Austin, TX 78731
Phone:
1-888-368-4689
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.