RANK #918 / 996 · POP 98,435 · TX
PROJECTED GROWTH: -2.0%
Bastrop County, Texas, is often recognized for its "Lost Pines," a unique forest of loblolly pines isolated from East Texas pine regions. Located about 30 miles southeast of Austin, the county offers a blend of rural charm and accessibility to city amenities. The Colorado River flows through the county, providing opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing. Bastrop State Park and McKinney Roughs Nature Park offer extensive trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, along with camping and water activities on Lake Bastrop. The area maintains a small-town feel, with historic communities like Bastrop, Elgin, and Smithville. Commute options to Austin are available via major highways like SH 71, and public transportation is provided by CARTS, including on-demand services.
Life in Bastrop County appeals to families, retirees, and remote workers seeking a quieter lifestyle with access to nature. The economy is experiencing growth driven by investments in various sectors. Advanced manufacturing and technology are expanding, with new facilities and corporate relocations contributing to job creation. Infrastructure improvements, including broadband expansion, support both existing businesses and emerging industries. The county is also seeing development in commercial and residential spaces, as well as the film and energy sectors. Bastrop County Independent School District, Elgin Independent School District, McDade Independent School District, and Smithville Independent School District serve the area's students.
Above national median (4.7x)
Above national median
Prices declining
Moderate climate & terrain
Housing is fairly valued at 6.9x relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
EdgeConneX Data Center Campus
EdgeConneX
|
$1,440M | Under Construction |
|
Sendero Mixed-Use Development
|
$300M | Under Construction |
|
Big Star Solar and Battery Storage Project
RWE
|
$280M | Operating |
|
SpaceX/Starlink Expansion
SpaceX/Starlink
|
$280M | Under Construction |
|
Bastrop County Judicial Complex & Jail Expansion
Bastrop County
|
$186M | Planned |
|
SH-71 Overpass and Frontage Roads
TxDOT
|
$183M | Under Construction |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Bastrop County has a Boom Town Index score of 8/100, ranking #918 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +4.6% and a median household income of $80,151, it faces some economic headwinds compared to faster-growing counties.
The median home value in Bastrop County is $235,900 with median rent at $1,195/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.3398, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +3.7% year-over-year. Job growth: +4.6%. Home values changed -3.8% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 5.65% of Bastrop County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.