Small city in Bastrop County, part of the Austin metro
Living in Bastrop, TX
88th of 192Texas cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people
Overall score 54 of 100
29th of 58 in the Austin area
Bastrop earns a grade of C+ on our index, 88th of 192 Texas cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people. It does best on errands and things to do and internet access, and trails on safety and health. It is a strong pick for young professionals and remote workers.
- Good for young professionals
- Good for remote workers
- Fast-growing
- Safety scores low (9 of 100)
- River flooding risk is very high
- Population
- 13,383+38.2% since 2020
- Median rent
- $1,443about the same as Texas
- Median home value
- $339,60020% higher than Texas
- Household income
- $81,551Median
- Average commute
- 30 minOne way
- Violent crime
- 464Per 100k, 2025
What it's like to live in Bastrop
Bastrop sits about 29 miles from downtown Austin, in the Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos metro. 13,383 people lived here in 2025, up 38.2% from 2020, so it is one of the faster-growing places in Texas. It is spread out, with mostly newer homes (the median home was built in 2000).
Local spots people know include Bob Bryant Park, Fisherman's Park and Mayfest Park.
The median age is 40.2, 24% of households have children, 56% of homes are owned by the people living in them and the typical household earns $81,551 a year (about the same as the Texas median).
Pros of living in Bastrop
- Growing fast. The population grew 38% from 2020 to 2025, which usually means new homes, shops and jobs.
Cons of living in Bastrop
- Natural hazard risk. FEMA rates the risk of river flooding, tornadoes and hail as very high here.
- Long, hot summers. Expect about 124 days a year at 90°F or hotter.
Who Bastrop suits
- FamiliesNot the best fit: 33% of rated schools earn an A or B and violent crime is 20% higher than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 36% for families.
- Young professionalsA strong fit: household income is about the same as the Texas median, with 122 restaurants and 12 cafes in town. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 82% for young professionals.
- RetireesNot the best fit: 15% of working-age adults are uninsured and violent crime is 20% higher than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 35% for retirees.
- Remote workersA strong fit: 96% of homes have broadband and the median rent of $1,443 is about the same as the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 85% for remote workers.
- People on a budgetNot the best fit: the median rent of $1,443 is about the same as the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 39% for people on a budget.
Bastrop report card
Ten grades, one for each part of daily life we measure. Most compare Bastrop with other US cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people. Schools, safety and errands compare it with other Texas cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people.
Cost of living: grade C+
Median rent $1,443, homes cost 4.2x income.
52 of 100 vs US citiesJobs and income: grade C
Median household income $81,551, 7.2% unemployed.
41 of 100 vs US citiesSchools: grade C
6 rated campuses, 33% rated A or B.
45 of 100 vs TX citiesSafety: grade D-
464 violent crimes per 100k, 2,857 property crimes per 100k.
9 of 100 vs TX citiesErrands and things to do: grade B+
4 grocery stores, 122 restaurants, 24 parks mapped in town.
78 of 100 vs TX citiesGetting around: grade C+
Average commute 30 min, 11% work from home.
53 of 100 vs US citiesEducation levels: grade C
35% have a bachelor’s degree.
44 of 100 vs US citiesHealth: grade C-
15% of adults uninsured.
32 of 100 vs US citiesHome ownership: grade C+
56% of homes owner-occupied.
51 of 100 vs US citiesInternet access: grade B+
96% of homes have broadband.
77 of 100 vs US cities
Where Bastrop stands out compared with Texas
Better than Texas
- People below the poverty line: 7.2%7 points lower than Texas (14%)
- Vacant homes: 3.6%6 points lower than Texas (9.4%)
- Renters paying 30%+ of income on rent: 47%5 points lower than Texas (52%)
Worse than Texas
- Homes owned by the people living in them: 56%6 points lower than Texas (63%)
- Home value to income: 4.2x15% higher than Texas (3.6x)
- Average commute: 30 min13% higher than Texas (27 min)
Cost of living in Bastrop
Bastrop renters pay a median of $1,443 a month, about the same as the statewide median. The usual rule is to spend no more than 30% of income on rent, which means earning around $58,000 a year for a median unit. Right now 47% of renters here pay more than 30% of their income on rent.
HUD sets fair market rents for this area at $1,530 for a one-bedroom, $1,817 for a two-bedroom and $2,292 for a three-bedroom (fiscal year 2027). These figures include utilities and describe a modest unit, so newer apartments often ask for more.
The median home is worth $339,600, 20% higher than the Texas median. With 20% down and a 30-year loan at 7.28%, the monthly payment comes to about $1,859 before tax, or $2,386 with property tax. That is $943 a month more than the median rent, so renting is the cheaper monthly choice unless you plan to stay for years.
Texas has no state income tax, but property taxes are among the highest in the country. The median homeowner in Bastrop pays $6,323 a year, 49% higher than the Texas median of $4,232. Budget for it, along with homeowners insurance, which our numbers do not include.
See the full cost of living breakdown for Bastrop
Typical rent by apartment size
| Measure | Here | Texas | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median rentAbout the same as Texas | $1,443 | $1,403 | $1,413 |
| Median home value20% higher than Texas | $339,600 | $283,800 | $332,700 |
| Home value to income15% higher than Texas | 4.2x | 3.6x | 4.1x |
| Renters paying 30%+ of income on rent5 points lower than Texas | 47% | 52% | 51% |
| Median property tax per year49% higher than Texas | $6,323 | $4,232 | $3,119 |
| Homes owned by the people living in them6 points lower than Texas | 56% | 63% | 65% |
| Median year homes were builtAbout the same as Texas | 2000 | 1992 | 1980 |
Monthly cost to buy a median home
- Mortgage payment
- $1,859
- Property tax
- $527
- Median rent, for comparison
- $1,443
Based on a $339,600 home in Bastrop, 20% down and a 30-year loan at 7.28% (Freddie Mac average, week of 2026-10-01). Property tax is the median paid locally, or the county median where the local figure is not published. Insurance and fees are not included.
Is Bastrop safe?
In 2025, Bastrop Police Department reported 63 violent crimes and 388 property crimes. That works out to 464 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 20% higher than the Texas rate of 387, and 2,857 property crimes per 100,000, 37% higher than the state rate.
Violent crime has been fairly steady since 2021.
Crime rates describe the whole area a police department covers. Some streets are much quieter than the average and some are busier, so look at the neighborhood grades and visit at different times of day.
Violent crimes per 100,000 people by year. The dashed line is the Texas rate for 2025.
Property crimes per 100,000 people by year.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer, Bastrop Police Department, 2025. Rates count reported crimes only and cover the area this police department serves.
Schools in Bastrop
Bastrop has 6 public school campuses with a 2025 state rating inside the city, and 33% of them earn an A or B. Most students here are served by Bastrop ISD.
Top-rated campuses include Colorado River Collegiate Academy. The average rating score across all campuses is 80 out of 100, against a Texas median of 81.
Texas districts usually assign students by attendance zone rather than the closest campus, so check the zone for a specific address with the district before you sign a lease or buy.
Ratings are the 2025 Texas Education Agency A to F accountability ratings. Always check which school serves a specific address with the district.
Top-rated schools
- AColorado River Collegiate AcademyHigh, Bastrop ISD98 of 100
- BBastrop High SchoolHigh, Bastrop ISD86 of 100
- CBastrop IntermediateMiddle, Bastrop ISD77 of 100
- CBastrop MiddleMiddle, Bastrop ISD75 of 100
- CEmile ElementaryElementary, Bastrop ISD73 of 100
Daily life in Bastrop
Everyday places mapped inside Bastrop, from Overture Maps. Well-known spots include Bob Bryant Park, Fisherman's Park, Mayfest Park.
The average one-way commute is 30 minutes, 13% longer than the Texas average. 11% of workers work from home. 5.8% walk, bike or take transit to work.
Downtown Austin is about 29 miles away in a straight line. Many people who live in Bastrop work elsewhere in the metro, so test the drive at rush hour before you commit.
The median household income is $81,551, income per person is $41,634, unemployment is 7.2% and 35% of adults hold a bachelor's degree.
Jobs, income and education
| Measure | Here | Texas | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median household income4% higher than Texas | $81,551 | $78,476 | $80,734 |
| Income per personAbout the same as Texas | $41,634 | $40,752 | $44,673 |
| Unemployment rate2 points higher than Texas | 7.2% | 5.3% | 5.2% |
| People below the poverty line7 points lower than Texas | 7.2% | 14% | 12% |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher1 points higher than Texas | 35% | 34% | 36% |
| Adults with a high school diploma or higher4 points higher than Texas | 90% | 86% | 90% |
| Adults 18 to 64 without health insurance5 points lower than Texas | 15% | 20% | 11% |
| Homes with broadband internet4 points higher than Texas | 96% | 91% | 91% |
Getting to work
| Measure | Here | Texas | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average commute13% higher than Texas | 30 min | 27 min | 26 min |
| Workers who work from home3 points lower than Texas | 11% | 14% | 15% |
Who lives in Bastrop
Median age 40.2 years. 24% of households have children.
Race and ethnicity
Shown for information only. It is never part of any grade.
Weather in Bastrop
Bastrop has a hot Texas climate. July highs average 95°F and January lows about 39°F. There are about 124 days a year at 90°F or above, and about 37 inches of rain a year.
Average daily high and low by month, °F, with rain below. NOAA 1991 to 2020 normals from Smithville, 11 mi away. Orange months average 90°F or more.
Natural hazard risk
FEMA's National Risk Index says river flooding risk is very high, hurricane risk is moderate, tornado risk is very high and hail risk is very high. Before you buy, look up the FEMA flood zone for the exact address and get a flood insurance quote, since standard home policies do not cover floods.
- River floodingVery high
- HurricanesModerate
- TornadoesVery high
- HailVery high
- Heat wavesHigh
- WildfiresHigh
- Winter stormsHigh
- Strong windHigh
Source: FEMA National Risk Index, December 2025, Census tract level averaged for the city. Check the FEMA flood map for any address before you buy.
Places near Bastrop
Nearby, Camp Swift gets an F, Circle D-KC Estates gets a C- and Wyldwood gets a C+. Each is graded against Texas places of its own size, so a small town and a big city can both earn an A.
- FCamp SwiftTown, 8,239 people5 mi
- C-Circle D-KC EstatesTown, 3,135 people6 mi
- C+WyldwoodTown, 4,934 people10 mi
- FRosankyTown, 1,695 people11 mi
- D+SmithvilleTown, 4,216 people12 mi
- D+McDadeTown, 1,070 people12 mi
Bastrop in the Austin area
How it ranks among 58 places in the metro.
- 1A+The Hills2,516 people14 mito downtown
- 2A+Rollingwood1,316 people3 mito downtown
- 3A+Brushy Creek19,576 people15 mito downtown
- 26BFlorence1,061 people38 mito downtown
- 27B-Austin979,539 people0 mito downtown
- 28C+Wells Branch13,523 people11 mito downtown
- 29C+Bastrop11,156 people29 mito downtown
- 30C+Wyldwood4,934 people20 mito downtown
- 31C+Bartlett1,941 people39 mito downtown
- 32C+Lago Vista9,650 people18 mito downtown
Living in Bastrop: common questions
Is Bastrop, TX a good place to live?
Bastrop earns a grade of C+ on our index, 88th of 192 Texas cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people. It does best on errands and things to do and internet access, and trails on safety and health. It is a strong pick for young professionals and remote workers.
How much does it cost to live in Bastrop?
Renters in Bastrop pay a median of $1,443 a month, about the same as the Texas median. The median home is worth $339,600, 20% higher than the Texas median. A median home costs 4.2x the median household income, compared with 3.6x across Texas. With 20% down at a 7.28% rate, the monthly payment on a median home is about $2,386, including property tax.
Is Bastrop safe?
In 2025, Bastrop Police Department reported 464 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 20% higher than the Texas rate. Property crime was 2,857 per 100,000, 37% higher than the Texas rate.
Are the schools good in Bastrop?
We found 6 rated public school campuses inside Bastrop. 33% are rated A or B by the Texas Education Agency. Its schools score is 45 of 100 compared with other Texas cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people.
Does Bastrop flood?
FEMA rates river flooding risk in Bastrop as very high, and coastal flooding as not rated. Hazards rated high or very high here: river flooding, tornadoes, heat waves, hail, wildfires, winter storms and strong wind. Always check the flood map for a specific address before you buy.
What is the weather like in Bastrop?
Summers in Bastrop peak at about 95°F in July, and January nights fall to about 39°F. Expect around 124 days a year at 90°F or hotter, and 37 inches of rain.
How long is the commute in Bastrop?
The average one-way commute is 30 min, 13% higher than the Texas average. About 11% of workers work from home. It is about 29 miles from downtown Austin.
Sources: US Census Bureau 2020-2024 ACS 5-year and 2025 population estimates, CDC PLACES 2025, Texas Education Agency 2025 ratings, FBI Crime Data Explorer, FEMA National Risk Index, NOAA climate normals, HUD fair market rents, Overture Maps. Updated 2026-10-04. How we grade.