Small city in Williamson County, part of the Austin metro

Living in Brushy Creek, TX

A+

10th of 192Texas cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people
Overall score 96 of 100
3rd of 58 in the Austin area

We give Brushy Creek an A+. It ranks 10th of 192 Texas cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people. It does best on internet access and schools, and trails on getting around. It is a strong pick for families, young professionals, retirees and remote workers.

  • Good for families
  • Good for young professionals
  • Good for retirees
  • Good for remote workers
  • Top-rated schools
  • Well connected
  • Hail risk is very high
Map of Texas showing where Brushy Creek isHoustonSan AntonioDallasFort WorthBrushy Creek
Where Brushy Creek is in Texas.
Population
19,576
Median rent
$2,12752% higher than Texas
Median home value
$499,30076% higher than Texas
Household income
$138,589Median
Average commute
24 minOne way
Violent crime
No dataNo full-year report

What it's like to live in Brushy Creek

Brushy Creek sits about 15 miles from downtown Austin, in the Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos metro. About 19,576 people live here. It is suburban.

Places locals use include Olson Meadows Park, Fern Bluff Park and Cat Hollow Park.

The median age is 39.5, 42% of households have children, 73% of homes are owned by the people living in them and the typical household earns $138,589 a year (77% higher than the Texas median).

Pros of living in Brushy Creek

  • Strong public schools. 100% of the 6 rated campuses here earn an A or B from the Texas Education Agency.
  • High incomes. The median household earns $138,589, 77% higher than the Texas median.

Cons of living in Brushy Creek

  • Higher rent. Median rent is $2,127, 52% higher than the Texas median.
  • Natural hazard risk. FEMA rates the risk of hail as very high here.
  • Long, hot summers. Expect about 114 days a year at 90°F or hotter.

Who Brushy Creek suits

  • FamiliesA strong fit: 100% of rated schools earn an A or B. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 94% for families.
  • Young professionalsA strong fit: household income is 77% higher than the Texas median, with 17 restaurants and 4 cafes in town. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 91% for young professionals.
  • RetireesA strong fit: 8.7% of working-age adults are uninsured. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 92% for retirees.
  • Remote workersA strong fit: 99% of homes have broadband and the median rent of $2,127 is 52% higher than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 96% for remote workers.
  • People on a budgetA reasonable fit: the median rent of $2,127 is 52% higher than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 57% for people on a budget.

Brushy Creek report card

Ten grades, one for each part of daily life we measure. Most compare Brushy Creek 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 B-

    Median rent $2,127, homes cost 3.6x income.

    57 of 100 vs US cities

  • Jobs and income: grade A

    Median household income $138,589, 3.2% unemployed.

    89 of 100 vs US cities

  • Schools: grade A

    6 rated campuses, 100% rated A or B.

    95 of 100 vs TX cities

  • Safety: no grade

    No full year of crime data from local police.

    No score vs TX cities

  • Errands and things to do: grade B-

    3 grocery stores, 17 restaurants, 20 parks mapped in town.

    57 of 100 vs TX cities

  • Getting around: grade D

    Average commute 24 min, 31% work from home.

    23 of 100 vs US cities

  • Education levels: grade A

    58% have a bachelor’s degree.

    93 of 100 vs US cities

  • Health: grade B+

    8.7% of adults uninsured.

    73 of 100 vs US cities

  • Home ownership: grade A-

    73% of homes owner-occupied.

    86 of 100 vs US cities

  • Internet access: grade A+

    99% of homes have broadband.

    99 of 100 vs US cities

Where Brushy Creek stands out compared with Texas

Better than Texas

  • Median household income: $138,58977% higher than Texas ($78,476)
  • Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher: 58%24 points higher than Texas (34%)
  • Renters paying 30%+ of income on rent: 37%15 points lower than Texas (52%)

Worse than Texas

  • Median rent: $2,12752% higher than Texas ($1,403)
  • Workers who walk, bike or take transit: 0.7%2 points lower than Texas (2.6%)

Cost of living in Brushy Creek

Rent is the cost most newcomers feel first. The median rent in Brushy Creek is $2,127 a month, 52% higher than the Texas median of $1,403. To keep that rent at 30% of income, a household needs to earn about $85,000 a year. Right now 37% 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 $499,300, 76% higher than the Texas median. With 20% down and a 30-year loan at 7.28%, the monthly payment comes to about $2,733 before tax, or $3,387 with property tax. That is $1,260 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 Brushy Creek pays $7,846 a year, 85% 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 Brushy Creek

Typical rent by apartment size

Fair market rent by bedroom count in Brushy CreekStudio$1,4471 bedroom$1,5302 bedrooms$1,8173 bedrooms$2,2924 bedrooms$2,689
HUD fair market rent for FY2027, Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX MSA. This is what a typical, modest unit rents for, including utilities.
MeasureHereTexasUS
Median rent52% higher than Texas$2,127$1,403$1,413
Median home value76% higher than Texas$499,300$283,800$332,700
Home value to incomeAbout the same as Texas3.6x3.6x4.1x
Renters paying 30%+ of income on rent15 points lower than Texas37%52%51%
Median property tax per year85% higher than Texas$7,846$4,232$3,119
Homes owned by the people living in them10 points higher than Texas73%63%65%
Median year homes were builtAbout the same as Texas199519921980

Monthly cost to buy a median home

$3,387
Mortgage payment
$2,733
Property tax
$654
Median rent, for comparison
$2,127

Based on a $499,300 home in Brushy Creek, 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.

Schools in Brushy Creek

Brushy Creek has 6 public school campuses with a 2025 state rating inside the city, and 100% of them earn an A or B. Most students here are served by Round Rock ISD.

Top-rated campuses include Elsa England Elementary, Cedar Valley Middle and Great Oaks Elementary. The average rating score across all campuses is 93 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.

Schools grade
95
of 100 vs Texas cities
Average rating
93
Texas median 81

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

  • AElsa England ElementaryElementary, Round Rock ISD95 of 100
  • ACedar Valley MiddleMiddle, Round Rock ISD94 of 100
  • AGreat Oaks ElementaryElementary, Round Rock ISD93 of 100
  • AFern Bluff ElementaryElementary, Round Rock ISD92 of 100
  • ABrushy Creek ElementaryElementary, Round Rock ISD91 of 100

Best neighborhoods in Brushy Creek

We grade 5 areas inside Brushy Creek. The top three are Stone Canyon (A+), Fern Bluff (A+) and Central Brushy Creek (A+). If price matters most, Walsh Ranch has the lowest median rent among areas graded C or better, at $1,820 a month. Stone Canyon is the priciest, at $2,430. Use the map to color the city by any grade, or the sliders to rank areas by what you care about.

Loading map
    All 5 Brushy Creek neighborhoods, A to Z

    Daily life in Brushy Creek

    Everyday places mapped inside Brushy Creek, from Overture Maps. Well-known spots include Olson Meadows Park, Fern Bluff Park, Cat Hollow Park.

    The average one-way commute is 24 minutes, 9% shorter than the Texas average. 31% of workers work from home. Fewer than 3% walk, bike or take transit to work, so plan on driving for almost everything.

    Downtown Austin is about 15 miles away in a straight line. Many people who live in Brushy Creek work elsewhere in the metro, so test the drive at rush hour before you commit.

    The median household income is $138,589, income per person is $58,374, unemployment is 3.2% and 58% of adults hold a bachelor's degree.

    Grocery stores
    3
    Pharmacies
    1
    Restaurants
    17
    Cafes
    4
    Bars
    0
    Parks
    20
    Gyms
    3
    Hospitals and urgent care
    1
    Childcare
    5
    Libraries
    0

    Jobs, income and education

    MeasureHereTexasUS
    Median household income77% higher than Texas$138,589$78,476$80,734
    Income per person43% higher than Texas$58,374$40,752$44,673
    Unemployment rate2 points lower than Texas3.2%5.3%5.2%
    People below the poverty line8 points lower than Texas5.5%14%12%
    Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher24 points higher than Texas58%34%36%
    Adults with a high school diploma or higher12 points higher than Texas98%86%90%
    Adults 18 to 64 without health insurance11 points lower than Texas8.7%20%11%
    Homes with broadband internet8 points higher than Texas99%91%91%

    Getting to work

    MeasureHereTexasUS
    Average commute9% lower than Texas24 min27 min26 min
    Workers who work from home17 points higher than Texas31%14%15%
    Workers who work from home31%
    Workers who take transit0.1%
    Workers who walk0.5%
    Workers who bike0.1%

    Who lives in Brushy Creek

    Under 1826%
    18 to 3418%
    35 to 6445%
    65 and over11%

    Median age 39.5 years. 42% of households have children.

    Race and ethnicity
    White56%
    Hispanic or Latino19%
    Black6.4%
    Asian12%
    Other or more than one race7.0%

    Shown for information only. It is never part of any grade.

    Weather in Brushy Creek

    Brushy Creek has a hot Texas climate. July highs average 96°F and January lows about 38°F. There are about 114 days a year at 90°F or above, and about 37 inches of rain a year.

    Average monthly high and low temperatures in Brushy Creek30°50°70°90°60J65F72M79A84M92J96J96A89S80O69N61DRain

    Average daily high and low by month, °F, with rain below. NOAA 1991 to 2020 normals from Austin Great Hills, 7 mi away. Orange months average 90°F or more.

    Natural hazard risk

    FEMA's National Risk Index says river flooding risk is low, hurricane risk is moderate, tornado risk is moderate and hail risk is very high. Even in lower-risk areas, check the FEMA flood map for the exact address before you buy.

    • River floodingLow
    • HurricanesModerate
    • TornadoesModerate
    • HailVery high
    • Heat wavesModerate
    • WildfiresHigh
    • Winter stormsHigh
    • Strong windLow

    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 Brushy Creek

    Nearby, Round Rock gets a B+, Wells Branch gets a C+ and Cedar Park gets an A. Each is graded against Texas places of its own size, so a small town and a big city can both earn an A.

    1. B+Round RockCity, 127,786 people3 mi
    2. C+Wells BranchSmall city, 13,523 people6 mi
    3. ACedar ParkCity, 78,301 people6 mi
    4. B+PflugervilleCity, 65,971 people8 mi
    5. ALeanderCity, 74,067 people8 mi
    6. C+GeorgetownCity, 85,999 people11 mi

    Brushy Creek in the Austin area

    How it ranks among 58 places in the metro.

    1. 1A+The Hills2,516 people14 mito downtown
    2. 2A+Rollingwood1,316 people3 mito downtown
    3. 3A+Brushy Creek19,576 people15 mito downtown
    4. 4ABarton Creek3,440 people7 mito downtown
    5. 5AWest Lake Hills3,285 people3 mito downtown
    6. 6ABelterra6,978 people16 mito downtown

    See all of the best suburbs of austin

    Living in Brushy Creek: common questions

    Is Brushy Creek, TX a good place to live?

    We give Brushy Creek an A+. It ranks 10th of 192 Texas cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people. It does best on internet access and schools, and trails on getting around. It is a strong pick for families, young professionals, retirees and remote workers.

    How much does it cost to live in Brushy Creek?

    Median rent in Brushy Creek is $2,127 a month, 52% higher than the Texas median. The median home is worth $499,300, 76% higher than the Texas median. A median home costs 3.6x 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 $3,387, including property tax.

    Are the schools good in Brushy Creek?

    We found 6 rated public school campuses inside Brushy Creek. 100% are rated A or B by the Texas Education Agency. Its schools score is 95 of 100 compared with other Texas cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people.

    What are the best neighborhoods in Brushy Creek?

    Based on our scores, the top-rated areas in Brushy Creek are Stone Canyon, Fern Bluff and Central Brushy Creek. We score 5 areas in the city.

    Does Brushy Creek flood?

    FEMA rates river flooding risk in Brushy Creek as low, and coastal flooding as not rated. Hazards rated high or very high here: hail, wildfires and winter storms. Always check the flood map for a specific address before you buy.

    What is the weather like in Brushy Creek?

    Summers in Brushy Creek peak at about 96°F in July, and January nights fall to about 38°F. Expect around 114 days a year at 90°F or hotter, and 37 inches of rain.

    How long is the commute in Brushy Creek?

    The average one-way commute is 24 min, 9% lower than the Texas average. About 31% of workers work from home. It is about 15 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.