Georgetown vs Round Rock: which is better to live in?
Georgetown gets C+ overall and Round Rock gets B+. Round Rock comes out ahead on our index.
Georgetown wins on safety, health and home ownership. Round Rock wins on cost of living, jobs and income, schools, errands and things to do and getting around.
Round Rock is the better pick for families, young professionals, retirees, remote workers and people on a budget.
Side by side
| Georgetown | Round Rock | |
|---|---|---|
| Overall grade | C+ | B+ |
| Population | 106,907 | 141,282 |
| Growth since 2020 | +58.5% | +18.2% |
| Median rent | $1,795 | $1,763 |
| Median home value | $429,100 | $418,600 |
| Monthly cost to buy | $2,869 | $2,827 |
| Median household income | $95,062 | $99,287 |
| Property tax per year | $6,247 | $6,424 |
| Violent crime per 100k | 149 | 125 |
| Property crime per 100k | 789 | 1,446 |
| Schools rated A or B | 31% | 68% |
| Average commute | 28 min | 25 min |
| Work from home | 24% | 25% |
| Bachelor’s degree | 48% | 45% |
| Median age | 42.6 years | 36.2 years |
| Days 90°F or hotter | 112 | 114 |
| River flooding risk (FEMA) | Low | Low |
Bold marks the better value where one is clearly better.
Grades by category
| Georgetown | Round Rock | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living | C- (36) | C+ (56) |
| Jobs and income | B (71) | A- (83) |
| Schools | D- (13) | B (65) |
| Safety | B+ (77) | B (72) |
| Errands and things to do | F (6) | B- (62) |
| Getting around | D- (9) | D (17) |
| Education levels | B+ (74) | B+ (72) |
| Health | B- (64) | C+ (48) |
| Home ownership | B+ (77) | C+ (53) |
| Internet access | B+ (75) | B+ (77) |
Cost of living
Overall costs are close between the two.
Median rent is about the same: $1,795 a month in Georgetown and $1,763 in Round Rock.
The median home is worth $429,100 in Georgetown and $418,600 in Round Rock. With 20% down at today's rates, that is about $2,869 a month against $2,827, property tax included.
Compared with what locals earn, homes cost 4.5 times income in Georgetown and 4.2 times in Round Rock.
Commute and location
Commutes average 28 minutes in Georgetown and 25 in Round Rock.
The two are about 9 miles apart, so many people weigh them for the same job.
Safety and schools
Round Rock has less violent crime. Georgetown reported 149 violent crimes per 100,000 people in 2025, and Round Rock reported 125 in 2025. The Texas rate is 387.
For schools, 31% of Georgetown's 16 rated campuses earn an A or B, against 68% of Round Rock's 28.
Common questions
Is Georgetown or Round Rock better to live in?
Round Rock grades higher overall (C+ vs B+). The better choice depends on what you need, so compare the categories above.
Is Georgetown cheaper than Round Rock?
They cost about the same to live in.
Which is safer, Georgetown or Round Rock?
Round Rock, based on violent crime per 100,000 people reported to the FBI.
Sources: US Census Bureau 2020-2024 ACS 5-year, FBI Crime Data Explorer, Texas Education Agency 2025, FEMA National Risk Index, NOAA. Updated 2026-10-04.