Hutto vs Round Rock: which is better to live in?
Hutto gets B+ overall and Round Rock gets B+. They finish close to even on our index, though keep in mind each is graded against Texas places of its own size.
Hutto wins on cost of living, safety, home ownership and internet access. Round Rock wins on schools, errands and things to do, getting around, education levels and health.
Hutto suits remote workers and people on a budget better, while Round Rock suits young professionals better.
Side by side
| Hutto | Round Rock | |
|---|---|---|
| Overall grade | B+ | B+ |
| Population | 46,048 | 141,282 |
| Growth since 2020 | +66.9% | +18.2% |
| Median rent | $2,255 | $1,763 |
| Median home value | $365,700 | $418,600 |
| Monthly cost to buy | $2,568 | $2,827 |
| Median household income | $118,834 | $99,287 |
| Property tax per year | $6,790 | $6,424 |
| Violent crime per 100k | 84 | 125 |
| Property crime per 100k | 677 | 1,446 |
| Schools rated A or B | 30% | 68% |
| Average commute | 29 min | 25 min |
| Work from home | 18% | 25% |
| Bachelor’s degree | 36% | 45% |
| Median age | 34.6 years | 36.2 years |
| Days 90°F or hotter | 115 | 114 |
| River flooding risk (FEMA) | Moderate | Low |
Bold marks the better value where one is clearly better.
Grades by category
| Hutto | Round Rock | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living | B- (58) | C+ (56) |
| Jobs and income | A- (84) | A- (83) |
| Schools | C- (39) | B (65) |
| Safety | A- (85) | B (72) |
| Errands and things to do | D+ (28) | B- (62) |
| Getting around | D- (9) | D (17) |
| Education levels | C+ (55) | B+ (72) |
| Health | C- (33) | C+ (48) |
| Home ownership | A- (87) | C+ (53) |
| Internet access | A+ (95) | B+ (77) |
Cost of living
Round Rock is the cheaper of the two.
Rent is higher in Hutto: a median of $2,255 a month, 28% higher than Round Rock's $1,763.
The median home is worth $365,700 in Hutto and $418,600 in Round Rock. With 20% down at today's rates, that is about $2,568 a month against $2,827, property tax included.
Compared with what locals earn, homes cost 3.1 times income in Hutto and 4.2 times in Round Rock.
Commute and location
Commutes average 29 minutes in Hutto and 25 in Round Rock.
The two are about 8 miles apart, so many people weigh them for the same job.
Safety and schools
Hutto has less violent crime. Hutto reported 84 violent crimes per 100,000 people in 2025, and Round Rock reported 125 in 2025. The Texas rate is 387.
For schools, 30% of Hutto's 10 rated campuses earn an A or B, against 68% of Round Rock's 28.
Common questions
Is Hutto or Round Rock better to live in?
They grade about the same overall (B+ vs B+). The better choice depends on what you need, so compare the categories above.
Is Hutto cheaper than Round Rock?
No. Round Rock has lower typical rent and home prices.
Which is safer, Hutto or Round Rock?
Hutto, 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.