Town in Travis County, part of the Austin metro
Living in Jonestown, TX
155th of 745Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people
Overall score 79 of 100
16th of 58 in the Austin area
We give Jonestown a B+. It ranks 155th of 745 Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people. It does best on jobs and income and education levels, and trails on getting around and cost of living.
- Fast-growing
- Getting around scores low (2 of 100)
- Hail risk is very high
- Population
- 2,687+12.5% since 2020
- Median rent
- $2,51579% higher than Texas
- Median home value
- $557,60096% higher than Texas
- Household income
- $128,224Median
- Average commute
- 36 minOne way
- Violent crime
- 150Per 100k, 2025
What it's like to live in Jonestown
Jonestown sits about 17 miles from downtown Austin, in the Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos metro. 2,687 people lived here in 2025, up 12.5% from 2020, so it is one of the faster-growing places in Texas. It is small-town and rural in feel, with mostly newer homes (the median home was built in 2005).
Local spots people know include Jones Brothers Park, Canyonlands Trail Park and Laura Reed Park.
The median age is 53.6, 19% of households have children, 94% of homes are owned by the people living in them and the typical household earns $128,224 a year (63% higher than the Texas median).
Pros of living in Jonestown
- Low violent crime. 150 violent crimes per 100,000 people in 2025, 61% lower than the Texas rate.
- High incomes. The median household earns $128,224, 63% higher than the Texas median.
Cons of living in Jonestown
- Higher rent. Median rent is $2,515, 79% higher than the Texas median.
- Long commutes. The average trip to work takes 36 minutes, against 27 across Texas.
- Natural hazard risk. FEMA rates the risk of hail and wildfires as very high here.
- Long, hot summers. Expect about 114 days a year at 90°F or hotter.
Who Jonestown suits
- FamiliesA reasonable fit: violent crime is 61% lower than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 64% for families.
- Young professionalsA reasonable fit: household income is 63% higher than the Texas median, with 9 restaurants and 0 cafes in town. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 67% for young professionals.
- RetireesA reasonable fit: 8.6% of working-age adults are uninsured and violent crime is 61% lower than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 78% for retirees.
- Remote workersA reasonable fit: 96% of homes have broadband and the median rent of $2,515 is 79% higher than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 80% for remote workers.
- People on a budgetNot the best fit: the median rent of $2,515 is 79% higher than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 37% for people on a budget.
Jonestown report card
Ten grades, one for each part of daily life we measure. Most compare Jonestown with other US towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people. Schools, safety and errands compare it with other Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people.
Cost of living: grade C-
Median rent $2,515, homes cost 4.3x income.
33 of 100 vs US townsJobs and income: grade A
Median household income $128,224, 1.9% unemployed.
94 of 100 vs US townsSchools: grade C+
Not enough data.
52 of 100 vs TX townsSafety: grade C
150 violent crimes per 100k, 934 property crimes per 100k.
45 of 100 vs TX townsErrands and things to do: grade C
0 grocery stores, 9 restaurants, 10 parks mapped in town.
40 of 100 vs TX townsGetting around: grade F
Average commute 36 min, 40% work from home.
2 of 100 vs US townsEducation levels: grade A
51% have a bachelor’s degree.
90 of 100 vs US townsHealth: grade B+
8.6% of adults uninsured.
78 of 100 vs US townsHome ownership: grade B+
94% of homes owner-occupied.
73 of 100 vs US townsInternet access: grade A-
96% of homes have broadband.
83 of 100 vs US towns
Where Jonestown stands out compared with Texas
Better than Texas
- Renters paying 30%+ of income on rent: 18%34 points lower than Texas (52%)
- Homes owned by the people living in them: 94%31 points higher than Texas (63%)
- Median household income: $128,22463% higher than Texas ($78,476)
Worse than Texas
- Median rent: $2,51579% higher than Texas ($1,403)
- Average commute: 36 min34% higher than Texas (27 min)
- Home value to income: 4.3x20% higher than Texas (3.6x)
Cost of living in Jonestown
Jonestown renters pay a median of $2,515 a month, 79% higher than the statewide median. The usual rule is to spend no more than 30% of income on rent, which means earning around $101,000 a year for a median unit. Right now 18% 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 $557,600, 96% higher than the Texas median. With 20% down and a 30-year loan at 7.28%, the monthly payment comes to about $3,052 before tax, or $3,745 with property tax. That is $1,230 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 Jonestown pays $8,311 a year, 96% higher than the Texas median of $4,232. Budget for it, along with homeowners insurance, which our numbers do not include.
Typical rent by apartment size
| Measure | Here | Texas | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median rent79% higher than Texas | $2,515 | $1,403 | $1,413 |
| Median home value96% higher than Texas | $557,600 | $283,800 | $332,700 |
| Home value to income20% higher than Texas | 4.3x | 3.6x | 4.1x |
| Renters paying 30%+ of income on rent34 points lower than Texas | 18% | 52% | 51% |
| Median property tax per year96% higher than Texas | $8,311 | $4,232 | $3,119 |
| Homes owned by the people living in them31 points higher than Texas | 94% | 63% | 65% |
| Median year homes were builtAbout the same as Texas | 2005 | 1992 | 1980 |
Monthly cost to buy a median home
- Mortgage payment
- $3,052
- Property tax
- $693
- Median rent, for comparison
- $2,515
Based on a $557,600 home in Jonestown, 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 Jonestown safe?
In 2025, Jonestown Police Department reported 4 violent crimes and 25 property crimes. That works out to 150 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 61% lower than the Texas rate of 387, and 934 property crimes per 100,000, 55% lower than the state rate.
Violent crime is up about 230% since 2021, based on the yearly rates below.
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, Jonestown Police Department, 2025. Rates count reported crimes only and cover the area this police department serves.
Daily life in Jonestown
Everyday places mapped inside Jonestown, from Overture Maps. Well-known spots include Jones Brothers Park, Canyonlands Trail Park, Laura Reed Park.
The average one-way commute is 36 minutes, 34% longer than the Texas average. 40% 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 17 miles away in a straight line. Many people who live in Jonestown work elsewhere in the metro, so test the drive at rush hour before you commit.
The median household income is $128,224, income per person is $93,155, unemployment is 1.9% and 51% of adults hold a bachelor's degree.
Jobs, income and education
| Measure | Here | Texas | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median household income63% higher than Texas | $128,224 | $78,476 | $80,734 |
| Income per person129% higher than Texas | $93,155 | $40,752 | $44,673 |
| Unemployment rate3 points lower than Texas | 1.9% | 5.3% | 5.2% |
| People below the poverty line9 points lower than Texas | 4.3% | 14% | 12% |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher17 points higher than Texas | 51% | 34% | 36% |
| Adults with a high school diploma or higher12 points higher than Texas | 98% | 86% | 90% |
| Adults 18 to 64 without health insurance11 points lower than Texas | 8.6% | 20% | 11% |
| Homes with broadband internet5 points higher than Texas | 96% | 91% | 91% |
Getting to work
| Measure | Here | Texas | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average commute34% higher than Texas | 36 min | 27 min | 26 min |
| Workers who work from home26 points higher than Texas | 40% | 14% | 15% |
Who lives in Jonestown
Median age 53.6 years. 19% of households have children.
Race and ethnicity
Shown for information only. It is never part of any grade.
Weather in Jonestown
Jonestown 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 daily high and low by month, °F, with rain below. NOAA 1991 to 2020 normals from Austin Great Hills, 12 mi away. Orange months average 90°F or more.
Natural hazard risk
FEMA's National Risk Index says river flooding risk is high, hurricane risk is moderate, tornado risk is 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 floodingHigh
- HurricanesModerate
- TornadoesHigh
- HailVery high
- Heat wavesModerate
- WildfiresVery high
- Winter stormsLow
- 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 Jonestown
Nearby, Lago Vista gets a C+, Hudson Bend gets a B+ 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.
- C+Lago VistaTown, 9,650 people3 mi
- B+Hudson BendTown, 4,127 people5 mi
- ACedar ParkCity, 78,301 people7 mi
- BPoint VentureTown, 1,598 people7 mi
- A-BriarcliffTown, 2,735 people8 mi
- A-Steiner RanchSmall city, 18,619 people8 mi
Jonestown 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
- 13A-Briarcliff2,735 people19 mito downtown
- 14B+Round Rock127,786 people17 mito downtown
- 15B+Hudson Bend4,127 people13 mito downtown
- 16B+Jonestown2,535 people17 mito downtown
- 17B+Manchaca2,171 people12 mito downtown
- 18B+Santa Rita Ranch6,586 people26 mito downtown
- 19B+Hutto35,483 people21 mito downtown
Living in Jonestown: common questions
Is Jonestown, TX a good place to live?
We give Jonestown a B+. It ranks 155th of 745 Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people. It does best on jobs and income and education levels, and trails on getting around and cost of living.
How much does it cost to live in Jonestown?
Renters in Jonestown pay a median of $2,515 a month, 79% higher than the Texas median. The median home is worth $557,600, 96% higher than the Texas median. A median home costs 4.3x 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 $3,745, including property tax.
Is Jonestown safe?
In 2025, Jonestown Police Department reported 150 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 61% lower than the Texas rate. Property crime was 934 per 100,000, 55% lower than the Texas rate.
Does Jonestown flood?
FEMA rates river flooding risk in Jonestown as high, and coastal flooding as not rated. Hazards rated high or very high here: river flooding, tornadoes, hail and wildfires. Always check the flood map for a specific address before you buy.
What is the weather like in Jonestown?
Summers in Jonestown 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 Jonestown?
The average one-way commute is 36 min, 34% higher than the Texas average. About 40% of workers work from home. It is about 17 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.