City in Williamson County, part of the Austin metro

Living in Leander, TX

A

13th of 75Texas cities of 50,000+ people
Overall score 89 of 100
10th of 58 in the Austin area

Leander gets an overall grade of A and ranks 13th of 75 Texas cities of 50,000+ people. It does best on safety and jobs and income, and trails on errands and things to do and getting around. It is a strong pick for families and retirees.

  • Good for families
  • Good for retirees
  • Low crime
  • Fast-growing
  • Well connected
  • Errands and things to do scores low (10 of 100)
  • Getting around scores low (11 of 100)
Leander, Texas.
Photo: A Yee, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Population
91,132+53.9% since 2020
Median rent
$1,93938% higher than Texas
Median home value
$506,20078% higher than Texas
Household income
$139,048Median
Average commute
29 minOne way
Violent crime
58Per 100k, 2025

What it's like to live in Leander

Leander sits about 20 miles from downtown Austin, in the Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos metro. 91,132 people lived here in 2025, up 53.9% 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 2013).

Local spots people know include Lakewood Park, Devine Lake Park and Benbrook Ranch Park.

The median age is 36.3, 45% of households have children, 73% of homes are owned by the people living in them and the typical household earns $139,048 a year (77% higher than the Texas median).

Pros of living in Leander

  • Strong public schools. 75% of the 20 rated campuses here earn an A or B from the Texas Education Agency.
  • Low violent crime. 58 violent crimes per 100,000 people in 2025, 85% lower than the Texas rate.
  • High incomes. The median household earns $139,048, 77% higher than the Texas median.
  • Growing fast. The population grew 54% from 2020 to 2025, which usually means new homes, shops and jobs.

Cons of living in Leander

  • Higher rent. Median rent is $1,939, 38% higher than the Texas median.
  • Errands mean a drive. Compared with similar Texas places, fewer homes here are within a mile of a grocery store, pharmacy, park or clinic.
  • Natural hazard risk. FEMA rates the risk of hail as very high here.
  • Long, hot summers. Expect about 112 days a year at 90°F or hotter.

Who Leander suits

  • FamiliesA strong fit: 75% of rated schools earn an A or B and violent crime is 85% lower than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 83% for families.
  • Young professionalsA reasonable fit: household income is 77% higher than the Texas median, with 144 restaurants and 16 cafes in town. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 46% for young professionals.
  • RetireesA strong fit: 11% of working-age adults are uninsured and violent crime is 85% lower than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 82% for retirees.
  • Remote workersA reasonable fit: 97% of homes have broadband and the median rent of $1,939 is 38% higher than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 74% for remote workers.
  • People on a budgetA reasonable fit: the median rent of $1,939 is 38% higher than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 65% for people on a budget.

Leander report card

Ten grades, one for each part of daily life we measure. Most compare Leander with other US cities of 50,000+ people. Schools, safety and errands compare it with other Texas cities of 50,000+ people.

  • Cost of living: grade B-

    Median rent $1,939, homes cost 3.6x income.

    63 of 100 vs US cities

  • Jobs and income: grade A+

    Median household income $139,048, 3.4% unemployed.

    97 of 100 vs US cities

  • Schools: grade B+

    20 rated campuses, 75% rated A or B.

    74 of 100 vs TX cities

  • Safety: grade A+

    58 violent crimes per 100k, 471 property crimes per 100k.

    98 of 100 vs TX cities

  • Errands and things to do: grade D-

    6 grocery stores, 144 restaurants, 83 parks mapped in town.

    10 of 100 vs TX cities

  • Getting around: grade D-

    Average commute 29 min, 31% work from home.

    11 of 100 vs US cities

  • Education levels: grade A-

    53% have a bachelor’s degree.

    86 of 100 vs US cities

  • Health: grade B

    11% of adults uninsured.

    70 of 100 vs US cities

  • Home ownership: grade A+

    73% of homes owner-occupied.

    96 of 100 vs US cities

  • Internet access: grade A+

    97% of homes have broadband.

    96 of 100 vs US cities

Where Leander stands out compared with Texas

Better than Texas

  • Median household income: $139,04877% higher than Texas ($78,476)
  • Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher: 53%19 points higher than Texas (34%)
  • Homes owned by the people living in them: 73%11 points higher than Texas (63%)

Worse than Texas

  • Median rent: $1,93938% higher than Texas ($1,403)
  • Average commute: 29 min10% higher than Texas (27 min)

Cost of living in Leander

Leander renters pay a median of $1,939 a month, 38% higher than the statewide median. The usual rule is to spend no more than 30% of income on rent, which means earning around $78,000 a year for a median unit. Right now 46% 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 $506,200, 78% higher than the Texas median. With 20% down and a 30-year loan at 7.28%, the monthly payment comes to about $2,771 before tax, or $3,528 with property tax. That is $1,589 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 Leander pays $9,083 a year, 115% 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 Leander

Typical rent by apartment size

Fair market rent by bedroom count in LeanderStudio$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 rent38% higher than Texas$1,939$1,403$1,413
Median home value78% higher than Texas$506,200$283,800$332,700
Home value to incomeAbout the same as Texas3.6x3.6x4.1x
Renters paying 30%+ of income on rent5 points lower than Texas46%52%51%
Median property tax per year115% higher than Texas$9,083$4,232$3,119
Homes owned by the people living in them11 points higher than Texas73%63%65%
Median year homes were builtAbout the same as Texas201319921980

Monthly cost to buy a median home

$3,528
Mortgage payment
$2,771
Property tax
$757
Median rent, for comparison
$1,939

Based on a $506,200 home in Leander, 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 Leander safe?

In 2025, Leander Police Department reported 56 violent crimes and 451 property crimes. That works out to 58 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 85% lower than the Texas rate of 387, and 471 property crimes per 100,000, 77% lower than the state rate.

Violent crime is down about 28% 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 in Leander by yearTexas5820212022202320242025

Violent crimes per 100,000 people by year. The dashed line is the Texas rate for 2025.

Violent crime
58
per 100k, Texas 387
Property crime
471
per 100k, Texas 2,086
Property crimes per 100,000 people in Leander by yearTexas47120212022202320242025

Property crimes per 100,000 people by year.

Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer, Leander Police Department, 2025. Rates count reported crimes only and cover the area this police department serves.

Schools in Leander

Leander has 20 public school campuses with a 2025 state rating inside the city, and 75% of them earn an A or B. Most students here are served by Leander ISD, Texas College Preparatory Academies and Valor Education.

Top-rated campuses include Florence W Stiles Middle, Early College High School and Founders Classical Academy of Leander. The average rating score across all campuses is 86 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
74
of 100 vs Texas cities
Average rating
86
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

  • AFlorence W Stiles MiddleMiddle, Leander ISD95 of 100
  • AEarly College High SchoolHigh, Leander ISD93 of 100
  • AFounders Classical Academy of LeanderOther, Texas College Preparatory Academies92 of 100
  • AKnox Wiley MiddleMiddle, Leander ISD91 of 100
  • AValor LeanderOther, Valor Education91 of 100

Best neighborhoods in Leander

We grade 12 areas inside Leander. The top three are Grand Mesa at Crystal Falls (A+), Central Leander (A-) and West Leander (A-). If price matters most, South Leander has the lowest median rent among areas graded C or better, at $1,170 a month. Travisso is the priciest, at $3,500+. Use the map to color the city by any grade, or the sliders to rank areas by what you care about.

Loading map

    Rank Leander neighborhoods your way

    What matters to you?

    Move a slider and the list re-ranks right away.

    Most
    A lot
    Most
    A lot
    A lot
    A lot
    Some
    A lot
    Some
    A little

    The grade is our overall grade. Fit shows how well each one matches your sliders, from 0 to 100, against the others in this list.

    12 Leander neighborhoods, ranked by your priorities
    1. 1A+Grand Mesa at Crystal Falls7,086 people, home $752,000100fit
    2. 2A-Central Leander4,194 people, median rent $2,240, home $398,00091fit
    3. 3A-Bryson4,941 people, median rent $1,710, home $593,00082fit
    4. 4A-West Leander5,560 people, median rent $2,300, home $445,00073fit
    5. 5B+The Fairways at Crystal Falls12,975 people, median rent $1,820, home $508,00064fit
    6. 6B+Travisso3,870 people, median rent $3,500+, home $906,00055fit
    7. 7B+Sarita Valley6,941 people, median rent $2,070, home $565,00045fit
    8. 8B+Northcreek Ranch2,329 people, median rent $1,830, home $333,00036fit
    9. 9BNorthside Meadow5,361 people, median rent $2,080, home $397,00027fit
    10. 10BSavanna Ranch5,488 people, median rent $1,840, home $466,00018fit
    11. 11B-South Leander1,715 people, median rent $1,170, home $343,0009fit
    12. 12B-Horizon Lake7,388 people, median rent $2,010, home $405,0000fit
    All 12 Leander neighborhoods, A to Z

    Daily life in Leander

    Everyday places mapped inside Leander, from Overture Maps. Well-known spots include Lakewood Park, Devine Lake Park, Benbrook Ranch Park.

    The average one-way commute is 29 minutes, 10% longer 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 20 miles away in a straight line. Many people who live in Leander work elsewhere in the metro, so test the drive at rush hour before you commit.

    The median household income is $139,048, income per person is $60,586, unemployment is 3.4% and 53% of adults hold a bachelor's degree.

    Grocery stores
    6
    Pharmacies
    3
    Restaurants
    144
    Cafes
    16
    Bars
    10
    Parks
    83
    Gyms
    31
    Hospitals and urgent care
    3
    Childcare
    23
    Libraries
    1

    Jobs, income and education

    MeasureHereTexasUS
    Median household income77% higher than Texas$139,048$78,476$80,734
    Income per person49% higher than Texas$60,586$40,752$44,673
    Unemployment rate2 points lower than Texas3.4%5.3%5.2%
    People below the poverty line8 points lower than Texas5.8%14%12%
    Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher19 points higher than Texas53%34%36%
    Adults with a high school diploma or higher10 points higher than Texas96%86%90%
    Adults 18 to 64 without health insurance9 points lower than Texas11%20%11%
    Homes with broadband internet6 points higher than Texas97%91%91%

    Getting to work

    MeasureHereTexasUS
    Average commute10% higher than Texas29 min27 min26 min
    Workers who work from home16 points higher than Texas31%14%15%
    Workers who work from home31%
    Workers who take transit0.9%
    Workers who walk0.9%
    Workers who bike0%

    Who lives in Leander

    Under 1827%
    18 to 3421%
    35 to 6444%
    65 and over8.5%

    Median age 36.3 years. 45% of households have children.

    Race and ethnicity
    White51%
    Hispanic or Latino24%
    Black6.2%
    Asian15%
    Other or more than one race4.4%

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

    Weather in Leander

    Leander has a hot Texas climate. July highs average 96°F and January lows about 36°F. There are about 112 days a year at 90°F or above, and about 37 inches of rain a year.

    Average monthly high and low temperatures in Leander30°50°70°90°60J65F72M79A85M92J96J97A90S81O70N62DRain

    Average daily high and low by month, °F, with rain below. NOAA 1991 to 2020 normals from Georgetown Lake, 10 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 wavesLow
    • 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 Leander

    Nearby, Cedar Park gets an A, Santa Rita Ranch gets a B+ and Liberty Hill gets a B+. Each is graded against Texas places of its own size, so a small town and a big city can both earn an A.

    1. ACedar ParkCity, 78,301 people5 mi
    2. B+Santa Rita RanchTown, 6,586 people6 mi
    3. B+Liberty HillTown, 8,371 people7 mi
    4. A+Brushy CreekSmall city, 19,576 people8 mi
    5. B+JonestownTown, 2,535 people9 mi
    6. B+Round RockCity, 127,786 people10 mi

    Leander 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. 7ABee Cave8,862 people12 mito downtown
    5. 8ACedar Park78,301 people15 mito downtown
    6. 9ALakeway19,307 people14 mito downtown
    7. 10ALeander74,067 people20 mito downtown
    8. 11A-Steiner Ranch18,619 people10 mito downtown
    9. 12A-Buda15,859 people16 mito downtown
    10. 13A-Briarcliff2,735 people19 mito downtown

    See all of the best suburbs of austin

    Living in Leander: common questions

    Is Leander, TX a good place to live?

    Leander gets an overall grade of A and ranks 13th of 75 Texas cities of 50,000+ people. It does best on safety and jobs and income, and trails on errands and things to do and getting around. It is a strong pick for families and retirees.

    How much does it cost to live in Leander?

    Renters in Leander pay a median of $1,939 a month, 38% higher than the Texas median. The median home is worth $506,200, 78% 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 $3,528, including property tax.

    Is Leander safe?

    In 2025, Leander Police Department reported 58 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 85% lower than the Texas rate. Property crime was 471 per 100,000, 77% lower than the Texas rate.

    Are the schools good in Leander?

    We found 20 rated public school campuses inside Leander. 75% are rated A or B by the Texas Education Agency. Its schools score is 74 of 100 compared with other Texas cities of 50,000+ people.

    What are the best neighborhoods in Leander?

    Based on our scores, the top-rated areas in Leander are Grand Mesa at Crystal Falls, Central Leander and West Leander. We score 12 areas in the city.

    Does Leander flood?

    FEMA rates river flooding risk in Leander 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 Leander?

    Summers in Leander peak at about 96°F in July, and January nights fall to about 36°F. Expect around 112 days a year at 90°F or hotter, and 37 inches of rain.

    How long is the commute in Leander?

    The average one-way commute is 29 min, 10% higher than the Texas average. About 31% of workers work from home. It is about 20 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.