Town in Caldwell County, part of the Austin metro
Living in Luling, TX
591st of 745Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people
Overall score 20 of 100
49th of 58 in the Austin area
We give Luling a D. It ranks 591st of 745 Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people. It does best on errands and things to do and home ownership, and trails on education levels and health.
- Safety scores low (17 of 100)
- Education levels scores low (7 of 100)
- Population
- 5,920+5.5% since 2020
- Median rent
- $1,02127% lower than Texas
- Median home value
- $210,30026% lower than Texas
- Household income
- $54,818Median
- Average commute
- 28 minOne way
- Violent crime
- 363Per 100k, 2025
What it's like to live in Luling
Luling sits about 43 miles from downtown Austin, in the Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos metro. 5,920 people lived here in 2025, up 5.5% from 2020. It is spread out.
Local spots people know include Northside Park, Blanche Square Park and Longer Park.
The median age is 48.7, 21% of households have children, 64% of homes are owned by the people living in them and the typical household earns $54,818 a year (30% lower than the Texas median).
Pros of living in Luling
- Lower rent. Median rent is $1,021, 27% lower than the Texas median.
Cons of living in Luling
- Many adults uninsured. 27% of adults 18 to 64 have no health insurance, against 20% statewide.
- Natural hazard risk. FEMA rates the risk of river flooding, tornadoes and hail as very high here.
- Long, hot summers. Expect about 118 days a year at 90°F or hotter.
Who Luling suits
- FamiliesNot the best fit: 33% of rated schools earn an A or B and violent crime is 6% lower than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 19% for families.
- Young professionalsNot the best fit: household income is 30% lower than the Texas median, with 31 restaurants and 2 cafes in town. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 39% for young professionals.
- RetireesNot the best fit: 27% of working-age adults are uninsured and violent crime is 6% lower than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 9% for retirees.
- Remote workersNot the best fit: 85% of homes have broadband and the median rent of $1,021 is 27% lower than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 14% for remote workers.
- People on a budgetNot the best fit: the median rent of $1,021 is 27% lower than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 25% for people on a budget.
Luling report card
Ten grades, one for each part of daily life we measure. Most compare Luling 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 D+
Median rent $1,021, homes cost 3.8x income.
32 of 100 vs US townsJobs and income: grade C+
Median household income $54,818, 2.7% unemployed.
49 of 100 vs US townsSchools: grade C
3 rated campuses, 33% rated A or B.
45 of 100 vs TX townsSafety: grade D
363 violent crimes per 100k, 1,260 property crimes per 100k.
17 of 100 vs TX townsErrands and things to do: grade C+
3 grocery stores, 31 restaurants, 10 parks mapped in town.
53 of 100 vs TX townsGetting around: grade C-
Average commute 28 min, 5.9% work from home.
38 of 100 vs US townsEducation levels: grade F
12% have a bachelor’s degree.
7 of 100 vs US townsHealth: grade D-
27% of adults uninsured.
14 of 100 vs US townsHome ownership: grade C+
64% of homes owner-occupied.
51 of 100 vs US townsInternet access: grade D+
85% of homes have broadband.
24 of 100 vs US towns
Where Luling stands out compared with Texas
Better than Texas
- Median rent: $1,02127% lower than Texas ($1,403)
- People below the poverty line: 10%4 points lower than Texas (14%)
- Vacant homes: 5.7%4 points lower than Texas (9.4%)
Worse than Texas
- Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher: 12%22 points lower than Texas (34%)
- Median household income: $54,81830% lower than Texas ($78,476)
- Homes with broadband internet: 85%7 points lower than Texas (91%)
Cost of living in Luling
Luling renters pay a median of $1,021 a month, 27% lower than the statewide median. The usual rule is to spend no more than 30% of income on rent, which means earning around $41,000 a year for a median unit. Right now 52% 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 $210,300, 26% lower than the Texas median. With 20% down and a 30-year loan at 7.28%, the monthly payment comes to about $1,151 before tax, or $1,358 with property tax. That is $337 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 it leans on property taxes instead, though they are lighter here than in much of the state. The median homeowner in Luling pays $2,477 a year, 41% lower 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 rent27% lower than Texas | $1,021 | $1,403 | $1,413 |
| Median home value26% lower than Texas | $210,300 | $283,800 | $332,700 |
| Home value to income6% higher than Texas | 3.8x | 3.6x | 4.1x |
| Renters paying 30%+ of income on rentAbout the same as Texas | 52% | 52% | 51% |
| Median property tax per year41% lower than Texas | $2,477 | $4,232 | $3,119 |
| Homes owned by the people living in them1 points higher than Texas | 64% | 63% | 65% |
| Median year homes were builtAbout the same as Texas | 1970 | 1992 | 1980 |
Monthly cost to buy a median home
- Mortgage payment
- $1,151
- Property tax
- $206
- Median rent, for comparison
- $1,021
Based on a $210,300 home in Luling, 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 Luling safe?
In 2025, Luling Police Department reported 21 violent crimes and 73 property crimes. That works out to 363 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 6% lower than the Texas rate of 387, and 1,260 property crimes per 100,000, 40% lower than the state rate.
Violent crime has been fairly steady since 2021.
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, Luling Police Department, 2025. Rates count reported crimes only and cover the area this police department serves.
Schools in Luling
Luling has 3 public school campuses with a 2025 state rating inside the city, and 33% of them earn an A or B. Most students here are served by Luling ISD.
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.
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
- BLeonard Shanklin ElementaryElementary, Luling ISD84 of 100
- CGilbert Gerdes Junior HighMiddle, Luling ISD78 of 100
- CLuling High SchoolHigh, Luling ISD76 of 100
Daily life in Luling
Everyday places mapped inside Luling, from Overture Maps. Well-known spots include Northside Park, Blanche Square Park, Longer Park.
The average one-way commute is 28 minutes, about the same as the Texas average. 6% 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 43 miles away in a straight line. Many people who live in Luling work elsewhere in the metro, so test the drive at rush hour before you commit.
The median household income is $54,818, income per person is $30,441, unemployment is 2.7% and 12% of adults hold a bachelor's degree.
Jobs, income and education
| Measure | Here | Texas | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median household income30% lower than Texas | $54,818 | $78,476 | $80,734 |
| Income per person25% lower than Texas | $30,441 | $40,752 | $44,673 |
| Unemployment rate3 points lower than Texas | 2.7% | 5.3% | 5.2% |
| People below the poverty line4 points lower than Texas | 10% | 14% | 12% |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher22 points lower than Texas | 12% | 34% | 36% |
| Adults with a high school diploma or higher11 points lower than Texas | 75% | 86% | 90% |
| Adults 18 to 64 without health insurance7 points higher than Texas | 27% | 20% | 11% |
| Homes with broadband internet7 points lower than Texas | 85% | 91% | 91% |
Getting to work
| Measure | Here | Texas | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average commute4% higher than Texas | 28 min | 27 min | 26 min |
| Workers who work from home8 points lower than Texas | 5.9% | 14% | 15% |
Who lives in Luling
Median age 48.7 years. 21% of households have children.
Race and ethnicity
Shown for information only. It is never part of any grade.
Weather in Luling
Luling has a hot Texas climate. July highs average 97°F and January lows about 40°F. There are about 118 days a year at 90°F or above, and about 35 inches of rain a year.
Average daily high and low by month, °F, with rain below. NOAA 1991 to 2020 normals from Luling, 1 mi away. Orange months average 90°F or more.
Natural hazard risk
FEMA's National Risk Index says river flooding risk is very high, hurricane risk is moderate, tornado risk is very 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 floodingVery high
- HurricanesModerate
- TornadoesVery high
- HailVery high
- Heat wavesHigh
- WildfiresHigh
- Winter stormsHigh
- Strong windVery high
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 Luling
Nearby, Lockhart gets a C-, Martindale gets a D+ and Redwood gets a C. Each is graded against Texas places of its own size, so a small town and a big city can both earn an A.
Luling 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
- 46D+Smithville4,216 people41 mito downtown
- 47D+McDade1,070 people30 mito downtown
- 48D+Martindale1,072 people32 mito downtown
- 49DLuling5,531 people43 mito downtown
- 50D-San Marcos70,897 people31 mito downtown
- 51D-San Leanna1,047 people11 mito downtown
- 52D-Hornsby Bend12,367 people11 mito downtown
Living in Luling: common questions
Is Luling, TX a good place to live?
We give Luling a D. It ranks 591st of 745 Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people. It does best on errands and things to do and home ownership, and trails on education levels and health.
How much does it cost to live in Luling?
Renters in Luling pay a median of $1,021 a month, 27% lower than the Texas median. The median home is worth $210,300, 26% lower than the Texas median. A median home costs 3.8x 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 $1,358, including property tax.
Is Luling safe?
In 2025, Luling Police Department reported 363 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 6% lower than the Texas rate. Property crime was 1,260 per 100,000, 40% lower than the Texas rate.
Are the schools good in Luling?
We found 3 rated public school campuses inside Luling. 33% are rated A or B by the Texas Education Agency. Its schools score is 45 of 100 compared with other Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people.
Does Luling flood?
FEMA rates river flooding risk in Luling as very high, and coastal flooding as not rated. Hazards rated high or very high here: river flooding, tornadoes, heat waves, hail, wildfires, winter storms and strong wind. Always check the flood map for a specific address before you buy.
What is the weather like in Luling?
Summers in Luling peak at about 97°F in July, and January nights fall to about 40°F. Expect around 118 days a year at 90°F or hotter, and 35 inches of rain.
How long is the commute in Luling?
The average one-way commute is 28 min, 4% higher than the Texas average. About 5.9% of workers work from home. It is about 43 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.