Round Rock, TX: 2026 Relocation Deep Dive Report

Round Rock: The Data Profile (2026)

Round Rock represents a high-growth, high-earner satellite city within the Austin metropolitan statistical area (MSA). With a population of 131,735, it retains a "smaller city" feel while supporting an economic profile that significantly outpaces national averages. The median household income sits at $102,420, a staggering +37.3% premium over the US median of $74,580. This wealth accumulation is directly correlated with human capital; 45.9% of the population holds a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.1%.

The statistical target demographic is the "Hybrid Professional." This is a household earning between $90,000 and $150,000, likely working in the tech or semiconductor sectors, who requires proximity to Austin's core employment hubs but prioritizes suburban square footage and school district ratings over urban density.

Cost of Living Analysis

While nominal wages are high, the cost of living index reveals a nuanced picture. The aggregate COL index is 100.2, effectively mirroring the US average, but the underlying drivers differ significantly. Housing remains the primary inflationary pressure at 105.8, while essential goods like groceries (96.1) and transportation (97.8) offer slight relief. Energy costs are a distinct advantage; the electricity rate is 14.94 cents/kWh, undercutting the US average of 16.0 cents/kWh by approximately 6.6%.

Table 1: Cost of Living Breakdown (Monthly Budgets)

Disposable Income Analysis:
A single earner making the median income of $102,420 takes home approximately $76,800 annually after taxes. This equates to a monthly net income of $6,400. Subtracting the single-person budget of $3,090 leaves a robust disposable income of $3,310 per month. This liquidity is a key driver for the area's high savings rate.

Housing Market Deep Dive

The housing market is the most distinct economic feature of Round Rock. It is a "high-cost, high-value" zone. Buying is expensive relative to the US median, but renting is even more disproportionately high compared to home ownership costs, driven by the influx of temporary contract workers and the "lock-in" effect of low mortgage rates held by existing homeowners.

Table 2: Housing Market Data (Buying vs Renting Analysis)

Buy vs. Rent Analysis:
The $445,000 median home price suggests a monthly mortgage payment (with 20% down) of roughly $2,600 at current rates. Comparing this to the $2,400 rental cost for a 3BR home, the monthly cash flow difference is minimal ($200). However, given the +9.6% appreciation rate in the region, buying remains the superior long-term wealth generation strategy. Renting offers liquidity but exposes residents to the +14.3% premium on 3BR rentals.

Economic & Job Market Outlook

The post-2024 Return-to-Office (RTO) mandates have solidified Round Rock's position as a "commuter belt" economy. The city serves as a bedroom community for Austin's tech sector, but local industry is dominated by manufacturing (Dell Technologies) and logistics.

• Commute Impact: The average one-way commute to downtown Austin is 32 miles, taking 45-55 minutes during peak hours. This reality makes hybrid schedules (2-3 days in office) the economic equilibrium for residents.
• Unemployment: The local unemployment rate is 4.2%, slightly above the US average of 4.0%. This is attributed to the rapid population growth outpacing the creation of entry-level service jobs, though high-skill roles remain in high demand.

Quality of Life Audit

Round Rock scores high on safety and air quality but faces health challenges related to lifestyle. The violent crime rate is exceptionally low at 189 incidents per 100k residents (half the national average of 380). Air quality is a major asset, with an AQI average of 48 (Good), significantly better than the national average of 53.

Table 3: Quality of Life Metrics

Safety & Schools:

• Violent Crime: 189 per 100k.
• Property Crime: 1,890 per 100k (near the national average of 2,000).
• Schools: The Round Rock Independent School District (RRISD) is a primary draw, with test scores consistently 12-15% above state averages.
• Weather: Current conditions show a temperature of 55.0°F with partly cloudy skies. The city experiences hot summers (avg high 95°F in Aug) and mild winters (avg low 38°F in Jan).

The Verdict

Pros:

• High Income Potential: Median income of $102,420 offers significant purchasing power.
• Safety: Violent crime is 50% lower than the national average.
• Air Quality: AQI of 48 is among the best in Texas.
• Schools: Top-tier public education system.

Cons:

• Housing Premium: Home prices are +9.6% higher than the US median.
• Health Factors: Obesity rate of 34.2% indicates a sedentary local culture.
• Commute: Heavy reliance on I-35 creates traffic friction for hybrid workers.

Final Recommendation:
Round Rock is a Tier-1 relocation target for families earning over $90,000 annually, specifically those prioritizing school districts and safety over walkability and nightlife. It is less ideal for single professionals or those requiring strict urban amenities.

FAQs

1. What salary is needed to live comfortably in Round Rock?
For a single person, a salary of $75,000 is the baseline for comfort (saving 15%). For a family, a combined income of $125,000 is recommended to maintain a similar standard of living and cover housing costs.

2. How does the value proposition compare to Austin proper?
Round Rock offers approximately 20% more square footage for housing compared to Austin, with a 15% lower effective tax burden, though you trade urban walkability for a 45-minute commute.

3. Are the safety statistics accurate?
Yes. The data indicates a violent crime rate of 189/100k, which is statistically significant compared to the US average of 380/100k. It is considered one of the safest suburbs in the region.

4. When is the best time to move?
The housing market inventory peaks in June and July. However, negotiating leverage is highest in November and December, where sellers often accept 3-5% below asking price due to seasonal lulls.