Demographics

Travis County, TX, has a population of approximately 1.33 million (2023). The median age is about 35 years. Gender distribution is nearly even, with 50.3% male and 49.7% female. Racial/ethnic composition is 48% White (non-Hispanic), 33% Hispanic or Latino, 8% Black or African American, 8% Asian, and 3% multiracial or other groups. The diverse population makes Travis County a vibrant, growing region in Central Texas.

Elections

Travis County, TX, boasts over 880,000 registered voters as of 2024. It conducts primary, general, runoff, and special elections, with turnout reaching 67% in the 2020 presidential race. The county leans Democratic—Joe Biden received 71% of the 2020 vote. There are more than 70 Election Day polling locations and extensive early voting. Key issues include affordable housing and public transit. The Travis County Clerk administers elections, with both Democratic and Republican parties active. Recent elections have featured about 3,600 poll workers, ensuring secure, accessible voting processes for the diverse Central Texas community.

Education, Employment and Housing

Travis County, TX boasts over 40 public high schools and multiple private institutions. About 92% of adults hold a high school diploma, and approximately 51% possess a bachelor’s degree or higher. The Austin Independent School District, the largest in the county, serves around 75,000 students and maintains an average graduation rate of 90%. School safety initiatives include security personnel and campus police. Diverse educational programs and advanced courses are widely offered, contributing to consistently above-average state test scores. Adult education opportunities are accessible through institutions like Austin Community College.

As of 2023, Travis County, TX boasts an employment rate of approximately 97.1%. The largest industries are Professional, Scientific & Technical Services (15%), Health Care & Social Assistance (12%), and Educational Services (10%). Major occupation types include Management, Business & Financial Operations (21%), and Computer & Mathematical Occupations (10%). About 74% of workers commute by car, with an average commute of 25 minutes. Most residents work within the county, especially in Austin, the county seat, which is the primary employment hub.

Travis County, TX, home to Austin, features a homeownership rate of approximately 51%, with median home values around $500,000 as of early 2024. The median monthly rent is about $1,700. The market has seen property values rise by roughly 4% year-over-year. Housing options range from urban condos and apartments in neighborhoods like Downtown and East Austin, to single-family homes in suburbs such as Westlake and Pflugerville. Property taxes average 1.8% of assessed value, among the highest in Texas, impacting affordability for buyers and renters alike.

County Crime & Safety

Travis County, TX, encompassing Austin, reported a 2022 violent crime rate of 467 per 100,000 residents, with property crime at 3,289 per 100,000. The Austin Police Department annually reports statistics, revealing a slight increase in assaults but a decline in burglaries. Despite urban challenges, the overall crime rate remains below the national average. The Travis County Sheriff’s Office encourages community reporting, contributing to improved response and prevention. Recent years show enhanced safety measures and increased collaboration among local agencies, resulting in safer neighborhoods and higher criminal incident clearance rates.