Is Lakeway Safe, Pros and cons of living in Lakeway

Lakeway, Texas, offers a unique blend of resort-style living with the conveniences of a well-established community. Nestled in the scenic Texas Hill Country along the shores of Lake Travis, it provides a tranquil escape while remaining close to the vibrant energy of Austin. This city is known for its natural beauty, abundant recreational opportunities, and a high quality of life that appeals to families and professionals alike.

The community’s development began with a focus on second homes and retirement, but it has since evolved into a dynamic area attracting a diverse population. Residents appreciate the “lake lifestyle,” the award-winning parks and recreation programs, and the highly-regarded Lake Travis Independent School District. Lakeway’s charm lies in its ability to offer a peaceful residential setting without sacrificing access to urban amenities and a thriving job market.

Is it Safe to Live in Lakeway?

Lakeway demonstrates a mixed safety profile, with crime rates that warrant attention. In 2024, the city recorded a violent crime rate of 78.2 per 100,000 residents, which is 11% higher than the national average (according to FBI Uniform Crime Report data). Despite this, Lakeway’s violent crime rate is significantly lower than the Texas average. The property crime rate stands at 1220.7 per 100,000 residents. Overall, Lakeway received a safety grade of D (Below Average) based on a composite analysis of its crime rates compared to national benchmarks.

However, other analyses suggest Lakeway is safer than many other cities in the U.S. One report indicates that Lakeway’s total crime rate is 39% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. This analysis also states that violent crimes are significantly lower than the national average, with a rate of 78 per 100,000 individuals, which is 78.2% lower than the national average. The chance of becoming a victim of any crime in Lakeway is approximately 1 in 77. Local resident surveys indicate that 100% of respondents feel safe walking alone at night in Lakeway.

Cost of Living and Housing

Lakeway presents a cost of living that is notably higher than both the national and state averages. The overall cost of living index in Lakeway is 146, meaning it is 46% higher than the national average. This is also 55% higher than the Texas average. Housing expenses are a significant contributor to this higher cost, with both homeownership and rental costs being approximately 154.4% higher than the national average.

For those considering homeownership, the median home price in Lakeway is substantial. As of March 2026, the median listing price was $850,000, reflecting a 2.86% year-over-year increase. Other sources indicate a median home price of $875,000, up 15.1% year-over-year. For renters, the median rent is also high, standing at $3,000 per month as of March 2026. More recent data from May 2026 shows the average rent in Lakeway at $2,949.

Utility costs in Lakeway are slightly below state and national averages, with a rating of 98.7 compared to the national average. Grocery costs are also generally around the national average, with some items like milk and ground beef being less expensive than the Texas average. Despite the high housing costs, Lakeway offers a high median household income, which helps offset some of these expenses. The median household income in Lakeway was $190,060 in 2024 (as reported by U.S. Census data), which is significantly higher than the national average.

Job Market and Economy

Lakeway’s economy is robust, with a diverse range of industries contributing to its employment landscape. The leading sectors include Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services, Finance and Insurance, and Manufacturing. The largest employers in the area are the Lake Travis Independent School District, Lakeway Resort and Spa, and Baylor Scott & White Medical Center-Lakeway. These major employers provide a stable base for the local job market.

The average salary in Lakeway varies depending on the source and the specific job category. As of June 2023, the average salary for jobs in Lakeway was $46,380 per year. However, other reports suggest higher averages, with one indicating an average annual pay of $67,082 as of May 2026. ZipRecruiter data from April 2026 shows an average annual pay of $62,169 for an “Average Pay” role. The median individual income in Lakeway was reported as $74,997 in 2021, while the median household income reached $190,060 in 2024.

The unemployment rate in Texas, as of June 2021, was 6.5%. While specific unemployment figures for Lakeway are not readily available, its proximity to Austin, a major economic hub, suggests that residents have access to a wider range of employment opportunities. The economy of Lakeway itself employs approximately 8,423 people, with employment growing at a rate of 1.14% from 2023 to 2024.

Climate and Weather

Lakeway experiences a humid subtropical climate, characterized by hot, muggy summers and short, cool winters. Temperatures throughout the year generally range from a low of 39°F in January to a high of 97°F in August. The hottest months are July and August, with average high temperatures around 95°F to 96°F. During these summer months, from June to August, the air can feel uncomfortably humid.

The city receives an average annual precipitation of about 37 inches. May is typically the wettest month, with an average of 6.23 inches of rain and approximately 9 rainy days. February is generally the driest month, with around 25 mm of rainfall over 5 days. The first frost typically occurs between November 21-30, and the last frost is usually between March 1-10.

Lakeway enjoys a significant number of comfortable weather days throughout the year. The best times to visit or enjoy outdoor activities are generally from March to May and again from mid-October to November. These periods offer milder temperatures and lower humidity, making them ideal for experiencing the city’s outdoor attractions.

Education and Schools

Lakeway is served by the highly-rated Lake Travis Independent School District (LTISD), which consistently receives strong academic recognition. Lakeway Elementary School, a public elementary school within the district, has earned an “A” rating from the Texas Education Agency. It ranks among the top elementary schools in Texas, with its STAAR test scores significantly exceeding state averages.

The district itself is ranked 50th out of 961 school districts in Texas and holds a 5-star rating from SchoolDigger. Lake Travis High School also receives positive reviews, with a rating of 3.98 out of 5 based on over 500 reviews. The commitment to quality education is a significant draw for families considering a move to Lakeway.

Beyond K-12 education, several colleges and universities are located within a 20-mile radius of Lakeway. These include the University of Texas at Austin, Saint Edward’s University, Austin Community College, and Concordia University, providing ample opportunities for higher education and professional development.

Demographics

Lakeway’s population was recorded at 19,189 at the 2020 census, showing an increase from previous years. Projections estimate the population to reach 18,959 in 2026, though this indicates a slight annual decline. The city’s demographic profile is predominantly White, making up approximately 77.1% of the population, followed by Hispanic (10.8%) and Asian (6.1%) residents.

The median age in Lakeway is 49.8 years, with a slightly older population for females (50.7 years) compared to males (47.8 years). This median age is higher than many other communities, suggesting a significant portion of the population is in their prime working years or approaching retirement. The poverty rate in Lakeway is notably low, at 2.48%, with 97.5% of residents living above the poverty line (according to data from Point2Homes).

Citizenship in Lakeway is high, with 97.2% of residents being U.S. citizens, which is above the national average. The foreign-born population is around 9.49%, which is comparable to the national average. This diverse demographic makeup contributes to the vibrant community atmosphere.