Is Hornsby Bend Safe, Pros and cons of living in Hornsby Bend

Hornsby Bend, Texas, offers a unique blend of suburban tranquility and proximity to the vibrant energy of Austin. This community, nestled within Travis County, provides a distinct living experience for its residents. Understanding the nuances of Hornsby Bend is key for anyone considering a move to this part of the Austin metropolitan area.

With a population nearing 12,400 residents, Hornsby Bend presents a more intimate setting compared to the bustling city center of Austin. The area is characterized by a mix of rural and residential spaces, creating a diverse environment. Its location east of Austin, close to major transportation routes and the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, enhances its appeal for commuters and travelers alike.

Is it Safe to Live in Hornsby Bend?

Hornsby Bend is generally considered a safe community, with crime rates falling below both national and metropolitan averages. The area boasts an A- crime grade, indicating a lower incidence of crime compared to the average U.S. city (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). This safety is reflected in its ranking within the 81st percentile for safety, meaning it is safer than 81% of cities nationwide (as reported by CrimeGrade.org).

While the overall crime rate is low, specific neighborhood safety can vary. Residents often find the northeast parts of Hornsby Bend to be the safest. The chance of being a victim of crime can range from 1 in 46 in the west to 1 in 67 in the northeast, suggesting a higher degree of security in certain areas (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). The cost of crime per resident is also lower than the national and state averages, further contributing to the perception of safety (as reported by CrimeGrade.org).

Housing Market and Cost of Living

The housing market in Hornsby Bend offers more affordable options compared to the broader Austin metropolitan area. The median home value is approximately $285,500, which is significantly lower than the Austin Metro average (as reported by Nextburb). This affordability extends to rental properties, with the average rent hovering around $1,895, which is slightly above the metro average but below the national average (as reported by Nextburb).

Real estate in Hornsby Bend is primarily composed of medium to large single-family homes, with many residences built in 2000 or later (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). The homeowner occupancy rate is high, with 85% of residents owning their homes (as reported by Nextburb and AreaVibes). Vacancy rates are low, indicating a stable and in-demand housing market (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).

The median home price in Hornsby Bend is around $271,167, which is more expensive than many neighborhoods in Texas but still more affordable than the national average (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). However, another source indicates a median home price of $304,484, with a median rent of $2,526 (as reported by AreaVibes). Recent data shows a median sale price of $280,000 in March 2026, a decrease of 4.6% year-over-year (as reported by Redfin).

Job Market and Economic Landscape

Hornsby Bend’s economy is supported by a median household income of $81,775, which is slightly above the national average but below the Austin Metro average (as reported by Nextburb). The unemployment rate is a low 2% (as reported by Nextburb), indicating a robust job market. The per capita income in Hornsby Bend is approximately $40,327 (as reported by Nextburb).

The broader Austin area, which includes Hornsby Bend, is a hub for major employers across various sectors. Key industries include technology, with companies like Apple, Dell Technologies, and IBM having a significant presence. The healthcare sector is also a major employer, with Ascension Seton and St. David’s HealthCare being prominent institutions (as reported by Opportunity Austin and Dicker Morin Group).

Tesla’s Gigafactory Texas is a significant employer in the region, contributing to the area’s industrial and manufacturing base. Other major employers in the greater Austin area include Amazon, Samsung, and the University of Texas at Austin, reflecting a diverse and dynamic economic landscape (as reported by Dicker Morin Group and Jaymes Willoughby Team).

Climate and Weather Patterns

Hornsby Bend experiences a climate characterized by hot summers and short, cold winters, with a generally partly cloudy sky year-round (as reported by myPerfectWeather). Temperatures typically range from a low of 42°F to a high of 96°F throughout the year, rarely dropping below 30°F or exceeding 101°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather).

The hot season spans from June to September, with average daily high temperatures exceeding 89°F. August is the hottest month, with average highs around 96°F and lows of 75°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather). Conversely, the cool season lasts from late November to late February, with average daily high temperatures below 68°F. January is the coldest month, with average lows around 43°F and highs of 62°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather).

Annual precipitation in Hornsby Bend averages around 37 inches (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The summer months, from June to September, can be uncomfortably humid, with dew point temperatures often above 65°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The clearest part of the year is typically from mid-September to late November, with October being the clearest month (as reported by myPerfectWeather).

Education and School System

The quality of education in Hornsby Bend is a mixed bag, with an average school rating of 3 out of 5 (as reported by Nextburb). Hornsby-Dunlap Elementary School, serving grades Pre-K to 5, falls within the bottom 50% of Texas schools for overall test scores, with math and reading proficiency rates below the state average (as reported by Texas Tribune Schools Explorer and Niche). The student-teacher ratio at Hornsby-Dunlap Elementary is 15:1, which is slightly higher than the Texas state average (as reported by Niche).

The Del Valle Independent School District serves Hornsby Bend, and it holds a rating of 3.96 out of 5 based on over 80 reviews (as reported by Niche). While Hornsby-Dunlap Elementary received a “C” rating from the Texas Education Agency, indicating acceptable performance, its progress and achievement scores also received “C” ratings (as reported by Texas Tribune Schools Explorer). The district as a whole is rated as having acceptable performance, with factors like state test scores, college readiness, and graduation rates contributing to its evaluation (as reported by Niche).

Demographics and Community Profile

Hornsby Bend is a diverse community with a population of approximately 12,367 residents, as of recent census data (as reported by Point2Homes and Niche). The median age is around 34.5 years, with a slight majority of females at 51.7% compared to males at 48.3% (as reported by Point2Homes).

The racial and ethnic makeup of Hornsby Bend is varied. Hispanic residents constitute the largest group at 57.4%, followed by White residents at 26.1%, and Black residents at 10.3% (as reported by Hornsby Bend Demographics | Current Texas Census Data and Niche). A significant portion of the population, around 21.5%, was born outside the country (as reported by Data USA).

The community is composed of about 4,535 households, with an average of three members per household (as reported by Point2Homes). Homeowners make up a substantial 73% of residents, with 27% being renters (as reported by Niche). The area is described as having a rural feel, with most residents owning their homes (as reported by Niche).