Is Bee Cave Safe, Pros and cons of living in Bee Cave
Bee Cave, Texas, offers a unique blend of suburban tranquility and access to the vibrant Austin metropolitan area. This growing community, situated in the scenic Texas Hill Country, appeals to those seeking a high quality of life with abundant natural beauty and a strong sense of local identity. As Bee Cave continues to expand, understanding its various facets, from safety and cost of living to employment and education, is crucial for anyone considering making this desirable city their home.
The city’s strategic location provides residents with the best of both worlds: a peaceful residential environment coupled with the conveniences of a major urban center. Bee Cave is known for its well-maintained parks, top-rated schools, and a close-knit community atmosphere, making it an attractive destination for families, professionals, and retirees alike. The area’s natural charm, characterized by rolling hills and proximity to Lake Travis, further enhances its appeal.
Is it Safe to Live in Bee Cave?
Bee Cave demonstrates a commitment to resident safety, with a violent crime rate significantly lower than the national average. In the most recent reported year, Bee Cave recorded 13 violent crimes, equating to 154 per 100,000 individuals, which is 57.2% lower than the national average (as reported by FBI uniform crime reports). The city also achieved a murder rate of 0 in its latest reported crime statistics.
However, property crime rates in Bee Cave are higher than the national average. The city recorded 225 property crimes, which amounts to 2663 per 100,000 residents, indicating a rate 51.3% above the U.S. average. Despite this, Bee Cave’s overall safety grade is considered B+ by some analyses, suggesting that the rate of violent crime is lower than in the average U.S. city. The chance of becoming a victim of violent crime in Bee Cave is approximately 1 in 650, while the chance of being a victim of property crime is about 1 in 38.
Housing Market and Cost of Living
Housing Costs
The housing market in Bee Cave is characterized by a high median property value. In 2024, the median property value in Bee Cave was $776,400, which is more than double the national average (as reported by Data USA). This figure represents an 11.1% increase from the previous year, with values rising from $699,100 to $776,400 (as reported by Data USA). The homeownership rate in Bee Cave is 48.8%, which is lower than the national average of 65.2% (as reported by Data USA).
Median home prices in Bee Cave can fluctuate. Last month, the average Bee Cave house price was $653,000, marking a 32.4% decrease year-over-year (as reported by Redfin). Conversely, another report indicates that in March 2026, the median sale price of a home in Bee Cave was $1.0M, showing a 0.25% increase compared to the previous year (as reported by Redfin). More recently, the median listing price in Bee Cave was $1,049,000 over the last 30 days, up 5.4% year-over-year (as reported by Orchard).
Rental Market
The rental market in Bee Cave presents a range of options, with varying price points. The average rent for an apartment in Bee Cave is $1,907 per month, a 7.72% increase from the previous year (as reported by RentCafe). This figure is higher than the national average rent price, which is currently $1,642 per month. One-bedroom apartments average around $1,622, while two-bedroom units are approximately $2,004, and three-bedroom apartments can cost about $2,560 per month (as reported by RentCafe).
Other sources indicate a higher average rent for all property types. Zillow data shows the average rent in Bee Cave at $3,328 per month, with a year-over-year decrease of $502 (as reported by Zillow). Realtor.com® reports a median rent of $3.4K per month, noting a significant 43.52% year-over-year increase (as reported by realtor.com®). Apartments.com data indicates an average rent of $1,702 per month, with a 6.7% decrease in the last year (as reported by Apartments.com).
Cost of Living
While specific, up-to-date cost of living indices for Bee Cave are not readily available from sources like the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), general economic indicators suggest a higher cost of living. The median household income in Bee Cave was $111,172 in 2024 (as reported by the U.S. Census Bureau). This high median income, coupled with a median property value significantly above the national average, points towards a higher cost of living, particularly concerning housing (as reported by Data USA).
Job Market and Economy
Major Employers
Bee Cave’s economy is supported by a diverse range of businesses and employers. Major companies with a presence in or near Bee Cave include retail giants like Costco Wholesale, Target, and H-E-B (as reported by Indeed.com). Other significant employers and companies in the area span various sectors, including healthcare (CVS Health), home improvement (Lowe’s Home Improvement, The Home Depot), and wholesale clubs (Costco Wholesale) (as reported by Indeed.com). In terms of top companies to work for, Zippia lists Venado Oil & Gas and Olea Edge Analytics among others in the Bee Cave area (as reported by Zippia).
Employment and Salary
The employment rate in Bee Cave is notably high, with the employment rate currently at 98.70% (as reported by BestNeighborhood.org). This reflects a strong job market within the city. The average salary in Bee Cave is estimated to be around $51,288 per year (as reported by ZipRecruiter). However, other sources indicate a median wage of $45.7K annually, with the 75th percentile reaching $67.4K (as reported by ZipRecruiter).
The primary industries contributing to Bee Cave’s economy include Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services, followed by Finance & Insurance and Other Services (as reported by Data USA). These sectors offer a range of employment opportunities. Notably, some popular jobs in Bee Cave, such as those in Whole Foods or Esthetician roles, can pay significantly above the city’s average salary (as reported by ZipRecruiter).
Unemployment Rate
Bee Cave boasts a very low unemployment rate, reflecting its robust job market. The employment rate is 98.70%, which corresponds to an unemployment rate of approximately 1.30% (as reported by BestNeighborhood.org). This rate is significantly lower than both the state and national averages, indicating a healthy economic environment for job seekers. For context, Texas’s unemployment rate was 4.30% in April 2026 (as reported by YCharts).
Climate and Demographics
Climate
Bee Cave experiences a humid, subtropical climate with distinct seasons. Summers are hot and muggy, typically lasting from June to September, with average daily high temperatures often exceeding 88°F (as reported by YCharts). August is generally the hottest month, with average highs around 95°F and lows near 75°F.
Winters are short, cold, and windy, with temperatures varying from an average low of 43°F to a high of 61°F in January (as reported by YCharts). Over the course of the year, temperatures generally range from 42°F to 95°F, rarely dropping below 30°F or exceeding 100°F. Rainfall is moderate throughout the year, with May often seeing the most precipitation, averaging around 5.9 inches (as reported by AreaVibes).
Demographics
As of the most recent Census data, Bee Cave has a population of 8,862 residents (as reported by Data USA and Point2Homes). The gender distribution is approximately 53.3% male and 46.7% female (as reported by Point2Homes). The median age in Bee Cave is around 41.7 years (as reported by Point2Homes and YCharts).
The racial makeup of Bee Cave is predominantly White, with 70.5% identifying as such, followed by Hispanic at 15.8%, and Asian at 7.3% (as reported by YCharts). Other racial groups constitute smaller percentages of the population. Approximately 94.2% of Bee Cave residents are U.S. citizens (as reported by Data USA).
The median household income in Bee Cave was $111,172 in 2024, marking a slight change from the previous year (as reported by the U.S. Census Bureau). Households led by residents aged 45 to 64 report a median income of $241,142, while those aged 25 to 44 have a median income of $68,846 (as reported by Point2Homes). Overall, about 97.7% of Bee Cave’s population lives above the poverty line (as reported by Point2Homes).
Education and Schools
School Ratings
Bee Cave is served by the Lake Travis Independent School District, which is known for its quality educational offerings. Bee Cave Elementary School receives an overall Niche grade of A, with strong marks for academics and teachers (as reported by Niche). Similarly, Bee Cave Middle School also holds a highly rated public school status with an overall Niche grade of A, demonstrating strong performance in math and reading proficiency (as reported by Niche).
Other schools within the district also receive high ratings. Lake Pointe Elementary School has a perfect Niche rating of A+. Serene Hills Elementary School is rated A, and Lakeway Elementary School is also rated A (as reported by Niche). These highly-rated schools contribute to Bee Cave’s appeal for families prioritizing education.
Pros and Cons of Living in Bee Cave
Pros
Bee Cave offers a high quality of life with a strong sense of community and access to natural amenities. The city boasts a low violent crime rate, significantly below the national average, contributing to a sense of security for its residents (as reported by FBI uniform crime reports). The educational system is a significant draw, with highly-rated public schools serving the community (as reported by Niche).
The natural beauty of the Texas Hill Country surrounds Bee Cave, offering ample opportunities for outdoor recreation. Its proximity to Austin provides access to a major metropolitan area’s cultural attractions, dining, and employment opportunities. The median household income is high, indicating a prosperous community with a strong job market and a low unemployment rate (as reported by the U.S. Census Bureau and BestNeighborhood.org).
Cons
The cost of living in Bee Cave, particularly housing, is notably high. The median property value is more than double the national average, and home prices have seen significant year-over-year increases (as reported by Data USA and Redfin). While violent crime is low, property crime rates are above the national average (as reported by FBI uniform crime reports).
Rental costs are also on the higher side compared to national averages, with significant year-over-year increases reported by some sources (as reported by RentCafe and realtor.com®). The climate can be challenging for some, with hot and humid summers that can be intense.