Is Bastrop Safe, Pros and cons of living in Bastrop

The city of Bastrop, Texas, offers a unique blend of historic charm and growing opportunities. Situated about 30 miles southeast of Austin, it boasts a scenic landscape with the Colorado River running through it and is known for its extensive loblolly pine forests (as reported by Western Regional Climate Center). Bastrop’s rich history is evident in its designation as “Most Historic Town in Texas,” with numerous historic buildings and sites to explore (as reported by Heritage Title Company).

The city is experiencing significant growth, with a projected population of 12,366 in 2026, reflecting an annual growth rate of 5.44% (as reported by CUBIT). This expansion is drawing new residents and businesses, creating a dynamic environment for those looking to relocate. Bastrop’s strategic location within the Texas Triangle, offering access to major metropolitan areas like Austin, Houston, San Antonio, and Dallas/Fort Worth, further enhances its appeal for both residents and companies (as reported by Bastrop Economic Development Corporation).

Is it Safe to Live in Bastrop?

Bastrop, Texas, presents a nuanced safety profile. The overall crime rate is reported to be 1% below the national average, with a safety grade of C+ as of 2026 (as reported by DoorProfit). Residents have approximately a 1 in 260 chance of being a victim of violent crime and a 1 in 52 chance of experiencing property crime annually (as reported by DoorProfit).

However, specific crime statistics reveal areas of concern. The estimated violent crime rate is 1% higher than the national average, with murder rates being 8% above average (as reported by DoorProfit). Property crime, particularly vehicle theft, is also a consideration, with rates for burglary being 1% above average (as reported by DoorProfit). NeighborhoodScout indicates that Bastrop has one of the highest crime rates in America when compared to communities of all sizes, with a combined rate of violent and property crime that is very high compared to similar-sized communities (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).

Violent Crime Overview

Violent offenses, including rape, murder, armed robbery, and aggravated assault, contribute to Bastrop’s crime statistics. Your chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime in Bastrop is one in 219 (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). The city’s violent crime rate was higher than the national violent crime rate average by 172.93% in 2018 (as reported by CityRating.com).

Property Crime Overview

Property crimes in Bastrop include burglary, larceny, motor vehicle theft, and arson. The estimated property crime rate is 1,915.3 per 100,000 residents, which is 5% higher than the national average (as reported by DoorProfit). Bastrop has one of the highest rates of motor vehicle theft nationally, according to FBI crime data (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).

Cost of Living and Housing Market

Bastrop’s cost of living presents a mixed picture, with some expenses being higher than the national average, while others are lower. Overall, the cost of living in Bastrop is 14% lower than the national average (as reported by PayScale). Housing expenses are 21% lower than the national average, and utility prices are 17% lower (as reported by PayScale).

Housing Costs

The median sale price of a home in Bastrop was $270K in March 2026, a decrease of 15.6% compared to the previous year (as reported by Redfin). In Bastrop County, the median sale price was $333K in March 2026, down 5.3% from the previous year (as reported by Redfin). The median rent in Bastrop is $2,000 per month (as reported by Realtor.com).

Rental Market

Rental prices in Bastrop show a median rent of $2,000 per month (as reported by Zillow). The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is $1,387, and for a 2-bedroom apartment, it is $1,537 (as reported by Rent.). In Bastrop County, the average rent is $1,835 per month (as reported by Zillow).

Job Market and Economy

Bastrop’s economy is diverse, with major employers spanning various sectors including government, healthcare, utilities, manufacturing, and hospitality (as reported by Bastrop Economic Development Corporation). The city is home to significant companies such as MD Anderson Cancer Center, The Boring Company, and Agilent Technologies (as reported by Bastrop Economic Development Corporation). These industries contribute to a growing job market.

Major Employers

Key employers in Bastrop include Bastrop Independent School District, Bastrop County, Bastrop Federal Correctional Institution, Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA), Starlink, The Boring Company, Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort & Spa, and MD Anderson Cancer Center (as reported by Bastrop Economic Development Corporation). The presence of these diverse employers provides a range of employment opportunities for residents.

Salaries and Unemployment

The average annual household income in Bastrop was $94,886 in 2024, with a median income of $81,551 (as reported by U.S. Census Bureau). The median wage in Bastrop is $38.9K per year (as reported by ZipRecruiter). The unemployment rate for Bastrop County was 3.8% in August 2016 (as reported by Bureau of Labor Statistics). More recently, the annual unemployment rate for Bastrop County was 3.6% in 2024 (as reported by Rural Capital Headlight).

Climate

Bastrop experiences a climate characterized by hot, oppressive summers and short, cold, windy winters, with partly cloudy conditions throughout the year (as reported by Climate.org). The hot season typically runs from June to September, with average daily high temperatures exceeding 89°F (as reported by Climate.org). August is the hottest month, with average highs around 95°F and lows of 74°F (as reported by Climate.org).

The cooler season lasts from late November to late February, with average daily high temperatures below 68°F (as reported by Climate.org). January is the coldest month, with average lows of 42°F and highs of 62°F (as reported by Climate.org). The city also experiences seasonal variations in humidity, with July being the muggiest month (as reported by Climate.org).

Education

Bastrop Independent School District serves the community, with an overall grade of C+ (as reported by Niche). The district has 13,370 students in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade, maintaining a student-teacher ratio of 18:1 (as reported by Niche). State test scores indicate that 25% of students are proficient in math and 35% in reading (as reported by Niche).

School Ratings

Bastrop High School has a B- overall grade, with specific rankings in Texas including #667 of 1,439 for Best College Prep Public High Schools (as reported by Niche). Bastrop Middle School also holds a C+ overall grade (as reported by Niche). Mina Elementary School receives a B grade (as reported by Niche).

Demographics

Bastrop has a projected population of 12,366 for 2026, showing consistent growth (as reported by CUBIT). The city’s racial and ethnic makeup is diverse, with White individuals forming the largest group at 58.2%, followed by Hispanic (29.7%) and Black (6%) residents (as reported by CUBIT). The median age in Bastrop is 40.2 years (as reported by CUBIT).

Population and Diversity

As of 2024, Bastrop had a population of 11,156, making it the 249th most populated city in Texas (as reported by CUBIT). The population is projected to reach 14,184 by 2026, with an annual growth rate of 5.44% (as reported by CUBIT). The city’s demographic profile includes 66.37% White, 5.98% Black or African American, and smaller percentages of other racial groups (as reported by CUBIT).

Income and Household Statistics

The median household income in Bastrop was $81,551 in 2024 (as reported by U.S. Census Bureau). Approximately 4.3% of Bastrop families live in poverty (as reported by CUBIT). The median age for residents is 40.2 years, with a slight skew towards females (as reported by CUBIT).

Pros and Cons of Living in Bastrop

Bastrop offers a compelling lifestyle with several advantages, including its rich history and scenic natural environment. The city’s proximity to Austin provides access to urban amenities while maintaining a more relaxed pace of life. Major employers and a growing economy contribute to job opportunities.

However, potential residents should be aware of certain drawbacks. Crime rates, particularly for violent offenses and vehicle theft, are higher than national averages in some respects. While the cost of living is generally lower than the national average, housing prices and rent can be substantial. The climate, with its hot summers, may also be a consideration for some.

Housing Market Trends

The housing market in Bastrop shows a median sale price of $270,000 as of March 2026, with a year-over-year decrease (as reported by Redfin). Homes are selling after an average of 73 days on the market (as reported by Redfin). The median rent is approximately $2,000 per month (as reported by Realtor.com).

Economic Opportunities

Bastrop’s economic landscape is bolstered by a variety of industries, including manufacturing, technology, and hospitality (as reported by Heritage Title Company). Companies like Agilent Technologies and MD Anderson Cancer Center are significant employers, providing diverse career paths (as reported by Heritage Title Company). The Bastrop Economic Development Corporation actively works to attract and support businesses, fostering economic growth (as reported by Bastrop Economic Development Corporation).

Quality of Life and Recreation

Residents enjoy Bastrop’s historic downtown, which offers live music, shops, and dining options, as well as access to the Colorado River (as reported by Bastrop Economic Development Corporation). The natural beauty of the area, with its pine forests and diverse wildlife, provides ample opportunities for outdoor recreation. The city also boasts a growing number of wineries, breweries, and distilleries (as reported by Heritage Title Company).

Climate Considerations

Bastrop’s climate is characterized by hot, humid summers and mild winters (as reported by Climate.org). The average high temperature in August is around 95°F, while January sees average lows of 42°F (as reported by Climate.org). This subtropical climate means residents should be prepared for warm weather for a significant portion of the year.

Educational Landscape

The Bastrop Independent School District serves the community, with an overall grade of C+ (as reported by Niche). While some schools like Mina Elementary receive a B grade, others like Bastrop Middle School have a C+ rating (as reported by Niche). Bastrop High School holds a B- overall grade (as reported by Niche).