Is Round Rock Safe, Pros and cons of living in Round Rock

Round Rock, Texas, offers a compelling blend of suburban comfort and economic opportunity, making it an attractive destination for those seeking a high quality of life. Situated just north of Austin, this dynamic city provides residents with access to a thriving job market, a diverse community, and a family-friendly environment. Its strategic location and robust infrastructure contribute to its appeal as a place to live, work, and raise a family.

The city has garnered numerous accolades for its livability, safety, and economic growth, underscoring its desirability. Round Rock consistently ranks among the best places to live in Texas and the nation, recognized for its balanced approach to development and community well-being. This reputation is built on a foundation of strong public services, excellent schools, and a commitment to maintaining a high standard of living for all its residents.

Is it Safe to Live in Round Rock?

Round Rock is recognized as a safe city, with its safety metrics often comparing favorably to national averages. Recent studies have placed Round Rock among the safest cities in America, with a societal cost of crime per resident significantly below the national average (as reported by MoneyGeek). This safety record is supported by substantial investment in public safety, with a significant portion of the city’s budget allocated to police and fire departments (as stated by Round Rock officials).

While no city is entirely free of crime, Round Rock’s overall crime rate is reported to be lower than the national average, with violent crimes being a particular area of strength (according to AreaVibes). For instance, violent crimes in Round Rock are reported to be 64% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). This positive safety profile contributes to a sense of security for residents, making it an appealing choice for families and individuals alike.

Violent Crime Statistics

The violent crime rate in Round Rock is notably lower than the national average. Specific categories like assault, murder, rape, and robbery all show rates that are lower when compared to national figures (as reported by Niche). This trend is consistent across various analyses, which often highlight Round Rock’s low violent crime index.

For example, the violent crime rate per 100,000 residents in Round Rock is 138, which is considerably lower than the national average of 2,178 (as reported by MoneyGeek). This statistic, combined with a property crime rate of 2,156 per 100,000 residents, places Round Rock favorably in safety rankings. The city’s commitment to public safety is a key factor in maintaining these statistics.

Property Crime Statistics

While Round Rock generally demonstrates strong safety metrics, property crime rates, though often better than the national average, can show some variation. Some reports indicate that property crimes in Round Rock are higher than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). However, other analyses show property crime rates that are comparable to or slightly above the national average, with specific types of property crime like theft and motor vehicle theft being areas to monitor (as reported by Niche).

It’s important to note that crime statistics can fluctuate, and different sources may present data with varying methodologies. For instance, one analysis shows Round Rock’s property crime rate at 1941 per 100,000 residents, which is 10.3% higher than the average (as reported by AreaVibes). Residents are encouraged to stay informed about local crime trends and take necessary precautions.

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Round Rock is generally considered to be lower than the national average, making it an economically attractive place to reside. Overall living expenses are approximately 7.1% lower than the national average (as reported by Apartments.com). This affordability extends to various aspects of daily life, including housing, groceries, and transportation.

Housing costs in Round Rock are particularly favorable, being about 7.8% less expensive than the national average (as reported by Apartments.com). This includes both rental prices and home values, offering a significant advantage for residents looking to manage their expenses. The city’s economic environment supports a comfortable lifestyle without the prohibitive costs found in some other major metropolitan areas.

Housing Costs

Housing is a significant factor in Round Rock’s affordability, with both rental and homeownership costs being competitive. The average rent for an apartment in Round Rock is around $1,419, which is a decrease of 2.87% compared to the previous year (as reported by RentCafe). Rental prices for studios, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments generally fall within accessible ranges.

The median sale price of a home in Round Rock was approximately $368,000 last month, showing a slight decrease compared to the previous year (as reported by Redfin). This median home price is also noted to be lower than the national average (as reported by Redfin). The availability of diverse housing options, from apartments to single-family homes, caters to a wide range of budgets and preferences.

Median Salary and Income

Round Rock boasts a strong median household income, reflecting its robust job market and economic vitality. The median household income in Round Rock was $99,287 in 2024 (as reported by Texas Census Data). This figure is higher than the median income in the broader Austin-Round Rock metropolitan area, indicating strong earning potential for its residents.

The city’s economic growth is bolstered by a thriving job market, with a significant portion of its population employed in various sectors. The average salary in Round Rock can vary by industry, but the overall income levels support a good quality of life. The median age of residents is 36.2 years, suggesting a population that is actively engaged in the workforce (as reported by Texas Census Data).

Job Market and Major Employers

Round Rock’s job market is characterized by its strength and diversity, largely driven by its proximity to Austin’s tech hub and the presence of major corporations within the city itself. The Austin-Round Rock Metropolitan Statistical Area has experienced substantial job growth over the past decade (as noted by WorldAtlas). This dynamic employment landscape offers numerous opportunities for professionals across various industries.

Key employers in Round Rock include Dell Technologies, which has its global headquarters in the city and employs over 13,000 people (as reported by the Round Rock Chamber). Other significant employers span sectors like technology, healthcare, manufacturing, and retail, including Emerson Automation Solutions, Toppan Photomasks, Inc., Ascension Seton Williamson, Baylor Scott & White Healthcare, and Amazon (as reported by the Texas Municipal League and Indeed.com).

Unemployment Rate

The unemployment rate in Round Rock and its surrounding metropolitan area remains relatively low, indicating a healthy job market. The unemployment rate in Williamson County, which includes Round Rock, was reported at 3.50% (as of the latest data from YCharts). This figure is lower than the long-term average for the region, suggesting a stable employment environment.

The broader Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos MSA also shows a competitive unemployment rate, recently reported at 3.70% (as per FRED). These low unemployment figures reflect the strong economic conditions and the high demand for labor in the region, making it an opportune time for job seekers.

Climate

Round Rock experiences a humid subtropical climate, characterized by hot summers and mild winters. The weather is generally partly cloudy throughout the year, with distinct seasonal variations in temperature and precipitation (as described by Weatherspark). The city enjoys a long warm season and a shorter cool season.

Summers in Round Rock are typically hot and muggy, with average daily high temperatures exceeding 88°F from June to September (as described by Weatherspark). The hottest month is usually August, with highs around 95°F and lows in the mid-70s. Winters are short and cooler, with average daily high temperatures below 67°F from late November to late February, and January being the coldest month with lows in the low 40s and highs in the low 60s.

Temperature and Rainfall

Throughout the year, temperatures in Round Rock typically range from the low 40s to the mid-90s Fahrenheit, rarely dropping below the high 20s or exceeding 100°F (as described by Weatherspark). The city experiences significant seasonal variation in rainfall, with rain occurring throughout the year.

May is generally the wettest month, with an average rainfall of about 3.9 inches, while July sees the least amount of rain, averaging around 1.6 inches (as described by Weatherspark). The period from late May to mid-September is considered the best time for hot-weather activities, with peak scores in late June.

Education

Round Rock is served by the highly-rated Round Rock Independent School District (RRISD), which is recognized for its commitment to academic excellence. The district consistently receives strong rankings within Texas and nationally for its educational programs and student outcomes (as reported by Niche). RRISD serves a large student population, offering a comprehensive K-12 education.

The district’s schools are noted for their quality teachers and high student proficiency rates in math and reading. For example, 62% of students are proficient in math and 70% in reading (as reported by Niche). Several schools within the district, including Westwood High IB World School and Meridian World School, have received top ratings, contributing to Round Rock’s reputation as a great place to raise a family.

School Ratings

Round Rock Independent School District is highly regarded, often ranking among the best school districts in Texas and the nation. Niche.com consistently ranks RRISD well, highlighting its strengths in areas such as diversity and teacher quality (as reported by Niche). The district’s overall Niche grade is an A, reflecting its strong performance across various educational metrics.

Individual schools within the district also receive high marks. For instance, Herrington Elementary School and Cactus Ranch Elementary School have earned top ratings. The district’s focus on academic achievement and student development makes it a significant draw for families seeking quality education for their children.

Demographics

Round Rock is a growing and increasingly diverse city, with a population that reflects a blend of ethnic and racial backgrounds. As of the most recent Census data, the estimated population of Round Rock is over 142,000 (as reported by the City of Round Rock). The city’s population has seen consistent growth, outpacing many other Texas cities.

The largest racial and ethnic groups in Round Rock are White, followed by Hispanic and Black residents (as reported by Texas Census Data). The population is also relatively young, with a median age of 36.2 years (as reported by Texas Census Data). This demographic profile contributes to a vibrant and dynamic community atmosphere.

Population and Diversity

The population of Round Rock has grown significantly, with the 2020 Census recording 119,468 residents, and current estimates placing the population over 142,000 (as reported by the City of Round Rock and YCharts). This rapid growth indicates the city’s increasing appeal as a place to live.

In terms of diversity, Round Rock is becoming more ethnically varied. White residents make up approximately 45.9% of the population, with Hispanic residents at 29.7%, and Black residents at 11.0% (as reported by Census Dots). This diversity is slightly higher than the state average, contributing to a rich cultural tapestry within the city.