Is Williamson Safe, Pros and cons of living in Williamson

Williamson County, Texas, located north of Austin, offers a blend of suburban tranquility and economic vitality. This region, encompassing cities like Georgetown, Round Rock, and Cedar Park, has experienced significant growth, attracting residents with its diverse housing options, robust job market, and family-friendly atmosphere. Understanding the nuances of Williamson County is key for anyone considering a move to this dynamic part of Central Texas.

The county is known for its appealing lifestyle, drawing in new residents with its well-regarded school districts and a lower-than-average crime rate compared to the national average. As the area continues to expand, it presents a compelling case for those seeking a balance between urban accessibility and a quieter, community-focused living environment.

Is it Safe to Live in Williamson County?

Williamson County generally boasts a lower crime rate than the national average. The violent crime rate is approximately 2.429 per 1,000 residents annually (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). This safety is a significant draw for families and individuals alike.

While the county is considered safe overall, crime rates can vary by specific area. Residents often view the northwestern parts of the county as the safest (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). Your risk of being a victim of crime can range from 1 in 321 in northern areas to 1 in 629 in the northwest (as reported by CrimeGrade.org).

Crime Statistics Overview

The overall crime rate in Williamson County is about 24.55 per 1,000 residents annually (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). This places the county in the 69th percentile for safety, meaning it is safer than 69% of counties in the U.S. (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). The cost of crime per resident is approximately $332 per year, which is less than the national average (as reported by CrimeGrade.org).

In 2024, property crime was a notable concern in the county’s larger cities. Round Rock recorded about 4,000 property crimes, a 7% decrease from the previous year (as reported by FOX 7 Austin). In Georgetown, aggravated assaults saw a 40% increase in 2024 compared to 2023 (as reported by FOX 7 Austin).

Cost of Living in Williamson County

The cost of living in Williamson County varies across its cities, but it is generally considered to be slightly higher than the national average, particularly in areas like Georgetown. Georgetown’s cost of living index is around 108.3, meaning it is approximately 8% more expensive than the U.S. average (as reported by Wan Bridge Group). This is higher than the Texas average cost of living index of 93.9 (as reported by Wan Bridge Group).

Housing is a significant factor in the cost of living. The median home price in Williamson County is approximately $425,000 (as reported by realtor.com®). In Georgetown, the median home price is around $437,000, considerably higher than the Texas median of $243,600 (as reported by Wan Bridge Group).

Housing Costs and Rental Market

Housing prices in Williamson County are a key component of its cost of living. The median listing price for a home in the county is $425,000 (as reported by realtor.com®). In Georgetown, the median home price is just over $437,000 (as reported by Wan Bridge Group).

The rental market offers a slightly different picture. The median rental price in Williamson County stands at approximately $2,000 per month (as reported by realtor.com®). In Georgetown, rents range from $1,000 for a studio to $2,000 for a four-bedroom residence (as reported by Wan Bridge Group). However, recent trends show a slight decrease in rents year-over-year in some areas, with Williamson County rents seeing a -1.25% change (as reported by realtor.com®).

Average Salaries and Income Levels

Williamson County offers competitive salaries, with significant variations across its cities. The average annual household income in Williamson County was approximately $140,407 in 2024 (as reported by Point2Homes). The median household income for the county was $111,340 (as reported by Point2Homes).

In Cedar Park, the average annual household income was $153,637 in 2024 (as reported by Niche). The median income in Cedar Park was $129,545 (as reported by Niche). For individuals, the median income in Georgetown is just over $36,000, with a median household income of about $73,800 (as reported by Wan Bridge Group).

Job Market and Major Employers

Williamson County boasts a strong and growing job market, driven by a diverse range of industries. Employment in the county grew by 4.85% from 2023 to 2024, with the number of employees increasing to 358,000 (as reported by Data USA). The most common employment sectors for residents include Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services, Retail Trade, and Health Care & Social Assistance (as reported by Data USA).

Major employers in the region contribute significantly to its economic landscape. While specific lists can change, the presence of large technology companies, healthcare providers, and government entities provides a stable employment base. The Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos metropolitan area, which Williamson County is part of, is a hub for technology and innovation.

Employment Trends

The employment landscape in Williamson County is dynamic. From 2023 to 2024, employment saw a growth of 4.85%, reaching 358,000 workers (as reported by Data USA). The primary job groups for residents include management occupations, office and administrative support, and sales and related occupations (as reported by Data USA).

The unemployment rate in Williamson County has been trending downwards. In April 2025, the unemployment rate fell to 3.2% (as reported by Williamson County Sun). This rate is below both the state rate of 3.7% and the national rate of 3.9% for the same period (as reported by Williamson County Sun).

Climate in Williamson County

Williamson County experiences a humid subtropical climate, characterized by long, hot summers and mild winters. Georgetown, for example, typically sees summer temperatures reaching 100°F for several days in July and August (as reported by Wikipedia). Highs can remain near 90°F well into October, though nights become cooler during this time.

Winters are generally mild, with daytime highs in the 50s and 60s. Freezing temperatures occur occasionally, and the area may experience one or two ice storms per season. Despite the heat, residents enjoy over 300 days of sunshine annually (as reported by Seniors Living Smarter).

Temperature and Precipitation

The hot season in Georgetown lasts from June to September, with average daily high temperatures above 88°F (as reported by Weather Spark). August is the hottest month, with average highs around 95°F and lows of 74°F (as reported by Weather Spark). The cool season spans from late November to late February, with average daily highs below 67°F. January is the coldest month, with average lows of 40°F and highs of 61°F (as reported by Weather Spark).

Annual precipitation in Georgetown averages around 37 inches (as reported by myPerfectWeather). May typically sees the most rainfall, with an average of 9.8 wet days (as reported by Weather Spark). The drier season lasts from late October to late April.

Education and Schools

Williamson County is recognized for its strong public school system, making it an attractive location for families. The county’s school districts consistently receive high ratings, contributing to the desirability of the area. Many of these districts are praised for their academic rigor and extracurricular opportunities.

Beyond K-12 education, the county is also home to higher education institutions. Southwestern University, founded in 1840, is the oldest university in Texas and is located in Georgetown (as reported by Wikipedia). Other institutions in the broader Austin-Round Rock metropolitan area offer additional educational pathways.

School District Performance

School ratings in Williamson County are generally high, reflecting a commitment to quality education. Many districts are lauded for their student-teacher ratios, academic performance, and comprehensive programs. Parents often cite the strong educational offerings as a primary reason for choosing to live in the county.

Specific school district performance can be researched through various educational rating websites, which often provide detailed data on test scores, graduation rates, and college readiness. These resources can help prospective residents make informed decisions about school choices for their children.

Demographics of Williamson County

Williamson County has a diverse and growing population. As of the 2020 census, the county’s population was 609,017, with estimates for 2024 placing it around 673,000 (as reported by Data USA). The median age in the county is approximately 36.7 years (as reported by Wikipedia).

The racial makeup of Williamson County is varied. White (Non-Hispanic) residents form the largest group, comprising about 59.61% of the population, followed by Hispanic residents at 24.7% and Asian residents at 9.9% (as reported by World Population Review). The county is home to a significant population of citizens, with 91.2% being U.S. citizens (as reported by Data USA).

Population Growth and Diversity

Williamson County has experienced substantial population growth. The 2024 population estimate is around 673,000, with a projected 2026 population of 776,641 (as reported by World Population Review). This growth reflects the area’s increasing appeal as a place to live and work.

The county’s diversity is also notable. While White residents are the majority, there is a significant Hispanic population, as well as growing Asian and Black communities. In 2024, approximately 16% of Williamson County residents were born outside the country (as reported by Data USA).