Fit by budget
Census home values and owner costs, 2025 tax rates and the state first-time buyer programs, side by side for six north Austin suburbs.
First-time buyers
Short answer
In Census data for 2020 to 2024, the median owner-estimated home value was $365,700 in Hutto, $402,400 in Pflugerville and $418,600 in Round Rock, compared with $555,300 in Austin. Hutto and Pflugerville also carry the highest 2025 base tax rates of the six towns, so compare the monthly cost, not only the price.
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-year 2020 to 2024, table DP04; Texas Comptroller 2025 tax rates. Checked October 14, 2026.
Census values are owners' estimates averaged over five years, not current sale prices. They are useful for comparing towns with one consistent source. For a current number on a specific home, the comparable sales near that address are what count.
Census data
Two Census measures for each city: the median value owners give their home, and the median monthly owner costs for homes with a mortgage, which count the mortgage payment, taxes, insurance and utilities. Both cover 2020 to 2024, so current prices and rates are different. Use them to compare towns, then price specific homes.
City | Median home value | Owner costs with a mortgage | County | To the Capitol, 7:30 a.m. weekday |
|---|---|---|---|---|
$365,700 | $2,252 a month | Williamson | 35 to 65 min | |
$402,400 | $2,262 a month | Travis, part Williamson | 28 to 55 min | |
$418,600 | $2,364 a month | Williamson, part Travis | 30 to 55 min | |
$429,100 | $2,328 a month | Williamson | 40 to 75 min | |
$506,200 | $2,804 a month | Williamson, part Travis | 30 to 60 min | |
$513,600 | $2,717 a month | Williamson, part Travis | 26 to 50 min | |
Austin (reference) | $555,300 | $2,679 a month | Travis, part Williamson and Hays | n/a |
U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020 to 2024, table DP04 (data.census.gov). Median value is the owner's own estimate of the home's value, not a sale price. Checked October 14, 2026. Drive estimates: the typical-traffic range Google Maps showed for a Tuesday, October 20, 2026, 7:30 a.m. departure from each city hall to the Texas Capitol, retrieved October 14, 2026. Estimates only; traffic, construction and tolls change daily.
The tax bill
Texas has no state income tax and relies on property tax. On a home you live in, the school district must exempt $140,000 of the value once your homestead exemption is approved. The base rate below adds the city, the county and the main school district. A MUD, PID, emergency services district or Austin Community College can add more on a given parcel.
Town | Base rate per $100 | City | Main school district |
|---|---|---|---|
1.6789 | 0.372 | Round Rock ISD 0.8931 | |
1.8174 | 0.353 | Georgetown ISD 1.0506 | |
1.8607 | 0.36 | Leander ISD 1.0869 | |
1.918 | 0.4173 | Leander ISD 1.0869 | |
2.0049 | 0.3859 | Hutto ISD 1.2052 | |
2.0177 | 0.535 | Pflugerville ISD 1.1069 | |
Austin (reference) | 1.8251 | 0.524 | Austin ISD 0.9252 |
2025 adopted rates per $100 of taxable value from the Texas Comptroller tax rate data; Austin city rate from the Travis County Tax Office rate file. "Base" adds city, county and the main school district only. Austin Community College, emergency services districts, MUDs and PIDs vary by parcel and are not included. Checked October 14, 2026.
Rough math: each 0.1 of rate is $100 a year for every $100,000 of taxable value. On $300,000 of taxable value, the gap between a 1.70 and a 2.00 base rate is about $900 a year, or $75 a month. File for the homestead exemption the year you buy: how to file in Williamson County.
State programs
Two state agencies run home loan programs with down payment help. Each has income limits, credit score minimums and approved lenders, so the first step is a lender who participates. The details below are what each agency publishes.
For eligible professions. A fixed-rate loan plus down payment help of up to 5% of the loan amount, as a grant or a second loan forgiven after 3 years.
For low and moderate income buyers, first-time or repeat. Down payment help of up to 5% of the loan amount on the same terms.
For first-time buyers and veterans. Down payment help of 2% to 5% of the loan amount. A homebuyer education course is required.
TSAHC and TDHCA offer a federal tax credit on part of the mortgage interest each year for eligible buyers.
For the TSAHC mortgage credit certificate, a first-time buyer has not owned or had an ownership interest in a principal residence during the last three years. The rule is waived in targeted areas and for qualified veterans.
TSAHC. Checked October 14, 2026.
TDHCA's My Choice Texas Home program does not require you to be a first-time buyer.
TDHCA. Checked October 14, 2026.
More on what is actually available in first-time home buyer programs in Texas.
Mortgage rates
Freddie Mac's weekly survey is the most quoted national average. It said the 30-year fixed rate averaged 7.40% as of October 8, 2026, up from 7.28% the week before. Your own rate depends on credit, down payment, loan type and the lender, so get a written Loan Estimate.
New construction can come with builder rate incentives. Compare them on the full cost, as covered in the new construction fit page.
The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 7.40% as of October 8, 2026.
Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Market Survey. Checked October 14, 2026.
School districts must provide a $140,000 residence homestead exemption.
Texas Comptroller. Checked October 14, 2026.
FAQ
Among the six north suburbs here, Hutto had the lowest Census median home value for 2020 to 2024 ($365,700). Its 2025 base tax rate is also among the highest, so compare monthly costs.
Pflugerville's Census median value was $402,400 and Round Rock's $418,600. Pflugerville's 2025 base tax rate (2.0177) is higher than Round Rock's (1.6789).
No. TSAHC Home Sweet Texas and TDHCA My Choice Texas Home are open to repeat buyers. Income limits and other rules apply.
For the TSAHC mortgage credit certificate, someone who has not owned or had an ownership interest in a principal residence in the last three years. Targeted areas and qualified veterans are exempt from that rule.
School districts must exempt $140,000 of a homestead's value. Counties, cities and other units can add their own exemptions.
Freddie Mac's survey put the 30-year fixed average at 7.40% as of October 8, 2026. It updates every Thursday.
Reviewed October 2026 by Ken Jackson, REALTOR, Spyglass Realty, TREC #754679. General information, not lending or tax advice.
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Ken Jackson, REALTOR, Spyglass Realty, TREC #754679. General information, not legal, tax or lending advice.
SPYGLASS REALTY 8501 N MOPAC EXPY STE 110 AUSTIN TX 78759
SPYGLASS REALTY 8501 N MOPAC EXPY STE 110 AUSTIN TX 78759
