Round Rock

by The Linguist

Round Rock is a city in Williamson and Travis counties in the U.S. state of Texas, located approximately 13 miles north of downtown Austin. With a population of 136,372 as of the 2020 census, it is one of the fastest growing cities in the nation.

Population and Demographics

According to the Wikipedia page for Round Rock, the city’s population grew from 16,664 in 1990 to 99,887 in 2010, nearly quintupling in just 20 years. Much of this growth is attributed to the city’s close proximity to Austin and the greater Austin metropolitan area.

Some key demographics about Round Rock’s population:

  • Median Age: 34.3 years old
  • Male/Female Split: 49.5% male, 50.5% female
  • Median Household Income: $80,959 (well above national average)
  • Homeownership Rate: 61.4% of households
  • Education: Over 92% of adults over age 25 have a high school degree or higher, while over 46% have a bachelor’s degree or higher
  • Race/Ethnicity: White 67%, Hispanic 20%, Asian 7%, Black 5%, Other 1%

Round Rock has a fairly young, prosperous, and well-educated population compared to national averages. The city offers high quality public schools through the Round Rock Independent School District, as well as amenities like an extensive public library system, parks and trails, and major retail centers that have attracted residents.

Economy and Major Employers

In addition to its growing population base, Round Rock has a diverse and thriving economy. Some major employers in the city include:

  • Dell – The computer technology company is headquartered in Round Rock and employs over 14,000 people in the city.
  • Texas State Government – Several Texas government agencies have regional offices in Round Rock, providing thousands of government jobs.
  • Round Rock Independent School District – Employs over 4,000 people district-wide.
  • Seton Healthcare Network – Operates the Seton Medical Center in Round Rock, employing over 1,000 people.
  • H-E-B Grocery – Operates a major distribution center in Round Rock.

Other major industries that contribute to Round Rock’s economy include advanced manufacturing, life sciences, computer services and software, transportation and logistics, education and health services, retail, and construction. The city has a diverse mix of industries and employers that provide economic stability.

To learn more details about Round Rock’s economy and major employers, visit the city’s Economic Development website.

Tourism

In additional to being a hub for economic activity, Round Rock has developed into a popular tourist and recreation destination in Central Texas. Some major attractions and things to do include:

  • Old Settlers Park – This 155-acre park features picnic areas, playgrounds, volleyball courts, disc golf, and trails.
  • Clay Madsen Recreation Center – An 82,000 square foot recreation facility with pools, gymnasiums, fitness center, and classrooms.
  • Round Rock Sports Center – A 178,000 square foot sports complex with ice skating, tennis, volleyball, basketball, and event space.
  • Round Rock Donuts – World famous for their freshly made donuts, a major landmark and destination in town.
  • Fishing – Round Rock Lake and Bagdad Pond offer great fishing opportunities minutes from downtown.

The City of Round Rock maintains an entire visitor and tourism website with extensive information on planning a trip. From sports tournaments to live music to outdoor recreation, there are abundant options for fun and entertainment.

Famous Landmarks

As an early pioneer town established in the 1800s, Round Rock has several historic landmarks that provide a window into its past:

Learning about these historic landmarks is a great way to appreciate Round Rock’s heritage as one of Texas’ oldest cities.

Sports Teams

Round Rock is home to several professional and amateur sports teams that locals passionately support:

With popular minor league baseball, roller derby, rugby, and polo nearby, Round Rock residents have plenty of options for spectator sports action.

Local Connections

For further local information on Round Rock, be sure to connect with these helpful community resources:

Round Rock’s Bright Future

With a fast-growing population, thriving economy, rich history, recreational attractions, and strong local connections, Round Rock has firmly established itself as one of the most desirable cities in Central Texas. The city has been able to maintain its unique identity and sense of community even through massive growth in recent decades. For both longtime locals and new residents, Round Rock provides an exceptional quality of life now and in the years to come.