Burnet County is a Highland Lakes county northwest of Austin, known for Lake Marble Falls, Lake LBJ, Inks Lake, and Lake Buchanan. Burnet is the county seat, and Marble Falls is the largest city.
A quick look at the county, according to Wikipedia's county profile:
Population - 49,130 at the 2020 census, with a 2025 estimate of about 57,000
County seat - Burnet
Largest city - Marble Falls
Size - about 1,021 square miles, including about 27 square miles of water
Burnet County offers lakefront and lake-view homes, family subdivisions in and around Marble Falls, small-town houses in Burnet and Bertram, and Hill Country acreage. Lake and view properties often sell at a premium, while homes farther from the water can offer more space for the money. Prices vary widely, so ask your agent for recent sales that match the home you want.
What buyers commonly look for:
Lake access - boating, fishing, and waterfront views
Retirement and second homes - golf, marinas, and Hill Country scenery
Space and land - larger lots than most Austin suburbs
Growing amenities - shopping, dining, and healthcare in Marble Falls
Our guide to homes with land near Austin may help if you are considering acreage.
Burnet County is served mainly by Burnet CISD and Marble Falls ISD, with smaller districts in some areas. District lines do not always match city lines, so confirm the zoned district for any address. Check current results on TXschools.gov. For a wider comparison, see our best school districts in Austin guide and our tips for buying a home near a school.
Marble Falls - the largest city, with a lakeside downtown and shopping along US-281. See our Marble Falls page.
Burnet - the county seat, known as the Bluebonnet Capital of Texas, with a courthouse square and Fort Croghan
Bertram - a small town east of Burnet
Granite Shoals, Meadowlakes, and Highland Haven - lakeside communities along Lake LBJ
Horseshoe Bay - a resort community that is mostly in neighboring Llano County
Lakes - Lake Marble Falls, Lake LBJ, Inks Lake, and Lake Buchanan
State parks - Inks Lake State Park and Longhorn Cavern State Park
Dams and history - Buchanan Dam, Inks Dam, and Fort Croghan
Bluebonnet season - roadside wildflowers each spring
US-281, US-183, and TX-29 are the main routes, with RM 1431 connecting Marble Falls to Lake Travis. Marble Falls is roughly 45 miles northwest of downtown Austin, about 55 to 65 minutes by car, and Burnet is roughly 55 miles away. Many residents work locally or remotely. Our Austin traffic and commute guide explains Austin-area traffic.
On waterfront homes, ask about lake levels, dock rules, and flood or wildfire insurance.
On acreage, ask about wells, septic systems, and water service.
Confirm the zoned school district, since Burnet CISD and Marble Falls ISD boundaries differ from city lines.
Sellers can start with a free home value estimate. See also our Llano County page.
Where is Burnet County? Burnet County is in the Texas Highland Lakes region, northwest of Austin.
What is the county seat of Burnet County? Burnet is the county seat.
What is the largest city in Burnet County? Marble Falls is the largest city.
How far is Burnet County from Austin? Marble Falls is roughly 45 miles northwest of downtown Austin, and the drive takes about an hour.
What school districts serve Burnet County? Burnet CISD and Marble Falls ISD serve most of the county. Confirm for any address.
What lakes are in Burnet County? Lake Marble Falls, Lake LBJ, Inks Lake, and Lake Buchanan are in or along the county.
Is Burnet County growing? Yes. The population grew from 49,130 in 2020 to an estimated 57,000 in 2025.
What is there to do in Burnet County? Boating, fishing, state parks, caverns, and spring wildflowers are popular.
Is Burnet County good for retirees? Many retirees choose the lakes for golf and recreation. Ask about HOA rules and healthcare access.
Can I buy waterfront property in Burnet County? Yes. Lakefront and lake-view homes are available, though prices vary and insurance matters.
Lake, town, and land properties each come with different questions. A Spyglass Realty agent can help you compare communities, review waterfront and land details, and time your move.
Thinking of selling? Get your home value
Buying in Burnet County? Start your search here
Have questions either way? Speak with a Spyglass Realty consultant
Prefer to talk it through first? Call us at 512-640-2077, and a Spyglass Realty agent can help you figure out the right next step in Burnet County.
