Blanco County is a Hill Country county west of Austin, known for rolling land, river valleys, and small towns. Johnson City is the county seat, and the city of Blanco is the largest community.
A quick look at the county, based on the 2020 census:
Population - 11,374 at the 2020 census
County seat - Johnson City
Size - about 713 square miles
State parks - Blanco State Park and Pedernales Falls State Park
Blanco County homes range from small-town houses near the squares in Johnson City and Blanco to ranch properties, river-view lots, and acreage. Because inventory is limited and many sales are land or custom properties, prices vary widely, so ask your agent for recent sales that match the home you want.
What buyers commonly look for:
Land and privacy - larger lots than most Austin suburbs offer
Weekend and retirement homes - Hill Country scenery with small-town services
River and park access - the Blanco River and nearby state parks
Character - historic courthouse squares and limestone buildings
Our guide to homes with land near Austin may help if you are considering acreage.
Blanco County is served by several small districts. See our pages for Blanco ISD and Johnson City ISD. Parts of the eastern county fall in neighboring districts such as Wimberley ISD, 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.
Johnson City - a courthouse square, local shops, and the Lyndon B. Johnson family home, where he launched his first congressional campaign in 1937
Blanco - a river town with a historic square and Blanco State Park
Round Mountain - a small community on US-281
Rural ranch and river areas - acreage and Hill Country views throughout the county
Parks - Blanco State Park and Pedernales Falls State Park
Wineries and lavender - the area is known for Hill Country wineries and the Blanco lavender season
Historic squares - the 1916 Blanco County Courthouse and the old limestone courthouse in Blanco
Rivers - the Blanco and Pedernales Rivers for fishing and paddling
US-290 and US-281 are the main routes. Johnson City is roughly 50 miles west of downtown Austin, about an hour by car, and Blanco is roughly an hour and ten minutes depending on traffic. Many residents work remotely or in Fredericksburg, Dripping Springs, or Austin. Our Austin traffic and commute guide explains Austin-area rush hour patterns.
Ask about wells, septic systems, and water service on acreage.
Ask about flood zones near the rivers and creeks, and about wildfire exposure.
Confirm access, easements, and any agricultural exemptions on land.
Sellers can start with a free home value estimate.
Where is Blanco County? Blanco County is in the Texas Hill Country, west of Austin along US-290 and US-281.
What is the county seat of Blanco County? Johnson City is the county seat.
What is the largest city in Blanco County? Blanco is the largest city.
How far is Blanco County from Austin? Johnson City is roughly 50 miles west of downtown Austin, and the drive takes about an hour.
What school districts serve Blanco County? Blanco ISD and Johnson City ISD serve most of the county, and some edge addresses are in neighboring districts.
Is Blanco County good for land and acreage? Yes. Larger lots, ranch properties, and river-view land are common.
What is there to do in Blanco County? State parks, wineries, river recreation, and historic town squares are popular.
Is Blanco County growing? The county had 11,374 residents at the 2020 census, and its spot between Austin and San Antonio keeps drawing buyers who want acreage and Hill Country views.
Do Blanco County homes use wells and septic? Many rural properties do. Ask for inspections and water details.
Is Blanco County a good place for a second home? Many buyers choose it for a weekend or retirement home. Ask about insurance and maintenance for rural properties.
Blanco County properties are often unique, so local knowledge matters. A Spyglass Realty agent can help you compare towns, review land details, and time your move.
Thinking of selling? Get your home value
Buying in Blanco 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 Blanco County.
