Hays County is one of the fastest-growing counties in the country, stretching from the I-35 corridor south of Austin to the Hill Country west of it. It includes Kyle, Buda, San Marcos, Dripping Springs, and Wimberley, each with its own feel.
A quick look at the county, according to the Hays Caldwell Partnership:
Population - about 255,000
San Marcos - about 68,600, home to Texas State University
Kyle - about 58,700 and one of the fastest-growing cities in the country
Buda - about 15,600
Dripping Springs - close to 7,000 within city limits
Wimberley - about 2,900
Hays County homes range from affordable newer subdivisions along I-35 to Hill Country homes on acreage near Dripping Springs and Wimberley.
Quick snapshot (October 2026 unless noted):
Kyle - average price about $382,000 and about $178 per square foot
Buda - average price about $397,000 and about $187 per square foot
Wimberley - average price about $893,000 and about $354 per square foot, including land and high-end properties
San Marcos and Dripping Springs - no data was available, so ask your agent for current figures
These are averages, not median sale prices, so ask your agent for recent sales in the neighborhoods you like. If you are considering a new build, read our guide to new construction homes in Austin. If you want land, our guide to homes with land near Austin may help.
Hays County is served by several districts, and the district matters as much as the city:
Hays CISD - Kyle and Buda, overall B in 2026
San Marcos CISD - San Marcos, overall C in 2026
Dripping Springs ISD - Dripping Springs, overall B in 2026
Wimberley ISD - Wimberley, overall B in 2026
District lines do not always match city lines, so confirm the zoned district and campuses 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.
Rivers and swimming holes - the San Marcos River, Blue Hole in Wimberley, and Jacob's Well
Wineries and venues - Dripping Springs is known for distilleries, wineries, and weddings
College town - Texas State University in San Marcos
Shopping and dining - growing retail in Kyle and Buda, plus outlets in San Marcos
Drive times vary by city:
Buda - about 15 miles south, roughly 20 to 30 minutes
Kyle - about 20 miles south, roughly 25 to 40 minutes
Dripping Springs - about 25 miles southwest, roughly 35 to 45 minutes
San Marcos - about 30 miles south, roughly 35 to 45 minutes
Wimberley - about 40 miles southwest, roughly 50 to 60 minutes
Our Austin traffic and commute guide explains rush hour patterns on I-35 and US-290.
Kyle - fast-growing, with newer subdivisions, parks, and Plum Creek
Buda - a small historic Main Street with newer neighborhoods such as Sunfield
San Marcos - a river town and university city. See our San Marcos page.
Dripping Springs - Hill Country living with wineries, distilleries, and acreage
Wimberley - a small Hill Country town known for creeks, art, and weekend visitors
Affordable newer homes - along the I-35 corridor in Kyle and Buda
College-town homes and rentals - in San Marcos
Hill Country custom homes and acreage - near Dripping Springs and Wimberley
Active-adult communities - such as Kissing Tree in San Marcos
Hays County suits buyers with very different goals, from first-time buyers to retirees and people who want land.
I-35 is the main north-south route, while US-290, RM 12, SH-45, and SH-21 connect the Hill Country and eastern areas. Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is a reasonable drive from Buda and Kyle. Commute times depend heavily on rush hour, so test the drive. Our Austin traffic and commute guide explains the corridors.
Ask about MUD and PID charges and HOA dues, which vary by neighborhood.
On acreage, ask about wells, septic, and water service.
Confirm the school district for the exact address.
Sellers can start with a free home value estimate.
What cities are in Hays County? Hays County includes San Marcos, Kyle, Buda, Dripping Springs, and Wimberley, along with smaller communities.
What are the school districts in Hays County? The main districts are Hays CISD, San Marcos CISD, Dripping Springs ISD, and Wimberley ISD.
What is the average home price in Hays County? Prices vary by city. Averages are about $382,000 in Kyle and $397,000 in Buda as of October 2026.
Is Hays County growing? Yes. The county has been described as one of the fastest-growing in the country, with Kyle among the fastest-growing cities.
Which Hays County city is closest to Austin? Buda is the closest of the main cities, at about 15 miles south of downtown Austin.
How far is Hays County from downtown Austin? It depends on the city. Drives range from about 20 minutes to Buda to about an hour to Wimberley.
Is Hays County a good place for first-time buyers? Many first-time buyers look at Kyle and Buda because newer homes can cost less than closer-in Austin.
Where can I find acreage in Hays County? Acreage is common near Dripping Springs, Wimberley, and the edges of other communities.
What should I ask about taxes in Hays County? Ask for the full estimate, including any MUD or PID charges, since bills vary by address.
Is Hays County close to the airport? Buda and Kyle are a reasonable drive from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport.
Hays County has very different markets from city to city, so local knowledge matters. A Spyglass Realty agent can help you compare cities, confirm school zoning, and time your move.
Thinking of selling? Get your home value
Buying in Hays 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 Hays County.
