Austin: The Data Profile (2026)

Austin represents a distinct outlier in the post-remote economy, characterized by a high-skill labor pool and aggressive cost premiums. The metropolitan area now holds a population of 979,700, classifying it as a robust mid-size city. The economic engine is fueled by a median income of $91,501, which sits 22.7% higher than the national median of $74,580. However, this income premium is immediately challenged by a housing market priced 29.8% above the national median.

The city's demographic profile is heavily skewed toward the educated professional class. 61.7% of residents hold a college degree, nearly double the US average of 33.1%. The statistical target demographic is the "High-Earning Remote/Hybrid Professional": individuals earning between $85,000 and $120,000 who prioritize lifestyle amenities and networking opportunities over raw housing value.

Cost of Living Analysis

While Austin's housing costs drive the headlines, the ancillary costs of living remain surprisingly competitive relative to the national average. The aggregate Cost of Living Index sits at 105.8, indicating a 5.8% premium, driven almost entirely by real estate.

Table 1: Monthly Cost of Living Breakdown

Disposable Income Analysis:
The "Austin Premium" on income is partially eroded by lifestyle inflation. A single professional earning the median $91,501 takes home approximately $5,400 monthly after taxes. With a total monthly expenditure of $3,556, the disposable income sits at $1,844. This is 12% lower than the disposable income of a similar earner in a low-cost city, despite the higher gross salary.

Housing Market Deep Dive

The housing market is the primary friction point for relocation. The median home price of $545,000 requires a significant income hurdle for ownership. The market has cooled significantly, with homes sitting for 45 days on average—a 150% increase in time-on-market compared to the 2021 peak.

Table 2: Housing Market Data (Buying vs Renting Analysis)

Buy vs. Rent Analysis:
Renting is currently the mathematically superior financial decision for the first 5 to 7 years of residency. The price-to-rent ratio on a 1-bedroom unit is 68.1 (Price $545k / Annual Rent $9,852), far exceeding the "buy" threshold of 20. Renters face no exposure to the $285 per square foot valuation, which is currently 32.6% inflated over national norms.

Economic & Job Market Outlook

Post-pandemic Return-to-Office (RTO) mandates have solidified Austin's status as a hybrid hub. The commute times have stabilized at an average of 28 minutes, down from the pre-2020 average of 34 minutes due to flexible scheduling. Local industry stability remains high, anchored by the "Silicon Hills" tech sector, though volatility in the crypto and startup sectors has increased the demand for "Big Tech" stability.

The unemployment rate sits at 3.8%, technically beating the US average of 4.0%. However, this metric masks a bifurcated labor market: high demand for software engineers and healthcare professionals, contrasted with a 4.5% unemployment rate in the service and retail sectors.

Quality of Life Audit

Austin scores high on health metrics and air quality but struggles with property crime and specific lifestyle risk factors.

Table 3: Quality of Life Metrics

Safety Analysis:
The safety profile is mixed. Violent crime is statistically average at 400 incidents per 100k residents (US avg: 380). However, property crime is a significant outlier, clocking in at 3,245 per 100k residents—62% higher than the national average of 2,000. Securing a residence with a monitored security system is recommended.

Air Quality & Weather:
Air quality is a major asset. With an AQI of 34 and PM2.5 levels at 8.2 µg/m³, Austin sits comfortably below the WHO safety limit of 10. Current weather shows a high of 72°F and a low of 44°F, with active precipitation. The climate allows for year-round outdoor activity, contributing to the lower-than-average smoking rate of 9.4%.

The Verdict

PROS:

• Income Potential: Median income is $91,501, significantly outpacing the national average.
• Air Quality: Exceptionally clean air with an AQI of 34.
• Rental Market: Rent is 31.6% cheaper than the US average for a 1-bedroom unit.
• Health Profile: Low diabetes (8.1%) and smoking rates (9.4%).

CONS:

• Home Ownership Cost: Median home price is $545,000, requiring a massive down payment or high monthly burden.
• Property Crime: Rates are 62% higher than the national average.
• Tax Burden: While not explicitly in the data, Texas has no state income tax, but high property taxes (approx. 1.8%) on the inflated $545k home value result in high annual fixed costs.

Final Recommendation:
RENT FIRST. The data supports a 12-to-24-month rental period. The $821 monthly rent for a 1-bedroom allows you to bank the income premium while assessing neighborhood safety and job stability. Buying immediately exposes you to a 29.8% market premium and high property crime risks.

FAQs

1. What salary is needed for a comfortable life in Austin?
For a single professional to rent a 1-bedroom, save 20% for retirement, and maintain a social life, a salary of $75,000 is the floor. To buy a median home without being "house poor," a household income of $140,000 is required.

2. Is the Cost of Living actually high?
It is nuanced. Rent is 31.6% below average, but the median home price is 29.8% above average. If you rent, your COL is manageable. If you buy immediately, your COL is significantly higher than the US average.

3. How dangerous is the property crime rate?
It is statistically high at 3,245 incidents per 100k. You are statistically more likely to experience property theft (car break-ins, burglary) here than in 80% of US cities. Do not leave valuables in vehicles.

4. When is the best time to move?
The rental market is softest in Q4 (October–December). The home market sees the most inventory and price stagnation in August and September. Avoid moving during SXSW (March) or ACL Festival (October) due to congestion and dynamic pricing on short-term housing.