Rockdale is a city in Central Texas and the county seat of Milam County. It sits about 55 miles northeast of Austin and 70 miles southeast of Waco. The city is known for its railroad history, historic downtown, nearby lakes, and long connection to the coal and energy industries that shaped this part of Central Texas.
Location Map of Rockdale, Milam County, Texas
About Map: The map shows the location of Rockdale in Milam County, in the U.S. state of Texas.
Rockdale Map, Texas
About Rockdale Map: The Google Map highlights the location of Rockdale in Milam County, Texas. Use the zoom, satellite, and street-view options to explore the city's neighborhoods, roads, and nearby places.
Where is Rockdale Located?
Rockdale is a city located in Milam County, Texas, the United States. It lies in Central Texas, about 55 miles northeast of Austin and roughly 70 miles southeast of Waco. Cameron is around 20 miles north, while Taylor is about 30 miles southwest. Rockdale is positioned near 30.655° North latitude and 96.999° West longitude. The 2020 Census recorded 5,351 residents. The city covers about 3.81 square miles, or 9.87 square kilometers. Rockdale was founded in 1874 and incorporated in 1875 after the arrival of the International-Great Northern Railroad. The railroad helped establish the city as an important trade and transportation center for surrounding farms and ranches. Rockdale later became closely associated with lignite coal mining and aluminum production, industries that played a major role in its modern economic history. A unique feature of the city is its connection to the large lignite deposits found in the surrounding region, which supported major power and industrial operations for decades. The city has a historic downtown with older commercial buildings, churches, civic structures, and local businesses. Nearby attractions include the Kay Theatre, Apache Pass, Lake Granger, and Fort Hood farther west. The surrounding countryside includes farms, ranches, wooded areas, creeks, and reservoirs. US-79 and US-77 provide major transportation connections to Austin, Cameron, Hearne, Temple, and other Central Texas communities.
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Rockdale City Facts
| City | Rockdale |
| State | Texas |
| County | Milam County |
| Country | United States |
| Region | Central Texas and Blackland Prairie |
| Incorporated | 1875 |
| Founded | 1874 |
| Total Area | 3.81 sq mi (9.87 sq km) |
| Land Area | 3.80 sq mi (9.84 sq km) |
| Water Area | 0.01 sq mi (0.03 sq km) |
| Elevation | 474 ft (145 m) |
| Population (2023 estimate) | About 5,300 |
| Population (2020 Census) | 5,351 |
| Population Density | 1,408 people per sq mi |
| Time Zone | Central Time (CST/CDT) |
| ZIP Codes | 76567 |
| Area Code | 512 and 737 |
| Major Highways | US-77, US-79, and TX-36 nearby |
| Public Transit | Milam County public transportation services |
| Major Attractions | Kay Theatre, Rockdale Historic Downtown, Apache Pass, and nearby Lake Granger |
| Official Website | https://www.rockdaletexas.com/ |
Distance from Rockdale, TX to Nearby Cities
- Cameron, TX – 20 miles (32 km)
- Thorndale, TX – 15 miles (24 km)
- Lexington, TX – 20 miles (32 km)
- Hearne, TX – 30 miles (48 km)
- Taylor, TX – 30 miles (48 km)
- Caldwell, TX – 35 miles (56 km)
- Brenham, TX – 50 miles (80 km)
- Temple, TX – 50 miles (80 km)
- Georgetown, TX – 50 miles (80 km)
- Bastrop, TX – 45 miles (72 km)
- Killeen, TX – 60 miles (97 km)
- Austin, TX – 55 miles (89 km)
- Waco, TX – 70 miles (113 km)
- Round Rock, TX – 55 miles (89 km)
- Bryan, TX – 60 miles (97 km)
- College Station, TX – 60 miles (97 km)
- San Marcos, TX – 90 miles (145 km)
- Houston, TX – 115 miles (185 km)
Top Attractions in Rockdale
- Kay Theatre – A historic downtown theater and one of Rockdale's best-known landmarks, reflecting the city's mid-20th-century entertainment history.
- Rockdale Historic Downtown – The downtown area features historic commercial buildings, local businesses, restaurants, and civic landmarks.
- Apache Pass – A historic and recreational site near Rockdale with connections to early Texas settlement and the area's military history.
- Rockdale International & Great Northern Railroad Depot – A historic railroad landmark reflecting the role of rail transportation in the city's founding and growth.
- Lake Granger – A nearby reservoir on the San Gabriel River offering boating, fishing, camping, hiking, and wildlife viewing.
- Alcoa Lake – A local lake associated with the area's industrial history and outdoor recreation.
- Milam County Historical Museum – A nearby historical resource preserving artifacts and stories from Milam County and surrounding communities.
- San Gabriel River – The river system north of Rockdale provides fishing, wildlife habitat, water recreation, and scenic countryside.
- Fort Parker State Park – A regional park near Mexia featuring camping, hiking, fishing, boating, and the historic Fort Parker site.
Airports Near Rockdale, TX
- Cameron Municipal Airport (T35) – 25 miles
- Hearne Municipal Airport (T72) – 30 miles
- Taylor Municipal Airport (T74) – 35 miles
- Killeen-Fort Hood Regional Airport (GRK) – 65 miles
- Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) – 65 miles
Sources:
Population and area data sourced from the United States Census Bureau (2020 Census). General city information referenced from the official Rockdale city website and local government records.
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