Where is Austin, Texas?

Austin is located in Travis County, in the central part of Texas, along the banks of the Colorado River. Austin is the capital city of Texas and is known for its vibrant music scene, earning the nickname "Live Music Capital of the World." The city is also recognized as a hub for technology, innovation, and education, with the University of Texas at Austin. Popular destinations of Austin include Lady Bird Lake, Zilker Park, and the Texas State Capitol.

Location Map of Austin, Texas

Where is Austin Located, TX?

Situated in the central part of Texas, the city Austin was settled during the period of 1830s along the bank of Colorado River with name of Waterloo village. But later on the name has been renamed after the name of F. Austin; he is more popularly known as ‘father of Texas.’ The city became the capital city of the newly independent Republic of Texas in the year 1839.

In the late 20th century, the city has grown very fast and became centre of many modern industries, services along with headquarters of various top companies. Besides, it is also cultural and economic centre of Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos. Because of all these reasons, the city is given nickname “The Live Music Capital of the World.” During the period of late 1980s, the city became popular with the name “Violet Crown” because during the winter time violet glow of color just after the sunset.

Above all, the capital city is also an attraction for the tourists because of having various amusement parks, museum, shopping malls, theatres, and many other points of attraction.

Austin City Facts

ContinentNorth America
CountryUnited States
StateTexas
CountiesTravis, Hays, Williamson
Settled1835
IncorporatedDecember 27, 1839
Named forStephen F. Austin
Coordinates: 30°16′2″N 97°44′35″W
Government TypeCouncil-manager
Area326.51 sq mi (845.66 km2)
Elevation289-1,450 ft (88-405 m)
Population (2019978,908
• Density3,059.68/sq mi (1,181.35/km2)
• Metro2,295,303 (29th)
Demonym(s)Austinite
Time zoneUTC−6 (CST), In Summer UTC−5 (CDT)
ZIP Codes78701-78705, 78708-78739, 78741-78742, 78744-78769
Area codes512 & 737
FIPS code48-05000
GNIS feature ID1384879
AirportAustin-Bergstrom International Airport
InterstatesI35
U.S. Route183, 290
Commuter RailCapital MetroRail
ClimateHumid subtropical climate
Websiteaustintexas.gov

Places to Visit in Austin

Texas CapitolMcKinney Falls State ParkBarton Springs Municipal PoolBlanton Museum of Art
Zilker ParkHarry Ransom CenterCircuit of the AmericasHamilton Pool Road
Bullock Texas State History MuseumThinkeryZilker Botanical GardenAuditorium Shores at Town Lake
Lady Bird LakeCongress Avenue BridgeEmma Long Metropolitan ParkAustin Aquarium
Mount BonnellLady Bird Johnson Wildflower CenterMuseum of the WeirdRed Bud Isle
Austin ZooMayfield Park and Nature PreserveHippie Hollow ParkLake Travis Zipline Adventures

Written and fact-checked by | Last Updated: January 11, 2025, 11:50 PM ET