Bastrop County Economic Update Spring 2025
Bastrop County State of the County 2025: Growth, Challenges & What It Means for Locals
Last week, I attended the 2025 Bastrop County State of the County Breakfast, where each precinct commissioner shared updates about development, infrastructure, and future legislation impacting our region. As a real estate professional and lifelong resident of this area, I walked away both encouraged and reflective—our county is growing fast, but that growth comes with real pressure points for landowners, developers, and families alike.
Precinct 1: Tech Hubs, Tourism, and Investment Momentum
Precinct 1, home to big names like The Boring Company, SpaceX, and Twitter (X), continues to lead the charge in commercial growth. One of the most striking figures shared was that one-third of the employees from these companies live right here in Bastrop County. That kind of statistic matters, it’s a sign that people are not just working here, they’re choosing to build their lives here too.
The county also made history as the first in the state to approve a sales tax exemption to attract these large employers. This bold move is clearly paying off. Another notable update: a $9 million renovation to the golf course, aiming to increase tourism and property value. And a new film studio in Tahitian Village is in the early design stages, starting with water infrastructure planning.
As someone who works closely with developers and buyers, I can say this: Bastrop’s not just on the map, it’s a key player in Texas’ growth corridor.
Precinct 2: Infrastructure and Smart Spending
In Precinct 2, construction is wrapping up on a new county facility on Lovers Lane. That kind of long-term vision is refreshing, it proves what’s possible when counties plan ahead.
Commissioners also shared plans for a Development Services Building and are actively searching for land for a new Justice Center. These projects are funded by tax dollars that were set aside in 2012. There’s even room in the budget for a historic courthouse buliding, which feels like a beautiful blend of honoring our roots while preparing for what’s next.
For me, seeing these updates drives home how infrastructure decisions, often overlooked, can create lasting value for future generations.
Precinct 3: School Growth and Austin’s Influence
Precinct 3’s update centered largely on the impact of population growth on public schools. Out of the 16 schools in the county, 8 are elementary campuses, and the need for more middle and high school capacity is growing.
As someone who often works with families moving here, I’m seeing firsthand how our school systems are reaching capacity. More than ever, growth needs to be paired with smart, family-focused planning.
Precinct 4: Explosive Growth Meets Infrastructure Gaps
Precinct 4 had some of the biggest announcements. Most notably, a $5 billion data center spanning 100 acres is in progress. This is a huge leap forward for Bastrop County in terms of economic development and tech infrastructure.
But this growth brings strain. Roads and bridges were highlighted as top concerns, yet they receive the least funding in the current budget. The commissioner emphasized the need for proper tax structures, so that commercial and industrial development doesn’t unfairly burden residential homeowners.
This hit home for me. I’ve seen the wear and tear on rural roads, especially in fast-growing areas. Infrastructure isn’t a side conversation, it’s central to every successful project and every livable community.
Precinct 5 & Transportation Realities
Across the board, transportation came up as a major concern. Commissioners shared new long-term transportation maps, but they’re on a 30-year timeline. That’s daunting when you’re looking at 3-year growth patterns.
Funding is also an issue. For a $50 million project, 20% must come from local sources, often through bonds. Caldwell County recently passed a $150 million road bond, and Bastrop may not be far behind.
As someone who often drives across precinct lines daily for showings and meetings, I know how long-overdue some of these upgrades are. Roads are the veins of growth, without them, everything slows down.
Water Rights, Aquifers & Growing Tension
One of the most controversial topics was House Bill 15, which allows Austin to pump treated water into Bastrop’s aquifer during wet years and reclaim up to 95% of it during droughts. The plan is backed by a $1 billion budget and would use the Carrizo-Wilcox Aquifer as a kind of storage system.
Commissioners expressed concern about eminent domain, loss of local control, and the broader impact on landowners and water access.
I’ve helped many clients purchase land where water access was a make-or-break issue. This bill could have ripple effects not just for property owners today, but for generations to come.
House Bill 4946: A Shift Toward Local Zoning Power?
Lastly, House Bill 4946 was discussed, a proposed law that would allow counties to set land use guidelines, with final approval left up to public vote. Right now, counties like Bastrop have little authority compared to cities, but this bill could change that.
As someone who sees both sides, landowners who want flexibility, and neighbors concerned about unregulated growth, I think this bill opens the door for more balanced, community-led decisions.
My Final Takeaways
There’s no denying it: Bastrop County is at a critical turning point. Growth is coming whether we’re ready or not. What we do next, how we plan, what we prioritize, and how we support infrastructure, will define the kind of place this becomes in the next 10, 20, or even 50 years.
As a local real estate professional, I’ll continue to follow these developments closely and help clients understand how policy and infrastructure shape their investment, whether they’re buying land, building a home, or launching a business.
If you’re wondering how these updates could affect your property, development project, or purchase decision, I’d love to help you strategize.
