Discover the elevation of Austin—standing at 489 feet above sea level in the scenic Texas Hill Country. Austin is the vibrant capital of Texas, famous for its cultural identity, booming tech industry, and globally renowned music scene.

Table of Contents

Where is Austin?

  • Location: Located in central Texas, Austin lies within the Texas Hill Country, far inland compared to most major Texas cities.

City Profile

  • Capital Status: Austin is the state capital of Texas and the county seat of Travis County.
  • Population: Nearly 1 million people live in the city, with over 2 million in the surrounding metropolitan area.
  • Size: Covers more than 305 square miles, including 7 square miles of waterways.
  • Rank: It is the 11th most populous city in the United States.
  • Character: Known for its creative culture, live music, and a flourishing tech industry.

Elevation Basics

  • Original inhabitants: Area inhabited by Indigenous peoples for thousands of years; the Tonkawa tribe lived here at the time of colonization.
  • Original name: The settlement was originally called Waterloo.
  • Capital relocation: Chosen as Texas's capital after Mirabeau B. Lamar recommended the area; renamed Austin after Stephen F. Austin.
  • Early conflicts: Tensions with Comanche tribes and Mexico marked Austin's early years.
  • Urban growth: Grew rapidly in the early 20th century into a major cultural and economic center.
  • Corporate presence: Headquarters and offices for Amazon, Apple, Dell, and Intel contribute to its modern identity.

Must-Know Elevation Facts

  • City elevation: Austin sits at 489 feet (149 m) above sea level.
  • Comparison to U.S. cities:
    • New York City: 33 feet (10 m)
    • Los Angeles: 285 feet (87 m)

    Austin is slightly higher than most major coastal cities.

  • Texas average: The state’s average elevation is 1,700 feet (520 m), so Austin is lower than average.
  • Highest & lowest points in Texas:
    • Highest: Guadalupe Peak – 8,751 feet (2,667 m)
    • Lowest: Gulf of Mexico (sea level)
  • Comparison to other Texas cities:
    • Austin: 489 feet (149 m)
    • Dallas: 430 feet (131 m)
    • San Antonio: 650 feet (198 m)
    • Houston: 80 feet (32 m)
  • Highest city in Texas: Fort Davis – 4,900 feet (1,494 m)

Climate and Tourism

  • Climate type: Austin has a humid subtropical climate influenced by desert and tropical systems.
  • Seasonal patterns:
    • Summers: Long and hot
    • Winters: Short and mild
  • Rainfall: Spread throughout the year, with peaks in spring and fall.
  • Temperature ranges:
    • August (hottest): Avg. high – 97°F (36°C)
    • January (coldest): Avg. low – 42°F (5°C)
  • Natural attractions: Barton Springs Pool, Zilker Park, Lady Bird Lake.
  • Cultural appeal: Known as the "Live Music Capital of the World", home to legendary venues and festivals.
  • Signature events: South by Southwest (SXSW) – a major festival celebrating music, film, and interactive media.

Plan Your Trip