Hutto and Round Rock sit side by side along US-79, but at the same budget they get you very different homes. Here's how I help buyers decide between them.
Side by side
| Hutto | Round Rock | |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 home prices | Medians mostly in the $330,000s | Medians mostly about $390,000 to $415,000 |
| Typical home | Newer construction, bigger for the money | More established resale, some new builds |
| Main school district | Hutto ISD: C (75) in 2026 | Round Rock ISD: B (89) in 2026 |
| 2025 school tax rate | $1.2052 per $100 | $0.8931 per $100 |
| Commute to Dell | About 15 to 20 minutes | About 5 to 15 minutes |
| Commute to Samsung Taylor | About 15 minutes | About 25 to 30 minutes |
| Feel | Small town that is growing fast | Established suburb with everything nearby |
Price ranges are based on Unlock MLS monthly medians reported in 2026. School ratings are from the Texas Education Agency (August 2026). Tax rates are 2025 adopted rates.
Price vs. property taxes
This is the trade-off most buyers miss. Hutto usually gets you more square footage or a newer home for less money, but Hutto ISD's tax rate is about $0.31 per $100 higher than Round Rock ISD's. On a $350,000 home, that's roughly $1,100 more a year in school taxes before exemptions, and many newer Hutto neighborhoods add a MUD or PID on top. Always compare the total monthly payment, not just the price. Here's my MUD and PID guide.
Schools
Round Rock ISD earned a B (89) in 2026, while Hutto ISD earned its fourth straight C (75). Hutto ISD is growing fast and building a second high school, and some Hutto campuses rate well above the district average. If ratings are a top priority, compare the specific campuses for each home. Also, some Round Rock addresses are actually zoned to Hutto ISD, so check before you fall in love. See my school district guide.
Lifestyle
Hutto has a historic downtown, the growing Co-Op District with Southside Market and other restaurants, Hutto Lake Park and a real small-town feel. Round Rock gives you more of everything nearby: La Frontera, the outlets, Dell Diamond, Kalahari and a quicker drive into north Austin.
Which one fits you?
- Choose Hutto if you want more house or newer construction for your budget, work in Taylor or on the east side, and like a smaller-town pace.
- Choose Round Rock if school ratings, a lower school tax rate and a short commute to Dell or north Austin matter most.
Narrowing it down? Read my Hutto neighborhood guide and Round Rock vs Georgetown.
Want to compare real homes in both?
Give me your budget and I'll show you what it buys in Hutto vs Round Rock, including the full tax picture. Call or text me at (512) 629-9050, or book a quick call.
Prices, tax rates and school ratings change. Verify current figures for any specific address before you buy. This is general information, not tax or legal advice.
FROM OUR BLOG
PCSing? Should You Keep Your Home as a Rental or Sell It?
When PCS orders come, one of the biggest decisions is what to do with the home you own now. Keep it and rent it out, or sell it before you go? I've helped military families do both around Fort Hood, and there's no one right answer. Here's how I'd think it through. The quick test: does it cash flow?
PCS Timeline for Fort Hood: A Month-by-Month Home Buying Calendar
PCS orders come with a report date, and everything else has to fit in front of it: selling or renting your current home, buying near Fort Hood, scheduling the movers and getting the family settled. Buying a home takes about 30 to 45 days from contract to closing, so the timing matters. Here's the ca
Where to Live Near Fort Hood: Neighborhoods by Gate (2026)
"Where should we live?" really means "How long will my drive be?" Fort Hood is huge, with more than a dozen access points, and the gate you use most will shape your commute more than anything else. Here's how I match neighborhoods to gates around Killeen, plus what homes have actually sold for in ea