Many who venture to Lockhart, TX immediately fall in love.

Highlights

• Growing population and job market
• Strong foundation for business and economic growth.
• Expanding median household income of $57,098 generating strong demand for more commercial services and retail outlets in the area.
• Central location between Austin and San Antonio metro areas.
• Incentives for local businesses, a thriving arts scene, and a culture that is a mix of small town friendliness and big city energy.

Learn more via the City of Lockhart's Economic Development

Statistics	Value
Population	~15,000
Median Age	34.9 years
Median Household Income	$57,098
% of Population with Bachelor's Degree or Higher	24.4%

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View the 2019 Retail Trade Area Demographic Profile

A growing population with strong job growth and a driven workforce

Lockhart boasts a workforce of over 2M people within a 45-mile radius. Both the population of Lockhart and the number of jobs have grown between 10-30% in recent years. The Garner Economics Study projects the Lockhart driving workforce to expand by 27,221 over the next five years. Many industries are adding operational centers to the area, including film studios, Amazon, and other employers who have found success in Lockhart.

Austin-San Antonio Metroplex

Lockhart is less than 30 miles from Austin, and sits near the middle of the I-35 Austin-San Antonio corridor, which has been expanding consistently over the past several years. The Austin MSA and San Antonio MSA boast close to 5 million residents. Businesses are choosing Lockhart because of its superior deliverability of goods to Austin and San Antonio along the SH-130 corridor, which is less congested than I-35. The SH-130 entrance to Lockhart is exactly where this project site sits.

The Lockhart Town Square

Lockhart’s historic downtown is a significant part of the city’s cultural heritage and offers a unique blend of past and present. The downtown area features several 19th-century buildings, including the Caldwell County Courthouse, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. These historic buildings provide a sense of nostalgia and remind visitors of the city’s rich history.

In recent years, Lockhart’s downtown has undergone a revitalization, and it has become a popular destination for locals and visitors alike. The downtown area now features a mix of shops, restaurants, and bars, as well as events and festivals that draw people from the surrounding areas. First Fridays in Lockhart attract visitors from Austin and San Antonio the first Friday of each month, who enjoy exploring the artisan shops, small town vibes, and new restaurants and bars.

BBQ

The city has long been a major BBQ destination and the capital of Texas BBQ, with a variety of restaurants that originated the style and have been in business for nearly a century. The statewide Texas Monthly BBQ Festival, long held in Austin, was held in Lockhart in 2022.

Texas Monthly BBQ Festival in Lockhart

Culture & Art

The city is also known for its vibrant social culture, with a variety of cultural events and festivals that take place throughout the year. The downtown area is home to several popular festivals, including the annual Chisholm Trail Round-Up, which features live music, rodeo events, and a parade. The city has a strong arts scene, with several galleries and museums that showcase local artists and their works.

Proprietors of popular Austin restaurants and bars, such as Foreign & Domestic and Nickel City, have opened sister locations in Lockhart: see Commerce Cafe and Old Pal.

An urbanite’s countryside retreat

Many working professionals in Austin are choosing to purchase homes in Lockhart to take advantage of better real estate prices, Lockhart’s surrounding nature, and the small town charm that still comes packaged with a burgeoning cultural scene.