Market Overview for Elgin
There are 118 active listings in Elgin with a median list price of $286K and a median sold price of $294K.
Homes average 110 days on market.
Over the past 30 days, 12 homes have sold, with 191 sales in the past 12 months.
The average price per square foot is $177.
About Elgin
Elgin is a city of approximately 12,000 residents in Bastrop County, located about 25 miles east of downtown Austin along US Highway 290. The city sits on the Blackland Prairie at an elevation of roughly 580 feet, with flat to gently rolling terrain and rich dark clay soils that historically supported cotton farming. Elgin Creek runs through the northern part of town, and the surrounding countryside remains a patchwork of farmland, ranch pasture, and scattered residential development. The city's original grid was laid out along the Houston and Texas Central Railway, which still runs through the center of town as a Union Pacific freight line.
Elgin's housing market is more affordable than most Austin-area communities, with home prices ranging from the $150,000s for older homes on the east side to $350,000 or more for newer construction in developments on the city's western and southern edges. The median home price sits around $260,000. Saddlecreek and other newer subdivisions have added to the housing stock. Lots in the older neighborhoods near downtown tend to be modest in size, while properties outside the city limits often sit on one to five acres. Elgin has attracted buyers priced out of closer-in Austin suburbs.
Elgin ISD serves the city and surrounding rural area, enrolling approximately 6,230 students. The district operates three elementary schools, a middle school, and Elgin High School. The district has invested in career and technical education programs and maintains agricultural science facilities reflecting the area's rural heritage. Higher education options require travel to Austin or Bastrop, with Austin Community College and the University of Texas the most common destinations for Elgin graduates.
Elgin is best known as the self-proclaimed Sausage Capital of Texas, anchored by Southside Market & Barbeque, which has been producing hot links and sausage since 1882, and Meyer's Elgin Smokehouse. US-290 serves as the primary commute route to Austin, with drive times averaging 30 to 45 minutes to downtown. SH-95 runs north-south through town, connecting Elgin to Taylor to the north and Bastrop to the south. The local economy includes food processing, small manufacturing, agriculture, and service businesses. The Elgin Depot Museum on Main Street preserves the city's railroad history, and the annual Hogeye Festival in October celebrates the community's agricultural roots with music, food, and a street fair.
Living in Elgin
Elgin's population reflects its rural East Texas character and its growing role as an Austin-area bedroom community. The median household income is approximately $60,000. The median age is around 33. About 20% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Many residents work in trades, manufacturing, and service jobs, with a growing contingent of professionals commuting to Austin along US-290.
Daily life in Elgin centers on a compact downtown and the surrounding residential neighborhoods. Elgin Memorial Park provides sports fields, a swimming pool, and playground equipment. The city operates a small public library on Main Street. Grocery shopping is handled by an H-E-B on US-290 and a Dollar General. Dining revolves around the famous sausage joints, Southside Market and Meyer's, along with Mexican restaurants and a few casual eateries on Main Street and along the highway. The Elgin Farmers Market operates seasonally. Community events include the Hogeye Festival in October and holiday parades organized by the Chamber of Commerce. High school sports, particularly football, are a significant social focal point for the community.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Elgin TX known for?
Elgin is known as the Sausage Capital of Texas, a title earned through over a century of smoked sausage production. Southside Market & Barbeque has been making Elgin hot sausage since 1882, and Meyer's Sausage has operated since 1949.
How far is Elgin from Austin?
Elgin is approximately 30 miles east of downtown Austin along US-290. The drive takes 35 to 45 minutes in normal traffic. SH-130 is accessible a few miles west of town for a faster route south.
Are homes affordable in Elgin TX?
Elgin offers some of the most affordable housing in the greater Austin area, with most single-family homes priced between the low $200,000s and mid-$300,000s. Properties on acreage are also available east and south of town.
What school district is Elgin in?
Elgin is served by Elgin Independent School District, which operates nine campuses and enrolls approximately 6,232 students (2025-26). Elgin High School competes in UIL Class 5A athletics.
Is Elgin growing?
Elgin has grown steadily as Austin-area housing costs push buyers east along US-290. New residential subdivisions are under development, and the city's population has increased from roughly 8,000 in 2010 to about 12,000 today.
What county is Elgin TX in?
Elgin is located in western Bastrop County, though portions of the surrounding area extend into Travis and Williamson counties. The city sits at the intersection of US-290 and SH-95.
