Market Overview for Zip Code 78636
There are 58 active listings in Zip Code 78636 with a median list price of $865K and a median sold price of $593K.
Homes average 76 days on market.
Over the past 30 days, 2 homes have sold, with 44 sales in the past 12 months.
The average price per square foot is $472.
About Zip Code 78636
ZIP code 78636 covers the city of Johnson City and surrounding rural areas of Blanco County, with a total ZIP population of approximately 3,894 residents (2020 Census). The city of Johnson City proper has a population of about 1,627 (2020 Census) and serves as the county seat of Blanco County.
Johnson City is located at the junction of U.S. Highway 281 and U.S. Highway 290, approximately 50 miles west of Austin. The town was founded in 1879 by James Polk Johnson, who donated a 320-acre site on the Pedernales River, and became the county seat in 1890. The city has a strong connection to President Lyndon B. Johnson — his boyhood home on Elm Street is part of the Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park, operated by the National Park Service, and LBJ's efforts in the 1930s brought electric power to the area through the LCRA and the Pedernales Electric Cooperative.
The Pedernales Electric Cooperative, founded in 1938 and headquartered at 201 South Avenue F in Johnson City, is described as the largest distribution electric cooperative in the nation, serving approximately 300,000 members across 8,100 square miles of Central Texas. The 78636 area covers rolling Hill Country terrain at about 1,221 feet elevation, with ranchland, scattered cedar and live oak, and proximity to both the Pedernales River and the US-290 wine corridor.
Living in Zip Code 78636
Johnson City is a small Hill Country town that serves as the commercial hub for the surrounding rural area. US-281 and US-290 intersect in town, providing access to Marble Falls (23 miles north) and Austin (about 50 miles east). Fredericksburg is about 30 miles west on US-290.
The area is served by Johnson City ISD, a rural district with approximately 679 students across three campuses — LBJ Elementary (321 students), LBJ Middle School (133 students), and LBJ High School (225 students). All schools are named after President Lyndon B. Johnson.
The drive to downtown Austin is approximately 50 miles via US-290, typically taking about 60 minutes. Dripping Springs, which has seen significant commercial growth, is roughly halfway. Many properties in the 78636 area are working ranches or acreage tracts; the US-290 corridor west of town is lined with wineries and tasting rooms that make up the Wine Road 290 wine trail. The area also includes proximity to Pedernales Falls State Park, a 5,212-acre park about ten miles east of town on the Pedernales River.
Things to Do in Zip Code 78636
- LBJ Boyhood Home / National Historical Park: National Park Service site with the Johnson City District including the boyhood home (an 1880s house on Elm Street), grandparents' log cabin settlement, and visitor center. Guided tours offered daily.
- Pedernales Falls State Park: A 5,212-acre state park about ten miles east of Johnson City featuring limestone waterfalls on the Pedernales River, nearly 20 miles of hiking trails, swimming, mountain biking, camping, and fishing.
- Science Mill: Interactive science museum at 101 S Ladybird Lane in a renovated 1880s grist mill. Features 50-plus hands-on STEM exhibits, an aquaponics garden, and a bio lab.
- Exotic Resort Zoo: Safari park at 235 Zoo Trail with over 700 animals representing approximately 50 species. Offers guided tractor tours, a drive-through safari, and safari-style cabin lodging.
- Wine Road 290: The US-290 corridor between Johnson City and Fredericksburg features dozens of wineries and tasting rooms. Johnson City-area venues include Lost Draw Cellars and Westcave Cellars Winery and Brewery.
- LBJ Ranch / Texas White House: The LBJ Ranch District of the National Historical Park, located near Stonewall in Gillespie County about 12 miles west, includes the Texas White House, reconstructed birthplace, and LBJ's final resting place.
Major Employers in Zip Code 78636
- Pedernales Electric Cooperative (Electric utility): Headquartered in Johnson City since 1938. Described as the largest distribution electric cooperative in the nation, serving approximately 300,000 members.
- Johnson City ISD (Education): Rural public school district serving approximately 679 students across three campuses.
- Blanco County Government (Government): County government offices headquartered in Johnson City, the Blanco County seat since 1890.
- National Park Service (Federal government): Operates the Johnson City visitor center and LBJ Boyhood Home as part of the Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park.
- Tourism and hospitality (Tourism): Wine Road 290 wineries, Exotic Resort Zoo, Science Mill, and related hospitality businesses form a significant local employment sector.
Zip Code 78636 Schools
The 78636 area is served by Johnson City ISD, a rural district with approximately 679 students. All three campuses are named after President Lyndon B. Johnson.
School District: Johnson City ISD
Public Schools
- LBJ Elementary School - Approximately 321 students.
- LBJ Middle School - Approximately 133 students.
- LBJ High School - Approximately 225 students.
Frequently Asked Questions
What area does ZIP code 78636 cover?
ZIP 78636 covers Johnson City (the Blanco County seat) and surrounding rural areas of Blanco County, with a total ZIP population of approximately 3,894. Johnson City proper has about 1,627 residents. The ZIP includes ranchland, Hill Country acreage, and the US-290 wine corridor.
How far is Johnson City from Austin?
Johnson City is approximately 50 miles west of downtown Austin via US Highway 290, with a drive time of roughly 60 minutes. Dripping Springs is about halfway, and Marble Falls is 23 miles north on US-281.
What is the LBJ connection to Johnson City?
President Lyndon B. Johnson grew up in Johnson City, and his boyhood home on Elm Street is part of the Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park. LBJ was a relative of the city's founder, James Polk Johnson. In the 1930s, LBJ helped bring electric power to the area through the Pedernales Electric Cooperative, still headquartered here.
What school district serves the 78636 area?
Johnson City ISD serves the area with approximately 679 students across three campuses: LBJ Elementary (321 students), LBJ Middle School (133 students), and LBJ High School (225 students).
Is Pedernales Falls State Park near Johnson City?
Yes. Pedernales Falls State Park is a 5,212-acre park about ten miles east of Johnson City on the Pedernales River. The park features limestone waterfalls, nearly 20 miles of hiking trails, swimming, camping, and fishing. The address is 2585 Park Road 6026, Johnson City, TX 78636.
