Market Overview for Zip Code 78644
There are 119 active listings in Zip Code 78644 with a median list price of $349K and a median sold price of $275K.
Homes average 70 days on market.
Most homes that closed in the last 90 days sold in the Under $300K range (51% of 65 closings), taking a median 50 days to go under contract; 14% of closings were $500K or more.
Over the past 30 days, 16 homes have sold, with 263 sales in the past 12 months.
The average price per square foot is $367.
About Zip Code 78644
Zip code 78644 covers Lockhart, the county seat of Caldwell County, located approximately 30 miles south of downtown Austin. Lockhart has a population of roughly 15,000 people and sits at the junction of US-183, SH-130, and SH-142. The Texas Legislature proclaimed Lockhart the Barbecue Capital of Texas. The Caldwell County Courthouse, a Second Empire structure completed in 1894, anchors the downtown square. The surrounding terrain is flat to gently rolling Blackland Prairie, with the San Marcos River accessible to the west and Plum Creek running through the eastern portion of the city.
Housing in 78644 ranges from homes in Lockhart's established neighborhoods to newer subdivisions such as The Meadows at Clearfork on the city's southwestern edge, along with rural properties outside the city limits.
Students in 78644 attend Lockhart ISD, which serves about 6,800 students across 10 campuses. Elementary schools include Alma Brewer Strawn, Bluebonnet, Borchert Loop, Clear Fork, Navarro, and Plum Creek elementary schools. Lockhart Junior High covers 6th through 8th grade, and Lockhart High School serves 9th through 12th. The district also operates the Gerry Ohlendorf Performing Arts Center and has invested in career and technical education programs. Lockhart High School competes in UIL Class 5A for the 2026-28 alignment. Private school options include Lockhart Montessori School and San Marcos Academy, about 30 minutes west in San Marcos.
Lockhart is approximately 30 minutes from downtown Austin via SH-130 toll road or 40 minutes via US-183. San Marcos is about 25 minutes west on SH-142, and Bastrop is about 40 minutes northeast. Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is roughly 20 minutes north via SH-130. The city's economy includes state government employment at the Texas Department of Criminal Justice's Coleman Unit, manufacturing, and retail. Lockhart State Park, a Civilian Conservation Corps-built facility 4 miles south of town, offers a 9-hole golf course, swimming pool, fishing, and camping.
Living in Zip Code 78644
Median household income in Lockhart was about $68,400 in the Census Bureau's 2020-2024 American Community Survey.
Daily life in Lockhart centers on the historic downtown square and the city's dining scene. Kreuz Market, Smitty's Market, Black's Barbecue, and Chisholm Trail BBQ are all in Lockhart, with Smitty's and Black's a few blocks from the courthouse square. The downtown square has antique shops and a coffee house, and the Caldwell County Museum occupies the 1908 county jail building on East Market Street. Lockhart City Park has the city pool and a splash pad. Lockhart State Park, 4 miles south, offers a nine-hole golf course built by the Works Progress Administration and the Civilian Conservation Corps, a swimming pool, fishing in Clear Fork Creek, and hiking trails. The annual Chisholm Trail Roundup in June features a rodeo, parade, live music, and barbecue cook-off. The Gaslight-Baker Theatre on the square produces community theater shows year-round.
Things to Do in Zip Code 78644
- Kreuz Market: Lockhart barbecue institution operating since 1900, serving brisket, sausage, and pork chops over post oak and seasoned only with salt and pepper.
- Lockhart State Park: CCC-built state park 4 miles south of town with a 9-hole golf course, swimming pool, fishing, camping, and hiking trails.
- Chisholm Trail Roundup: Annual June festival at Lockhart City Park with a rodeo, carnival, live music, and barbecue and chili cook-off, plus a parade through downtown.
- Smitty's Market: Family-owned barbecue restaurant on South Commerce Street in the original Kreuz Market building, operating since the 1999 split.
- Gaslight-Baker Theatre: Community theater on the downtown square producing plays, musicals, and special performances year-round in the 1920 Baker Theatre, which reopened for live productions in 1998.
Major Employers in Zip Code 78644
- Texas Department of Criminal Justice (Government): Operates the Gregory S. Coleman Unit, a state prison for women within the Lockhart city limits.
- Lockhart ISD (Education): Public school district operating 10 campuses and administrative offices.
- Caldwell County (Government): County government offices in the Lockhart courthouse complex including justice, law enforcement, and public works.
- Walmart (Retail): Supercenter on US-183 in Lockhart with retail and grocery operations.
Zip Code 78644 Schools
Lockhart ISD serves about 6,800 students across 10 campuses with career and technical education programs.
School District: Lockhart ISD
Public Schools
Lockhart Independent School District
Luling Independent School District
San Marcos Consolidated Independent School District
Pre-Schools
- Lockhart ISD Pre-K - Public pre-kindergarten available at select elementary campuses.
- Head Start Lockhart - Federally funded early childhood program serving income-eligible households.
Private Schools
- Lockhart Montessori School - Private Montessori school in Lockhart with programs for children ages 3 to 12.
- San Marcos Academy - Private college-prep boarding and day school in San Marcos, about 30 minutes west.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is zip code 78644?
78644 covers Lockhart, Texas, the county seat of Caldwell County approximately 30 miles south of Austin. The city sits at the junction of US-183, SH-130, and SH-142.
What do homes cost in 78644?
Current listings, median list price and recent sales for 78644 are shown in the market section of this page.
Why is Lockhart called the Barbecue Capital of Texas?
The Texas Legislature proclaimed Lockhart the Barbecue Capital of Texas. Kreuz Market, Smitty's, Black's, and Chisholm Trail BBQ all operate in Lockhart.
What school district is 78644 in?
78644 is served by Lockhart ISD, a district of about 6,800 students with 10 campuses including career and technical education programs.
How far is Lockhart from Austin?
Lockhart is approximately 30 minutes from Austin via the SH-130 toll road, or 40 minutes via US-183. Austin-Bergstrom Airport is about 20 minutes north.
