Market Overview for Zip Code 78644
There are 132 active listings in Zip Code 78644 with a median list price of $307K and a median sold price of $275K.
Homes average 70 days on market.
Over the past 30 days, 23 homes have sold, with 267 sales in the past 12 months.
The average price per square foot is $212.
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 city is widely recognized as the Barbecue Capital of Texas, a designation from the Texas Legislature based on its concentration of long-operating barbecue restaurants. The Caldwell County Courthouse, a Romanesque Revival structure built 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.
Real estate in 78644 is notably more affordable than the Austin metro average. Existing homes in Lockhart's established neighborhoods range from $175K for older two-bedroom houses to $400K for updated four-bedroom homes on larger lots. New construction in subdivisions such as Meadow Creek Estates and Clearfork lists from $250K to $450K. Rural properties on the outskirts with 5 to 20 acres of land range from $350K to $700K. Manufactured homes on private lots are common and typically priced from $100K to $250K. The opening of the SH-130 toll road has made Lockhart more accessible to Austin commuters, increasing buyer interest and new development activity.
Students in 78644 attend Lockhart ISD, which serves approximately 6,000 students across eight campuses. Elementary schools include Alma Brewer Strawn, Bluebonnet, 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 Lockhart Performing Arts Center and has invested in career and technical education programs. Lockhart High School competes in UIL 5A athletics and has a long football tradition. Private school options include Providence Classical Academy in Lockhart and San Marcos Academy, about 20 minutes south.
Lockhart is approximately 30 minutes from downtown Austin via SH-130 toll road or 40 minutes via US-183. San Marcos is about 20 minutes south on SH-142, and Bastrop is about 25 minutes east. 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 facilities in the area, manufacturing, and a growing retail sector. 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
Lockhart's population is a mix of longtime residents, many from multigenerational Caldwell County families, and newer arrivals from the Austin area seeking lower home prices. Median household income is approximately $55,000, below the Austin metro average but reflective of the local economy centered on government, manufacturing, and service industries. The city has a majority Hispanic population, with significant White and Black communities contributing to the cultural mix. Homeownership rates are moderate, with a mix of owned and rented properties across the city. Cost of living is substantially lower than Austin, particularly in housing and property taxes.
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 located within blocks of each other, each operating for decades with distinct smoking methods and menu traditions. The downtown square has antique shops, a coffee house, and the Caldwell County Museum in the old county jail building. Lockhart City Park has a public pool, sports fields, and playgrounds. Lockhart State Park, 4 miles south, offers a 9-hole golf course built by the CCC in the 1930s, a spring-fed swimming pool, fishing in Plum 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 with no sauce and no forks.
- Lockhart State Park: CCC-built state park 4 miles south of town with a 9-hole golf course, spring-fed pool, fishing, camping, and hiking trails.
- Chisholm Trail Roundup: Annual June festival with a PRCA rodeo, parade, live music, barbecue cook-off, and carnival on the courthouse square.
- Smitty's Market: Family-run 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 since 1984.
Major Employers in Zip Code 78644
- Texas Department of Criminal Justice (Government): State correctional facilities near Lockhart employing over 1,000 officers and staff across multiple units.
- Lockhart ISD (Education): Public school district with approximately 800 staff across eight 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 employing approximately 200 workers in retail and grocery operations.
Zip Code 78644 Schools
Lockhart ISD serves approximately 6,000 students across eight campuses with career and technical education programs.
School District: Lockhart ISD
Public Schools
- Alma Brewer Strawn Elementary - Pre-K through 5th grade campus in central Lockhart.
- Bluebonnet Elementary - Pre-K through 5th grade campus serving the eastern Lockhart attendance zone.
- Navarro Elementary - Pre-K through 5th grade campus in western Lockhart.
- Plum Creek Elementary - Pre-K through 5th grade campus near the Plum Creek area.
- Lockhart Junior High - 6th through 8th grade campus serving all Lockhart ISD students.
- Lockhart High School - 9th through 12th grade with UIL 5A athletics, CTE programs, and the Lockhart Performing Arts Center.
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 families.
Private Schools
- Providence Classical Academy - Private classical school in Lockhart offering a liberal arts curriculum.
- San Marcos Academy - Private college-prep boarding and day school in San Marcos, about 20 minutes south.
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?
Existing homes in Lockhart range from $175K to $400K. New construction lists from $250K to $450K. Rural acreage properties on the outskirts run $350K to $700K.
Why is Lockhart called the Barbecue Capital of Texas?
The Texas Legislature designated Lockhart the Barbecue Capital based on its concentration of long-operating smokehouses. Kreuz Market, Smitty's, Black's, and Chisholm Trail BBQ all operate within blocks of each other.
What school district is 78644 in?
78644 is served by Lockhart ISD, a district of approximately 6,000 students with eight 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.
