●78656Homes for Sale

Market Overview for Zip Code 78656

There are 52 active listings in Zip Code 78656 with a median list price of $252K and a median sold price of $226K.

Homes average 55 days on market.

Over the past 30 days, 3 homes have sold, with 98 sales in the past 12 months.

The average price per square foot is $169.

About Zip Code 78656

Zip code 78656 covers Maxwell, a small unincorporated community in Caldwell and Hays counties, approximately 35 miles south of downtown Austin. Maxwell sits along FM 621 between Lockhart to the east and Kyle to the northwest, in the agricultural heartland between the two counties. The community consists of a small cluster of homes, a post office, and a few rural businesses at the intersection of FM 621 and FM 110. The surrounding landscape is flat to gently rolling Blackland Prairie, with rich agricultural soils supporting cattle ranching, hay production, and row crops. Plum Creek and its tributaries drain the area, providing seasonal water features through the countryside.

Real estate in 78656 is almost entirely rural acreage and agricultural land. Raw land typically runs $10,000 to $20,000 per acre depending on road frontage, fencing, and soil quality. Improved properties with homes on 5 to 30 acres generally list from $300K to $700K. Larger ranch tracts of 50 to 200 acres can exceed $1 million. Homes in the small Maxwell community proper are older, mostly built between 1940 and 1980, and list from $175K to $325K. Manufactured homes on private lots are common, typically priced from $100K to $250K including land. There is no subdivision development in Maxwell; the market consists of individual parcels and existing homesteads suited for buyers seeking agricultural or rural residential property.

Students in 78656 attend either Lockhart ISD or Hays CISD depending on their location. Lockhart ISD serves approximately 6,000 students across eight campuses, while Hays CISD serves approximately 25,049 students (2025-26) with campuses primarily in Kyle and Buda. Both districts are accessible within a 10 to 15-minute drive. Lockhart ISD is the more likely assignment for Maxwell addresses in Caldwell County, while Hays County addresses may fall in Hays CISD. Both districts offer agricultural education programs relevant to the area's farming character.

Maxwell is approximately 35 minutes from downtown Austin via I-35 through Kyle, or about 40 minutes via SH-130 and FM 621. Lockhart is roughly 10 miles east, and Kyle is about 10 miles northwest. San Marcos is approximately 15 miles south on I-35. The SH-130 toll road passes about 5 miles west of Maxwell, providing a faster commute route to Austin. Most residents commute to Lockhart, Kyle, San Marcos, or Austin for employment. Maxwell has no grocery store, gas station, or restaurant; residents depend on Lockhart or Kyle for all commercial services. The area's economy is primarily agricultural, with cattle operations, hay sales, and hunting leases generating income for landowners.

Living in Zip Code 78656

Maxwell's population is very small, with fewer than 500 people spread across the zip code. Residents are predominantly agricultural families, some of whom have operated ranches in the area for multiple generations, alongside newer arrivals seeking affordable acreage within commuting distance of Austin. Median household income is approximately $55,000, with a mix of farm income, trade work, and professional commuting jobs. The area has one of the highest rates of owner-occupied homes in the region, and most properties include 5 or more acres. Property tax rates span both Caldwell and Hays counties, and overall cost of living is low compared to the Austin metro.

Daily life in Maxwell is defined by agricultural routines and reliance on nearby towns. Lockhart, 10 miles east, provides H-E-B grocery shopping, medical clinics, and the well-known barbecue restaurants along the courthouse square. Kyle, 10 miles northwest, offers additional retail including H-E-B Plus, Costco, and Target along I-35. The rural landscape provides opportunities for deer hunting, dove hunting, and fishing in area stock tanks during their respective seasons. Plum Creek and its tributaries attract seasonal bird populations, and the area's open fields are used for horseback riding. Community social life often centers on church events, school activities in Lockhart or Kyle, and the volunteer fire department. Lockhart State Park, about 10 miles east, offers a CCC-built 9-hole golf course, a spring-fed pool, and camping along Plum Creek.

Things to Do in Zip Code 78656

• Lockhart State Park: CCC-built state park about 10 miles east with a 9-hole golf course, spring-fed pool, fishing, camping, and hiking along Plum Creek.
• Lockhart Barbecue Trail: Kreuz Market, Smitty's Market, Black's Barbecue, and Chisholm Trail BBQ in Lockhart, each operating for decades with distinct smoking traditions.
• Deer and Dove Hunting: Private land hunting in the Maxwell area for white-tail deer, dove, and turkey during fall and winter seasons.
• Kyle Farmers Market: Seasonal farmers market in Kyle, about 10 miles northwest, with local produce, baked goods, and artisan products.
• Lake Kyle: 60-acre city park in Kyle with fishing, kayaking, and a 3-mile perimeter trail, approximately 10 miles northwest of Maxwell.

Major Employers in Zip Code 78656

• Lockhart ISD (Education): Public school district with approximately 800 staff across eight campuses in Lockhart, about 10 miles east.
• Hays CISD (Education): Public school district employing over 3,000 staff with campuses in Kyle and Buda, about 10 miles northwest.
• Texas Department of Criminal Justice (Government): State correctional facilities near Lockhart employing over 1,000 officers and staff.
• Amazon (Logistics): Fulfillment center near San Marcos, approximately 15 miles south, employing over 1,000 workers.

Zip Code 78656 Schools

Students in 78656 attend either Lockhart ISD or Hays CISD depending on their location within the zip code.

School District: Lockhart ISD / Hays CISD

Public Schools

Pre-Schools

• Lockhart ISD Pre-K - Public pre-kindergarten available at select Lockhart ISD elementary campuses.
• Hays CISD Pre-K - Public pre-kindergarten available at select Hays CISD elementary campuses in Kyle.

Private Schools

• Providence Classical Academy - Private classical school in Lockhart, approximately 10 miles east.

Frequently Asked Questions