Market Overview for Zip Code 78620
There are 246 active listings in Zip Code 78620 with a median list price of $799K and a median sold price of $615K.
Homes average 69 days on market.
Over the past 30 days, 41 homes have sold, with 630 sales in the past 12 months.
The average price per square foot is $488.
About Zip Code 78620
Zip code 78620 covers the city of Dripping Springs and surrounding areas in western Hays County, approximately 25 miles west of downtown Austin along US-290. Dripping Springs has a population of roughly 5,000 within the city limits and a broader zip code population exceeding 20,000 when including the unincorporated areas that stretch west into the Hill Country and south toward Wimberley. The town was established in the 1850s and takes its name from the small springs that once flowed from the limestone bluffs along Onion Creek. The terrain is classic Edwards Plateau, with rolling limestone hills, thin soils over karst bedrock, live oak and Ashe juniper woodlands, and seasonal creeks that feed into the Pedernales River watershed to the west and Onion Creek to the east.
Real estate in 78620 spans a wide range, from entry-level homes in newer subdivisions near US-290 to large custom estates on 10- to 50-acre ranch tracts in the surrounding Hill Country. New construction fills master-planned communities such as Caliterra, Headwaters, and Belterra (partially in 78620), typically three- to five-bedroom single-family homes. Custom homes sit on larger acreage tracts with Hill Country views, mature tree cover, and creek frontage, while older homes cluster in the Dripping Springs town center and along US-290. Vacant land remains available, with per-acre values varying widely by terrain and view.
Students in 78620 attend Dripping Springs ISD, a district serving 8,808 students (2025-26) across 9 campuses, rated "B" by TEA for 2024-25 (89 of 100). The district operates six elementary schools, two middle schools, and Dripping Springs High School. Dripping Springs ISD earned a "B" overall TEA accountability rating for 2024-25 (89 of 100), its third consecutive B. Dripping Springs High School competes in UIL Class 5A athletics with competitive programs in football, baseball, golf, tennis, cross-country, and swimming. The district offers over 20 Advanced Placement courses, dual-credit programs through Austin Community College, and career pathways in technology, health sciences, and agriculture. Private school options in the area include Hill Country Christian School and Montessori programs.
Dripping Springs is approximately 25 minutes from downtown Austin via US-290 and MoPac, though traffic congestion on US-290 during peak commute hours can extend the drive to 35 to 45 minutes. The Hill Country Galleria shopping center in Bee Cave is about 15 minutes east on SH-71 and RR-620. Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is roughly 30 to 35 minutes east. The city's commercial core along US-290 includes an H-E-B grocery store, restaurants, a Walgreens, a library branch, and a growing mix of retail and professional office space. The Dripping Springs area has become a center for Hill Country wineries, breweries, and distilleries, with over 30 establishments operating within a 15-mile radius. Ascension Seton Hays in Kyle and Baylor Scott and White in Marble Falls are the nearest full-service hospitals, each approximately 20 to 30 minutes away.
Living in Zip Code 78620
Many Dripping Springs residents commute to Austin for work in technology, healthcare, finance, and government sectors. Median household income is approximately $105,000, well above the Hays County and state averages. The community has a homeownership rate of approximately 80 percent, with the majority of residents living in single-family homes on lots of one-half acre or larger. Rental options are limited, consisting mainly of single-family homes for lease rather than apartment complexes. Water availability is a significant consideration in 78620, as most properties rely on private wells drawing from the Trinity Aquifer or are served by the Dripping Springs Water Supply Corporation, and water conservation measures are enforced during drought conditions. The city has adopted a dark-sky ordinance limiting outdoor lighting to protect nighttime visibility.
Daily life in Dripping Springs revolves around the small-town commercial district along US-290, the school system, and the Hill Country landscape that draws residents outdoors for recreation and socializing. The H-E-B on US-290 serves as the primary grocery store, and the surrounding commercial area has restaurants including Pieous Pizza, Tillie's Restaurant, and several food truck parks. Founders Memorial Park on Mercer Street hosts the Dripping Springs Farmers' Market on Saturday mornings and community events throughout the year. The annual Founders Day Festival in April celebrates the town's heritage with a parade, live music, food vendors, and community activities. The Hill Country wine trail and brewery circuit, including Jester King Brewery, Treaty Oak Distilling, and numerous tasting rooms, has become a major weekend draw for both residents and visitors. Pedernales Falls State Park, about 25 minutes to the west, offers hiking along the Pedernales River, swimming at the falls, and camping. Hamilton Pool Preserve is approximately 15 minutes to the northwest. Reimers Ranch, a Travis County park, provides rock climbing, mountain biking, and river access about 15 minutes north.
Things to Do in Zip Code 78620
- Pedernales Falls State Park: State park about 25 minutes west with hiking trails along the Pedernales River, swimming at the falls, camping, birding, and equestrian trails across 5,200 acres.
- Jester King Brewery: Farmhouse brewery on Fitzhugh Road producing wild ales and sour beers with a kitchen, outdoor seating on a 165-acre ranch, and live music on weekends.
- Dripping Springs Founders Day Festival: Annual April event on Mercer Street with a parade, live music, food vendors, craft booths, and community activities celebrating the town's 1850s heritage.
- Hamilton Pool Preserve: Travis County nature preserve about 15 minutes northwest featuring a collapsed grotto with a 50-foot waterfall and swimming hole, accessible by reservation.
- Hill Country Wine Trail: Over 30 wineries, breweries, and distilleries within a 15-mile radius of Dripping Springs, including Treaty Oak Distilling, Deep Eddy Vodka, and numerous tasting rooms.
Major Employers in Zip Code 78620
- Dripping Springs ISD (Education): Largest employer in the Dripping Springs area with over 1,000 staff across multiple campuses serving 8,808 students (2025-26).
- Hays County (Government): County government with offices throughout Hays County, employing over 1,000 people across departments including roads, courts, and public safety.
- Jester King Brewery (Hospitality): Farmhouse brewery on Fitzhugh Road producing wild ales and sour beers, employing approximately 50 workers across brewery, kitchen, and event operations.
- Treaty Oak Distilling (Hospitality): Craft distillery and restaurant on Fitzhugh Road producing whiskey, gin, and rum, with a restaurant, event space, and tours employing approximately 80 workers.
- City of Dripping Springs (Government): Municipal government providing police, planning, parks, and administrative services with approximately 100 employees.
Zip Code 78620 Schools
Dripping Springs ISD serves 8,808 students (2025-26) across 9 campuses and earned a "B" overall TEA accountability rating for 2024-25 (89 of 100).
School District: Dripping Springs ISD
Public Schools
Dripping Springs Independent School District
Johnson City Independent School District
Lake Travis Independent School District
Pre-Schools
- Dripping Springs ISD Pre-K - Public pre-kindergarten programs at select elementary campuses for eligible four-year-olds.
- Hill Country Montessori - Montessori preschool in the Dripping Springs area offering programs for ages 18 months through kindergarten.
- Dripping Springs KinderCare - Licensed childcare center on US-290 offering programs for infants through school-age children.
Private Schools
- Hill Country Christian School - Private Christian school in the Dripping Springs area serving pre-K through middle school students.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is zip code 78620?
Zip code 78620 covers Dripping Springs, Texas, and surrounding areas in western Hays County about 25 miles west of downtown Austin along US-290. The area sits in the Edwards Plateau Hill Country.
What kinds of homes are in 78620?
Zip code 78620 spans new construction in master-planned communities such as Caliterra, Headwaters, and Belterra, custom homes on larger Hill Country acreage tracts, older homes in the Dripping Springs town center and along US-290, and vacant land. Current listing counts and median price are shown on the Market Overview tab.
What school district is 78620 in?
Zip code 78620 is served by Dripping Springs ISD, a district of 8,808 students (2025-26) rated "B" by TEA for 2024-25 (89 of 100). Dripping Springs High School offers over 20 AP courses and competes in UIL 5A athletics.
How far is Dripping Springs from Austin?
Dripping Springs is approximately 25 minutes from downtown Austin via US-290 and MoPac outside of peak hours. During rush hour, the commute can take 35 to 45 minutes due to congestion on US-290.
Are there wineries near Dripping Springs?
Yes, there are over 30 wineries, breweries, and distilleries within a 15-mile radius of Dripping Springs, making it a center of the Texas Hill Country wine and craft beverage industry. The area includes Jester King Brewery, Treaty Oak Distilling, and numerous tasting rooms.
