Population1,389,670 (July 1, 2025 estimate)
Capital Stories Where Hill and Prairie Meet
Travis County, TexasTravis County centers on Austin, the Texas capital and the county’s seat and largest city. The landscape crosses the transition between the Edwards Plateau and Blackland Prairie, giving the area a geographic identity beyond its government role. The Texas Capitol provides one focused starting point for a visit. Combine it with nearby destinations according to your interests, then explore other county communities separately so that travel does not overwhelm time spent in each place.
Travis County at a Glance
Population1,389,670 (July 1, 2025 estimate)
County SeatAustin
Largest CityAustin
Established1840 ( 1840 )
ZIP Codes89
Total Area1,023 sq mi (2,650 km 2 )
Major RoutesI-35 US 183 US 290 SH 45 SH 71 SH 95 SH 130 SH 165 Loop 1 (MoPac Expressway) Loop 111 Loop 212 Loop 275 Loop 343 Loop 360 Spur 69 (unsigned; signed as RM 2222 )
Area Code512 / 737
Shop - Dine - Discover
Meet Local Businesses
Support the businesses that help make our communities thrive. From family-owned shops and restaurants to trusted local services, discover businesses worth visiting throughout the county.
Discover the County
Travis County
Travis County was established in 1840 and named for William Barret Travis, who commanded the Texas forces at the Alamo. Austin serves as the county seat as well as the state capital. Those overlapping roles bring local and statewide institutions into the same city, but they remain different levels of government. The county lies along the Balcones Fault, between plateau and prairie. Reading that geographic setting alongside its political history gives a broader introduction than focusing on the capital alone.
The State Preservation Board provides information for Capitol tours and the surrounding visitor facilities. Use those pages to check current tour arrangements, maps and access before arriving. A Capitol visit can be paired with nearby Austin destinations, while longer trips across the county need their own travel plan. When seeking public services, distinguish the state offices at the Capitol from Austin municipal services and Travis County departments, each of which has different responsibilities.
What Shapes Us
Austin
Austin is both county seat and state capital. These roles connect the city with different public institutions, each serving its own responsibilities and geographic area.
Capitol Visits
The State Preservation Board provides official tour and visitor information. Consult its current pages when planning a visit to the Capitol and associated public facilities.
Plateau and Prairie
The county spans a transition between the Edwards Plateau and Blackland Prairie. That geographic contrast adds another dimension to its identity as the capital’s home.
Capital life and varied landscapes connect a Central Texas county.
My Local Guide
Travis County
Our County. Our Stories.
City of Austin news
Austin Parks and Recreation Committed to Zilker Park Stewardship and Post-Event Lawn Remediation
Zilker Park is the crown jewel of Austin. Austin Parks and Recreation is fully committed to protecting the…
Read the Story Oct 6, 2026 • 3 min read
News & resources for Travis County
Local reporting when available, plus statewide Texas news and official resources.
Austin Parks and Recreation Committed to Zilker Park Stewardship and Post-Event Lawn Remediation
Zilker Park is the crown jewel of Austin. Austin Parks and Recreation is fully committed to protecting the…
City of Austin news • Oct 6, 2026 • 3 min read
Austin Mobility News: Construction Partnership Program launches CTXGO app
In this week's edition:Construction Partnership Program launches CTXGO app to give Central Texans real-time travel and construction informationConstruction…
City of Austin news • Oct 5, 2026 • 2 min read
APD South Metro Tactical Unit Announces Multiple Arrests in Operation “Protect Our Parks”
Case: 26-5005977 Date: Thursday, September 24, 2026 Time: …
City of Austin news • Oct 2, 2026 • 2 min read
Austin Municipal Court Streamlines Docket Schedule
Austin Municipal Court (AMC) is updating its docket schedule to improve overall efficiency. Beginning October 5, 2026, all…
City of Austin news • Oct 2, 2026 • 2 min read
APD Detectives Search for Two Suspects in Connection to Auto Theft
Case: 26-2690495 Date: Saturday, September 26, 2026 Time: 3:29 a.m. Location: 10100 block of Metropolitan Drive The Austin Police (APD) Auto Theft…
City of Austin news • Oct 2, 2026 • 2 min read
Shop - Dine - Discover
Meet Local Businesses
Support the businesses that help make our communities thrive. From family-owned shops and restaurants to trusted local services, discover businesses worth visiting throughout the county.
County Resources
Useful connections for everyday life
Find public information and services through the county and relevant service providers.
Government
County & local resources
Andy Brown County Judge
County judge’s office and county administration information.
View Commissioners Court Page
Commissioners court information, meetings and county business.
Food, housing & family support
Central Texas Food Bank — food assistance
Regional food-bank network serving Travis County. Find a nearby pantry or distribution and confirm its schedule before visiting.
Central Texas Food Bank — food assistance — details and contacts
2-1-1 Texas — local assistance
Search community assistance by location and type of need, including food, housing and family support.
Texas HHS — local family support
Search family-support programs and local services for parents and caregivers.
Schools
County & local resources
University Of Texas At Austin H S
School and district information, contacts and educational resources.
Pflugerville ISD
School and district information, contacts and educational resources.
Lago Vista ISD
School and district information, contacts and educational resources.
Lake Travis ISD
School and district information, contacts and educational resources.
Child care & learning
Texas Child Care Connection — scholarships
Review child-care scholarship information and the application process for families who need care while working or attending education or training.
Texas Child Care Connection — scholarships — details and contacts
Travis County — AgriLife Extension
Find county Extension contacts, local educational programs and 4-H information.
Hospitals
County & local resources
Ascension Seton Medical Center Austin — Acute Care Hospitals
Health services and information about finding local assistance.
Ascension Seton Northwest — Acute Care Hospitals
Health services and information about finding local assistance.
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center Pflugerville — Acute Care Hospitals
Health services and information about finding local assistance.
North Austin Medical Center — Acute Care Hospitals
Health services and information about finding local assistance.
Northwest Hills Surgical Hospital — Acute Care Hospitals
Health services and information about finding local assistance.
St David’S Medical Center — Acute Care Hospitals
Health services and information about finding local assistance.
St David’S South Austin Medical Center — Acute Care Hospitals
Health services and information about finding local assistance.
The Hospital At Westlake Medical Center — Acute Care Hospitals
Health services and information about finding local assistance.
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center- Austin — Acute Care Hospitals
Health services and information about finding local assistance.
Dell Seton Med Center At The University Of Tx — Acute Care Hospitals
Health services and information about finding local assistance.
Health, aging & caregiver support
Texas WIC — office locator
Find a nearby WIC office and contact it about appointments, nutrition support and eligibility.
Aging and Disability Resource Centers
Find the regional center that helps older adults, people with disabilities and caregivers explore services and support.
Aging and Disability Resource Centers — details and contacts
Local mental and behavioral health authorities
Use the Texas HHS directory to find the authority serving your county and its contact information.
Local mental and behavioral health authorities — details and contacts
Public Safety
Call 911 for an immediate emergency. Use the directory entry to locate the sheriff’s office, and confirm current non-emergency contact details with the county.
County & local resources
Travis County Sheriff — state directory entry
Sheriff’s office information, public safety resources and non-emergency contacts.
Emergency Services
For an immediate emergency, call 911. These links provide emergency planning, coordination and recovery information.
County & local resources
Texas Division of Emergency Management — Region 8 serving Travis County
Emergency preparedness, local alerts and response information.
Prepare before an emergency
Texas Ready — emergency planning materials
Download emergency plans, supply checklists and preparedness materials in English and Spanish.
Texas Ready — emergency planning materials — details and contacts
State Parks
County & local resources
McKinney Falls State Park
Park locations, visitor information and current access details.
Trails
Selected local walking, hiking, cycling or paddling options. Check the linked operator or local tourism information for access, fees and current conditions.
County & local resources
Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail
Outdoor recreation, routes and visitor planning information.
Utilities
Water utilities listed for the county. Confirm the provider for your specific address; service territories vary within county lines.
County & local resources
CITY OF SUNSET VALLEY
Utility services, consumer information and provider contacts.
VILLAGE OF BRIARCLIFF
Utility services, consumer information and provider contacts.
VILLAGE OF SAN LEANNA
Utility services, consumer information and provider contacts.
BARTON CREEK WEST WSC
Utility services, consumer information and provider contacts.
Help with household costs
Help for Texans — housing and utility assistance
Find local providers for utility bills, housing, weatherization and accessibility repairs. Providers handle applications; availability and eligibility vary.
Help for Texans — housing and utility assistance — details and contacts
Libraries
County & local resources
Westbank Community Library District
Library locations, collections and public services.
East Travis Gateway Library District
Library locations, collections and public services.
Accessible reading & library services
Texas Talking Book Program
Learn about accessible library services for qualifying Texans with visual, physical or reading disabilities.
Courts
Use the named county court links or search the official Texas courts directory by county and court name. Confirm the hearing or filing location directly; a regional court may serve more than one county.
County & local resources
Travis County — County Court (County Constitutional Court)
Court information, office contacts and public records resources.
Travis County — 126th District Court (District)
Court information, office contacts and public records resources.
Travis County — 147th District Court (District)
Court information, office contacts and public records resources.
Travis County — 167th District Court (District)
Court information, office contacts and public records resources.
Travis County — 200th District Court (District)
Court information, office contacts and public records resources.
Travis County — 201st District Court (District)
Court information, office contacts and public records resources.
Travis County — 250th District Court (District)
Court information, office contacts and public records resources.
Travis County — 261st District Court (District)
Court information, office contacts and public records resources.
Travis County — 299th District Court (District)
Court information, office contacts and public records resources.
Travis County — 331st District Court (District)
Court information, office contacts and public records resources.
Find legal assistance
TexasLawHelp — legal help directory
Search legal-aid organizations by counties covered and area of legal help. Each organization determines service availability and eligibility.
DMV
For local vehicle titles and registration, start with the county tax office. Texas DPS handles driver licenses.
County & local resources
Travis County Tax Office
Tax office information, payments and available services.
Texas resources
Buying or selling a vehicle
Vehicle registration, licensing and office information.
Apply for a Texas driver license
Vehicle registration, licensing and office information.
Driver license appointments
Vehicle registration, licensing and office information.
Transportation
These agencies or county departments serve local transportation needs. Check routes, service boundaries, eligibility and advance booking with the provider.
County & local resources
Texas resources
Capital Area Rural Transportation System
Transportation services, routes and travel information.
Postal Services
Local postal facilities listed in USPS property records. Confirm retail hours, available services and temporary closures with USPS before visiting.
County & local resources
Austin Post Office — Balcones Station
Postal locations, mailing services and address information.
Austin Post Office — Bluebonnet Station
Postal locations, mailing services and address information.
Austin Post Office — Central Park Station
Postal locations, mailing services and address information.
Austin Post Office — Chimney Corners Station
Postal locations, mailing services and address information.
Austin Post Office — Lake Travis Branch
Postal locations, mailing services and address information.
National resources
USPS — confirm local hours and services
Postal locations, mailing services and address information.
Veterans
County & local resources
Travis County veterans service contact — 5128549340
Veterans services, benefits information and support resources.
Employment
County & local resources
Job Opportunities
Employment opportunities, job-search assistance and workforce services.
Job Opportunities
Employment opportunities, job-search assistance and workforce services.
Job search & employment support
Workforce Solutions — find an office
Find nearby workforce offices for job-search, training and employer services.
Vocational rehabilitation — office lookup
Find a vocational rehabilitation office to discuss employment services for people with disabilities.
Vocational rehabilitation — office lookup — details and contacts
A little local knowledge goes a long way
Find practical information before you visit or make a move.
Helpful Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Start with the essentials, then follow the source links for more detail.
Austin is the county seat of Travis County, Texas.
The county overview lists Austin as its largest community.
The total area is 1,023 sq mi (2,650 km 2 ), including land and water.
Use the Travis County government website for county offices and public information.
The State Preservation Board maintains the Capitol tours page with current visitor arrangements. Official information.
The official visitor-services page describes the Capitol, Extension and Visitors Center. Official information.
Home Slice Pizza — South Congress is one option. New York-style pizza on South Congress.
Letterpress PLAY is one option. Browse handmade paper goods, art and gifts.
Allens Boots is one option. Shop cowboy boots and western clothing.
Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail is one option. Explore the lakeside trail and the conservancy’s public art and nature activities. Check current access information before setting out.
Texas Capitol tours is one option. Free guided tours introduce the Capitol. Check current departure times and group arrangements with visitor services.
Shop - Dine - Discover
Meet Local Businesses
Support the businesses that help make our communities thrive. From family-owned shops and restaurants to trusted local services, discover businesses worth visiting throughout the county.
My Local Guide
Find Something Fun
Make time for a local discoveryPlan your day around places and experiences in the county.
Kids’ Fun
- Thinkery — Plan a hands-on museum outing for children and their grownups. Check admission options and available visiting times.
- Austin Nature & Science Center — Explore nature exhibits as a family. Individual and family visits are free; organized programs have separate arrangements.
- Kingsbury Commons at Pease Park — A family play area with playground equipment, nature play and a treehouse observation pod. Check seasonal water-feature operation.
Restaurants
- Home Slice Pizza — South Congress — New York-style pizza on South Congress.
- Joann’s Fine Foods — Mexican and American dishes in a diner setting beside Austin Motel.
- Perla’s — Seafood and oysters with patio dining on South Congress.
Shopping & Retail
- Letterpress PLAY — Browse handmade paper goods, art and gifts.
- Big Top Candy Shop — A South Congress stop for candies and chocolates.
- Prima Dora — Austin-themed gifts, art and apparel from local makers.
Clothing & Boutiques
- Allens Boots — Shop cowboy boots and western clothing.
- Feathers — A curated selection of secondhand women’s clothing and accessories.
- STAG Provisions — Browse menswear on South Congress.
Outdoor Fun
- Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail — Explore the lakeside trail and the conservancy’s public art and nature activities. Check current access information before setting out.
- Mayfield Park — Visit this historic Austin park and its garden setting. Consult the city’s visitor information for access and park rules.
- Pease Park — Kingsbury Commons — Enjoy the park’s nature play spaces, observation pod and basketball court; follow posted facility rules.
Free Things To Do
- Texas Capitol tours — Free guided tours introduce the Capitol. Check current departure times and group arrangements with visitor services.
- Austin Nature & Science Center — Individual and family admission to the exhibits and grounds is free. Check current opening hours.
- Butler Trail community programs — The Trail Conservancy offers free activities, including guided bird walks and public art explorations. Check the calendar for dates and any registration requirements.
Every place has a story.Find Your Next Favorite.