Austin MSA

Lakeway leads the Austin MSA in Top-to-Median Gross Rent Gap at 1.6x—more than a price difference, this is a structural divide in housing access. This data, from ALEX Intelligence’s 2026 report, shows how rent is now a primary marker of economic segregation, not just cost. For context, the next highest is Hornsby Bend at $2,147, followed by Steiner Ranch at $1,955. This is not a national trend—it’s a localized, metro-specific phenomenon. The data shows that the 'median' city in Austin MSA is not representative of the majority of residents, and the top-tier market is operating in a different economic universe. This insight is critical for policy, investment, and community planning. Top-to-Median Gross Rent Gap, top 8 (ALEX Intelligence — U.S. Census Bureau 2024) #1 Lakeway — $2,981 #2 Hornsby Bend — $2,147 #3 Steiner Ranch — $1,955 #4 Bee Cave — $1,877 #5 Manor — $1,594 #6 Wells Branch — $1,544 #7 Lago Vista — $1,436 #8 Lockhart — $1,152 Photos via Wikimedia Commons: Slide 1: Larry D. Moore (CC BY 4.0) https://commons.wikimedia.org/?curid=28625745; Slide 2: smallcurio from Austin, TX (CC BY 2.0) https://commons.wikimedia.org/?curid=69209327; Slide 3: Larry D. Moore (CC BY 4.0) https://commons.wikimedia.org/?curid=28627911; Slide 4: Paul Hudson from United Kingdom (CC BY 2.0) https://commons.wikimedia.org/?curid=77304843 Source: https://alex-companies.com/data/2026-10-26-austin-msa-spread-gross-rent-place View and join any or all of our communities — AI, quantum, and real estate: https://alex-companies.com/reports/linkedin-groups If there's an AI, quantum, or real estate community you'd like to see us convene, tell us — this portfolio grows by request. Real Estate Strategy & Intelligence Leader. Democratized Blue Ocean Strategist & Operator. Diane Hart Alexander, MBA, MHA Chair & CEO, ALEX Companies Designated Broker, Alexander Tiffany Southwest, LLC dba ALEX.realestate, et.al. Texas License #574877-B · Broker License #565194-BB [email protected] · +1 713.591.9902