Best In Texas Real Estate™: San Marcos-New Braunfels

Hays County ranks #3 of 5 Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos metro counties and #17 of 123 Texas counties on median gross rent — a clear signal of affordability leadership in a high-growth region. This ranking, derived from ALEX Intelligence’s proprietary analysis of the 2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates, underscores how institutional strength and controlled development are preserving value in the San Marcos–New Braunfels MSA. This is not a temporary trend — it’s a structural advantage. For real estate strategists, this is a blueprint: affordability isn’t just a price point; it’s a function of governance, infrastructure, and long-term planning. What does this mean for your investment approach in Central Texas? The answer lies not in chasing the highest growth, but in identifying markets with sustainable value. Median Gross Rent, top 5 (ALEX Intelligence — U.S. Census Bureau 2024) #1 Williamson County — $1,796 #2 Travis County — $1,744 #3 Hays County — $1,495 #4 Bastrop County — $1,410 #5 Caldwell County — $1,173 Photos via Wikimedia Commons: Slide 1: Nicolas Henderson from Coppell, Texas (CC BY 2.0) https://commons.wikimedia.org/?curid=121472104; Slide 2: Larry D. Moore (CC BY 4.0) https://commons.wikimedia.org/?curid=3193806; Slide 3: Larry D. Moore (CC BY 4.0) https://commons.wikimedia.org/?curid=112905894; Slide 4: Larry D. Moore (CC BY 4.0) https://commons.wikimedia.org/?curid=20852074 Source: https://alex-companies.com/data/2026-11-08-san-marcos-nb-standing-gross-rent-county 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