So, you’re looking for a straight answer on what county is Pflugerville in? Honestly, most people just assume it’s entirely in Travis County because of its proximity to Austin. You’re mostly right if you think that. But there’s a little more to the story that catches some homeowners and business owners off guard when tax season rolls around.
Pflugerville is primarily located in Travis County, Texas.
That’s where the vast majority of the city’s 65,000+ residents live. However, if you look at a modern city limit map, you'll see the northern edges of the city actually creep right over the line into Williamson County. It’s one of those classic Texas suburban growth things where the city expands faster than the historic county lines can contain.
The Travis and Williamson Split
If you’re moving here or just visiting, 90% of what you’ll experience is Travis County. We’re talking about the historic downtown, the massive Lake Pflugerville, and the main Pflugerville Independent School District (PfISD) headquarters.
But why does the split matter? Basically, it comes down to who you pay your taxes to and where you go for jury duty. If you live in the northern patches—think areas near the Hutto or Round Rock borders—you might be a "Pflugervillian" by city, but a "WilCo" resident by county.
It’s kinda funny because Williamson County has a reputation for being a bit more... let's say "law and order" focused compared to the more laid-back vibe of Travis County. You definitely want to know which side of the line your driveway sits on before you decide to test the local speed limits.
A Quick History of Why It’s Called Pflugerville
You’ve probably wondered about the name. It’s a mouthful. It actually comes from Henry Pfluger. He was a German settler who brought his family over in 1849 to escape the Prussian War.
They weren't just random settlers; they were farmers. In German, "Pfluger" literally means "plowman." So, the city name basically translates to "Plowman’s Village." Henry bought about 160 acres of land for a few dollars an acre back then. Today, that same land would cost you a small fortune.
Initially, the community didn't even have its own post office. Residents had to trek over to Round Rock to get their mail. It wasn't until after the Civil War that the town really started to find its own identity separate from its neighbors.
Why People Are Flocking to This Part of Travis County
Look, Austin is expensive. Like, really expensive. Pflugerville became the "goldilocks" zone for people who wanted to work at Tesla or Dell but didn't want to pay $3,000 a month for a one-bedroom apartment in South Lamar.
The growth here has been absolutely wild.
- In 1990, the population was barely 4,000 people.
- By 2020, it hit over 65,000.
- Today, estimates put it even higher.
People love the fact that you can get a house with a backyard here for significantly less than you’d pay ten miles south. Plus, the location is unbeatable for commuters. You’ve got the SH 130 and SH 45 toll roads crossing right through, which makes getting to the airport or the northern tech corridor a breeze.
The Lake Pflugerville Factor
If you ask a local where to go on a Saturday, they’re probably going to say the lake. It’s a 180-acre reservoir that’s basically the heart of the community.
It’s not a "natural" lake—most Texas lakes aren't—but it’s great for kayaking, windsurfing, and fishing. There’s a 3-mile trail around it that’s always packed with runners and folks walking their dogs. It’s one of those spots that makes you forget you're just a few miles away from a major metropolitan hub.
Understanding the Schools (PfISD)
This is another spot where the "what county is Pflugerville in" question gets tricky. The Pflugerville Independent School District is huge. It doesn't just cover the city of Pflugerville.
The district actually spans about 95 square miles. It includes parts of:
- Pflugerville (obviously)
- Austin
- Coupland
- Hutto
- Manor
- Round Rock
Because of this, you might live in the Austin city limits but still be in the Pflugerville school district. It’s a bit of a maze. The district has four main high schools now: Pflugerville, Hendrickson, Connally, and Weiss.
Weiss High School (go Wolves!) is actually one of the newer additions, built to handle the massive influx of families moving to the eastern side of the city. If you’re moving here specifically for schools, definitely check the boundary maps on the PfISD website rather than just relying on the zip code.
Real Estate and Cost of Living
Let’s talk money. Honestly, the secret is out about Pflugerville. While it’s still cheaper than Austin, prices have climbed.
The median household income here is surprisingly high—usually hovering around the $110,000 to $112,000 mark. That’s actually higher than the Texas state average. It’s a professional, educated crowd. About 44% of adults here have a bachelor's degree or higher.
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Housing-wise, you'll see a lot of "Texas Traditional" builds. Lots of brick, lots of limestone, and those big suburban garages. Most of the homes were built between 2000 and 2015, though there is a ton of new construction happening further east toward the 130 toll road.
The Cultural Vibe: More than just a Suburb
Pflugerville likes to keep its German roots alive. They have "Deutschen Pfest" every year in Gilleland Creek Park. There’s beer, sausage, and a 5K run. It’s the kind of town where people actually show up for the Christmas parade and the local high school football games are the biggest event of the week.
It’s also incredibly diverse. Unlike some older suburbs, Pflugerville is a true melting pot. You’ve got a massive variety of food—from classic Texas BBQ to some of the best Vietnamese and Ethiopian spots in the greater Austin area.
Is it a good place to live?
If you like quiet neighborhoods, good parks, and don't mind a bit of a commute, yeah, it’s great. If you want a walkable urban lifestyle with neon lights and 2:00 AM food trucks, you’re probably better off staying in Austin proper.
Actionable Next Steps if You're Moving or Visiting
If you’re trying to figure out your specific situation regarding what county is Pflugerville in, here is exactly what you should do:
- Check Your Tax Records: If you’re a homeowner, go to the Travis Central Appraisal District (TCAD) or Williamson Central Appraisal District (WCAD) websites. Type in your address. It will tell you exactly which county collects your property taxes.
- Verify Your School Zone: Don't trust a real estate listing. Go to the PfISD "Find My School" interactive map. Plug in your specific street address to see which elementary, middle, and high school your kids will actually attend.
- Explore the Parks: If you’re just visiting, skip the malls. Head to Northeast Metropolitan Park. It’s the largest park in Travis County and has everything from a skate park to a splash pad.
- Register to Vote: Remember that your county determines your polling place. If you move from the Travis side to the Williamson side, you must update your registration, or you won't be on the rolls for local elections.
Pflugerville might have a funny name, but its position across the Travis and Williamson line makes it one of the most unique and fastest-growing spots in the Texas Hill Country.