Austin, the capital of Texas, sits at 489 meters (1,604 ft) above sea level. Located in the Texas Hill Country, Austin's rolling terrain creates significant elevation variation across the city.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Lowest point (Lady Bird Lake area) | 140 m |
|---|---|
| Highest point (city limits) | 299 m |
| Coordinates | 30.2672° N, 97.7431° W |
| Country / Region | Texas, USA |
Elevations by District
| District / Area | Elevation |
|---|---|
| Downtown / Lady Bird Lake | 140–160 m |
| South Congress | 155–185 m |
| University of Texas | 160–210 m |
| West Austin / Tarrytown | 210–260 m |
| Northwest Hills | 260–300 m |
| Barton Creek / Southwest | 270–300 m |
Compare: Austin and Nearby Cities
| City | Elevation |
|---|---|
| San Antonio, TX | 199 m |
| Dallas, TX | 138 m |
| Houston, TX | 14 m |
| Denver, CO | 1609 m |
Interesting Facts About Austin's Elevation
- Austin is one of the fastest-growing cities in the US, attracting tech companies partly due to its outdoor lifestyle enabled by its elevation.
- The Barton Springs Pool is fed by springs emerging from the limestone aquifer of the Edwards Plateau.
- Austin's hilly terrain makes it a favourite for cyclists and trail runners among major US cities.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Elevation of Austin
What is the elevation of Austin, Texas?
Austin, Texas sits at an elevation of 489 meters (1,604 feet) above sea level. The elevation varies significantly across the city due to the hilly Hill Country terrain.
Is Austin in the Texas Hill Country?
Yes, Austin sits on the eastern edge of the Texas Hill Country, where the Edwards Plateau meets the Gulf Coastal Plains. This transition zone creates the city's characteristic hilly terrain.
Why does Austin have hills?
Austin's hilly terrain is the result of the Balcones Escarpment, a fault zone running through Central Texas that separates the flat coastal plain from the elevated limestone plateau to the west.