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Why Bastrop County?

Discover the advantages of investing, working, and living in Bastrop County, Texas.

Reliable Energy

Abundant Water

Prime Location

Scenic Lifestyle

Competitive Incentives

Skilled Workforce

Reliable Energy Abundant Water Prime Location Scenic Lifestyle Competitive Incentives Skilled Workforce

Bastrop County, Texas, stands at the forefront of Central Texas growth - offering unmatched location advantages, natural beauty, a talented workforce, and a supportive business environment. As one of the fastest-growing counties in the region, we're strategically positioned to attract innovative companies while preserving our rural charm and quality of life.

STRATEGIC LOCATION & ACCESSIBILITY

Strategically positioned within the Austin Diamond, Bastrop County connects companies to the region's major economic centers while maintaining room to grow.

  • Just 30–45 minutes from downtown Austin, giving easy access to the state's tech, finance, and creative hubs

  • Proximity to major highways (SH 71, SH 21, US 290), Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS), and rail lines for efficient logistics

  • Part of the booming Austin Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA), benefiting from spillover growth without the high costs or congestion

NATURAL BEAUTY & QUALITY OF LIFE

Bastrop County is renowned for its scenic landscapes, including:

  • Towering pine forests of the Lost Pines region

  • The winding Colorado River and serene lakes

  • Abundant parks, trails, and outdoor recreation opportunities

These features create an exceptional environment for employees and families—promoting work-life balance, outdoor activities, and community well-being.

STRONG WORKFORCE & EDUCATION

Access to a growing, skilled labor pool supported by local school districts and higher education institutions, providing in-county pathways for technical and workforce training.

  • Four independent school districts: Bastrop ISD, Elgin ISD, Smithville ISD, McDade ISD

  • Austin Community College's Elgin Campus

  • University of Austin's new Engineering Lab providing advanced technical training

  • Emphasis on training programs aligned with manufacturing, logistics, technology, and creative sectors

  • Access to 2.4M metro Austin workforce

BUSINESS FRIENDLY ENVIRONMENT

A unified economic development approach reducing red tape and aligning resources across Bastrop County, City of Bastrop, City of Elgin, and City of Smithville.

  • Land-bank parcels available for priority projects

  • Collaborative support from BCEDP for incentives, site readiness, and infrastructure coordination

  • Competitive tax incentives and streamlined permitting processes

  • Freeport Exemptions & Foreign-Trade Zone designation for international operations

Reliable Energy & Water Resources A Rare Powerhouse of Critical Infrastructure

In the heart of the fast-growing Austin MSA, Bastrop County stands out as a rare pocket of available, resilient water and energy resources—an increasingly critical advantage in Central Texas.

This capacity supports long-term industrial growth, advanced manufacturing, and intensive operations, while allowing the region to plan proactively for future demand rather than react to scarcity.

  • Abundant water supply from local aquifers

  • Reliable ERCOT grid access with expansion capacity

  • Natural gas infrastructure for industrial operations

  • Growing renewable energy sector (solar, battery storage)

  • Proactive planning for long-term resource sustainability