How Housing Costs Are Changing the Central Texas Workforce

Housing affordability affects more than where people live. It also affects how far they must travel to work. Teachers, nurses, EMS medics, service workers, and other essential employees are increasingly unable to afford homes near the communities they serve.

Approximately 22.1 percent of Austin-area workers commute 50 miles or more, the highest super-commuter share among major Texas metros. The report also notes that roughly 70 percent of Austin EMS Association members live outside Austin city limits. Longer commutes can make hiring and retaining workers more difficult while adding traffic, fuel costs, and lost time for employees.

Affordability also influences economic development. Texas attracted roughly 114 corporate headquarters from California between 2018 and 2021, partly because of its lower costs and skilled workforce. However, the share of Texas metro homes affordable to a median-income household reportedly fell from about 60 percent before the pandemic to 32 percent by late 2023. Central Texas cannot assume its affordability advantage will continue without addressing housing costs for the workers who support the region.

If you are looking at land, acreage, or custom home property in the Texas Hill Country, you can learn more at https://chrispesek.com, email chris@drippingspringshometeam.com, or call 512-736-1703. Chris Pesek is a Texas Hill Country Realtor specializing in land, acreage, and custom homes. He has helped hundreds of clients across Central Texas and is recognized as a Top 2 Percent Producer with dozens of five-star reviews.