About the State Capital of Texas

Austin is the state capital of Texas and the seat of government for the second-largest U.S. state in both size and population. It is a vibrant city boasting a major university, burgeoning high-tech industry and a cutting-edge music scene. Austin has repeatedly been declared one of the best places to live in America for its weather, quality of life, amenities and economy.

The Facts

Austin is in central Texas. The 2000 census counted the population at 656,562. Austin and the surrounding area have since grown rapidly--a 2007 census estimate puts the population at 743,074. The greater Austin area has approximately 1.6 million people. State government offices are located in Austin, as is the University of Texas and a rapidly expanding high-tech industry. Money Magazine named Austin the best big city in 2006 and The Travel Channel named it the No. 1 college town. MSN named Austin the greenest city in America. Austin is racially diverse: The 2000 census reported the population at about 65 percent Caucasian, 10 percent African-American, 5 percent Asian, 0.5 percent Native American and 16 percent other races. About 30 percent are Latino.

History of

Austin was called Waterloo until 1839, when then-Texas president Mirabeau Lamar established it the capital of the Republic of Texas. The next president, Sam Houston, didn't like Austin. When elected in 1841, he moved the capital to Houston and later Washington-on-the-Brazos. When Texas was annexed by the United States in 1846, Austin was again declared the capital of Texas. The University of Texas opened in 1883. The state capital building was completed in 1888, establishing Austin as the permanent capital of Texas once and for all.

Size

Austin covers an area of 272 square miles. The capital of Texas is about 230 miles from Mexico, 192 miles from Dallas, 80 miles from San Antonio and 162 miles from Houston.

Geography

The capital of Texas sits at 511 feet above sea level along the Colorado River. Austin is also on the Balcones earthquake fault, though major earthquakes are rare. The capital of Texas is at the juncture of different ecological areas. To the east you'll see flat, desert-like conditions, while the west offers green hills and a wetter climate. This gives Austin a range of environments within a short drive of each other. It has hot summers and warm winters. The capital of Texas enjoys about 300 sunny days per year and gets an average of 33 inches of rain.

Features

Austin is known for much more than just being the state capital of Texas. The University of Texas is a major draw for both education and its football team. The high-tech industry is nicknamed the "Silicon Hills." Austin promotes itself as the "Live Music Capital of the World." Austinites often refer to the slogan "Keep Austin Weird." It is a battle cry to resist the commercialization of the city and preserve its quirky way of life.