Texas Porch
Austin / Central Texas / Hill Country

Blanco, Texas

Set in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, Blanco is the community for which Blanco County is named and lies on the Blanco River about 42 miles southwest of Austin. The surrounding terrain is limestone hill country of cedar-covered slopes, spring-fed streams, and rocky river bottoms. Blanco State Park stretches along the river through town, and the area is known for its historic courthouse and its lavender fields.

Property here runs through the Blanco Central Appraisal District and the county tax office — the homestead exemption, the appraisal cap, protests, and any MUD, PID, or special districts all sit at the parcel level. The Blanco County notes below cover the practical details, with the official county directory for the appraisal district and tax office.

Blanco County notes

What to know around Blanco

Property tax

Homestead Exemption Caps Your Annual Appraisal Increase

Once your home qualifies for a residential homestead exemption in Blanco County, state law limits how much the taxable value can rise each year.

Agricultural valuation

Ag and wildlife valuation can lower Blanco land taxes

Qualifying Blanco County land can be taxed on productivity value instead of market value. Wildlife management can qualify too, but only when the land meets the rules.

Water / Groundwater

Drilling a Water Well Requires a Permit in Most Cases

All wells in Blanco County must be registered with the Blanco-Pedernales Groundwater Conservation District, and any well capable of producing more than 25,000 gallons per day needs a separate operating permit.

Flood

Flash Floods on the Blanco River Can Rise with Little Warning

The Blanco River and its tributaries can rise extremely fast during heavy rain, making flooding one of the most serious natural hazards for anyone buying or living in low-lying areas of Blanco County.

State park / Recreation

Blanco State Park Offers Swimming and Camping on the Blanco River

Blanco State Park sits on a spring-fed stretch of the Blanco River in the town of Blanco, giving residents and visitors affordable access to swimming, fishing, tubing, and camping.

History / National park

LBJ National Historical Park Has Sites in and Near Johnson City

Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park preserves sites tied to the 36th president across two districts, including his boyhood home in Johnson City and his working ranch along the Pedernales River.

Nearby

Places near Blanco

Nearby counties

Local notes for nearby counties

Next steps for Blanco