The Texas Hill Country is one of the most vibrant and sought after regions in the Lone Star State, driven by its scenic ambiance, Highland Lakes system, ample outdoor recreation and picturesque towns. Among those is the official Bluebonnet Capital of Texas, noted for its vibrant fields full of the state flower and a quaint, historic downtown core.
Here's what Texans need to know about the city of Burnet.
The population of Burnet was 6,436 people as of the 2020 Census, with a median age of 40.4 years old. That marked a 10.4% population growth compared to 5,831 residents accounted for during the 2010 Census.
The city of Burnet released both population estimates and projections for current and future population growth, with approximately 7,659 people calling the city home as of 2026 and roughly 8,344 people expected to live in Burnet come 2031.
The Burnet Consolidated Independent School District serves students in grades kindergarten through 12th grade, with approximately 3,200 students enrolled across six different campuses. Those schools include Bertram Elementary, RJ Richey Elementary and Shady Grove Elementary, Burnet Middle School, Burnet High School and Quest High School.
Based on the 2025-26 school year, Burnet CISD earned an overall C accountability rating, according to the Texas Education Agency's Texas School Report Cards. Individual performance scores included a C for student achievement, a D for school progress and a D for closing the gaps among student groups.
The average home value in Burnet is reported at $408,485, down 1.4% within the past year, according to Zillow housing market data from late July 2026. The most affordable nieghborhood in Burnet is Bridgewood, with a median home value of $240,718, and the most expensive is Fountainwood Estates with a median price of $700,063, per Zillow.
The average one-bedroom rent is $795 a month, while a two-and-three-bedroom rate goes for $1,458 and $2,178 a month, respectively, per September Zillow Rentals data.
Burnet City Council features the mayor alongside six city council members, including one who serves as mayor pro tem. Currently, Gary Wideman serves as mayor and Crista Goble Bromley is mayor pro tem, while Lee Carney, Thomas Sky Hullum, Ricky Langley, Joyce Laudenschlager and Anthony Francisco serve as council members.
Both the mayor and all city council members are elected at large; the mayor and three council members are elected on odd-numbered years while the remaining three council positions are elected on even-numbered years. All positions are elected to two-year terms and no member may serve more than three consecutive terms.
The average monthly utility cost for both electricity and natural gas in a typical home in Burnet County is reported at roughly $193, according to mortgage lender resource Safe Rate.
The top restaurants open in Burnet, according to TripAdvisor, are:
Trailblazer Grille, American cuisine: 216 S. Main St., Burnet, TX 78611
Hoover's Valley Country Cafe, American cuisine and cafe: 7203 Park Road 4 W., Burnet, TX 78611
Highlander House of Buffet & Steakhouse, American cuisine: 401 Buchanan Drive, Suite 11, Burnet, TX 78611
Crazy Gal's Cafe, American cuisine and cafe: 414 Buchanan Drive, Burnet, TX 78611
El Rancho, Mexican cuisine: 608 E. Polk St., Burnet, TX 78611
Dat'z BBQ, barbecue cuisine: 616 Buchanan Drive, Burnet, TX 78611
Storm's Drive-In Restaurant, American cuisine and fast food: 700 N. Water St., Burnet, TX 78611
Hacienda El Charro, Mexican and Southwestern cuisine: 306 S. Water St., Burnet, TX 78611
Gude's Bakery & Deli, baked goods and kolaches: 307 W. Polk St., Burnet, TX 78611
MoJo Coffee, cafe: 609 E. Polk St., Burnet, TX 78611
Burnet isn't a traditional suburb of Austin as it is located approximately 54 miles from the Texas capital. It is nestled in the Texas Hill Country near the Highland Lakes, and serves as the county seat of Burnet County.
For more than 40 years, Burnet has been recognized as the Bluebonnet Capital of Texas, following its official designation from the Texas Legislature back in 1981. The city has become synonymous with its fields full of the state flower and hosts the Burnet Bluebonnet Festival each April.
San Antonians looking to visit Burnet can take Interstate 37 until it blends with U.S. Highway 281. From there, drivers can cruise all the way along U.S. Hwy. 281 straight to Burnet.
The city of Burnet is located about 54 miles northwest of Austin and around 100 miles north of San Antonio, with the city situated at the intersection of State Highway 29 and U.S. Hwy. 281.
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This article originally published at Bluebonnet Capital of Texas doubles as nature-laden Hill Country oasis.