Land for Sale in Burnet County, TX

Burnet County is Texas Hill Country on the Edwards Plateau northwest of Austin: 1,021 square miles with 49,130 residents (2020 census) and a 2025 estimate of 57,015, up 16%. Marble Falls is the largest city, and the Highland Lakes built by the Lower Colorado River Authority shape the market. Groundwater district rules and Texas's limited county zoning decide what you can do, and this guide covers them.

Burnet County at a glance

County seat: Burnet. Largest city: Marble Falls. Other cities: Bertram, Granite Shoals, Highland Haven and Cottonwood Shores.
2020 population 49,130, and 57,015 in the 2025 estimate, up 16.0%; about 1,021 square miles.
Highways: US 281, State Highways 29 and 71, and US 183.
The county borders Travis and Williamson counties; the Lower Colorado River Authority built dams here during the Great Depression.
The Central Texas Groundwater Conservation District, confirmed by Burnet County voters in 2005, regulates wells.

The Burnet County land market

Demand follows Austin's growth and the Highland Lakes. Parcels near Marble Falls, Granite Shoals and the lakes cost the most, while ranch tracts and rural homesites farther west cost less per acre. Typical listings are 1- to 20-acre Hill Country homesites and ranchettes, plus larger ranch and hunting tracts. Rocky ground and views affect price and building cost.

Groundwater and wells

Burnet County wells are regulated by the Central Texas Groundwater Conservation District. District rules require every well to be registered, but only some need an operating permit: wells that pump more than 25,000 gallons a day (about 17.36 gallons a minute) need a permit, while most home and livestock wells are exempt from the permit requirement. Mandatory restrictions in 2023 applied to permitted wells and not to small residential wells below that pump rate. I could not confirm the district's minimum tract size or well spacing rules, so call the district or check its rules before you plan a well, and ask whether a water supply corporation serves the parcel.

Zoning, septic and restrictions

Texas counties have little power to zone, so look for deed restrictions and property owners' association rules, and check whether a parcel lies in a city or its extraterritorial jurisdiction. Septic systems outside sewer service need a county on-site sewage facility permit, and shallow rock can raise cost. Texas is a non-disclosure state, so sale prices are not on public records.

Before you buy land in Burnet County

Water: well registration and the groundwater district's rules, or water supply corporation service.
Deed restrictions, ETJ status and septic permit feasibility.
Flood zone near creeks and lake shorelines; lake levels can vary.
Legal access and road maintenance.
Mineral and utility easements.

Land due diligence checklist How to verify legal access to land

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a permit to drill a well in Burnet County?

Every well must be registered with the Central Texas Groundwater Conservation District, and wells over about 17.36 gallons a minute (25,000 gallons a day) need a permit. Most home and livestock wells are exempt from the permit requirement.

How fast is Burnet County growing?

Population rose from 42,750 in 2010 to 49,130 in 2020, and the 2025 estimate is 57,015.

Does Burnet County have zoning?

Texas counties generally cannot zone, so use deed restrictions and city rules, and check whether the parcel is inside a city or its ETJ.