Market Overview for Zip Code 78611
There are 161 active listings in Zip Code 78611 with a median list price of $450K and a median sold price of $344K.
Homes average 116 days on market.
Over the past 30 days, 13 homes have sold, with 182 sales in the past 12 months.
The average price per square foot is $325.
About Zip Code 78611
ZIP code 78611 covers the city of Burnet and a broad swath of surrounding Burnet County, spanning approximately 274 square miles of land area with an additional 15 square miles of water. The ZIP extends well beyond the incorporated city limits — the city of Burnet itself has a population of about 6,436 (2020 Census), while the broader 78611 area includes approximately 14,839 residents across rural ranchland, lakefront communities near Lake Buchanan and Inks Lake, and unincorporated county land.
Burnet is the county seat of Burnet County, established in 1852 and incorporated in 1883. The city sits at the intersection of U.S. Highway 281 and State Highway 29, approximately 55 miles northwest of downtown Austin. Burnet has been nicknamed the "Bluebonnet Capital of Texas" — a co-designation with Llano County from the 67th Texas Legislature in 1981.
The 78611 area includes access to several of the Texas Highland Lakes, a chain of LCRA hydroelectric reservoirs on the Colorado River. Lake Buchanan, the largest of the Highland Lakes at 22,333 acres, anchors the northern portion of the ZIP. Inks Lake, immediately south of Burnet via Park Road 4, is a constant-level lake popular for recreation. Longhorn Cavern State Park (645 acres) and Inks Lake State Park are both accessible from Burnet via Park Road 4. The terrain is rolling Hill Country limestone with elevations around 1,300 feet, and the area draws buyers seeking lakefront property, Hill Country acreage, and small-town proximity to outdoor recreation.
Living in Zip Code 78611
Burnet serves as the commercial and government center for the surrounding rural area. The historic town square, anchored by the 1937 Burnet County Courthouse built with pink granite veneer, offers shopping, dining, and antique stores. An H-E-B grocery anchors the city's retail corridor along US-281.
Healthcare is provided by Ascension Seton Highland Lakes, a 25-bed critical access hospital with a Level IV trauma center at 3201 S Water Street. The hospital provides 24/7 emergency care for the broader Highland Lakes region.
The area is served by Burnet Consolidated ISD (Burnet CISD), which covers over 700 square miles and enrolls approximately 3,235 students across six campuses. Schools physically located within 78611 include RJ Richey Elementary (515 students), Shady Grove Elementary (564), Burnet Middle School (748), Burnet High School (954), and Quest High School (31). Bertram Elementary (423 students) is in adjacent ZIP 78605 but is part of the same district.
The drive to downtown Austin is approximately 55 miles via US-281 to US-183, or via SH-29 to I-35, typically taking 60 to 75 minutes. Marble Falls is about 13 miles south on US-281. Many residents commute to the Austin metro area or work locally in tourism, government, healthcare, and retail.
Things to Do in Zip Code 78611
- Longhorn Cavern State Park: A 645-acre day-use park featuring a cavern carved from Ellenburger limestone. Guided walking tours descend about 130 feet underground. CCC-built structures from 1934-1942. Designated a National Natural Landmark in 1971.
- Inks Lake State Park: State park on a constant-level Highland Lake offering camping, swimming at Devil's Waterhole, fishing, and boat rentals including kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards. Address: 3480 Park Road 4 West, Burnet.
- Fort Croghan Museum: Frontier fort established March 1849 as one of the first four U.S. forts protecting Texas settlers. Museum at 703 Buchanan Drive features restored structures including a stage-stop house, blacksmith shop, and schoolhouse. Operated by the Burnet County Heritage Society.
- Vanishing Texas River Cruise: Nature cruises on Lake Buchanan operating since 1981. Tours run two to two-and-a-half hours and include eagle-season cruises (November through February) and sunset cruises. Departs from 443 Waterway Lane.
- Historic Burnet Town Square: Shopping, dining, and antiques surrounding the 1937 Burnet County Courthouse. Annual events include the Bluebonnet Festival and Christmas on the Square.
- Lake Buchanan: The largest of the Highland Lakes at 22,333 acres, offering fishing, boating, and birdwatching. Wintering bald eagles visit from November through February. The western shore features canyon scenery accessible by boat.
Major Employers in Zip Code 78611
- Burnet CISD (Education): Public school district serving over 700 square miles with approximately 3,235 students across six campuses.
- Entegris, Inc. (Semiconductor materials manufacturing): Semiconductor materials manufacturer at 706 Houston Clinton Drive, with a recent facility expansion for Advanced Deposition Materials.
- Burnet County Government (Government): County government headquartered at the Burnet County Courthouse on the town square.
- Ascension Seton Highland Lakes (Healthcare): A 25-bed critical access hospital with Level IV trauma center and 24/7 emergency department at 3201 S Water Street.
- City of Burnet (Municipal government): Municipal government providing city services including utilities, parks, and public safety.
Zip Code 78611 Schools
The 78611 area is served by Burnet Consolidated ISD (Burnet CISD), which covers over 700 square miles of Burnet County and enrolls approximately 3,235 students.
School District: Burnet CISD
Public Schools
- RJ Richey Elementary - Approximately 515 students, grades PK-5. Located in Burnet.
- Shady Grove Elementary - Approximately 564 students, grades PK-5. Located in Burnet.
- Burnet Middle School - Approximately 748 students, grades 6-8.
- Burnet High School - Approximately 954 students, grades 9-12.
Frequently Asked Questions
What area does ZIP code 78611 cover?
ZIP 78611 covers the city of Burnet and surrounding Burnet County, spanning approximately 274 square miles. The area includes lakefront communities near Lake Buchanan and Inks Lake, rural ranchland, and the incorporated city of Burnet, the county seat.
How far is 78611 from Austin?
Burnet is approximately 55 miles northwest of downtown Austin. The drive takes 60 to 75 minutes via US-281 to US-183 or SH-29 to I-35, depending on traffic and route.
What school district serves the 78611 area?
The area is served by Burnet Consolidated ISD (Burnet CISD), which enrolls approximately 3,235 students across six campuses covering more than 700 square miles. Schools in 78611 include RJ Richey Elementary, Shady Grove Elementary, Burnet Middle School, and Burnet High School.
What lakes are accessible from the 78611 area?
Lake Buchanan (22,333 acres), the largest of the Texas Highland Lakes, anchors the northern portion of the ZIP. Inks Lake, a constant-level lake popular for recreation, is accessible via Park Road 4 south of Burnet. Both lakes are part of the LCRA Highland Lakes chain on the Colorado River.
What are the main industries in the Burnet area?
Key industries include tourism and outdoor recreation (state parks, Highland Lakes), education (Burnet CISD), healthcare (Ascension Seton Highland Lakes), government (county seat), and semiconductor materials manufacturing (Entegris). Historically, the area has been known for stone quarrying, graphite processing, and agribusiness.
