Market Overview for Luling
There are 20 active listings in Luling with a median list price of $230K and a median sold price of $223K.
Homes average 76 days on market.
Over the past 30 days, 2 homes have sold, with 26 sales in the past 12 months.
The average price per square foot is $161.
About Luling
Luling is a city of approximately 5,600 residents in Caldwell County, located about 50 miles south of downtown Austin at the intersection of US Highway 183 and Interstate 10. The city sits on flat to gently rolling Blackland Prairie terrain at an elevation of roughly 420 feet, with the San Marcos River forming the city's northern boundary. The landscape includes farmland, pecan orchards, and the distinctive silhouettes of oil pumpjacks that dot the surrounding fields, remnants of the Rafael Rios No. 1 oil discovery well that struck oil in 1922 and transformed the local economy. The Union Pacific railroad runs through the center of town.
Luling's real estate market is among the most affordable in the greater Austin-San Antonio corridor. Home prices range from the low $100,000s for older frame houses to $300,000 for larger or renovated properties. The median home price is approximately $185,000. The housing stock is predominantly older, with many homes dating to the early and mid-twentieth century oil boom era. Properties along the San Marcos River or with larger acreage command higher prices. New construction has been limited compared to the rapid growth in communities along the I-35 corridor to the west, though Luling's position on I-10 provides a different kind of connectivity.
Luling ISD serves the city and surrounding area, enrolling approximately 2,000 students across an elementary school, a middle school, and Luling High School. The district offers agricultural science and career-technical programs alongside standard academics. For higher education, residents typically travel to San Marcos for Texas State University, to Seguin for Texas Lutheran University, or to Austin for broader university and community college options.
Luling's economy is rooted in oil production, agriculture, and small-town commerce, with a growing contribution from highway-oriented businesses along I-10 and US-183. The city's most prominent annual event is the Watermelon Thump, a festival held each June since 1954 that features a watermelon seed-spitting contest, live music, carnival rides, and a street dance. The intersection of I-10 and US-183 provides access to San Antonio (about 55 miles southwest) and Houston (about 150 miles east), as well as to Austin via US-183 north. Zedler Mill, a restored historic gristmill on the San Marcos River, operates as an event venue and local landmark. The pumpjack sculptures painted in colorful designs along city streets serve as informal public art and a nod to Luling's petroleum heritage.
Living in Luling
Luling's population has a median household income of approximately $42,000, with employment concentrated in oil field services, agriculture, retail, and public sector jobs. The median age is around 36. About 15% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Luling retains a traditional small-town Texas character, with many families having deep roots in the community stretching back several generations, and the pace of life is noticeably slower than in the Austin metro suburbs.
Daily life in Luling centers on a compact downtown along East Davis Street and the residential neighborhoods radiating outward. Luling City Park on the San Marcos River provides picnic areas, a swimming pool, and access to the river. The city operates a small public library. Grocery shopping is handled by a Brookshire Brothers and a Dollar General; for more variety, residents drive to Lockhart or San Marcos. Dining options include a few Mexican food restaurants, barbecue spots, and the City Market, a well-known barbecue joint on East Davis Street. The Watermelon Thump in late June is the biggest social event of the year, drawing thousands of visitors. Friday night football at Luling High School brings the community together during the fall, and churches along the main streets serve as key social institutions.
Things to Do in Luling
- Watermelon Thump: Annual late-June festival running since 1954 featuring a watermelon seed-spitting championship, parade, carnival rides, live music stages, coronation ceremony, and a 5K run through town.
- Palmetto State Park: 270-acre state park six miles southeast of Luling with camping, hiking through rare dwarf palmetto groves, birding, and fishing in the San Marcos River and an oxbow lake.
- Luling Oil Museum: Museum on East Davis Street documenting the 1922 Rafael Rios oil discovery and Luling's oil boom history, with drilling equipment displays and photographic archives.
- Zedler Mill: Historic gristmill site on the San Marcos River at the south end of town, now a park and gathering spot with picnic areas and swimming access.
- Decorated Pump Jacks: Dozens of working oil pump jacks throughout town painted and decorated as folk art — including ladybugs, butterflies, and cartoon characters — creating an informal outdoor art tour.
Major Employers in Luling
- Luling ISD (Education): Largest employer in the city with approximately 250 staff members across three campuses and administrative offices serving 1,600 students.
- Seton Edgar B. Davis Hospital (Healthcare): Critical access hospital on US-183 providing emergency, inpatient, and outpatient services with approximately 100 employees serving Caldwell County.
- City of Luling (Government): Municipal government employing roughly 70 people in city administration, police, fire, utilities, and parks and recreation departments.
- Luling Foundation Farm (Agriculture/Research): Agricultural research station operating south of town since 1928, conducting livestock and crop studies on a 5,000-acre working ranch.
Luling Schools
Luling is served by Luling ISD. Students typically attend Luling Primary or Leonard Shanklin Elementary for elementary school, Luling Middle School or Gilbert Gerdes Middle School for middle school, and Luling High School for high school.
School District: Luling ISD
Public Schools
- Luling Primary
- Leonard Shanklin Elementary
- Gilbert Gerdes J H
- Luling High School
Pre-Schools
- Luling ISD Pre-K Program - District-operated pre-kindergarten at Luling Primary School available for eligible 3- and 4-year-olds.
- Little Tykes Learning Center - Licensed childcare center in Luling providing care for infants through pre-K-age children with structured daily programs.
Private Schools
- Sacred Heart Catholic School - Small parochial school affiliated with Sacred Heart Catholic Church, offering traditional academics with religious instruction to approximately 40 students.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Luling TX from Austin?
Luling is approximately 50 miles south of Austin via US-183. The drive takes about 50 minutes. San Marcos is approximately 25 minutes west via SH-80, providing access to the I-35 corridor.
What is the Watermelon Thump in Luling?
The Watermelon Thump is an annual festival held in late June since 1954. It features a watermelon seed-spitting championship, parade, carnival, live music, and draws tens of thousands of visitors to Luling each year.
What are home prices in Luling TX?
Luling is one of the more affordable cities near Austin. Existing homes typically list from $120K to $280K, while newer construction ranges from $200K to $350K. Downtown bungalows and ranch-style homes are at the lower end.
What school district serves Luling TX?
Luling ISD serves the city with approximately 1,600 students across three campuses. The district operates Luling Primary (PK-2), Luling Elementary (3-5), and Luling High School (6-12), competing in UIL 3A.
Why does Luling have decorated pump jacks?
Luling's economy was shaped by the 1922 oil discovery, and dozens of pump jacks still operate within city limits. Local artists and businesses paint and decorate them as folk art, creating an informal outdoor art tour throughout town.