Lake LBJ Real Estate Statistics
| Average Price | $2.1M |
|---|---|
| Lowest Price | $245K |
| Highest Price | $13M |
| Lake LBJ Listings | 257 |
| Avg. Price/SQFT | $656 |
Property Types (active listings)
Search Lake LBJ Homes, Condos, & Townhomes for Sale
- All Listings
- $200,000 - $300,000
- $300,000 - $400,000
- $400,000 - $500,000
- $500,000 - $600,000
- $600,000 - $700,000
- $700,000 - $800,000
- $800,000 - $900,000
- $900,000 - $1,000,000
- Over $1,000,000
Why Lake LBJ Is Different From Other Texas Lakes
Lake LBJ is a "pass-through" reservoir managed by the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA). Water that flows in from Lake Buchanan and Inks Lake upstream has to flow out through Wirtz Dam downstream; the lake has no storage capacity of its own. That hydraulic reality is what gives Lake LBJ its defining feature: the water level typically fluctuates only 0 to 2 feet a year.
Compare that to Lake Travis, which can drop 50+ feet during drought, or Lake Buchanan, which has lost more than 30 feet in bad years. On Lake LBJ, your boathouse never sits on dry dirt. That stability is the single biggest reason buyers from Austin, Houston, and Dallas buy here instead of closer to home.
Target operating range: 824.40 to 825.00 feet above mean sea level. Surface area: 6,432 acres at conservation pool. Shoreline: Approximately 200 miles. Managed by: LCRA, under Texas water rights certificate 14-5480.
Communities on Lake LBJ
Lake LBJ is ringed by a mix of resort communities, established lake towns, and small incorporated villages. The shoreline is split between Burnet County and Llano County, with the county line running down the middle of the lake. Here's where people buy:
-
Horseshoe Bay - Luxury resort community on the south shore. Home to Horseshoe Bay Resort, four championship golf courses, a private yacht club, and the jet center. Median prices are the highest on the lake.
-
Applehead Island - Gated, guarded island community accessed by bridge. Custom estates on deep-water canals. Some of the most expensive real estate on Lake LBJ.
-
Escondido - 550-acre private community in Horseshoe Bay with a Tom Fazio-designed course and Mediterranean-style custom homes.
-
The Legends on Lake LBJ - Gated community on the Colorado Arm near Kingsland with a Tom Kite-designed course.
-
Kingsland - At the confluence of the Colorado and Llano Rivers. Mix of fishing cabins, remodels, and modern waterfront homes. Strong short-term rental market.
-
Granite Shoals - Known as the "City of Parks" with 19+ public parks and boat ramps. Short-term rentals permitted, which is a major factor for investors. More accessible price points.
-
Sunrise Beach Village - Small village on the western shore with its own airstrip. Quiet, wide-open water views.
-
Highland Haven - North-shore community with a tight-knit, full-time resident feel.
-
Blue Lake Estates - South-shore neighborhood with its own private lake park and golf course.
View all Lake LBJ neighborhoods
What Kind of Property Can You Buy on Lake LBJ?
Most buyers fall into one of three categories:
Lake LBJ Waterfront Homes — Custom single-family homes with private boat docks or boathouses. The bulk of the inventory over $1M. Expect larger lots in Kingsland and Granite Shoals, tighter resort-style parcels in Horseshoe Bay.
Lake LBJ Waterfront Lots — Build-ready parcels with boat dock rights. A smaller segment but an option if you want to design from scratch. Lot prices reflect bulkhead condition, cove location, and width of water frontage.
Lake LBJ Condos and Townhomes — Lock-and-leave options with shared waterfront amenities. The most accessible way to own on the lake, with prices starting under $300K in some communities.
The Lake LBJ Buyer's Deal Breakers
After nearly three decades of writing contracts on this lake, there are a handful of questions every serious buyer asks. These matter more than the listing photos:
Is the dock permitted by the LCRA? Every dock, boathouse, and bulkhead on Lake LBJ requires an LCRA permit. Before closing, I verify the permit is current and transferable. Non-permitted structures can become the buyer's problem.
Can I rent it short-term?
Rules vary by city and by community. Granite Shoals allows short-term rentals. Horseshoe Bay has stricter rules depending on the subdivision. Kingsland is permissive. If rental income is part of your purchase math, ask before you offer.
How deep is the water at the dock?
Lake LBJ is a "pass-through" lake, but that doesn't mean uniform depth. Coves can silt in; some slots are fine for a pontoon but too shallow for a wake boat. I always measure.
Is it on the main body or a canal?
Main-body waterfront handles wake-boat traffic and has bigger views. Canal properties trade views for deeper, quieter water and easier docking.
Are there flood history issues?
Major floods in 2018 and again in 2025 affected parts of the upper lake near Kingsland. Flood insurance and elevation certificates matter. I know which streets flooded and which didn't.
What are the property taxes and POA fees?
Tax rates vary between Burnet County, Llano County, and any city jurisdiction. POA fees vary dramatically — Horseshoe Bay POA is different from Escondido or The Legends. Budget accordingly.
Lake LBJ Lifestyle and Amenities
Because the lake level stays constant, water sports are reliable year-round. Lake LBJ is considered the best of the Highland Lakes for wakeboarding, skiing, and personal watercraft. Fishing is solid too — the lake is stocked with largemouth bass, white bass, catfish, and crappie.
On shore, Horseshoe Bay Resort anchors the south end with four championship golf courses (Ram Rock, Apple Rock, Slick Rock, and Summit Rock), a marina, spa, and private jet center. Kingsland hosts the annual Aqua Boom Fourth of July celebration, a 40+ year tradition. Wineries and Hill Country restaurants are scattered throughout Marble Falls, Llano, and Burnet.
The lake sits roughly 45 miles northwest of Austin and about 90 minutes from San Antonio — close enough for a weekend commute, far enough to feel like you've actually left.
About Chad Thibodeaux
I'm a 40-year resident of the Horseshoe Bay and Lake LBJ area and I've been a licensed broker here for 28 years. I co-own RE/MAX Horseshoe Bay Resort Sales Co. at 7409 FM 2147. Over nearly three decades I've written contracts in every community on this lake, from $200K Kingsland cabins to $10M Applehead Island estates.
If you want to know which cove has the best morning light, which subdivisions allow short-term rentals, or which dock permits transfer cleanly, that's what I'm here for. Call me at 512-755-1606 or send a message.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lake LBJ a constant-level lake?
Yes. Lake LBJ is a "pass-through" reservoir, meaning water flowing in from Lake Buchanan and Inks Lake upstream must flow out through Wirtz Dam downstream. The lake has no storage capacity, so the level typically stays within 824.40–825.00 feet above mean sea level — a fluctuation of about 2 feet or less in a normal year.
Who manages Lake LBJ?
The Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA), a public utility formed in 1934. LCRA built and operates Wirtz Dam and controls dock permits, shoreline use, and water quality on the lake.
How big is Lake LBJ?
Lake LBJ covers 6,432 acres and stretches roughly 21 miles. It has approximately 200 miles of shoreline and reaches a maximum depth of about 90 feet near Wirtz Dam.
What counties is Lake LBJ in?
The lake is split between Burnet County and Llano County, with the county line running down the middle of the water.
Can I rent my Lake LBJ home short-term on Airbnb or VRBO?
It depends on the city and community. Granite Shoals and Kingsland generally allow short-term rentals. Horseshoe Bay has subdivision-specific rules. Before you buy with rental income in mind, verify the rules for the exact property.
Do I need a permit for a dock on Lake LBJ?
Yes. The LCRA requires permits for all docks, boathouses, and shoreline structures. When buying a waterfront home, always confirm the existing permit is current and will transfer to you at closing.
How far is Lake LBJ from Austin?
About 45 miles northwest of Austin, roughly a one-hour drive. San Antonio is about 90 minutes away.
What's the average price of a Lake LBJ waterfront home?
As of the most recent MLS pull, the average listing price is $2.2M, with inventory ranging from $198K for entry-level condos to over $13M for flagship estates. Median price per square foot is approximately $657.
Is Lake LBJ good for fishing?
Yes. It's stocked with largemouth bass, white bass, catfish, and crappie. Because the water level stays stable, fishing conditions are more predictable year-round than on storage reservoirs like Lake Travis or Lake Buchanan.
How is Lake LBJ different from Lake Travis?
Lake Travis is a storage reservoir; its level can drop 50+ feet during drought, exposing docks and changing shoreline access. Lake LBJ is a pass-through reservoir with a near-constant level, which is why it's a preferred choice for buyers who want a dependable waterfront experience.
_(1).jpg)
Search Lake LBJ and Horsehoe Bay Real Estate.
Search every Lake LBJ and Horseshoe Bay listing, updated straight from the MLS. Broker Chad Thibodeaux has been matching buyers to the right property here for nearly 30 years.
Start Search