Burnet County, Texas
13 local notes for Burnet County — practical, plain-English, and pointed at the official source to confirm. Austin / Central Texas / Hill Country.
Money & Taxes
Property Tax
Two offices handle your property tax in Burnet County
The Burnet County Appraisal District sets your home's value, but it also handles tax collection — the Tax Assessor-Collector office does not collect property taxes here.
Homestead Exemption
How to lower your tax bill with a homestead exemption
Texas law lets you reduce the taxable value of the home you live in — file once with the Burnet County Appraisal District.
Home & Property
Water & Lakes
The Highland Lakes run through the heart of Burnet County
LCRA runs a chain of six lakes on the Colorado River. Four of those lakes sit partly or fully in Burnet County.
Septic / OSSF
Septic permits near the Highland Lakes go through LCRA
If your property is within about 2,200 feet of the upper Highland Lakes, LCRA — not the county — issues your septic system permit.
Well Water
A groundwater district regulates water wells in Burnet County
If you plan to drill a water well in Burnet County, you need to work with the local groundwater conservation district.
Flood Insurance
Flood insurance is separate from your homeowners policy
Standard homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage — you need a separate policy, and there is a 30-day waiting period before it takes effect.
Cars & Driving
Outdoors
State Park
Inks Lake State Park offers camping, fishing, and swimming near Burnet
Inks Lake State Park sits about an hour northwest of Austin and offers nearly 200 campsites, 9 miles of hiking trails, and direct lake access.
State Park
Longhorn Cavern State Park is a day-trip cave park near Burnet
Longhorn Cavern State Park is a day-use cave park in Burnet County with guided tours open almost every day of the year.
Rules & Licenses
Invasive Species
Zebra mussels are in the Highland Lakes — boaters must follow the law
Zebra mussels have spread into the Highland Lakes, and Texas law requires you to clean, drain, and dry watercraft before leaving any infested water.
Land Use / Water Quality
LCRA rules limit certain land work near the Colorado River in Burnet County
LCRA's Highland Lakes Watershed Ordinance covers land-disturbing activity near the Colorado River in Burnet County.
History & Culture
County History
Burnet County was named for a president of the Republic of Texas
The Texas Legislature created Burnet County on February 5, 1852, carved from Travis, Williamson, and Bell counties, and named it for David G. Burnet.
Local Industry & History
Granite from Burnet County built the Texas State Capitol
Granite Mountain near Marble Falls in Burnet County supplied the red granite used to build the Texas State Capitol in Austin.