SeatSan Marcos
Residents304,390
Metro income figure$228,480
The local picture
San Marcos, Kyle, Buda, Dripping Springs and Wimberley are where most local buyers look. Hays CISD, San Marcos CISD, Dripping Springs ISD and Wimberley ISD employ full-time teachers, aides, librarians, counselors and school nurses.
Hays County Sheriff's Office deputies and San Marcos and Kyle police officers qualify with a TCOLE license. San Marcos Fire Department firefighters qualify through TCFP certification.
Hays has targeted census tracts on TDHCA's list. If you're comparing TDHCA's program, ask your lender whether your address is in one.
Income and price limits in Hays County
Hays likely falls under TSAHC's Austin-metro figure of $228,480, but a lender confirms the county's Heroes limit; TDHCA's Austin-area limits are $134,400 for 1-2 people and $154,560 for 3+, with a $598,019 price limit. Statewide limits · What can I afford?
Local money in Hays County
Programs run by cities, counties and employers here. Some can sit on top of the state help, some replace it. A loan officer sorts out which pairings are allowed.
City of Austin (full-purpose city limits)
- Meant for
- First-time buyers (or no ownership in 3 years / displaced or divorced) buying a single-family home or condo
- How much
- Up to $40,000
- Kind of help
- Loan that is forgiven over time
- Income cap
- 80% MFI ($106,800 for a family of 4)
- Price cap
- $440,000
- First-timers only?
- Yes
- Fine print
- Homebuyer education certificate; Housing-certified participating lender; covers down payment, closing costs and prepaids
Older city FAQ: under $15,000 is a 5-year forgivable loan; $15,000-$40,000 is shared-equity (10-year affordability, 30-year term). Austin city limits reach into Williamson and Hays counties.
Fact-checked November 2026 · our sources
Read our full write-up →Could I get this? →The full Texas program list.
Buyer classes near Hays County
Budget a few hours for a buyer class before closing, because almost every program requires it. These HUD-approved agencies around Hays County teach the class or sit down with buyers one on one:
Pulled from HUD's list of approved counseling agencies. A class that one program accepts may not count for another.
Which class counts? Your lender keeps the list of approved courses for each Texas program, and can open your pre-approval during the same conversation.
Start the eligibility check
Local employers whose staff can qualify
- Hays CISD
- San Marcos CISD
- Dripping Springs ISD
- Wimberley ISD
- Hays County Sheriff's Office
- San Marcos Police Department
- Kyle Police Department
- San Marcos Fire Department
Hays CISD, San Marcos CISD, Dripping Springs ISD and Wimberley ISD staff, sheriff's deputies, San Marcos and Kyle police and San Marcos firefighters are the local pool. The full list of eligible jobs.
Questions from Hays County buyers
Does a Hays CISD teacher who lives in Travis County qualify?
Yes. Your job qualifies you, and you can buy a primary residence anywhere in Texas. The limit for the county where you buy applies.
Do Kyle police officers qualify?
Yes, if full time with a TCOLE license. City police are listed peace officers.
Is the 5% based on the price or the loan?
The loan amount. Use the calculator on the home page to see a rough figure.
Nearby county guides: Harris County, Dallas County, Tarrant County, Bexar County, Travis County, Collin County, Denton County, Fort Bend County. See them all.
