At the Austin Business Journal’s annual Williamson County Growth Summit, leaders unveiled a 1.6 million population forecast for 2050-more than double the 2025 figure-sparking urgent talks on water, electricity, and public safety.
Population Growth Outlook
The summit panel, featuring Yaerid Jacob of Blueprint Data Centers, Grant Rollo of Randolph, Texas Development, Josh Schroeder of Georgetown, Steve Snell of Williamson County, and Na’Cole Thompson of Leander, highlighted that the county is expected to reach 1.6 million residents by 2050, a figure that exceeds the projected 2025 population by more than twice. Colin Pope, editor for the Austin Business Journal, noted that “That will make communities in the county larger than Travis County is today.”
Water and Utility Challenges
Mayor Josh Schroeder warned that Georgetown’s water future will change as growth accelerates. “Anyone that tells you that, that they’re going to be able to keep their water rates low, and have adequate water is not telling you the truth,” he said. “Rates are going to continue to go up.” The city is currently selling portions of its municipal water utility to manage future growth and costs. County Judge Steven Snell emphasized water as a priority, announcing a $500,000 investment to conduct a regional study that will forecast and address water demands in the coming decades. “We’re hoping it keeps the cost of that water down,” Snell said.
Public Safety and Staffing
Public safety emerged as a key concern. Schroeder pointed out a trend of developments in extraterritorial jurisdictions that strain the sheriff’s department. “We’re asking our sheriff’s deputies to provide the same level of public safety that we provide in our cities, where today they physically cannot do because you can’t overcome the problems of geography,” he said. In September, the county approved pay raises for several public safety positions and added a new deputy constable and fire marshal deputy. Snell reiterated that public safety will remain a priority. “Families want to live in safe communities, but with the amount of growth coming in our population, we need to make sure that we have enough coverage,” he said.
Key Takeaways
- Williamson County projects a 1.6 million population by 2050, more than double the 2025 figure.
- Water rates are expected to rise; a $500,000 study will assess future demand.
- Public-safety staffing is expanding to meet growth-related demands.
The summit underscored the county’s need to balance rapid population growth with infrastructure and safety investments.
