YEEHAW! 🐾

It’s another big week across Williamson County, with major developments involving Georgetown’s growing technology sector, Aalo Atomics’ potential industrial operation, new housing planned in East Hutto and the latest surrounding Project Mustang near Taylor.

Friday night lights are in full swing, local teams are making early-season statements, and the countdown continues toward the Williamson County Fair & Rodeo, returning October 21–24.

Let’s break down what’s happening, why it matters and how these stories could shape the future of our rapidly growing county.

Let’s ride!

— Scout 🐾
WilCo TX Insider
The Voice of Williamson County

📈 S&P 500: The S&P 500 gained 0.9% Friday, closing at 7,656.98 and ending a four-day losing streak. The index still finished the week approximately 0.8% lower.

📈 Nasdaq: The Nasdaq Composite rose 1.0% Friday to close at 26,333.04. Despite the rebound, the technology-heavy index declined approximately 0.7% for the week.

📈 Dow Jones: The Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed 1.0% Friday, closing at 52,573.29. The Dow finished the week approximately 1.6% lower.

📈 10-Year Treasury Yield: The benchmark 10-year Treasury yield ended near 4.96% after briefly reaching 4.9915%, its highest level in nearly three years. August inflation data strengthened expectations that the Federal Reserve could raise interest rates at its upcoming meeting.

🛢️ WTI Crude Oil: West Texas Intermediate crude settled at $100.05 per barrel Friday, falling 2.37% for the day but gaining more than 8% for the week. Middle East supply disruptions and threats involving major shipping routes kept energy prices elevated.

₿ Bitcoin: Bitcoin traded near $80,000 Friday afternoon after falling to approximately $77,000 earlier in the day. The cryptocurrency experienced another volatile week as investors reacted to inflation, interest-rate expectations and movements in the broader financial markets.

The July 2026 Unlock MLS report remains the latest complete county-level housing report available. It shows stronger sales activity alongside slightly lower prices.

Median Sales Price: $415,000 — ↓ 1.2% YoY
Closed Sales: 957 — ↑ 6.0%
Sales Volume: $461.7 million — ↑ 7.0%
Active Listings: 4,258 — ↓ 10.1%
New Listings: 1,534 — ↑ 2.7%
Pending Sales: 927 — ↑ 3.3%
Months of Inventory: 4.3 months — ↓ 0.9 months
Average Days on Market: 67 days — ↑ 2 days
Average Close-to-List Price: 93.9%, compared with 93.3% last year

Wall Street rebounded Friday as declining oil prices and an inflation report that came relatively close to expectations helped calm investors following a volatile week.

The S&P 500, Nasdaq and Dow each gained approximately 1% Friday, recovering a significant portion of their earlier losses. However, all three major indexes still finished lower for the week.

The August Consumer Price Index increased 0.4%, strengthening expectations that the Federal Reserve could raise interest rates at its upcoming meeting. Those expectations pushed Treasury yields higher, with the 10-year yield briefly approaching 5%.

Energy remained one of the week’s biggest stories. WTI crude declined Friday but still finished above $100 per barrel after gaining more than 8% during the week. Continued conflict and shipping disruptions in the Middle East have raised concerns about global supplies, fuel prices and renewed inflationary pressure.

Closer to home, Williamson County’s housing market continues showing steady demand. July closed sales increased from the previous year while the median sales price declined slightly. Buyers remain active, but elevated borrowing costs continue influencing affordability and purchasing decisions.

This week showed how quickly markets can move when inflation, interest rates and energy prices collide.

Stocks recovered Friday, but the broader weekly losses show that investors remain concerned about what comes next. If the Federal Reserve raises rates, borrowing could become more expensive for homebuyers, businesses and families carrying credit-card or vehicle debt.

The 10-year Treasury yield approaching 5% is especially important locally because sustained increases in bond yields can place additional upward pressure on mortgage rates. That could make affordability even more challenging for Williamson County buyers despite slightly lower home prices.

Oil above $100 creates another potential challenge. If prices remain elevated, local families and businesses could face higher gasoline, transportation and operating costs. Those increases could eventually affect the prices of everyday goods and services.

Williamson County continues attracting employers, investment and new residents, but interest rates and energy prices remain the two biggest numbers to watch. They will help determine how affordable it is to purchase a home, operate a business and keep up with the costs associated with the county’s continued growth.

Sources: AP market recap, September 11, 2026; Reuters global-markets report; Reuters crude-oil report; Unlock MLS market statistics; CoinDesk cryptocurrency update. Market and cryptocurrency data through September 11, 2026.

Aalo Atomics could become one of Georgetown’s largest new industrial tenants as the Austin-based nuclear-energy startup prepares to establish a laboratory and manufacturing operation in the city.

The company has confirmed it is leasing a Georgetown facility, although its location and size have not been publicly announced. Aalo has been linked to two buildings within the 224-acre CrossPoint Business District that could provide more than 800,000 square feet of combined space. One state filing also outlines a proposed $25 million renovation for laboratory, machine-shop and production areas.

Founded in 2023, Aalo is developing small, factory-built nuclear reactors designed to provide reliable energy. The company has raised approximately $136 million and was selected by the U.S. Department of Energy to test its power-plant design at Idaho National Laboratory.

Importantly, no nuclear power plant has been announced for Georgetown. The proposed operation would focus on research, development and manufacturing.

This could represent another major step in Georgetown’s transformation into an advanced-manufacturing and technology hub.

The biggest local story is not simply nuclear energy—it is the potential scale of the investment, the specialized jobs it could create and the network of suppliers and supporting businesses it could attract.

However, the final location and size have not been confirmed. Until those details are released, the possibility of an 800,000-square-foot operation should be treated as potential—not final.

Even so, Aalo’s decision to establish a presence in Georgetown demonstrates that Williamson County is increasingly competing for some of the country’s most innovative and consequential industries.

Over 4 million people have had the same lightbulb moment.

Morning Brew is a free daily newsletter that breaks down what's happening in business, finance, and tech — clearly, quickly, and with enough personality to make it the best email in your inbox.

No yelling. No filler. Just the news, finally making sense.

Try it for free

A proposed 77-acre mixed-use development could bring hundreds of new homes and additional commercial space to East Hutto.

The Hutto Planning and Zoning Commission has approved a preliminary plat calling for 272 single-family homes and 11 acres of commercial development near the Brooklands, Heritage Mill and Rolling Glen neighborhoods.

Rival Realty currently owns the property and is completing the entitlement process before marketing it to another developer. No buyer or homebuilder has been announced, and details involving home types, pricing and the construction timeline remain undetermined.

The property was annexed into Hutto last year and could eventually benefit from the future East Wilco Highway. Rival Realty previously sold approximately 10 acres to the city for the planned roadway.

Preliminary plans identify the City of Hutto as the wastewater provider and Jonah Water Special Utility District as the water provider.

This approval moves the project forward, but it does not mean construction is about to begin. Several major steps remain, including finding a buyer, selecting a builder and establishing a construction schedule.

The 11-acre commercial component will also be important to watch. If developed alongside the homes, it could provide nearby shopping and services while adding to Hutto’s commercial tax base.

The larger story is how quickly growth continues moving east of downtown. With hundreds of homes being planned and the East WilCo Highway on the horizon, decisions made today will influence future traffic, infrastructure needs and the overall character of this part of Hutto.

Project Mustang is still being pursued near Taylor despite its developers withdrawing their annexation and zoning applications.

Big Watt Digital and PowerHouse Data Centers are proposing a 665-acre data-center campus at 3301 FM 112, just east of Taylor’s city limits. Plans include data-center buildings, electrical substations and on-site natural-gas power generation.

The applications were withdrawn following public opposition and concerns involving noise, water consumption, emissions and the project’s proximity to neighboring properties. However, the withdrawal did not cancel the development, and negotiations with the city are continuing.

Because the property remains outside Taylor’s city limits, the city has limited authority over its development. Annexation could allow Taylor to negotiate stronger requirements involving noise, lighting, setbacks, emissions, water use and community benefits.

Developers say the campus could create thousands of temporary construction jobs and up to 500 full- and part-time positions once fully developed. They have also discussed community grants, scholarships and support for Taylor ISD and the Taylor Animal Shelter.

The proposed closed-loop cooling system would reportedly require approximately 1.6 million gallons of water for its initial fill, followed by about 13,450 gallons per day. Treated wastewater is expected to supply most of that demand.

Withdrawing the annexation request changed the negotiations—it did not eliminate the project.

That distinction matters because Project Mustang may still be developed outside Taylor’s city limits, where the city would have less control over its operations. A negotiated annexation could give Taylor greater leverage to establish enforceable protections while securing economic and community benefits.

Supporters see the potential for jobs, investment and school partnerships. Nearby residents remain concerned about noise, emissions, water use and quality of life. Both sides have legitimate interests that should be addressed openly.

The real question is no longer whether Project Mustang disappeared. It is whether Taylor, the developers and surrounding residents can reach an agreement that protects the community while responsibly managing a project of this scale.

Williamson County’s housing market remains active, but affordability and borrowing costs are giving buyers more influence over negotiations.

The July 2026 Unlock MLS report remains the latest complete county-level report available. It shows 957 homes sold, an increase of 6% from July 2025. Pending sales increased 3.3%, while total sales volume climbed 7% to $461.7 million.

Prices moved in the opposite direction. The median sales price declined 1.2% to $415,000, and homes spent an average of 67 days on the market. Sellers received approximately 93.9% of their original asking price, compared with 93.3% during the same month last year.

Inventory also declined to 4.3 months, with 4,258 active listings—10.1% fewer than last year. That means buyers have more negotiating power than they did during the market’s most competitive years, but available inventory is not increasing across the county.

Mortgage rates added another challenge this week. According to Freddie Mac, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate increased from 6.71% to 6.76% as of September 10.

The takeaway is that demand has not disappeared, but buyers are increasingly focused on price, condition and monthly payment. Homes that are positioned correctly can still attract attention, while overpriced properties may remain on the market longer and eventually require an adjustment.

This is not a frozen housing market. It is a market where buyers are moving more carefully and sellers must compete for their attention.

Closed and pending sales increased from last year, showing that people are still purchasing homes across Williamson County. However, a slightly lower median price, longer marketing times and a close-to-list ratio below 94% indicate that buyers are negotiating.

The increase in mortgage rates to 6.76% reinforces why monthly payment matters as much as asking price. Even a small rate change can affect purchasing power, especially for first-time buyers and families trying to remain within a specific monthly budget.

Buyers may find opportunities involving price reductions, closing-cost assistance, repairs or temporary rate buydowns. Sellers should focus on realistic pricing, property condition, strong photography and an effective marketing strategy from the beginning.

Countywide numbers provide useful direction, but every community behaves differently. Georgetown, Round Rock, Cedar Park, Leander, Hutto, Taylor and Williamson County’s smaller communities can vary considerably in price, inventory and buyer demand.

Created for homeowners, buyers and sellers who want to understand local market conditions, housing trends and the factors to consider before buying or listing a property.

Click the Homeowner’s Guide image below to download your free copy.

Considering a move to Williamson County? This guide provides an introduction to local communities, housing options, schools, amenities, development and quality of life.

Click the Living Guide image below to download your free copy.

As a local Realtor who closely follows Williamson County’s housing market, growth and development, I can help you interpret the numbers, compare communities and create a plan based on your goals.

Whether you are buying, selling, relocating or simply monitoring your home’s value, download the guide that best fits your needs—or get both.

Sources: Unlock MLS Market Statistics; Freddie Mac Mortgage Rates, September 10, 2026

/

Cedar Ridge delivered one of Williamson County’s biggest performances of the week, overpowering Vista Ridge 70-23 in a non-district matchup.

The victory keeps the Raiders undefeated at 3-0 and adds another impressive result to their fast start.

Cedar Ridge now turns its attention to a major county matchup against Rouse. The Rouse Raiders enter the game at 2-1following a dominant 55-3 victory over McNeil.

Vista Ridge falls to 1-2 and will attempt to rebound against McNeil.

Cedar Ridge has made its early-season message clear. Next week’s battle of the Raiders should reveal even more about where both teams stand.

Follow WilCo TX Insider for scores, highlights and continuing coverage of high school sports across Williamson County.

Scripture: Proverbs 13:10

“Where there is strife, there is pride, but wisdom is found in those who take advice.” — Proverbs 13:10

Proverbs 13 teaches that godly leadership is shaped by humility, patience, discipline and the willingness to learn from others.

Leadership can sometimes make us feel as though we must always have the answer. We may believe admitting uncertainty will make us appear weak or that changing direction will damage our credibility. But Scripture teaches the opposite.

Wisdom is not demonstrated by pretending to know everything. It is demonstrated by listening, learning and remaining humble enough to accept good advice.

Pride creates unnecessary conflict. It causes us to defend poor decisions, dismiss valuable feedback and turn disagreements into personal battles. A wise leader does not view every correction as an attack. Instead, that leader considers whether God may be using another person to reveal something important.

Proverbs 13:1 says:

“A wise son heeds his father’s instruction, but a mocker does not respond to rebukes.”

Our response to correction reveals the condition of our hearts. We can become defensive, make excuses and blame others—or we can listen carefully, accept responsibility and grow.

Correction may be uncomfortable, but discomfort is often part of development. God can use honest conversations, difficult circumstances and wise counsel to strengthen our character and prepare us for greater responsibility.

Proverbs 13 also teaches us to guard our words:

“Those who guard their lips preserve their lives, but those who speak rashly will come to ruin.” — Proverbs 13:3

Leaders frequently speak under pressure. Decisions must be explained, conflicts must be addressed and difficult conversations cannot always be avoided. In those moments, careless words can damage relationships and weaken trust.

Not every thought needs to be spoken immediately. Not every accusation requires an instant response. Sometimes wisdom means pausing, praying and making certain that our words are truthful, necessary and helpful.

Self-control is not weakness. It is evidence of maturity.

Proverbs 13:12 says:

“Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.”

Leadership often involves waiting. We may work faithfully without seeing immediate progress. Plans may be delayed, opportunities may fall through and prayers may appear unanswered.

Delayed results can become discouraging, especially when we have invested significant time, energy and faith into something we believe God placed before us.

However, waiting does not mean God has forgotten us. He may be developing our patience, refining our motives or preparing circumstances we cannot yet see.

Strong leaders remain faithful during seasons when progress feels slow. They continue planting, preparing and trusting God even when the results have not arrived.

Proverbs 13 also emphasizes the connection between diligence and lasting progress:

“A sluggard’s appetite is never filled, but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied.” — Proverbs 13:4

Desire alone does not produce results. We may want to lead effectively, build something meaningful or make a difference in our community, but those desires must be supported by consistent action.

Diligence means doing what needs to be done even when the work feels repetitive, recognition is limited or motivation is low. It means honoring commitments, preparing thoroughly and remaining dependable.

Godly leadership is rarely built through one dramatic moment. It is usually formed through small acts of faithfulness repeated over time.

Proverbs 13:20 says:

“Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.”

The people surrounding us influence the leaders we become.

Wise relationships challenge our thinking, strengthen our character and remind us of what matters. Unhealthy influences can normalize poor decisions, feed our pride and gradually pull us away from God’s direction.

Leaders must carefully consider who has permission to shape their thinking. We need people who will encourage us, pray for us and tell us the truth—even when the truth is difficult to hear.

Proverbs 13 reminds us that wisdom grows through humility, guarded speech, patient faith, diligent work and godly relationships.

Listen when pride tells you to argue.

Pause when frustration tells you to speak recklessly.

Remain faithful when progress feels delayed.

Work diligently when motivation begins to fade.

Walk with wise people who will strengthen your faith and sharpen your judgment.

God does not call leaders to know everything, accomplish everything immediately or carry every responsibility alone. He calls us to remain humble, disciplined and faithful while trusting Him with the outcome.

Do I genuinely listen when others offer advice or correction?

Has pride created unnecessary conflict in any of my relationships?

Do I guard my words when I am frustrated, disappointed or under pressure?

Am I remaining faithful even when progress feels slower than I expected?

Do my daily habits support the goals and responsibilities God has given me?

Are the people closest to me helping me grow in wisdom and faith?

Who could benefit from my patience, encouragement or guidance today?

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for being patient with me as You continue shaping my character and leadership.

Give me the humility to listen to wise counsel and receive correction without becoming defensive. Reveal any pride within me that creates conflict, damages relationships or prevents me from growing.

Help me guard my words, especially when I feel frustrated or pressured. Teach me to pause before speaking and to communicate with truth, wisdom and grace.

Strengthen me during seasons of waiting. When progress feels delayed, remind me that You are still working. Help me remain faithful, patient and obedient even when I cannot yet see the outcome.

Give me the discipline to work diligently with the responsibilities You have entrusted to me. Surround me with wise and godly people who will encourage me, challenge me and help me walk more closely with You.

May my leadership reflect humility, patience, consistency and faith. Use my life to strengthen others and bring honor to Your name.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Central Texas is changing quickly as new industrial projects, master-planned communities, infrastructure investments, businesses and housing developments reshape Williamson, Travis and Milam counties.

The Central Texas Development Alliance helps landowners, developers, investors and regional stakeholders better understand this growth and connect through trusted, confidential conversations.

The Alliance focuses on responsible development, regional insight and long-term planning involving land, water, energy, transportation, infrastructure and community needs. It also helps landowners navigate development inquiries, investor interest, potential partnerships and other opportunities affecting their property.

If you own land or commercial property in a rapidly growing area, learning what is happening around you can help you make more informed decisions about its future.

Click the photo above to learn more about the Central Texas Development Alliance or request a confidential conversation.