Central Texas cities make up half of the top 10 ‘Most Livable Small Cities’ in Texas, study shows

Curious where some of the most "livable" places in Texas are? You may be surprised to find half are in Central Texas.

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Curious where some of the most "livable" places in Texas are? You may be surprised to find half are in Central Texas.

SmartAsset, a financial technology company, ranked 281 small U.S. cities, and KXAN took that data to find the most "livable" cities in the Lone Star State.

The study said many variables could impact costs and comfortability.

"Housing affordability, the spread of business offerings, financial standing and unemployment levels, average commute times and healthcare coverage can all affect the well-being and comfort of the community as a whole," SmartAsset said.

Flower Mound, Texas (town)

No. 1 in Texas (No. 29 in U.S.)

• Annual housing costs as a percent of income: 18.2%
• Population below poverty level: 3.9%
• Arts, entertainment, and recreation businesses: 1.7%
• Commute time: 26.3 minutes

Leander, Texas

No. 2 in Texas (No. 60 in U.S.)

• Annual housing costs as a percent of income: 17.5%
• Population below poverty level: 3.1%
• Arts, entertainment, and recreation businesses: 1.6%
• Commute time: 29.6 minutes

Mansfield, Texas

No. 3 in Texas (No. 69 in U.S.)

• Annual housing costs as a percent of income: 19.8%
• Population below poverty level: 5.5%
• Arts, entertainment, and recreation businesses: 1.4%
• Commute time: 26.7 minutes

Missouri City, Texas

No. 4 in Texas (No. 77 in U.S.)

• Annual housing costs as a percent of income: 19.4%
• Population below poverty level: 6%
• Arts, entertainment, and recreation businesses: 1.4%
• Commute time: 29.9 minutes

Pflugerville, Texas

No. 5 in Texas (No. 78 in U.S.)

• Annual housing costs as a percent of income: 19.3%
• Population below poverty level: 5.4%
• Arts, entertainment, and recreation businesses: 2.1%
• Commute time: 24.7 minutes

Cedar Park, Texas

No. 6 in Texas (No. 85 in U.S.)

• Annual housing costs as a percent of income: 20.8%
• Population below poverty level: 6.3%
• Arts, entertainment, and recreation businesses: 1.6%
• Commute time: 25.1 minutes

Harlingen, Texas

No. 7 in Texas (No. 118 in U.S.)

• Annual housing costs as a percent of income: 19.1%
• Population below poverty level: 20.3%
• Arts, entertainment, and recreation businesses: 1%
• Commute time: 16.9 minutes

North Richland Hills, Texas

No. 8 in Texas (No. 139 in U.S.)

• Annual housing costs as a percent of income: 23.6%
• Population below poverty level: 7.9%
• Arts, entertainment, and recreation businesses: 1.4%
• Commute time: 26.5 minutes

New Braunfels, Texas

No. 9 in Texas (No. 151 in U.S.)

• Annual housing costs as a percent of income: 23.6%
• Population below poverty level: 6.6%
• Arts, entertainment, and recreation businesses: 2.2%
• Commute time: 26.7 minutes

Georgetown, Texas

No. 10 in Texas (No. 162 in U.S.)

• Annual housing costs as a percent of income: 21.5%
• Population below poverty level: 6.4%
• Arts, entertainment, and recreation businesses: 1.6%
• Commute time: 31.9 minutes