Austin Climbs to 47th on 2026 ParkScore® Index

Austin Parks and Recreation is proud to announce that the City has climbed the 2026 ParkScore® rankings to 47th in the country. Austin earned 54.0 out of 100 points for the annual nationwide rating published by Trust for Public Land, a national nonprofit that works to connect everyone to the benefits and joys of the outdoors. The ParkScore Index compares park systems in the 100 most populated U.S. cities. 

This marks a seven-place climb for Austin due to new park openings and increased investment in parks. The City invested $236 per person in its park system, more than last year’s $211 and far above the 2026 national average of $154. According to TPL, 76 percent of Austin residents live within a 10-minute walk of a park, a big increase over last year’s 68 percent.

The index evaluates each city across five key categories that reflect the characteristics of a strong park system: access, investment, amenities, acreage, and equity. While the rankings often spark friendly competition, the primary purpose of the index is to help local leaders advocate for needed resources and guide data-driven park improvements. To ensure fair comparisons across cities, the index includes data from all public and private organizations that support local parks.

Austin’s 2026 score reflects the City’s ongoing efforts to expand and enhance its park system amid rapid population growth, increasing land costs, and a commitment to equitable access for all communities. Additional funding for park development and maintenance is critical for the system’s continued long-term success.