Closer to care From the cover
Bastrop region to outpace state growth
What’s happening
O cials said population growth will increase demand for local inpatient and specialty care.
The 26-acre hospital site is proposed within Bastrop West, a roughly 400-acre mixed- use development near FM 20 and SH 71 that could also host a hotel and convention center, multifamily housing, and retail and dining options. About 609,000 residents live in the study area, which is projected to grow about 2% annually through 2030—double the 1% annual growth rate projected statewide, according to data from the Texas Demographic Center. PYA researchers said the Bastrop area’s acute care facilities are “insu cient,” with just one hospital o ering eight inpatient beds at Ascension Seton Smithville, compared to a demand of about 523. The ndings build on concerns that residents, providers and community leaders have discussed for years—even before the closure of St. Mark’s Medical Center in La Grange in 2023, which Carrillo-Trevino said was “a big deal” and “a big factor” in talks about the hospital study area.
Place
2025 population 2030 projected population
Annual growth rate
2.03%
Bastrop County
116,842
129,177
Study area
609,000
~672,000
1.99%
Texas
31.7 million
33.3 million
0.99%
SOURCES: PERSHING YOAKLEY & ASSOCIATES, TEXAS DEMOGRAPHIC CENTER COMMUNITY IMPACT
stage is largely to provide infrastructure and to serve as a “double checker” as partnerships are explored. She said she plans to rst meet with the health care systems already serving Bastrop-area patients. “I’ve already had people come visit me,” she teased.
Bringing a hospital to Bastrop would require more than just a demonstrated need, o cials said, as funding must also be secured. The concept carries an estimated $150 million price tag—but o cials emphasized it would neither be paid for nor run by the city. Instead, Carrillo-Trevino said the city’s cost at this
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