Round Rock is a large city in southern Williamson County, Texas, situated directly north of Austin along the Interstate 35 corridor. It has grown from a small creek-side settlement into one of the principal cities of the greater Austin metropolitan area, with a population of roughly 143,000. The city's name comes from a round rock in the bed of Brushy Creek, a landmark that marked a low-water crossing for early travelers and now anchors the city's identity and a namesake park. Round Rock's modern character is defined by technology. Dell Technologies established its global headquarters in the city in 1994, a move that transformed Round Rock into a corporate and employment center and attracted a broad ecosystem of technology and support businesses. Emerson's automation solutions business is also headquartered in the city, reinforcing its standing as a headquarters destination. This economic base supports strong municipal services, an extensive park system, and a steady stream of residential and commercial development. The city is also a center for recreation and family entertainment. The Round Rock Express, the Triple-A affiliate of the Texas Rangers, play at Dell Diamond, and the surrounding area has added major attractions including the Kalahari Resorts convention center and indoor water park. Round Rock's network of parks, trails, and creek-side green spaces gives the growing city an outdoors-oriented quality, while its historic downtown preserves a smaller-scale commercial core near the original settlement. Residents are served primarily by Round Rock Independent School District, one of the region's largest and most recognized districts, with parts of the city falling in Leander ISD and Georgetown ISD territories. The city's position on I-35, its corporate employment base, and its family-oriented amenities make it a magnet for professionals, families, and commuters who want proximity to Austin with the scale, services, and identity of a full-fledged city of its own.