<P> After the mid-20th century, Austin became established as one of Texas' major metropolitan centers . In 1970, the U.S. Census Bureau reported Austin's population as 14.5% Hispanic, 11.9% black, and 73.4% non-Hispanic white . In the late 20th century, Austin emerged as an important high tech center for semiconductors and software . The University of Texas at Austin emerged as a major university . </P> <P> The 1970s saw Austin's emergence in the national music scene, with local artists such as Willie Nelson, Asleep at the Wheel, and Stevie Ray Vaughan and iconic music venues such as the Armadillo World Headquarters . Over time, the long - running television program Austin City Limits, its namesake Austin City Limits Festival, and the South by Southwest music festival solidified the city's place in the music industry . </P> <P> Austin, the southernmost state capital of the contiguous 48 states, is located in Central Texas . Austin is 160 miles (260 km) northwest of Houston, 195 miles (310 km) south of Dallas and 80 miles (130 km) northeast of San Antonio . </P> <P> In 2010, the city occupied a total area of 305.4 square miles (791.1 km). Approximately 7.2 square miles (18.6 km) of this area is water . </P>

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