Austin is located in
Mower County (of which it is the county seat) southwest of
Rochester on Hwy 105 on the banks of the Cedar River near Albert Lea, in the
Mississippi Bluffs Region. Founded on the old Territorial Trail, on the south banks of the Cedar River, it stands at the junction of US 218 and I-90. These provide easy access to the city from all points.The population estimate for July 1, 1998 was 21,482, a decrease of 444 since 1990.
Makers of the world-famous SPAM luncheon meat product (founded in 1937) are headquartered here, and offer the SPAM Museum at 1937 SPAM Blvd.
