AUSTIN — Austin’s 10 City Council districts differ widely in income, race, education, age and housing, a portrait of the city’s varied communities as voters prepare to choose representatives for five council seats in November. There are 22 candidates running for the five seats. Council members help set the city budget and tax rate, fund departments and approve local laws and public safety measures. The district profiles show a broad east-west divide: western districts and downtown have larger white populations, while Hispanic residents are more concentrated in eastern districts. District 1 has the largest Black population, and District 6 has the largest Asian population. Income patterns also vary. District 8, in southwest Austin, has the highest median household income, at about $130,000. District 4 has the lowest, around $65,000, and the largest share of residents living in poverty, about 20%. Residents with low to moderate incomes are concentrated largely in the east. Educational attainment generally follows a similar geographic pattern, with higher levels in western districts. District 9, around downtown, has the largest share of residents with at least a bachelor’s degree. Age and housing tenure add to the differences. Districts 8 and 10 have the city’s highest median ages, nearly 40, while downtown’s is about 30. District 10 has the largest share of residents 65 and older; children under 18 are more common around the city’s outskirts. District 8 has the highest homeownership share, while District 3 has the largest proportion of renters. The differences matter in a citywide election because council decisions affect residents across neighborhoods with distinct housing and economic circumstances. Austin residents can use the city’s online council district lookup tool to identify their district by address. Early voting is scheduled for Oct. 19-30, with Election Day on Nov. 3. Registered Travis County voters may cast ballots at any polling place in the county. Polling locations, sample ballots and registration information are available through the Travis County Clerk. A candidate forum hosted by the Austin Neighborhoods Council is scheduled for Oct. 7 at 6:45 p.m. Sixteen of the 22 candidates are expected to participate.