26.9
County Score
Income & Jobs 44.4Schools 41.2Disaster Risk 38.8

County Report Card

About Aransas County, Texas

Significantly Trailing National Norms

Aransas County's composite score of 26.9 is nearly half the national median of 50.0. This ranking indicates a lifestyle characterized by high environmental and safety risks compared to national peers. It reflects the unique and often difficult trade-offs found in coastal living.

Coastal Life with State Challenges

At 26.9, the county falls well short of the Texas state average score of 41.9. While the area attracts tourists and retirees, the data shows that year-round livability metrics struggle to compete with inland counties. It is currently positioned as one of the lower-scoring counties in the state.

Moderate Incomes and Tax Burdens

The county maintains a respectable Income Score of 44.4 with a median household income of $61,754. Residents also benefit from a relatively lower tax burden, reflected in a Tax Score of 37.1 and an effective tax rate of 1.014%. These economic factors help balance the costs associated with coastal living.

Critical Safety and Infrastructure Needs

Safety is the county's primary concern, with a score of 4.3 which is among the lowest in the region. Water infrastructure also faces pressure, earning a score of 17.3. Improving these areas is vital to protecting the long-term viability of this coastal community.

Best for Coastal Enthusiasts

Aransas County is most suitable for those who prioritize proximity to the Gulf of Mexico above all other metrics. It appeals to retirees or remote workers who value reasonable taxes and moderate incomes over public safety scores. It remains a niche market for those comfortable with the risks of the Texas coast.

Score breakdown

Tax37.1Cost33.6Safety4.3Health17.7Schools41.2Income44.4Risk38.8Water17.3Weather20.1
🏛37.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠33.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼44.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡4.3
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty
17.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓41.2
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty
38.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧17.3
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty
🌤20.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty
🌱31
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty
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Deep Dives

Aransas County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Aransas County

via TaxByCounty

Aransas County taxes: Just below national median

Aransas County's effective tax rate of 1.014% sits comfortably below the national median of 1.03%, placing it in the bottom 40th percentile nationally. Despite higher median home values ($236,800), the median property tax of $2,401 still trails the national median of $2,690.

Rank among Texas counties: Below state average

At 1.014%, Aransas County's effective rate runs about 20% below Texas's state average of 1.276%, offering meaningful savings for coastal Texas homeowners. The median annual tax of $2,401 sits roughly 10% below the state median of $2,193.

How Aransas County compares along the coast

Aransas County's 1.014% rate provides relief compared to inland counties like Archer (1.322%) and Atascosa (1.321%), though it rivals Anderson County's 0.974%. Coastal Aransas County offers competitive tax rates for the region.

What Aransas County homeowners pay each year

On the median home value of $236,800, Aransas County property owners owe approximately $2,401 in annual property taxes at the 1.014% effective rate. With mortgage taxes factored in, homeowners should expect about $3,323 annually.

Your home might be worth less than the county thinks

Aransas County's coastal location can make property values volatile—some homes may be overassessed relative to recent market sales. Filing an appeal with comparable property sales data is a straightforward way to challenge inflated valuations.

Cost of Living in Aransas County

via CostByCounty

Aransas rents moderate, but incomes lag

Aransas County's 20.4% rent-to-income ratio exceeds the national average by 2.3 percentage points, driven by median income of $61,754 (well below the national $74,755). Though rent at $1,052 monthly is reasonable, the income gap creates the affordability squeeze.

Above Texas average for rental burden

At 20.4%, Aransas County's rent-to-income ratio ranks above Texas's 18.1% state average, placing it among the state's less comfortable rental markets. The median rent of $1,052 is $89 above the state average, contributing to the affordability pressure on local renters.

Coastal premium affects affordability

Aransas County shows higher rents ($1,052) and a steeper affordability ratio (20.4%) than inland Andrews County ($1,364 rent but $76,902 income), reflecting its coastal lifestyle premium. Home values in Aransas reach $236,800—highest among its peers—signaling strong demand that pushes both rents and mortgages higher.

Owners enjoy modest cost advantage

Aransas renters spend $1,052 monthly (20.4% of income), while homeowners spend $879 (17.1% of income), a difference of $173 per month. The median home value of $236,800 is notably higher than inland counties, reflecting Aransas's appeal as a coastal destination.

Aransas suits buyers with strong income

Aransas County's coastal location and higher home values ($236,800 median) appeal to buyers and remote workers seeking lifestyle alongside affordability. If your household income approaches or exceeds the $61,754 county median, homeownership provides real savings over renting in this desirable market.

Income & Jobs in Aransas County

via IncomeByCounty

Aransas incomes slightly below national norm

Aransas County's median household income of $61,754 falls $13,001 short of the national median of $74,755. This 17% gap reflects lower-than-average earnings, though the shortfall is smaller than some neighboring counties.

Moderate income position in Texas

At $61,754, Aransas County earns $2,983 less than Texas's state average of $64,737, placing it slightly below the state median. The county ranks in the lower-middle income tier among Texas counties.

Mixed performance versus regional peers

Aransas County ($61,754) outearns Angelina and Anderson counties by roughly $2,900 but trails Archer ($71,958) and Austin counties ($75,994) substantially. The county sits in the middle of the examined regional group.

Excellent housing affordability despite high values

Aransas County's rent-to-income ratio of 20.4% demonstrates strong rental affordability despite the highest median home value in this cohort ($236,800). The apparent disconnect reflects high per capita income ($41,138) relative to household income, suggesting wealth concentration among fewer earners.

Leverage coastal economy advantages

Aransas County residents earning $61,754 should explore local business ownership and skill-building in coastal tourism and maritime sectors. Strategic education investments and side income opportunities can supplement household earnings and accelerate wealth accumulation.

Safety in Aransas County

via CrimeByCounty

Aransas County sees higher reporting rates

Aransas County records a total crime rate of 3,721.7 per 100,000 residents, significantly exceeding the national average of 2,385.5. This results in a safety score of 94.1, indicating more frequent incidents than the national norm.

Aransas County vs the Texas average

The county's safety score of 94.1 falls below the Texas average of 96.8. With a total crime rate nearly double the state average of 2,052.5, the area faces unique public safety challenges.

Safety comparisons on the Gulf Coast

Aransas County's crime rate of 3,721.7 is notably higher than many surrounding coastal areas and the state average. These figures suggest a higher concentration of both property and violent offenses in the immediate vicinity.

A look at local crime categories

Property crime is high at 3,031.4 per 100,000 residents, while violent crime sits at 690.3. Both metrics are well above the national averages of 2,015.7 for property and 369.8 for violent crime.

Enhanced security for Aransas residents

Given the elevated property crime rates, securing your home with deadbolts and cameras is highly recommended. Resident awareness and reporting are key to lowering these rates over time.

Health in Aransas County

via HealthByCounty

Aransas near national life expectancy

At 73.3 years, Aransas County residents live slightly below the U.S. average of 74.5 years. The county's 23.6% poor/fair health rate exceeds national averages, indicating a population with notable health challenges.

Below Texas average on longevity

Aransas County's 73.3-year life expectancy trails Texas's 74.3-year average by one year. At 20.6% uninsured, the county exceeds the state average of 19.8%, creating barriers to preventive and routine care.

Mid-range performance among comparable counties

Aransas's 73.3-year life expectancy sits between Anderson (72.0) and Austin (76.5) counties. Its 20.6% uninsured rate exceeds Anderson (17.7%) but trails Andrews (22.9%), reflecting moderate coverage challenges.

Mental health access adequate, primary care sparse

Aransas offers 95 mental health providers per 100,000 residents but only 33 primary care providers per 100,000—creating potential bottlenecks for basic medical needs. With 20.6% uninsured, cost barriers compound the primary care shortage.

One in five Aransas residents uninsured

Aransas County's 20.6% uninsured rate means thousands of residents defer preventive care due to cost. Visit Healthcare.gov or contact local community health centers to explore coverage options and sliding-scale services.

Schools in Aransas County

via SchoolsByCounty

Focused Learning in Coastal Texas

Aransas County serves 3,044 students through four public schools managed by a single district. The infrastructure focuses on the essentials with two elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school.

Steady Graduation Rates in Rockport

A graduation rate of 91.0% keeps the county competitive, sitting just below the state average but beating the 87% national rate. Local schools operate on a $6,433 per-pupil spend, yielding a school score of 52.8.

Centralized Aransas County ISD

Aransas County ISD is the sole provider of public education in the area, ensuring a unified community experience for all 3,044 students. There are no charter schools in the county, emphasizing the importance of the local district.

Large Campuses in a Town Setting

All four schools are located in town environments, where the average campus size is a significant 761 students. Rockport-Fulton High School is the county's largest school, with 951 students enrolled.

Coastal Living Near Centralized Schools

The concentrated school system in Aransas County makes it easy for families to stay connected. Start your home search in Rockport or Fulton to enjoy proximity to these sizable and dedicated town schools.

Disaster Risk in Aransas County

via RiskByCounty

Aransas faces moderate national risk

Aransas County scores 61.20 on the composite risk scale, placing it in the relatively low category but above the national average. This Gulf Coast location's risk profile reflects its coastal exposure to tropical hazards.

Above average for Texas

Aransas County's 61.20 composite score exceeds Texas's state average of 49.00, reflecting higher-than-typical natural disaster exposure for Texas communities. The county ranks among the state's more hazard-exposed regions.

Similar coastal risk pattern

Aransas County's 61.20 score reflects typical coastal Texas exposure, placing it near other Gulf-facing communities in the state's mid-range for composite risk. Neighboring coastal areas share comparable hurricane and flood vulnerabilities.

Hurricanes dominate coastal threats

Hurricane risk reaches 91.24 in Aransas County—exceptionally high and the dominant hazard for this Gulf Coast location. Flood risk (67.80) and wildfire risk (61.83) also exceed state averages, creating a multi-hazard exposure picture.

Hurricane coverage is non-negotiable

With hurricane risk at 91.24, verify your homeowners policy includes wind coverage or secure a separate windstorm policy through the Texas FAIR Plan if needed. Aransas County's elevated flood risk (67.80) makes flood insurance essential; contact your local FEMA office about flood zone status and available coverage options.

Weather & Climate in Aransas County

via WeatherByCounty

Coastal warmth far exceeds national norms

Aransas County's 71.5°F annual average temperature is nearly 17 degrees higher than the national median. Its 36.3 inches of rain puts it slightly above the national average for precipitation, characteristic of the Gulf Coast.

Significantly warmer than the Texas average

With an annual average of 71.5°F, this county is much hotter than the state average of 65.5°F. This reflects its southern coastal position where the January average rarely drops below 55.2°F.

Mild winters distinguish the coast

Aransas enjoys a much warmer winter than inland neighbors, with a December-February average of 57.3°F. It also receives 36.3 inches of rain, which is over 4 inches more than the typical Texas county.

Consistently warm with minimal frost

Summer heat is tempered slightly by the ocean but still hits 90°F on 86 days per year. Snow is almost non-existent at 0.3 inches, and the winter average of 57.3°F is exceptionally mild for the state.

Plan for coastal heat and storms

Year-round air conditioning is common since extreme heat persists for 86 days and winters are very warm. Outdoor planning should account for the 36.3 inches of rain, often delivered in heavy tropical bursts.

Soil Quality in Aransas County

via SoilByCounty

Coastal Soil Data is Sparse

Specific pH and taxonomic data are currently unavailable for much of Aransas County. Because this is a coastal region, soils typically range from sandy barrier islands to silty bay deposits. Local testing is highly recommended before starting any major agricultural project.

A Coastal Mix of Sediments

Official percentages for sand, silt, and clay are not recorded in this dataset. Generally, coastal counties feature high sand content near the gulf and more complex marsh soils inland. The lack of specific data reflects the dynamic, ever-changing nature of coastal geography.

Unknown Fertility Levels

Data regarding organic matter and available water capacity is missing for this county. Without these benchmarks, it is difficult to compare Aransas directly to the Texas state average soil score of 28.8. Homeowners should look for signs of salt tolerance in local vegetation as a clue to soil health.

Drainage Near the Gulf

There is no dominant drainage class or hydrologic group listed for this area. In coastal environments, drainage is often dictated by elevation above sea level and proximity to the tide. High water tables are common, which significantly impacts building and gardening decisions.

Subtropical Gardening in Zone 9b

Aransas County sits in the warm Hardiness Zone 9b, allowing for a diverse range of subtropical plants. Salt-tolerant species like sea grapes and oleanders are excellent choices for this maritime climate. Even without detailed soil data, the long, warm season provides ample opportunity for a beautiful garden.

Lawn Care in Aransas County

via LawnByCounty

Coastal Conditions Near the Texas Average

Aransas County's lawn difficulty score of 31.0 aligns almost perfectly with the Texas state average. Its coastal location in Hardiness Zone 9b offers a nearly year-round growing season with very mild winters.

Coastal Humidity and Managed Heat

Annual precipitation of 36.3 inches sits comfortably within the ideal range for lawn health. With only 86 extreme heat days compared to the state average of 105, grass here avoids the most punishing inland temperatures.

Preparing Coastal Soil for Success

While detailed soil pH and texture data are limited for this coastal area, local conditions often feature sandy profiles. Gardeners should test their specific site to ensure the nutrient balance supports the 7973 growing degree days available.

Severe Drought Strains Coastal Lawns

The county spent 33 weeks in drought recently, and 87.8% of the area currently experiences severe drought. Careful water management is essential to prevent salt buildup in the soil during these dry periods.

Early Starts in a Mild Climate

With a final spring frost as early as February 7, Aransas residents can start their lawns much sooner than most of the state. Salt-tolerant St. Augustine is the gold standard for this region, thriving through the long coastal summer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Aransas County's county score?
Aransas County, Texas has a composite county score of 26.9 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Aransas County rank among counties in Texas?
Aransas County ranks #232 among all counties in Texas on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Aransas County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Aransas County is $2,401, with an effective tax rate of 1.01%. This earns Aransas County a tax score of 37.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Aransas County?
The median household income in Aransas County, Texas is $61,754 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Aransas County earns an income score of 44.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Aransas County, Texas a good place to live?
Aransas County scores 26.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #232 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Aransas County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Aransas County with other counties side by side.