32.5
County Score
Income & Jobs 65Schools 57.7Water Quality 56.9

County Report Card

About Atascosa County, Texas

Navigating Below the National Median

Atascosa County records a composite score of 32.5, which is notably lower than the national median of 50.0. This indicates that the county faces significant headwinds in providing a standard national quality of life. Residents find themselves in a region with specialized economic strengths but broad infrastructure needs.

Behind the Broader Texas Average

With a score of 32.5, Atascosa trails the Texas state average of 41.9. While it performs well in certain infrastructure areas like water, it falls behind in safety and health metrics. This placement reflects a county in transition, balancing rural heritage with modern growth pressures.

Reliable Utilities and Solid Income

The county excels in water reliability with a score of 56.9, which is a significant advantage in South Texas. Income levels are also a strength, with an Income Score of 65.0 and a median household income of $69,413. These factors make it an attractive spot for those with stable careers in the region.

Health and Safety Infrastructure Needs

The county's lowest marks come from Safety (14.8) and Health (18.0), indicating a need for more robust public services. A Tax Score of 20.1 also suggests that residents pay more in taxes relative to the services they receive. Improving community health access is a priority for future growth.

Best for Industrial or Energy Workers

Atascosa County is a strong fit for workers in the energy or agricultural sectors who value higher-than-average rural incomes. The affordable rent of $997 and reliable water access provide a practical living environment for those working near San Antonio. It is best for families who are willing to travel for medical care.

2040608010020.140.914.81857.76539.356.915.2Tax20.1Cost40.9Safety14.8Health18Schools57.7Income65Risk39.3Water56.9Weather15.232.5/100
This county
National avg
1 above average4 below average

Atascosa County DNA

Foverall

How Atascosa County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Atascosa County falls below the national average in most categories. The biggest gap is in Weather & Climate (15.2/100), though Income (65/100) remains a relative bright spot.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
20.1-31.9
Cost
40.9
Safety
14.8-40.2
Health
18-32
Schools
57.7
Income
65+14
Risk
39.3
Water
56.9
Weather
15.2-40.8
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Think property taxes are too high in Atascosa County?

Many homeowners in Atascosa County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$157,400

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$997/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$157,400/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$39,880/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.3x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $69,413/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

28.0

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Deep Dives

Atascosa County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Atascosa County

via TaxByCounty

Atascosa County taxes: Slightly above national median

Atascosa County's effective tax rate of 1.321% edges above the national median of 1.03%, placing it in roughly the 60th percentile nationally. The median property tax of $2,079 remains well below the national median of $2,690, reflecting South Texas's lower home values.

Rank among Texas counties: Above state average

Atascosa County's 1.321% effective rate exceeds Texas's state average of 1.276% by about half a percentage point. Median taxes of $2,079 run roughly 5% below the state median of $2,193, despite the above-average rate.

How Atascosa County compares regionally

Atascosa County's 1.321% rate ranks among the higher end of this sample, similar to Archer County (1.322%) but well above Aransas County (1.014%). South Texas residents in Atascosa face steeper rates than coastal and East Texas peers.

What Atascosa County homeowners pay each year

On the median home value of $157,400, Atascosa County property owners owe approximately $2,079 in annual property taxes at the 1.321% effective rate. Including mortgage-related taxes, homeowners should budget about $2,372.

Appeal your assessment to fight high county rates

Since Atascosa County's rates run above state average, verifying fair market value is especially important. Gather recent comparable sales and file a protest with the county appraisal district if your property is valued higher than similar homes.

Cost of Living in Atascosa County

via CostByCounty

Atascosa renters enjoy strong affordability

Atascosa County's 17.2% rent-to-income ratio ranks below the national average, with renters spending $997 monthly on median income of $69,413. This combination delivers genuine housing affordability, making Atascosa competitive with the nation's most accessible rental markets.

Below Texas average rental burden

Atascosa County's 17.2% rent-to-income ratio sits below Texas's 18.1% state average, positioning it among the state's more affordable counties for renters. At $997 monthly, Atascosa's median rent is nearly identical to the state average of $963, but stronger income levels deliver the affordability advantage.

South Texas affordability leader

Atascosa County's 17.2% rent-to-income ratio and $997 rent beat Angelina County (21.5% and $1,056), demonstrating that South Texas location offers better affordability than East Texas alternatives. The $69,413 median income also exceeds most East Texas peers, strengthening housing budgets.

Ownership and renting both accessible

Atascosa renters spend $997 monthly (17.2% of income), while homeowners with mortgages spend $814 (14.1% of income), creating a $183 monthly advantage for owners. Median home value of $157,400 makes ownership achievable for those with down payments, while rents remain reasonable for those preferring flexibility.

Atascosa County balances cost and income

Atascosa County delivers South Texas living with solid affordability: $997 rent and $69,413 median income create sustainable housing budgets for renters. For buyers, $157,400 median home value and $814 monthly mortgages offer an accessible path to ownership without stretching finances.

Income & Jobs in Atascosa County

via IncomeByCounty

Atascosa below national income standards

Atascosa County's median household income of $69,413 trails the national median of $74,755 by $5,342. This 7% gap places the county slightly below the American average, suggesting moderate local earning power.

Modest advantage over Texas average

At $69,413, Atascosa County exceeds Texas's state average of $64,737 by $4,676, ranking above the state median. The county performs in the middle-income tier across Texas counties.

Mid-tier regional income performer

Atascosa County ($69,413) ranks above the low-income East Texas counties but trails Archer ($71,958), Andrews ($76,902), and Austin counties ($75,994). The county shows stronger performance than nearby Angelina and Anderson counties.

Excellent housing affordability

Atascosa County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.2% ranks among the lowest in this cohort, meaning households spend just over one-sixth of earnings on rent. The median home value of $157,400 remains highly accessible relative to $69,413 household incomes.

Invest savings effectively

Atascosa County residents earning $69,413 benefit from low housing costs that free up capital for investment. Prioritize automatic savings transfers and tax-advantaged retirement contributions to compound wealth over decades.

Safety in Atascosa County

via CrimeByCounty

Atascosa County aligns with national rates

Atascosa County reports a total crime rate of 2,402.7 per 100,000 residents, very close to the national average of 2,385.5. The county maintains a safety score of 96.2, indicating a standard level of public safety.

Close to the Texas state average

The county's safety score of 96.2 is just slightly below the Texas state average of 96.8. Its total crime rate of 2,402.7 is somewhat higher than the state average of 2,052.5.

Regional safety in South Texas

Atascosa County's crime rate of 2,402.7 is slightly elevated compared to the state-wide average of 2,052.5. This suggests more active law enforcement engagement than in some neighboring rural counties.

Violent vs property crime breakdown

Violent crime stands at 342.1 per 100,000 people, which is slightly safer than the national average. Property crime is slightly higher than the national mark, reaching 2,060.6 incidents per 100,000 residents.

Protecting your Atascosa County home

With property crime slightly above average, home security systems can provide valuable peace of mind. Keeping valuables out of sight helps deter the most common local offenses.

Schools in Atascosa County

via SchoolsByCounty

Comprehensive Infrastructure Across Five Districts

Atascosa County manages 25 public schools serving a total student population of 8,180. The network includes 9 elementary, 5 middle, and 8 high schools, ensuring diverse educational pathways.

Performing Above the State Average

The county's 92.6% graduation rate exceeds the Texas state average of 91.6%. A school score of 55.2 is supported by a per-pupil expenditure of $7,145, showing consistent results from local investment.

Pleasanton ISD Leads Local Growth

Pleasanton ISD is the largest district in the county, educating 3,384 students across six campuses. There are currently no charter schools in Atascosa County, though eight alternative schools provide specialized learning paths.

A Town-Centered Educational Feel

The majority of schools—21 out of 25—are located in town settings, with an average size of 327 students. Pleasanton Elementary is the largest campus, hosting 958 students in a bustling town environment.

Your Future Home in South Texas

Steady academic growth and strong district leadership make Atascosa County a great place for families. Explore homes in Pleasanton or Jourdanton to settle near some of the region's largest and best-resourced schools.

Disaster Risk in Atascosa County

via RiskByCounty

Atascosa faces moderate risk

Atascosa County scores 60.69 on the composite risk scale, placing it in the relatively low category but above the national average. This South Texas location faces meaningful natural disaster exposure spanning multiple hazard types.

Above average for Texas

Atascosa County's 60.69 composite score exceeds Texas's state average of 49.00, putting it in the higher-risk tier of Texas counties. The county experiences notably elevated natural hazard exposure compared to most state peers.

Mid-range South Texas exposure

Atascosa County's 60.69 score reflects typical South Texas hazard patterns, placing it near other regional communities in the state's moderate-risk range. Neighboring counties share similar tornado and hurricane vulnerabilities.

Tornadoes and hurricanes lead

Tornado risk reaches 81.97 in Atascosa County and hurricane risk scores 66.75, making severe weather your primary concerns. Wildfire (74.81) and flood (61.04) risks also exceed state averages, creating diverse hazard exposure.

Prepare for severe weather season

Atascosa County's high tornado risk (81.97) demands verified wind coverage in your homeowners policy and a safe shelter plan for your household. Add flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program given the 61.04 flood risk, and ensure your policy covers hurricane wind damage or secure supplemental windstorm coverage.

Water Quality in Atascosa County

via WaterByCounty

Atascosa Maintains a Grade C Rating

Atascosa County holds a Water Quality Grade of C, with 4 health violations recorded over five years. Its violation rate of 8.9 per 100K is remarkably low, sitting well below the state average of 581.9. Most residents are served by systems that consistently meet federal safety requirements.

No Federal Watershed Impairment Data

This county's water bodies are not yet covered in the federal §303(d) assessment, leaving watershed health unrated. There are no currently listed impairment causes or pollution percentages for the area's streams. Without this data, the long-term impact of agricultural or urban runoff remains unknown.

Targeted Monitoring at Four Local Sites

There are 4 active monitoring sites in Atascosa County that have produced 928 measurements in the past five years. These sites track a wide range of groups including physical, biological, inorganic, and non-metals. This diverse monitoring provides a holistic view of the water's chemical and biological health.

Atascosa River Flowing at 69% of Mean

The Atascosa River near McCoy is currently flowing at 17 cfs, which is 69% of its long-term mean. While flow is below the average of 25 cfs, the river remains active compared to drier neighboring regions. Consistent flow helps maintain a healthier aquatic environment and more reliable source water.

Stay Informed on Groundwater Health

Residents in Atascosa County should feel confident in their Grade C rating but stay informed about their specific water provider. Since the river is at 69% of its mean, source water remains relatively stable but should be monitored for nutrient runoff. Simple pitcher filters are often sufficient for improving the taste and safety of tap water here.

Weather & Climate in Atascosa County

via WeatherByCounty

Intense heat in the South Texas brush

Atascosa County is exceptionally warm with an annual average of 71.0°F, far exceeding the national median. It stays slightly drier than the national average with 28.5 inches of annual precipitation.

Hotter and drier than the state average

The county's 71.0°F average temperature is 5.5 degrees higher than the Texas state average. It receives 28.5 inches of rain, which is about 3.4 inches less than the statewide typical of 31.9 inches.

Leading the region in extreme heat

Atascosa County endures a staggering 141 days above 90°F, making it one of the hottest areas in its regional peer group. The July average of 85.4°F highlights the persistent heat that defines this South Texas landscape.

Persistent heat with almost no winter

Summer dominates the calendar with 141 extreme heat days and an 84.9°F summer average. Winter is very mild, with a January average of 53.8°F and a nearly non-existent 0.1 inches of snow.

Focus on extreme heat survival

Robust air conditioning is a necessity, as the county faces 141 days of temperatures over 90°F. Residents should practice water conservation given the lower-than-average rainfall of 28.5 inches and high evaporation rates.

Soil Quality in Atascosa County

via SoilByCounty

Atascosa's Neutral South Texas Soil

With an average pH of 7.06, Atascosa County is almost perfectly aligned with the Texas state average of 7.09. This neutral balance is higher than the national median of 6.5 and is very welcoming to most agricultural crops. The soil achieves a solid overall score of 33.9, outperforming the state benchmark.

Sandy Foundations and Silt Mix

The soil is comprised of 55.7% sand, 20.2% silt, and 21.6% clay. This texture provides a stable structure that is less likely to crack than high-clay soils. It allows for decent drainage while still maintaining enough clay for essential mineral storage.

Solid Organic and Water Metrics

Organic matter content is 1.59%, hovering just below the state average of 1.66%. The available water capacity is 0.134 in/in, which slightly exceeds the state average of 0.133. These metrics suggest a reliable soil that can sustain growth through the hot South Texas summer.

Runoff Risks in Hydrologic Group D

The county's soil falls into Hydrologic Group D, meaning it has a high runoff potential when wet. Even with a majority sand content, the landscape may suffer from slow deep drainage. Proper land management should include strategies to capture and use surface water effectively.

Lush Potential in Zone 9a

In Hardiness Zone 9a, Atascosa County supports everything from citrus trees to hardy vegetables. The neutral pH and good water capacity make it one of the more versatile regions for new gardeners. It is a fantastic place to start a backyard orchard or a year-round vegetable patch.

Lawn Care in Atascosa County

via LawnByCounty

Challenging Heat and Arid Conditions

Atascosa County has a lawn difficulty score of 24.5, which is notably tougher than the Texas average of 31.7. Sitting in Zone 9a, the county faces extreme temperatures that demand resilient turf choices and expert care.

Navigating Triple-Digit Heat Streaks

This county endures a staggering 141 days of extreme heat annually, far exceeding the state average of 105. With only 28.5 inches of rain, the climate falls below the ideal 30-inch threshold for many common lawn types.

Balanced Soil pH in Sandy Profiles

The soil pH is a near-perfect 7.06, providing an excellent base for nutrient uptake. The composition is 55.7% sand and 21.6% clay, which allows for decent drainage during the high-intensity rainfall typical of the region.

Enduring a Full Year of Drought

The county has spent all 53 weeks of the past year in drought, with 100% of the area currently in severe conditions. Strict water conservation is a must, and homeowners should rely on mulch and tall mowing heights to preserve soil moisture.

Planting for the 141-Day Summer

Heat-loving grasses like Bermuda are essential to survive the massive 7844 growing degree days. Start seeding after the February 26 frost date to establish a deep root system before the summer heat arrives.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Atascosa County's county score?
Atascosa County, Texas has a composite county score of 32.5 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 Atascosa County rank among counties in Texas?
Atascosa County ranks #198 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 Atascosa County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Atascosa County is $2,079, with an effective tax rate of 1.32%. This earns Atascosa County a tax score of 20.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Atascosa County?
The median household income in Atascosa County, Texas is $69,413 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Atascosa County earns an income score of 65/100 on CountyScore.
Is Atascosa County, Texas a good place to live?
Atascosa County scores 32.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #198 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Atascosa 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 Atascosa County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.