countyscore
39.6
County Score
Income & Jobs 78.5Safety 55.6Schools 54.1

County Report Card

About Austin County, Texas

Nearly Meeting the National Median

Austin County earns a composite score of 39.6, placing it just below the national median of 50.0. It offers a more balanced profile than many of its rural Texas counterparts, with several metrics approaching national norms. This score reflects a stable, middle-income community with a high floor for quality of life.

A Consistent Texas Performer

The county's score of 39.6 is very close to the Texas state average of 41.9. It maintains a competitive position in the state, particularly for those seeking an alternative to the high-density Houston area. Austin County provides a predictable and steady Texas living experience.

High Incomes and Reliable Safety

A standout Income Score of 78.5 and a median household income of $75,994 make this one of the wealthier rural counties in the area. Safety is also a major draw, with a score of 55.6 that exceeds many surrounding districts. This creates a secure, affluent atmosphere for residents.

High Costs and Tax Burdens

Affordability is the main challenge, with a Cost Score of 21.1 and median home values reaching $270,900. The Tax Score of 21.9 also reflects a higher-than-average burden on property owners. These financial factors make it one of the more expensive rural counties to enter.

Ideal for Affluent Rural Seekers

Austin County is perfectly suited for professionals and families who want a safe, high-income rural retreat within reach of major cities. It offers a premium lifestyle for those who can afford the higher property values and taxes. It is a top choice for those prioritizing safety and economic status.

Score breakdown

Tax21.9Cost21.1Safety55.6Health35.3Schools54.1Income78.5Risk46.9Water37.3Weather22.1
🏛21.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠21.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼78.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡55.6
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤35.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓54.1
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡46.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧37.3
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤22.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱27.2
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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Explore this county

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Deep Dives

Austin County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Austin County

via TaxByCounty

Austin County taxes: Competitive with national median

Austin County's effective tax rate of 1.279% sits just slightly above the national median of 1.03%, placing it in roughly the 55th percentile nationally. The median property tax of $3,464 exceeds the national median of $2,690 by about $775, reflecting Austin County's higher median home values.

Rank among Texas counties: Right at state average

Austin County's 1.279% effective rate barely exceeds Texas's state average of 1.276%, making it representative of typical Texas counties. Median taxes of $3,464 significantly exceed the state median of $2,193 due to Austin County's higher home values.

Austin County's taxes reflect higher property values

Austin County's 1.279% rate is only slightly above Anderson County (0.974%) and Aransas County (1.014%), but the median home value of $270,900 exceeds all others in this sample. This combination yields the highest median tax bill among the eight counties.

What Austin County homeowners pay annually

On the median home value of $270,900, Austin County property owners pay approximately $3,464 in annual property taxes at the 1.279% effective rate. With mortgage-related taxes included, homeowners should budget about $3,895 annually.

Higher values make assessment challenges worthwhile

With median taxes exceeding $3,400, Austin County homeowners benefit especially from thorough assessment reviews. Request an informal appraisal review or file a formal appeal if you believe your property is assessed above fair market value.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Austin County

via CostByCounty

Austin County attracts higher earners

Austin County's 17.5% rent-to-income ratio beats the national average despite higher housing costs, supported by median income of $75,994 (nearly matching the national $74,755). Renters spending $1,111 monthly on this income achieve better affordability than national norms, though homeowners face elevated mortgage payments.

Slightly below Texas average affordability

Austin County's 17.5% rent-to-income ratio sits marginally below Texas's 18.1% state average, offering renters competitive affordability within the state. At $1,111 monthly, Austin's median rent is $148 above the state average of $963, but stronger income levels offset the cost difference.

Higher values, higher income market

Austin County's median home value of $270,900 far exceeds peer counties like Atascosa ($157,400) and Angelina ($149,800), reflecting growth pressure from proximity to Houston. Its $75,994 median income matches this premium market, attracting professionals willing to pay for proximity to urban employment.

Homeownership slightly outpaces renting

Austin renters spend $1,111 monthly (17.5% of income), while homeowners with mortgages spend $1,123 (17.6% of income)—nearly identical percentages despite the $12 monthly difference. The $270,900 median home value reflects Austin's position as a growth county attracting investment and higher-income households.

Austin County for Houston-area proximity

Austin County suits professionals relocating to Houston's orbit: $75,994 median income and 17.5% rent-to-income ratio offer solid affordability for the region's higher-cost market. Though median home values reach $270,900, both renting and buying consume comparable shares of income, giving relocators flexibility in choosing their path.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Austin County

via IncomeByCounty

Austin County slightly exceeds national income

Austin County's median household income of $75,994 surpasses the national median of $74,755 by $1,239. The county ranks slightly above the American average, indicating solid earning power relative to the nation.

Strong earnings in Texas context

At $75,994, Austin County exceeds Texas's state average of $64,737 by $11,257, ranking in the upper tier of Texas counties. The county demonstrates above-average economic strength statewide.

Second-highest income in regional group

Austin County ($75,994) ranks just behind Andrews County ($76,902) and ahead of Archer County ($71,958) among the eight examined counties. The county leads all other East Texas peers by substantial margins, reflecting stronger economic diversification.

Strong affordability despite high home values

Austin County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.5% is among the region's best, with households spending less than one-fifth of earnings on rent. The median home value of $270,900 is the cohort's highest but remains accessible relative to median household income of $75,994.

Maximize wealth in favorable position

With median household income of $75,994 and strong affordability, Austin County residents are ideally positioned to build substantial wealth. Aggressively fund retirement accounts, consider real estate investment beyond primary residence, and develop a comprehensive financial plan to leverage current advantages.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Austin County

via CrimeByCounty

Austin County earns high safety marks

Austin County enjoys a strong safety score of 98.4, well above the national norm. Its total crime rate of 1,012.9 per 100,000 residents is less than half the national average of 2,385.5.

A top-tier safety performer in Texas

With a safety score of 98.4, Austin County comfortably exceeds the Texas average of 96.8. Data from ten reporting agencies ensures a comprehensive and reliable view of local safety.

Beating the Texas crime average

Austin County's crime rate of 1,012.9 is roughly half of the Texas state average of 2,052.5. This makes it a preferred location for those seeking a more secure environment near the Houston metro area.

Low rates of violent and property crime

Violent crime is low at 164.4 per 100,000 people, while property crime is also well below average at 848.5. These numbers reflect a community where both person and property are highly secure.

Maintain the peace in Austin County

While crime is low, continuing to use simple home security measures keeps these impressive numbers stable. Neighborhood watch efforts can further enhance the county's excellent safety profile.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Austin County

via HealthByCounty

Austin exceeds national life expectancy

At 76.5 years, Austin County residents live 2.0 years longer than the U.S. average of 74.5 years. Just 20.8% report poor or fair health, below the national average, indicating a healthier overall population.

Above Texas average on longevity

Austin County's 76.5-year life expectancy exceeds Texas's 74.3-year average by 2.2 years, ranking among the state's healthier counties. Its 19.1% uninsured rate is below the state average of 19.8%, indicating stronger health security.

Second-best longevity in the region

Austin's 76.5-year life expectancy trails only Archer County (77.7 years) among this region's counties. Its 19.1% uninsured rate is better than most peers, approaching Archer's exceptional 16.7%.

Limited primary care, adequate mental health access

Austin offers only 20 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—below adequacy benchmarks—alongside 44 mental health providers per 100,000. The 19.1% uninsured rate remains a barrier for the one in five residents seeking care.

Austin's strong life expectancy hides care gaps

Despite excellent longevity, Austin County's 19.1% uninsured rate and sparse primary care access (20 per 100,000) reveal hidden vulnerabilities. Check Healthcare.gov for marketplace and Medicaid options to strengthen your coverage.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Austin County

via SchoolsByCounty

Twelve Schools Serving Three Strong Districts

Austin County supports 5,657 students through a network of 12 public schools. The infrastructure is well-distributed, featuring 5 elementary schools, 3 middle schools, and 4 high schools.

Elite Graduation Rates in Austin County

The county's 94.4% graduation rate is significantly higher than the 87% national average and the 91.6% state average. Schools here maintain a 54.6 composite score while spending $6,439 per pupil.

Sealy and Bellville Anchor Education

Sealy ISD is the county's largest district with 2,908 students, followed by Bellville ISD with 2,251. There are no charter schools in the county, keeping the focus entirely on the three local traditional districts.

Perfect Balance of Town and Rural

The county offers a split environment with 6 town schools and 6 rural schools, averaging 514 students per campus. Sealy High School is the largest institution, serving 903 students in a town setting.

Invest in a High-Achieving Community

With top-tier graduation rates and a variety of school settings, Austin County is ideal for families. Research real estate in Sealy or Bellville to find a home near these high-performing Texas districts.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Austin County

via RiskByCounty

Austin County sits near average

Austin County scores 53.15 on the composite risk scale, placing it in the relatively low category and slightly above the national average. This South-Central Texas location faces moderate natural disaster exposure across several hazard types.

Slightly above Texas average

Austin County's 53.15 composite score marginally exceeds Texas's state average of 49.00, placing it in the middle range of Texas counties for natural disaster risk. The county's exposure is close to the state baseline.

Mid-range regional profile

Austin County's 53.15 score reflects typical exposure for South-Central Texas, placing it near other regional communities in the state's moderate-risk band. Neighboring areas share comparable hazard patterns.

Tornadoes and hurricanes threaten

Tornado risk reaches 77.32 in Austin County and hurricane risk scores 75.93, making severe weather events your greatest concerns. Flood (57.73) and wildfire (54.77) risks also remain above state averages, creating multi-hazard exposure.

Cover tornado and hurricane damage

Austin County's elevated tornado risk (77.32) and hurricane exposure (75.93) require verified wind damage coverage in your homeowners policy or a separate windstorm rider. Flood risk at 57.73 makes flood insurance advisable; contact the National Flood Insurance Program to determine your flood zone and coverage needs.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Austin County

via WeatherByCounty

A warm, wet climate near the coast

Austin County averages 69.1°F annually, making it much warmer than the national median. It is a wet region, receiving 43.9 inches of rain, which is significantly higher than the national average.

Wetter and warmer than most of Texas

The county’s 69.1°F temperature is nearly 4 degrees higher than the state average of 65.5°F. With 43.9 inches of annual rain, it receives 12 more inches of precipitation than the average Texas county.

Gulf influence brings heat and rain

Austin County experiences 107 extreme heat days, slightly higher than its coastal neighbor Aransas. The 43.9 inches of rain supports a much greener landscape than the drier counties to the west.

Humid summers and snow-free winters

Summers are long with an average of 83.3°F and 107 days reaching at least 90°F. Winters are mild with a 53.8°F average and absolutely no recorded annual snowfall.

Prepare for humidity and zero snow

Cooling systems must be ready for 107 days of high heat, while winter gear remains largely unnecessary. The heavy 43.9 inches of rainfall requires excellent home drainage and routine gutter maintenance.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Austin County

via SoilByCounty

Awaiting Detailed Soil Identity

Specific soil pH and taxonomic data are currently unavailable for Austin County. While neighboring regions often show varied pH levels, local soil testing is the only way to confirm your specific land's chemistry. Understanding your baseline is the first step toward a healthy garden.

Texture Data Remains Unmapped

There is currently no recorded data for the percentages of sand, silt, and clay in this county. Austin County typically features the rolling hills and alluvial soils of the Brazos River valley, which can vary wildly. Observing how your soil feels when wet can give you a clue to its clay content.

Fertility Stats Not Available

Organic matter and water capacity benchmarks are missing from the current records for this area. For comparison, the Texas state average for organic matter is 1.66%. Adding compost and mulch is a safe way to improve any soil, regardless of its starting numbers.

Drainage Varies by Location

No specific drainage class or hydrologic group is assigned to the county in this dataset. Given its location, drainage can range from rapid on the hillsides to very slow in the river bottoms. Local land surveys are recommended before any major construction or drainage work.

Abundant Growth in Zone 9a

Austin County sits in the productive Zone 9a, offering a long and warm growing season. This area is famous for its wildflowers and can support a huge variety of heat-loving perennials. Even without detailed soil stats, the climate is perfect for starting a flourishing home garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Austin County

via LawnByCounty

Balancing Rainfall and Heat in Austin County

Austin County’s lawn difficulty score of 27.2 is slightly below the Texas average of 31.7. Residents in this Zone 9a region benefit from decent rainfall but must battle frequent drought cycles to keep grass green.

Healthy Precipitation Levels for Turf

The county receives 43.9 inches of annual rain, placing it well within the ideal 30-50 inch range. However, 107 extreme heat days and 7239 growing degree days mean that lawns can dry out quickly without supplemental irrigation.

Testing Local Soil for Precision Care

While specific county-wide soil pH and drainage data are unavailable, local variability in Texas can be high. Residents should conduct a professional soil test to determine if their specific plot requires lime or sulfur to hit the 6.0-7.0 ideal pH range.

Managing Severe Seasonal Water Deficits

Despite the high annual rainfall, 79.9% of the county is currently in severe drought after 38 weeks of dry conditions last year. Implementing a cycle-and-soak irrigation method can help water penetrate deep into the ground and reduce runoff.

Early Spring Planting for Best Results

The frost risk typically ends by February 28, allowing for an early start to the growing season. Warm-season grasses like St. Augustine or Zoysia are ideal for the long, hot summers that define this part of the state.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Austin County's county score?
Austin County, Texas has a composite county score of 39.6 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 Austin County rank among counties in Texas?
Austin County ranks #144 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 Austin County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Austin County is $3,464, with an effective tax rate of 1.28%. This earns Austin County a tax score of 21.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Austin County?
The median household income in Austin County, Texas is $75,994 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Austin County earns an income score of 78.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Austin County, Texas a good place to live?
Austin County scores 39.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #144 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Austin 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 Austin County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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