CountyScore

Bandera County

Texas · TX

#73 in Texas
65.3
County Score

County Report Card

About Bandera County, Texas

Bandera County surpasses national livability baseline

Bandera's composite score of 71.0 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 42%, placing it firmly in the upper tier of U.S. counties for overall quality of life. The county's strong tax advantage and reasonable housing costs drive this above-average performance.

Texas standout with above-average scores

Bandera ranks above the Texas state average of 66.8 with a score of 71.0, demonstrating its competitive position among the state's counties. This edge comes primarily from exceptional tax efficiency and moderate housing affordability.

Low taxes and moderate housing costs

Bandera's tax score of 75.8 reflects one of Texas's lowest effective tax rates at just 0.940%, while its cost score of 77.9 keeps median home values at $249,800. These twin advantages make Bandera attractive to households seeking both fiscal efficiency and rural character.

Income levels lag behind comparable counties

With an income score of 28.9 and median household income of $69,703, Bandera offers fewer high-wage opportunities than some peer counties. Safety, health, education, and environmental data remain incomplete, limiting a fuller livability picture.

Perfect for tax-savvy empty nesters

Bandera appeals to mature professionals, retirees, and remote workers who value low taxes and Hill Country living over career advancement. If you earn steady income elsewhere and seek small-town charm with exceptional tax efficiency, Bandera delivers proven livability.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax75.8Cost77.9SafetyComing SoonHealth60.9SchoolsComing SoonIncome28.9Risk33.3WaterComing Soon
🏛75.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠77.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼28.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤60.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡33.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Bandera County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

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Vigo County
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65.3
Median income: $52,525
Des Moines County
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65.3
Median income: $60,662
Lee County
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Median income: $59,803

Deep Dives

Bandera County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Bandera County

via TaxByCounty

Bandera County has low tax rates

Bandera County's effective rate of 0.940% ranks in the 28th percentile nationally, well below the U.S. median of 1.276%. Despite moderate median home values of $249,800, residents pay just $2,347 annually—well below the national median property tax of $2,690.

Among Texas's most affordable

At 0.940%, Bandera County has one of the lowest effective tax rates in Texas, significantly undercutting the state average of 1.276%. Its median tax of $2,347 sits slightly above the state median of $2,193, reflecting Bandera's better-than-average property values within its tax-friendly environment.

The clear tax bargain nearby

Bandera County's 0.940% rate is the lowest among comparable Hill Country and central Texas peers, including Blanco County (1.043%) and Bastrop County (1.513%). This makes Bandera an attractive destination for retirees and remote workers seeking lower tax bills.

Just $2,347 on median home

A median home valued at $249,800 in Bandera County results in an estimated annual tax of $2,347. With a mortgage, that becomes $2,882; without one, $1,846.

Even low rates warrant checking

Bandera's favorable tax environment doesn't mean every assessment is correct. Homeowners should still verify their property values against recent comparable sales; appealing an overassessed property costs nothing and could reduce your already-modest tax bill further.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Bandera County

via CostByCounty

Bandera hovers near Texas and national norms

Bandera County renters spend 17.2% of income on housing, nearly matching Texas's state average of 18.1% and well below the national affordability crisis at 30%. The county offers modest relief from national housing pressures while maintaining reasonable costs.

Middle of the pack in Texas

Bandera County ranks near the state median for affordability, neither exceptionally cheap nor expensive. Its rent-to-income ratio of 17.2% places it comfortably within Texas averages, making it a balanced option for buyers across income levels.

Competitive with Hill Country peers

Bandera's median rent of $998 slightly exceeds the state average of $963 but remains lower than fast-growing Hill Country counties like Blanco and Hays. Home values of $249,800 reflect the scenic limestone and ranch character of the region.

Income stretches further here

At a median income of $69,703, Bandera residents pay $998 for rent or $814 for ownership, leaving reasonable room in monthly budgets. Housing costs consume roughly 17% of income, well below the crisis threshold.

Hill Country charm at fair prices

Bandera offers Texas Hill Country living—scenic, community-oriented—without the extreme price tags of neighboring counties. Compare these affordability metrics with your current location to see if the ranching and outdoor lifestyle fits your budget.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Bandera County

via IncomeByCounty

Bandera County slightly below national norm

Bandera County's median household income of $69,703 trails the national median of $74,755 by about $5,000. However, it exceeds the Texas state average of $64,737 by roughly 8%, signaling a county economy performing solidly within its state context.

Strong per capita income lifts county standing

Though median household income ranks in the mid-tier statewide, Bandera County's per capita income of $39,552 significantly exceeds the Texas average of $33,197. This suggests higher individual earnings power, potentially driven by skilled workers or affluent retirees in the Hill Country.

Hill Country affluence visible in comparisons

Bandera County's $69,703 median household income sits near Bexar County ($70,571) and Bailey County ($70,625), but its per capita income of $39,552 is notably higher than all three neighbors. The county attracts wealth beyond typical household structures, reflected in its $249,800 median home value.

Housing costs rising faster than income gains

Bandera County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.2% remains manageable, but it's creeping upward compared to neighboring counties. A median household earning $69,703 spends roughly $1,000 monthly on rent, manageable but requiring careful budgeting alongside the county's steep $249,800 median home prices.

Leverage high per capita income for wealth

Bandera County's strong per capita income of $39,552 signals opportunity for individual financial growth beyond typical household metrics. Residents should capitalize on higher earning potential through diversified investments, property ownership, and retirement planning strategies tailored to Hill Country property values.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Bandera County

via HealthByCounty

Bandera County leads on life expectancy

Bandera County's 76.9-year life expectancy ranks well above the U.S. average of 73.5 years and puts it among the healthiest counties in its region. With an 18.4% poor or fair health rate below the national average of 19.2%, residents report stronger day-to-day wellness.

Bandera outperforms Texas on most health metrics

At 76.9 years, Bandera's life expectancy exceeds the Texas state average of 74.3 years by 2.6 years, and its 19.4% uninsured rate is nearly identical to the state average of 19.8%. This balance of good outcomes and reasonable coverage is rare among Texas counties.

Mental health care far exceeds surrounding area

Bandera County provides 194 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—more than four times the rate of nearby Bailey County (45 per 100K) and nearly three times Bastrop County (75 per 100K). Primary care availability at 33 per 100K is solid, though not exceptional.

Strong coverage and mental health support

Bandera's 19.4% uninsured rate is below many Texas peers, and its exceptional mental health infrastructure (194 providers per 100K) means residents have real access to therapy, counseling, and psychiatric care. This combination supports both physical and behavioral health outcomes.

Maintain coverage for continued health

Bandera County residents with coverage should review plans annually to ensure continued access to the excellent mental health providers available locally. New residents should visit Healthcare.gov to secure coverage and tap into this region's mental health advantage.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Bandera County

via RiskByCounty

Bandera County Exceeds National Risk Average

Bandera County scores 66.70 on the composite risk index, ranking as Relatively Low but still above the national average. This Hill Country location faces above-average natural hazard exposure compared to most U.S. counties.

Above-Average Risk for Texas

Bandera County's score of 66.70 exceeds Texas's state average of 49.00, placing it in the higher-risk tier statewide. Its Hill Country position creates exposure to multiple hazard types uncommon in West Texas.

Similar Risk to Blanco, Higher Than Burnet

Bandera County's 66.70 score places it between lower-risk Blanco County (33.02) and higher-risk Bastrop County (81.17). Its exposure to flooding and wildfire mirrors other Edwards Plateau counties.

Floods and Wildfires Lead Threats

Flood risk (79.26) and wildfire risk (86.67) dominate Bandera County's hazard profile, reflecting Hill Country creek systems and dry vegetation. Tornado risk (65.01) adds a significant secondary threat across the region.

Add Flood Coverage to Your Policy

Standard homeowners insurance excludes flood damage—critical in Bandera County where flood risk scores 79.26. Secure both a separate flood policy and wildfire coverage to fully protect against your county's top two hazards.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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