CountyScore

Bastrop County

Texas · TX

#222 in Texas
56
County Score

County Report Card

About Bastrop County, Texas

Bastrop County beats national average convincingly

With a composite score of 60.1, Bastrop outperforms the national median of 50.0 by 20%, placing it solidly above the middle of U.S. counties. The county's moderate income advantage and balanced tax-cost profile support this above-average rating.

Slightly below Texas average overall

Bastrop's score of 60.1 falls modestly below the Texas state average of 66.8, reflecting competitive but not exceptional performance relative to other state counties. The gap suggests Bastrop offers good value but faces some livability trade-offs.

Strongest income profile among peer counties

Bastrop's income score of 37.4 is the highest in this group, with median household income of $82,730 supporting middle-class families effectively. The county maintains reasonable tax rates at 1.513% effective, enabling households to retain more earnings.

Rising housing costs strain affordability

Despite its higher incomes, Bastrop's cost score of 66.1 reveals mounting housing pressure, with median home values at $269,500 and rent at $1,342 monthly. Safety, health, school, and environmental data are not yet available, leaving other livability dimensions unmeasured.

Best for dual-income, growth-minded families

Bastrop suits working families with above-average incomes who can afford higher housing costs for proximity to Austin's job market and amenities. If you prioritize career opportunity and have household income to match rising real estate prices, Bastrop offers balanced livability.

Score breakdown

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

Tax59.7Cost66.1SafetyComing SoonHealth57.5SchoolsComing SoonIncome37.4Risk18.8WaterComing Soon
🏛59.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠66.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼37.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤57.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡18.8
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 Bastrop County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Napa County
California
56
Median income: $108,970
Peoria County
Illinois
56
Median income: $64,938
Montgomery County
New York
56
Median income: $62,923
Anchorage Municipality
Alaska
55.9
Median income: $98,152
Santa Cruz County
California
56.1
Median income: $109,266

Deep Dives

Bastrop County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Bastrop County

via TaxByCounty

Bastrop taxes rank among nation's highest

Bastrop County's effective tax rate of 1.513% places it in the 73rd percentile nationally, significantly above the U.S. median of 1.276%. With median property taxes of $4,077, Bastrop residents pay roughly 51% more than the national median of $2,690.

Second-highest rate in Texas sample

Bastrop County's 1.513% effective rate ranks among the highest in Texas, exceeding the state average of 1.276% by nearly 19%. Its median property tax of $4,077 substantially surpasses the state median of $2,193, reflecting both higher property values and aggressive assessment.

Priciest taxes in Central Texas cluster

At 1.513%, Bastrop County's effective rate is substantially higher than neighboring Blanco (1.043%) and Bexar (1.814%), but its median home value of $269,500 is modest compared to Blanco's $396,200. This creates a punishing tax-to-value ratio for Bastrop homeowners.

Over $4,000 on median home

A median home valued at $269,500 in Bastrop County generates an estimated annual tax of $4,077. With a mortgage, that tax rises to $4,701; without one, it drops to $3,119.

Appeal is urgent here

Bastrop County's combination of high rates and elevated taxes makes assessment accuracy critical. Request a property tax appraisal review immediately if your home is comparable to recent sales; many Bastrop homeowners find overvaluations of 10–20% that appeal boards will correct.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Bastrop County

via CostByCounty

Bastrop housing stretches budgets tight

Bastrop County renters spend 19.5% of income on housing, exceeding Texas's state average of 18.1% and approaching national stress levels. Despite the highest median income in this group at $82,730, residents still feel affordability pinch more than neighboring counties.

Above-average rent burden in Texas

Bastrop County ranks in the upper third of Texas counties for rent-to-income ratios, meaning housing costs here press harder on wallets. The county's proximity to Austin and growing popularity have driven costs upward in recent years.

Pricier than rural alternatives nearby

Bastrop's median rent of $1,342 significantly exceeds surrounding counties like Lee and Fayette, reflecting its Austin metro appeal. Home values averaging $269,500 position it between rural Texas and major metropolitan pricing.

Highest earners, highest costs here

Bastrop's median household income of $82,730 is offset by rents of $1,342 and ownership costs of $1,164 monthly. Nearly one-fifth of income goes to housing, a burden that grows sharper for below-median earners in the county.

Austin proximity comes with a price

Bastrop offers Austin bedroom community appeal with better affordability than the capital itself—but worse than truly rural alternatives. If you're seeking Hill Country access with urban amenities, the trade-offs here warrant serious comparison with neighboring counties.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Bastrop County

via IncomeByCounty

Bastrop County exceeds national income median

At $82,730, Bastrop County's median household income beats the national median of $74,755 by roughly $8,000. The county ranks in the upper third nationally, demonstrating strong earning power and economic vitality.

Among Texas's wealthier counties

Bastrop County significantly outperforms the Texas state average of $64,737, with households earning $18,000 more annually on average. This positions the county in Texas's top tier for median household income, reflecting a robust local economy.

Economic leader in central Texas region

Bastrop County's $82,730 median household income surpasses comparable neighbors like Bexar County ($70,571) and Bell County ($66,051). Only Blanco County ($87,564) exceeds Bastrop in the region, making both counties economic anchors for central Texas.

Rising housing costs strain household budgets

Despite strong household incomes, Bastrop County's rent-to-income ratio of 19.5% indicates housing costs are consuming a meaningful share of earnings. A $82,730 median income translates to roughly $1,340 monthly in rent, requiring strategic budgeting as median home values climb to $269,500.

Strong income foundation for long-term investing

With the highest median household income among central Texas peers, Bastrop County residents enjoy genuine capacity to invest and build wealth. The combination of $82,730 annual household income and 19.5% housing burden leaves substantial opportunity for stock market participation, real estate investment, and retirement savings.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Bastrop County

via HealthByCounty

Bastrop life expectancy beats U.S. average

Bastrop County's 76.8-year life expectancy outpaces the U.S. average of 73.5 years by 3.3 years, reflecting above-average longevity. Its 20.7% poor or fair health rate slightly exceeds the national average of 19.2%, suggesting some daily health challenges persist despite strong life span.

Bastrop ranks above Texas health baseline

With a life expectancy of 76.8 years, Bastrop exceeds the Texas state average of 74.3 years by 2.5 years. Its 20.8% uninsured rate is marginally above the state average of 19.8%, indicating modest coverage gaps.

Primary care access needs attention

Bastrop County has only 24 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, the lowest among nearby counties like Bandera (33) and Blanco (42). Mental health capacity at 75 per 100K is moderate, below Bandera's 194 but above Bailey's 45.

Coverage is decent, but provider shortage limits access

Bastrop's 20.8% uninsured rate is reasonable, but the county's shortage of primary care providers (24 per 100K) means residents often wait weeks for appointments or travel outside the county for routine care. This access gap can delay diagnosis and preventive treatment.

Secure coverage and plan ahead

If you're uninsured in Bastrop, applying for coverage now is especially important given local provider constraints—advance registration helps you lock in a doctor before demand builds. Visit Healthcare.gov or your local health department to explore options.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Bastrop County

via RiskByCounty

Bastrop County Faces Notably Higher Risk

Bastrop County's composite risk score of 81.17 ranks as Relatively Moderate and substantially above the national average. This Central Texas county sits in a zone of convergent natural hazards, making it riskier than 80% of U.S. counties.

High-Risk Rank Among Texas Counties

Bastrop County's 81.17 score far exceeds Texas's 49.00 state average, placing it well into the upper-risk tier statewide. Its proximity to Austin and location along the Balcones Escarpment amplifies exposure to multiple hazards.

Riskier Than Most Regional Neighbors

Bastrop County's 81.17 score exceeds neighboring Blanco (33.02) and Caldwell counties, approaching the hazard levels of Bexar County (99.43). Its central location makes it a convergence zone for tornadoes, floods, and wildfires.

Tornadoes Top Your Risk Profile

Tornado risk reaches 91.06 in Bastrop County—nearly the highest in the state—combined with substantial flood risk (86.23) and wildfire exposure (71.79). This triple threat creates exceptional vulnerability during severe weather seasons.

Bundle Comprehensive Coverage Now

Bastrop homeowners need flood insurance, robust wind/hail coverage for tornadoes, and wildfire protection to cover all three top hazards. Your home's location demands above-standard policy limits and careful review of exclusions.

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.