countyscore
29.9
County Score
Income & Jobs 86.4Schools 52.5Water Quality 44

County Report Card

About Bastrop County, Texas

Trailing the National Median

With a composite score of 29.9, Bastrop County sits well below the national median of 50.0. This score reflects significant pressure on infrastructure and affordability that lags behind national trends.

Behind the Texas Benchmark

The county falls short of the Texas average composite score of 41.9. Rapid growth has created challenges that place it in the lower tier of Texas counties for overall livability metrics.

Robust Household Incomes

Economic prosperity is a major draw, evidenced by an impressive income score of 86.4 and a median household income of $82,730. Education also performs reasonably well with a school score of 52.5.

High Costs and Natural Risks

Bastrop County struggles with a low cost score of 15.3 and a risk score of 18.8, reflecting high home values and environmental concerns. Additionally, an effective tax rate of 1.513% contributes to a low tax score of 12.4.

A Magnet for High Earners

This county is a strong fit for high-income professionals who can afford premium housing costs and higher taxes. It serves those willing to trade affordability for strong earning potential.

2040608010012.415.323.13652.586.418.84423.6Tax12.4Cost15.3Safety23.1Health36Schools52.5Income86.4Risk18.8Water44Weather23.629.9/100
This county
National avg
1 above average7 below average

Bastrop County DNA

Foverall

How Bastrop County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Bastrop County falls below the national average in most categories. The biggest gap is in Property Tax (12.4/100), though Income (86.4/100) remains a relative bright spot.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
12.4-39.6
Cost
15.3-32.7
Safety
23.1-31.9
Health
36-14
Schools
52.5
Income
86.4+35.400000000000006
Risk
18.8-28.2
Water
44-14
Weather
23.6-32.4
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Think property taxes are too high in Bastrop County?

Many homeowners in Bastrop 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

$269,500

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,342/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$269,500/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$53,680/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.3x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $82,730/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

16.6

per 100K

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

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Nearby counties

Lee County
Texas
42.6
Fayette County
Texas
47.3
Travis County
Texas
37.9
Caldwell County
Texas
22.5
Williamson County
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Hays County
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Gonzales County
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Milam County
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Deep Dives

Bastrop County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 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

Safety in Bastrop County

via CrimeByCounty

Steady Safety in Bastrop County

Bastrop County records a total crime rate of 1,956.6 per 100K, which remains below the national average of 2,385.5. The county earns a safety score of 96.9, placing it slightly above the national baseline.

Alignment with Texas Averages

The county’s safety score of 96.9 just edges out the Texas state average of 96.8. Its total crime rate of 1,956.6 per 100K is nearly identical to the statewide average of 2,052.5.

Growth and Regional Safety Trends

Bastrop faces higher crime levels than Blanco County (964.8), but it remains significantly safer than Bexar County to the south. Eight reporting agencies work to manage safety as the region continues to grow.

A Closer Look at Local Crime

Violent crime in Bastrop is 511.0 per 100K, which is higher than the national average of 369.8. However, property crime (1,445.6) stays well below the national mark of 2,015.7.

Securing Your Growing Neighborhood

With property crimes being the most frequent issue, securing home entry points is a critical first step. Consider a monitored alarm system to deter potential intruders and provide peace of mind.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Bastrop County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Growing Hub for Students

Bastrop County features a robust education system with 26 public schools serving a total of 18,167 students. The infrastructure is well-distributed, consisting of 12 elementary schools, 7 middle schools, and 6 high schools. Four different districts manage the county's academic needs, providing diverse options for local families.

Outperforming State Graduation Benchmarks

The county achieves a strong 93.6% graduation rate, which is higher than the Texas average of 91.6% and the national mark of 87.0%. Per-pupil spending stands at $6,489, representing a cost-efficient approach compared to the $13,000 national average. This efficiency supports a school score of 54.3, keeping the county competitive with state-level peers.

Major Districts and Charter Options

Bastrop ISD is the largest district by far, educating 12,506 students across 14 schools. The county also offers educational variety through two charter schools, which represent nearly 8% of the local school landscape. Elgin ISD and Smithville ISD provide additional public options for families in the northern and eastern regions.

A Mix of Town and Country

The county's schools are evenly split between town and rural settings, reflecting the area's transition from rural outskirts to suburban hubs. While the average school size is 699 students, Cedar Creek High School is a massive anchor with 2,002 students. In contrast, smaller campuses provide more intimate settings within the rural parts of the county.

Make Your Move to Bastrop County Schools

With its high graduation rates and diverse choice of districts and charters, Bastrop County is a top destination for families in Central Texas. Proximity to large campuses like Cedar Creek or smaller rural schools is a key factor for many area homebuyers. Explore local real estate to find the perfect home near your preferred school district.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Water Quality in Bastrop County

via WaterByCounty

Bastrop County Receives D Compliance Grade

The county documented 33 health-based violations in the last five years, resulting in a rate of 25.3 per 100,000 residents. This rate is significantly lower than the Texas average of 581.9, yet the volume of violations indicates persistent compliance hurdles. Local systems face recurring challenges in meeting EPA safety thresholds.

Federal Watershed Assessments Not Yet Available

Bastrop County's water bodies are not currently included in the federal Section 303(d) reporting cycle. Without this EPA assessment, the share of impaired water bodies remains officially unknown. This lack of coverage means the county's watershed health has not been graded against Clean Water Act standards.

Targeted Monitoring at Nine Strategic Sites

Water quality experts recorded 3,352 measurements at nine sites throughout the county over the last five years. The data primarily tracks physical characteristics, inorganics, and nutrients. These records help identify shifts in the chemical baseline of the county's water supply.

Colorado River Running at 29% Capacity

The Colorado River at Smithville currently shows a discharge of 670 cfs, falling far short of its 2,284 cfs long-term mean. This primary gauge monitors a massive 40,371 square mile drainage area. The current flow represents a significant deficit compared to typical seasonal volumes.

Address Compliance Gaps and Low Flows

With the Colorado River at only 29% of its typical flow, source water quality may be impacted by reduced dilution. Residents should be vigilant about the county's 33 health violations and consider using home testing kits. Focus on filtration systems that specifically target the nutrients and inorganics tracked in local monitoring sites.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Bastrop County

via WeatherByCounty

Deep in the warm subtropical zone

At 68.1°F, Bastrop County is significantly warmer than the national median of approximately 54°F. This high average reflects its position in the hot, humid southern United States.

Hotter than the typical Texas county

Bastrop's 68.1°F annual average exceeds the state average of 65.5°F by nearly three degrees. This places it among the warmer regions in a state already known for its heat.

Higher rainfall than the state average

The county receives 37.0 inches of rain annually, notably higher than the Texas average of 31.9 inches. This moisture often fuels the intense summer humidity characteristic of the region.

Extreme heat and no snow

Summer heat is intense with 121 days per year hitting 90°F or higher. Winter snowfall is non-existent at 0.0 inches, and January remains mild with an average of 50.1°F.

Prioritize cooling and rain drainage

Invest in high-quality home insulation to combat the 121 days of extreme heat. Since snow is never a factor, focus property maintenance on managing the 37.0 inches of annual rainfall.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Bastrop County

via SoilByCounty

Neutral Loams of Bastrop

Bastrop County is home to Alfisols, which are generally productive soils with a balanced pH of 6.87. This reading is very close to the national median of 6.5 and slightly more acidic than the Texas average of 7.09. This neutral profile supports a wide variety of plant life without extensive lime or sulfur treatments.

Fine Sandy Loam Texture

With a mix of 51.0% sand, 26.1% silt, and 23.0% clay, the soil is classified as a fine sandy loam. This texture offers a perfect middle ground for easy workability and decent moisture retention. It provides enough clay to hold nutrients while the sand ensures roots can breathe.

Standard Fertility and Water Retention

The organic matter content sits at 1.43%, which is slightly lower than the state average of 1.66%. The available water capacity matches the Texas average exactly at 0.133 in/in. While it isn't the most fertile soil in the state, it remains a reliable medium for agriculture with basic management.

Well Drained with Slow Infiltration

The county's soils are well drained, yet they belong to hydrologic group C, suggesting slow infiltration rates when saturated. This means while the soil manages water well under normal conditions, it can become a runoff risk during flash floods. It is a stable choice for building and infrastructure in most areas.

Gardening in Hardiness Zone 9a

Zone 9a offers a warm climate where citrus, figs, and heat-loving herbs thrive in the sandy loam. The soil’s balance makes it easy to start a garden that produces year-round. You can expect great results with tomatoes and peppers in these neutral, well-behaved soils.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Bastrop County

via LawnByCounty

Manageable Growth in Bastrop

Bastrop County scores a 34.7 for lawn difficulty, making it slightly easier to manage than the Texas average of 31.7. Located in Hardiness Zone 9a, it offers a long growing season but requires vigilant watering. Despite being easier than neighbors, it still lags behind the national median score of 50.0.

High Humidity and Heat Stress

The county endures 121 days of extreme heat, significantly higher than the state average of 105. With 37.0 inches of annual precipitation, there is theoretically enough water, but the 6,962 growing degree days create a massive demand for moisture. Mowing schedules must remain aggressive to keep up with the fast growth triggered by the heat.

Ideal pH in Sandy Loam

Bastrop boasts a soil pH of 6.87, which is perfectly within the ideal 6.0-7.0 range for nutrient uptake. The fine sandy loam texture, containing 51.0% sand, provides excellent drainage for root systems. This soil foundation is one of the county's greatest assets for a healthy lawn.

Severe Drought Conditions

The county has faced 53 weeks of drought over the past year, with 100% of the area currently in severe drought. This persistent dry state makes irrigation efficiency critical to avoid lawn dormancy or death. Utilizing rain barrels and smart controllers can help manage the high demand during the 121 heat days.

Establishment in Zone 9a

Bermudagrass and St. Augustine are excellent choices for the sandy loam soils found here. Plan to seed or sod after March 12, once the threat of frost has passed for the season. Early spring planting is vital to establish roots before the intense 121-day heat wave begins.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Bastrop County's county score?
Bastrop County, Texas has a composite county score of 29.9 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 Bastrop County rank among counties in Texas?
Bastrop County ranks #216 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 Bastrop County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Bastrop County is $4,077, with an effective tax rate of 1.51%. This earns Bastrop County a tax score of 12.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Bastrop County?
The median household income in Bastrop County, Texas is $82,730 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Bastrop County earns an income score of 86.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Bastrop County, Texas a good place to live?
Bastrop County scores 29.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #216 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Bastrop 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 Bastrop County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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