countyscore
30
County Score
Income & Jobs 87.4Schools 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.

2040608010014.314.323.13652.587.418.84423.6Tax14.3Cost14.3Safety23.1Health36Schools52.5Income87.4Risk18.8Water44Weather23.630/100
This county
National avg
1 above average7 below average

Bastrop County DNA

Foverall

How Bastrop County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Bastrop County falls below the national average in most categories. The biggest gap is in Property Tax (14.3/100), though Income (87.4/100) remains a relative bright spot.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
14.3-37.7
Cost
14.3-33.7
Safety
23.1-31.9
Health
36-14
Schools
52.5
Income
87.4+36.400000000000006
Risk
18.8-28.2
Water
44-14
Weather
23.6-32.4
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Compare mortgage rates in Bastrop County

Whether buying or refinancing in Bastrop County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$314,800

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$1,410/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$314,800/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$56,400/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.7x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $86,226/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
43
Fayette County
Texas
47.4
Travis County
Texas
37.9
Caldwell County
Texas
22
Williamson County
Texas
43.7
Hays County
Texas
22.8
Gonzales County
Texas
36.4
Milam County
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42

Deep Dives

Bastrop County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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

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

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 30 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 #215 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 $4,453, with an effective tax rate of 1.41%. This earns Bastrop County a tax score of 14.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Bastrop County?
The median household income in Bastrop County, Texas is $86,226 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Bastrop County earns an income score of 87.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Bastrop County, Texas a good place to live?
Bastrop County scores 30/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #215 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 Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, 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.