CountyScore

Bee County

Texas · TX

#178 in Texas
60.3
County Score

County Report Card

About Bee County, Texas

Bee County meets national livability threshold

With a composite score of 66.1, Bee County exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 32%, earning a spot among above-average U.S. counties. The county's solid affordability and moderate tax burden account for this respectable national positioning.

Right at Texas state average

Bee's score of 66.1 closely matches the Texas state average of 66.8, indicating it performs essentially in line with other state counties. This near-average position reflects neither particular strength nor significant weakness relative to Texas peers.

Genuine housing affordability with moderate taxes

Bee's cost score of 80.4 delivers solid housing affordability with median home values of $102,800 and rent at $1,028 monthly. A tax score of 62.3 with an effective rate of 1.421% keeps housing costs manageable for middle-income households.

Below-average income opportunities

Bee's income score of 20.0 signals weak wage growth, with median household income of $56,075 trailing most Texas counties significantly. Data on safety, health, schools, and environmental factors is not yet complete, obscuring other livability dimensions.

Fits families seeking rural affordability

Bee County appeals to families with modest incomes who prioritize low housing costs over wage growth or urban amenities. If you value small-town life, can work remotely, or have retirement income to supplement modest local wages, Bee offers steady, affordable livability.

Score breakdown

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

Tax62.3Cost80.4SafetyComing SoonHealth52.5SchoolsComing SoonIncome20Risk37.3WaterComing Soon
🏛62.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠80.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼20
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤52.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡37.3
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 Bee County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Arapahoe County
Colorado
60.3
Median income: $97,215
Duval County
Florida
60.3
Median income: $68,447
Finney County
Kansas
60.3
Median income: $72,437
Ogle County
Illinois
60.2
Median income: $79,244
Tulsa County
Oklahoma
60.2
Median income: $67,317

Deep Dives

Bee County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Bee County

via TaxByCounty

Bee County runs above national norm

Bee County's effective tax rate of 1.421% exceeds the national median of 1.276%, placing it in the 60th percentile nationally. Median property taxes of $1,461 remain well below the national median of $2,690, reflecting Bee's modest median home values of $102,800.

Steeper than Texas average

Bee County's effective rate of 1.421% runs 11% above the Texas state average of 1.276%, and its median property tax of $1,461 is 33% below the state median of $2,193. This South Texas county imposes above-average rates on below-average property values.

Mid-range among rural peers

Bee County's 1.421% effective rate sits between Baylor County (1.246%) and Bailey County (1.468%). With modest median home values of $102,800, it occupies the middle ground for both tax rate and absolute tax burden among this cluster of rural counties.

About $1,461 annually

A median home valued at $102,800 in Bee County generates an estimated annual tax of $1,461. With a mortgage, that becomes $1,988; without one, it drops to $1,175.

Higher rates warrant scrutiny

Bee County's above-average rate makes assessment accuracy more important. Compare your appraisal to recent sales of similar properties; if your tax bill appears inflated relative to market value, the county assessor will review your appeal at no cost.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Bee County

via CostByCounty

Bee County faces affordability crisis

Bee County renters spend 22.0% of income on housing, the highest ratio in this group and well above Texas's state average of 18.1%. With a median income of $56,075, residents face genuine affordability stress despite modest nominal rents.

Worst affordability among these counties

Bee County ranks among the most unaffordable Texas counties when comparing rent to income, placing it in the upper crisis tier. The mismatch between local wages and housing costs creates measurable strain on household budgets.

Higher rents than surrounding areas

Bee County's median rent of $1,028 exceeds neighboring Live Oak and Nueces counties despite lower incomes overall. This pricing anomaly suggests limited supply or demand from outside workers driving costs upward.

Income-to-housing mismatch

Median household income of $56,075 means residents spend $1,028 on rent monthly—over 22% of earnings. This leaves roughly $3,600 monthly for all other expenses including utilities, food, transportation, and healthcare.

Think twice before relocating here

While Bee County offers Gulf Coast access and rural character, its affordability crisis makes it risky for budget-conscious relocators. Compare these numbers carefully with other South Texas options before making the move.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Bee County

via IncomeByCounty

Bee County income lags national average

At $56,075, Bee County's median household income falls $18,680 below the national median of $74,755, about 25% lower. The county ranks in the lower third nationally, indicating economic conditions that strain many resident households.

Below Texas average but improving region

Bee County's median household income of $56,075 trails the Texas state average of $64,737 by $8,662 annually. While underperforming statewide, the county is part of South Texas's growing regional economy and outperforms some rural neighbors.

Middle-ground between rural and metro Texas

Bee County's $56,075 median household income sits well below Bastrop County ($82,730) and Bailey County ($70,625), but notably above Baylor County ($42,313). Its per capita income of $22,771 is the lowest among these eight counties, indicating limited individual earning capacity.

Housing burden strains limited household earnings

At 22.0%, Bee County's rent-to-income ratio is among the highest in this sample, indicating serious affordability pressure. A household earning $56,075 annually pays roughly $1,030 monthly in rent, consuming nearly a quarter of gross income and limiting access to healthcare, education, and savings.

Targeted financial planning for modest incomes

Bee County residents should focus on high-impact financial strategies: securing emergency funds, pursuing job skills training, and leveraging lower home prices ($102,800 median) for future equity. Even saving $100-150 monthly—less than 3% of median income—creates meaningful financial stability over time.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Bee County

via HealthByCounty

Bee County faces health and access challenges

Bee County's 73.1-year life expectancy matches the U.S. average of 73.5 years, but its 28.0% poor or fair health rate—the highest among the eight counties—far exceeds the national average of 19.2%. This gap reveals significant daily health struggles for residents.

Bee ranks lowest for health quality in state

At 73.1 years, Bee County's life expectancy trails the Texas state average of 74.3 years by 1.2 years, but the 28.0% poor or fair health rate is striking and among the worst statewide. Its 16.0% uninsured rate is actually the lowest among the eight counties, suggesting coverage alone doesn't explain the health burden.

Critically short on primary care providers

Bee County has just 16 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—the lowest of all eight counties and barely one-quarter the rate in Baylor County (230). Mental health capacity at 52 per 100K is also limited, leaving residents with few options for preventive or behavioral care.

Extreme provider shortage drives health crisis

Despite the lowest uninsured rate at 16.0%, Bee County's severe shortage of primary care providers (16 per 100K) means most residents simply cannot access routine care. With 28% reporting poor or fair health and only 52 mental health providers per 100K, the county faces a care access emergency.

Cover yourself and seek care outside if needed

Bee County residents should maintain coverage and be prepared to travel to neighboring counties for specialist or primary care; the local provider shortage is severe. Telehealth and community health centers may offer alternatives—ask your insurer about options.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Bee County

via RiskByCounty

Bee County Exceeds National Average Risk

Bee County scores 62.69 on the composite risk index, ranking as Relatively Low but above the national average. This South Texas county faces above-typical natural hazard exposure, primarily driven by coastal storm threats.

Above Texas State Average

Bee County's 62.69 score exceeds Texas's 49.00 state average, placing it in the higher-risk category statewide. Its proximity to the Gulf Coast creates unique exposure to tropical systems and related hazards.

Riskier Than Most South Texas Peers

Bee County's 62.69 score ranks higher than neighboring Jim Wells County and reflects its position between Gulf influences and inland plains. Its coastal exposure distinguishes it from more sheltered inland counties.

Hurricane Risk Dominates Bee County

Hurricane risk soars to 91.20 in Bee County, reflecting its South Texas coastal location and exposure to tropical systems. Tornado risk (64.92) and wildfire risk (61.80) add secondary but significant threats.

Prioritize Wind and Flood Insurance

With hurricane risk at 91.20, robust wind/hail coverage and a separate flood policy are essential for Bee County homeowners. Consider elevated coverage limits given the county's vulnerability to tropical storms and flooding.

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.