countyscore
28.1
County Score
Cost of Living 53.6Schools 49.1Disaster Risk 37.3

County Report Card

About Bee County, Texas

Well Below the National Median

Bee County receives a composite score of 28.0, placing it significantly lower than the national median of 50.0. This indicates broad challenges in infrastructure and community well-being compared to the rest of the country.

Below the Texas Average

The county’s score of 28.0 also lags behind the Texas state average of 41.9. While it offers some benefits, it currently sits in the lower quartile of Texas counties for composite livability.

Lower Housing Costs

Affordability is the county's strongest suit, with a cost score of 53.6 and median home values of $102,800. Schools provide a moderate baseline for families with a score of 49.1.

Safety and Health Concerns

The county faces critical issues in safety, scoring only 7.6, and health, with a score of 15.1. Water infrastructure also requires attention, as evidenced by a low water score of 10.9.

A Choice for Budget Seekers

Bee County is best suited for individuals where low-cost housing is the absolute priority. Residents must be prepared to navigate significant challenges in public safety and healthcare access.

Score breakdown

Tax16.6Cost53.6Safety7.6Health15.1Schools49.1Income27.9Risk37.3Water10.9Weather16.5
🏛16.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠53.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼27.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡7.6
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤15.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓49.1
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡37.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧10.9
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤16.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨34.1
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱27.1
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Nearby counties

Live Oak County
Texas
57.8
Goliad County
Texas
51.4
Karnes County
Texas
41.7
San Patricio County
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Refugio County
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Jim Wells County
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Nueces County
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Deep Dives

Bee County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

Safety in Bee County

via CrimeByCounty

Understanding Bee County Trends

Bee County reports a total crime rate of 3,028.0 per 100K, which is higher than the national average of 2,385.5. Despite this, it maintains a respectable safety score of 95.2 based on local reporting factors.

Comparison to State Averages

The county's total crime rate exceeds the Texas average of 2,052.5 per 100K. Its safety score of 95.2 falls slightly behind the statewide average of 96.8.

Higher Activity Than Neighbors

Bee County experiences higher crime rates than nearby Blanco County (964.8) and Bandera County (845.1). Three agencies monitor the region to address these elevated property crime figures.

Property Crime Drives Statistics

Property crime drives the local statistics at 2,740.7 per 100K, surpassing the national average of 2,015.7. Conversely, the violent crime rate of 287.3 remains below the national average of 369.8.

Focusing on Property Security

Since property crime is the primary concern, residents should focus on securing valuables and improving outdoor lighting. High-definition security cameras can provide crucial evidence for local law enforcement.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

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

Schools in Bee County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Multi-District Educational Network

Bee County supports 12 public schools serving a total enrollment of 5,096 students across five different districts. The infrastructure includes six elementary schools, two middle schools, and three high schools. This variety of districts provides residents with several different local options for their children's education.

Competitive Performance and Graduation

The county's graduation rate of 92.0% slightly exceeds the Texas state average of 91.6%. While per-pupil spending of $6,733 is below the state average, the county still maintains a school score of 54.0. This score indicates that the districts are delivering solid educational results relative to their budget constraints.

Beeville ISD and Local Alternatives

Beeville ISD is the largest provider in the county, managing 3,097 students across 5 schools. Skidmore-Tynan ISD and Pettus ISD offer smaller district environments, while one charter school provides an alternative for roughly 8% of the student population. This mix of large and small districts gives families the ability to choose the scale that fits them best.

Transitioning Between Town and Country

The school locales are a blend of 7 rural campuses and 5 town campuses, reflecting the county's varied geography. A C Jones High School is the largest campus with 1,041 students, while many other schools maintain a smaller average size of 425. This allows for both large-school opportunities and more secluded rural learning.

Navigate Your Move with School Insights

Bee County offers a diverse range of school environments, from the larger campuses in Beeville to the smaller rural schools in the outlying districts. Knowing which district best fits your family's needs is an essential part of the home-buying process here. Explore available homes to find your place in this varied South Texas community.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Weather & Climate in Bee County

via WeatherByCounty

Persistent warmth near the coast

Bee County is exceptionally warm, with a 70.6°F average that far exceeds the national median. Its climate is defined by long, tropical summers and almost no winter chill.

One of the state's warmer spots

With an annual average of 70.6°F, Bee County is over five degrees warmer than the Texas state average of 65.5°F. It ranks among the hottest counties in the state.

Consistent rainfall for the region

The county’s 31.9 inches of annual precipitation perfectly matches the Texas state average. It avoids the extreme dryness of West Texas while remaining drier than the eastern coastline.

Endless heat and mild winters

Residents endure a staggering 123 days of heat over 90°F annually. Winters are virtually snow-free with a January average of 54.6°F, providing little relief from the warmth.

Cooling is the primary concern

Expect your HVAC system to run nearly year-round to manage the 123 days of extreme heat. Since snowfall is 0.0 inches, you can skip winter weather gear in favor of sun protection.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Bee County

via SoilByCounty

Coastal Plain Mollisols

Bee County features Mollisols with an average pH of 7.12, which is nearly identical to the Texas state average of 7.09. This near-neutral profile is more alkaline than the national median of 6.5 but remains very versatile for agriculture. These soils are historically prized for their dark, nutrient-rich top layers.

A Heavy Clay Presence

Despite having 54.3% sand, the dominant texture is identified as clay, reflecting the influential 23.8% clay fraction. This mix can create a 'heavy' feel when wet, making it difficult to plow or dig. The silt content is relatively low at 18.5%, leading to a soil that can be quite firm.

Healthy Organic Matter Levels

Organic matter in Bee County averages 1.78%, which exceeds the state average of 1.66%. The available water capacity of 0.130 in/in is slightly below the state average, suggesting that while the soil is fertile, it may dry out quickly in the sun. Regular mulching can help maintain the moisture these Mollisols need.

Poor Drainage and High Runoff

Classified as poorly drained and belonging to hydrologic group D, these soils struggle with water movement. Rainfall often sits on the surface, which is a major consideration for building foundations and road construction. Gardeners should consider raised beds to prevent plant roots from drowning in waterlogged soil.

Vibrant Growing in Zone 9b

Zone 9b allows for an almost year-round growing season for warm-weather crops like peppers, eggplant, and citrus. The clay-rich soil supports strong root systems if drainage is managed properly. It is a fantastic environment for anyone looking to grow tropical-leaning Texas natives.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Bee County

via LawnByCounty

Bee County's Hot, Heavy Landscape

Lawn care in Bee County is quite difficult, scoring a 27.1 on our 100-point scale. This is lower than the state average and significantly harder than the national median of 50.0. The subtropical climate of Zone 9b creates a long, high-maintenance growing season.

Intense Heat and High Humidity

Bee County endures 123 days of extreme heat annually, far exceeding the state average of 105 days. While 31.9 inches of rain is adequate, the massive 7,696 growing degree days mean lawns never truly stop growing. This requires a relentless mowing and watering schedule throughout the majority of the year.

Poorly Drained Clay Challenges

The soil is a heavy clay texture with a pH of 7.12, which is near the ideal range but prone to drainage issues. Being classified as poorly drained, these lawns are at risk for root rot during heavy rains and compaction during dry spells. Mechanical aeration is a critical maintenance step for every Bee County homeowner.

Combatting Year-Round Drought

The county has been in drought for all 53 weeks of the past year, with nearly 93% of the land in severe conditions. Irrigation must be managed carefully to avoid wasting water on poorly drained clay soils. Using wetting agents can help water penetrate the surface rather than pooling or running off.

Growing in Subtropical Zone 9b

St. Augustine and Bermuda are the most successful varieties for this hot, coastal-adjacent climate. Because the last frost occurs as early as February 17, you can start your lawn much earlier than most of the state. Early establishment is key to surviving the 123 days of extreme heat that follow.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Bee County's county score?
Bee County, Texas has a composite county score of 28.1 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 Bee County rank among counties in Texas?
Bee County ranks #225 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 Bee County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Bee County is $1,461, with an effective tax rate of 1.42%. This earns Bee County a tax score of 16.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Bee County?
The median household income in Bee County, Texas is $56,075 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Bee County earns an income score of 27.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Bee County, Texas a good place to live?
Bee County scores 28.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #225 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Bee 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 Bee County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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