countyscore
18.1
County Score
Income & Jobs 67.8Water Quality 67.5Soil Quality 32.7

County Report Card

About Bexar County, Texas

Significant Room for National Improvement

Bexar County scores 18.1 on the composite index, placing it in the bottom tier of counties nationally compared to the 50.0 median. Urban challenges significantly impact its overall ranking.

A Low Score Among Peers

Even within the state of Texas, which averages 41.9, Bexar County’s score of 18.1 is remarkably low. This reflects the intense pressure that San Antonio's rapid expansion places on local safety and taxes.

Strong Incomes and Infrastructure

The county remains an economic engine with an income score of 67.8 and a median household income of $70,571. It also features a solid water score of 67.5, indicating robust utility management.

Safety and Risk Extremes

Bexar County struggles with a safety score of 1.9 and a natural risk score of 0.6. These figures, combined with an effective tax rate of 1.814%, create a challenging environment for resident security and finances.

Ideal for Career-Focused Urbanites

Bexar County suits urban dwellers who prioritize high earning potential and city amenities over safety and low taxes. It is a destination for those who accept high environmental risk in exchange for economic opportunity.

Score breakdown

Tax4.9Cost12.3Safety1.9Health29.4Schools27.9Income67.8Risk0.6Water67.5Weather17.3
🏛4.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠12.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼67.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡1.9
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤29.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓27.9
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡0.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧67.5
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤17.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨32.7
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱24.9
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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Compare Bexar County with Nueces County →Share on X

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Deep Dives

Bexar County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Bexar County

via TaxByCounty

Bexar County has highest tax rate

Bexar County's effective tax rate of 1.814% is the highest in this sample and ranks in the 82nd percentile nationally, far exceeding the U.S. median of 1.276%. Median property taxes of $4,429 are 65% above the national median of $2,690, making Bexar one of America's higher-taxed counties.

Texas's steepest in this group

Bexar County's 1.814% effective rate is the highest among Texas counties sampled here, towering 42% above the state average of 1.276%. Its median property tax of $4,429 nearly doubles the state median of $2,193, reflecting San Antonio-area school financing and urban infrastructure costs.

Outlier for taxation in region

Bexar County's 1.814% rate significantly exceeds all central Texas neighbors in this dataset, including Bell (1.542%) and Bastrop (1.513%). As the region's population and economic center, San Antonio carries heavier tax burdens to fund urban services.

Nearly $4,500 on median home

A median home valued at $244,100 in Bexar County generates an estimated annual tax of $4,429. With a mortgage, that becomes $5,213; without one, it drops to $2,968.

High rates demand appeal review

Bexar County's exceptionally steep rates make verification critical. Request your property appraisal immediately and compare it against recent sales; many San Antonio-area homeowners find assessments 20%+ above market value and successfully appeal for substantial refunds.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Bexar County

via CostByCounty

San Antonio metro affords reasonably

Bexar County renters spend 21.9% of income on housing, above Texas's state average of 18.1% but substantially better than the national crisis at 30%. As home to San Antonio and a major metro area, Bexar has maintained relative affordability compared to peers.

Upper-middle affordability in Texas

Bexar County ranks in Texas's upper-middle tier for housing affordability challenges, neither the worst nor best among large metros. The county's size and economic diversity have helped moderate price pressures that plague other major cities.

Balance between growth and access

Bexar's median rent of $1,290 positions it between rural Hill Country counties and rapidly appreciating suburbs like Bastrop and Williamson. Home values averaging $244,100 reflect San Antonio's steady demand without Austin-level volatility.

Major metro with room to breathe

With a median household income of $70,571, Bexar residents allocate $1,290 for rent or $1,361 for ownership costs monthly. Housing consumes nearly 22% of income, above state average but manageable for dual-income households.

San Antonio offers big city affordability

Bexar County provides major metropolitan amenities—jobs, culture, healthcare—with better affordability than Houston, Dallas, or Austin. If you're seeking big-city opportunity on a modest budget, San Antonio's affordability advantage is real and measurable.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Bexar County

via IncomeByCounty

Bexar County matches national income closely

At $70,571, Bexar County's median household income trails the national median of $74,755 by just $4,184, representing near-parity. The county ranks solidly in the national middle class, with strong earning power for a major metro area.

Exceeds Texas average by meaningful margin

Bexar County's median household income of $70,571 surpasses the Texas state average of $64,737 by roughly $5,834 annually. This solid outperformance reflects the economic strength of the San Antonio metro region.

Strong metro economy among regional peers

Bexar County's $70,571 median household income compares closely to Bailey County ($70,625) and Bandera County ($69,703), but trails Bastrop County ($82,730) and Blanco County ($87,564). Its per capita income of $35,795 ranks above most peers, reflecting diverse earning opportunities in the metro area.

Housing affordability increasingly challenging

At 21.9%, Bexar County's rent-to-income ratio signals meaningful housing cost burden despite solid household incomes. A $70,571 median income translates to roughly $1,295 monthly in rent, consuming over 22% of gross earnings as the county's $244,100 median home value climbs.

Leverage metro economy for wealth building

Bexar County's diverse San Antonio economy and $70,571 median household income create strong capacity for investment and financial growth. Consider directing savings toward real estate investment trusts, employer retirement plans, and education financing to capitalize on the metro area's long-term economic trajectory.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Bexar County

via CrimeByCounty

Safety Challenges in Bexar County

Bexar County faces significant safety challenges with a total crime rate of 5,021.9 per 100K, more than double the national average. This results in a safety score of 92.1, the lowest among this group of counties.

Well Above State Crime Rates

The county’s crime rate is more than twice the Texas average of 2,052.5 per 100K. Its safety score of 92.1 is notably lower than the state average of 96.8.

The Urban Corridor Context

As a major metropolitan hub, Bexar County (5,021.9) sees far more crime than neighbors like Bastrop (1,956.6) or Blanco (964.8). Forty different agencies collaborate to manage the high volume of incidents in this urban corridor.

Property Crimes Lead Incidents

Property crime is the dominant issue at 4,294.7 per 100K, more than double the national rate. Violent crime is also elevated at 727.2 per 100K, compared to the national average of 369.8.

Multi-Layered Home Protection

In a high-activity area like Bexar, a multi-layered security approach including cameras and alarms is essential. Ensure all vehicles are locked and valuables are kept out of sight to prevent common thefts.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Bexar County

via HealthByCounty

Bexar County life expectancy exceeds U.S. average

Bexar County's 76.2-year life expectancy outpaces the U.S. average of 73.5 years by 2.7 years, reflecting above-average longevity. However, its 23.5% poor or fair health rate exceeds the national average of 19.2%, indicating some residents report daily health struggles despite overall longevity.

Bexar leads Texas on longevity and access

At 76.2 years, Bexar County's life expectancy exceeds the Texas state average of 74.3 years by 1.9 years. Its 18.0% uninsured rate is below the state average of 19.8%, giving Bexar an advantage in both health outcomes and insurance coverage.

Strong primary and mental health capacity

Bexar County provides 74 primary care providers and 248 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—among the highest in the region, matching Bell County's primary care strength. This dual capacity supports residents seeking routine and specialized behavioral care.

Coverage and providers support long, healthy lives

Bexar's 18.0% uninsured rate is below state average, and its robust provider networks (74 primary care, 248 mental health per 100K) mean most residents can access preventive, acute, and behavioral health services. This infrastructure supports the county's above-average life expectancy.

Use Bexar's strong care systems

Bexar County residents should ensure continuous coverage and take advantage of excellent primary care and mental health resources available locally. Uninsured residents should visit Healthcare.gov immediately to secure coverage and begin preventive care.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Bexar County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Massive Urban Education Hub

Bexar County is home to a staggering 599 public schools, serving a total enrollment of 366,329 students across 42 districts. The landscape is dominated by 338 elementary schools, but also includes 103 high schools and 66 alternative campuses. This is one of the most complex and diverse educational environments in the entire state of Texas.

Performance in a Large-Scale System

The county's graduation rate of 86.8% sits just below the national average of 87.0%. Education is funded at $6,441 per pupil, which is lower than the state average, resulting in a school score of 50.6. These metrics highlight the significant scale and diverse needs of students across the San Antonio metropolitan area.

A Leader in Charter Innovation

Northside ISD is the county's largest district, managing 124 schools and over 102,000 students. Notably, Bexar County is a major hub for charter schools, with 169 campuses representing over 28% of all local schools. San Antonio ISD and North East ISD also manage large, historic systems within the urban core and suburban rings.

City-Centric with Suburban Reach

The vast majority of schools—453 in total—are located in city settings, with 87 in suburbs and 59 in rural areas. Large campuses like Reagan High School serve up to 3,397 students, though the county-wide average school size is 614. This range ensures that families can find everything from massive high schools to specialized charter programs.

Strategic Homebuying in Bexar County

In a county with 42 districts and hundreds of charter options, choosing a home often starts with choosing a school. Whether you are looking for the suburban amenities of Northside ISD or the specialized focus of a downtown charter, school quality impacts every neighborhood. Use our data to find a home that puts your children in the right classroom.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Bexar County

via RiskByCounty

Bexar County Ranks Among Nation's Riskiest

Bexar County's composite risk score of 99.43 earns a Relatively High rating, placing it in the top tier of American counties by natural disaster exposure. This major metropolitan area surrounding San Antonio faces exceptional combined hazard risk.

Texas's Highest-Risk County

Bexar County's 99.43 score is the highest among all eight profiled Texas counties and far exceeds the state average of 49.00. Its massive metropolitan footprint and geographic position create unparalleled vulnerability across all hazard types.

Significantly Riskier Than Surrounding Counties

Bexar County's 99.43 score dramatically exceeds neighboring Bandera (66.70), Blanco (33.02), and Atascosa counties. Its concentration of urban exposure and convergent hazard zones make it uniquely vulnerable in South-Central Texas.

Nearly Universal Hazard Exposure

Bexar County faces critical risk across all major hazards: tornado (99.90), flood (99.65), wildfire (92.37), and hurricane (83.52). This rare combination of top-tier vulnerability across every disaster type demands comprehensive protection.

Maximize All Available Coverage

Bexar County homeowners must carry maximum-limit policies for wind, flood, and wildfire—standard insurance falls dangerously short in this highest-risk county. Work with an agent experienced in metropolitan hazard exposure to ensure complete protection.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Bexar County

via WeatherByCounty

Far warmer than the national average

Bexar County’s 70.2°F annual average makes it one of the warmer urban centers in the nation. It stays significantly hotter than the national median throughout the year.

A hotspot even for Texas

At 70.2°F, Bexar County is roughly five degrees warmer than the Texas state average of 65.5°F. It is characterized by more frequent extreme heat than the typical Texas county.

Typical rainfall for Central Texas

The county averages 31.9 inches of annual precipitation, which is identical to the Texas state average. It sits at a transition zone between the humid east and the arid west.

Aggressive summers and soft winters

The region suffers through 123 days of heat over 90°F, with July averages hitting 85.1°F. Winters are very mild, with only 0.1 inches of snow and a 52.8°F January average.

Manage extreme summer electricity bills

Prepare for high utility costs during the 123 extreme heat days. Residents can enjoy outdoor activities in the winter, as January averages stay a comfortable 52.8°F.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Bexar County

via SoilByCounty

Inceptisols of the San Antonio Area

Bexar County features Inceptisols, which are relatively young soils with an average pH of 7.32. This is slightly higher than the state average of 7.09 and more alkaline than the national median of 6.5. These soils represent a transition zone between the fertile prairies and the rocky plateau.

Classic Loam Texture

The soil is a well-balanced loam, consisting of 37.3% sand, 30.0% clay, and 28.9% silt. Loam is often considered the ideal texture for most plants because it balances drainage and nutrient retention perfectly. It is easy to till and provides a stable environment for diverse root systems.

Above Average Organic Matter

With an organic matter content of 1.92%, Bexar County exceeds the Texas average of 1.66%. Its available water capacity of 0.133 in/in matches the state average exactly. This suggests a healthy, productive soil that can sustain growth even during the region's intense heat.

Reliable Drainage and Infiltration

The soil is well drained and belongs to hydrologic group B, which indicates a moderate infiltration rate. This is excellent for urban development and home gardening alike, as it reduces the risk of flooding. It offers a predictable base for construction projects across the county.

Thriving Gardens in Zone 9a

Zone 9a provides a long, warm season where everything from cacti to leafy greens can flourish. The loamy soil makes Bexar County one of the friendliest places in Texas to start a backyard garden. Plant some lantana or sage to see how quickly things take root in this versatile ground.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Bexar County

via LawnByCounty

The San Antonio Struggle

Bexar County is one of the toughest places for a lawn, with a difficulty score of 24.9. This is significantly lower than the Texas average of 31.7 and less than half the national median of 50.0. Residents in Zone 9a must be experts in heat management to keep a lawn green.

High Demand in a Hot Climate

Bexar County endures 123 extreme heat days and 7,577 growing degree days, creating massive water demand. While 31.9 inches of annual rain is technically enough, it rarely keeps up with the evaporation caused by San Antonio's heat. Mowing at the highest possible setting is vital to protecting the grass crowns.

Well-Drained Loamy Soil

The soil is a loam consisting of 30.0% clay and 37.3% sand, providing a balanced, well-drained medium for growth. The pH of 7.32 is slightly alkaline, meaning regular fertilization with acidifying agents may be necessary. This soil structure is generally good, but it requires consistent moisture to remain productive.

Year-Long Severe Drought

With 53 weeks in drought and 100% of the county in severe drought, water restrictions are a way of life here. Lawns must be trained for drought by watering deeply and as infrequently as local laws allow. Transitioning to native, drought-resistant varieties is a smart long-term strategy for this region.

Early Start for Zone 9a

St. Augustine is a popular choice for its shade tolerance, but Bermudagrass offers better drought recovery. Because the last frost is usually around February 25, you have a very early window to begin spring maintenance. Starting early helps the grass establish before the 123-day heat window begins in earnest.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Bexar County's county score?
Bexar County, Texas has a composite county score of 18.1 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 Bexar County rank among counties in Texas?
Bexar County ranks #254 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 Bexar County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Bexar County is $4,429, with an effective tax rate of 1.81%. This earns Bexar County a tax score of 4.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Bexar County?
The median household income in Bexar County, Texas is $70,571 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Bexar County earns an income score of 67.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Bexar County, Texas a good place to live?
Bexar County scores 18.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #254 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Bexar 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 Bexar County with other counties side by side.

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