countyscore
50.4
County Score
Safety 78.8Income & Jobs 64.9Disaster Risk 63.1

County Report Card

About Bosque County, Texas

Balanced Living in America's Heartland

Bosque County sits right at the center of the national map with a composite score of 50.4. This puts it slightly above the national median of 50.0. It represents a quintessential middle-of-the-road American living experience.

Surpassing the Texas State Average

Bosque County’s score of 50.4 is significantly higher than the Texas state average of 41.9. It ranks as a more desirable option than many surrounding areas for those looking to stay in the state. The county offers a more stable livability profile than the typical Texas jurisdiction.

High Safety and Growing Incomes

Public safety is a major highlight, earning a strong score of 78.8. The income score of 64.9 reflects a healthy median household income of $69,339. These factors create a secure environment where families can thrive financially.

Healthcare and Infrastructure Needs

The county struggles with a low health score of 19.6, suggesting limited access to medical facilities or wellness outcomes. Water infrastructure also ranks low at 21.8. Addressing these service gaps is essential for improving the county's long-term appeal.

Perfect for Safety-Conscious Families

Bosque County suits families and professionals who value personal safety and reliable income potential. With a median home value of $184,500, it offers an affordable entry into a high-security community. It is a solid choice for those who don't mind traveling for specialized healthcare.

2040608010037.651.278.819.656.264.963.121.832.3Tax37.6Cost51.2Safety78.8Health19.6Schools56.2Income64.9Risk63.1Water21.8Weather32.350.4/100
This county
National avg
3 above average4 below average

Bosque County DNA

Foverall

How Bosque County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Bosque County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Safety (78.8/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (21.8/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
37.6-14.399999999999999
Cost
51.2
Safety
78.8+23.799999999999997
Health
19.6-30.4
Schools
56.2
Income
64.9+13.900000000000006
Risk
63.1+16.1
Water
21.8-36.2
Weather
32.3-23.700000000000003
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$184,500

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$926/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$184,500/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$37,040/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.7x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $69,339/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

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

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38.4
Somervell County
Texas
48.7
Johnson County
Texas
32.7
McLennan County
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Hamilton County
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Deep Dives

Bosque County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Bosque County

via TaxByCounty

Bosque taxes run below the national median

At 1.008%, Bosque County's effective tax rate undercuts the national median of 1.09%, placing it in the lower-tax quartile nationwide. The median property tax of $1,859 falls well short of the U.S. median of $2,690, saving typical homeowners over $800 annually.

Below-average tax burden statewide

Bosque County's 1.008% effective rate ranks below Texas's 1.276% average, making it one of the more tax-friendly counties in the state. Homeowners pay a median of $1,859 in property taxes, about 15% less than the Texas median of $2,193.

More affordable than surrounding Central Texas

Bosque County's 1.008% rate is lower than Bowie County (1.296%) and ties closely with Briscoe County (1.084%), offering competitive tax relief in Central Texas. The county sits comfortably in the region's more affordable tax tier.

Your median annual tax bill: $1,859

On Bosque County's median home value of $184,500, property owners pay approximately $1,859 per year without a mortgage and $2,175 with one. This estimate reflects the county's current effective rate applied to the typical homestead.

Challenge your appraisal to cut taxes further

Many Bosque County homeowners accept their property tax bills without question, even when assessments are inaccurate. Filing an appeal with the county appraisal district costs nothing and could lower your assessed value—and your annual tax obligation.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Bosque County

via CostByCounty

Bosque outperforms nation on rent affordability

Bosque County's 16.0% rent-to-income ratio beats both the Texas average of 18.1% and the national median, despite incomes 7% below the U.S. average of $74,755. At just $926 monthly rent against a $69,339 median income, renters here enjoy some breathing room compared to national peers.

Bosque ranks among Texas's most affordable

With a 16.0% rent-to-income ratio, Bosque County places in the top tier of Texas counties for rental affordability. This below-state-average ratio suggests Bosque offers genuine value for renters seeking a balance between costs and quality of life in Central Texas.

Bosque rents mirror Texas state norms

Bosque's $926 median rent sits just below the Texas average of $963, matching nearby Hamilton and Comanche counties. Yet Bosque's rent-to-income ratio of 16.0% edges out these neighbors, reflecting slightly better affordability for local residents.

Renters benefit most in Bosque County

Renters in Bosque spend 16.0% of income on housing, while homeowners devote roughly 12.6% to monthly owner costs. This split suggests Bosque is a renter's county—affordable for those leasing, but home values of $184,500 also offer moderate-cost ownership.

Bosque offers Central Texas value

If you're comparing Central Texas counties for relocation, Bosque's 16.0% rent-to-income ratio and $926 average rent make it a strong contender against pricier Austin-area neighbors. Factor in a growing rural-town appeal and you'll see why renters and first-time homebuyers are taking notice.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Bosque County

via IncomeByCounty

Bosque exceeds Texas average, but trails nation

Bosque County's median household income of $69,339 exceeds Texas's state average of $64,737 but remains about 7% below the national median of $74,755. The county's per capita income of $35,879 outperforms both the state average ($33,197) and reflects solid individual earning power.

Upper-middle income ranking in Texas

At $69,339, Bosque County's median household income ranks above the Texas state average and places it in the upper-middle tier of Texas counties. This positions Bosque as one of the stronger-performing counties in the state for household earnings.

Bosque outearns most regional competitors

Bosque's $69,339 household income exceeds Borden ($64,250), Bowie ($59,295), Brewster ($52,612), Briscoe ($41,188), and Brooks ($31,310), making it the second-highest earner in this group after Brazoria County. The county's affordability is further strengthened by a reasonable 16.0% rent-to-income ratio.

Housing remains affordable with rental balance

A 16.0% rent-to-income ratio indicates that most Bosque County renters spend roughly one-sixth of their income on rent—well below the 30% burden threshold. With median home values at $184,500 and household income at $69,339, homeownership is accessible for qualified buyers.

Bosque residents have strong wealth-building potential

With above-average household income and manageable housing costs, Bosque County residents are well-positioned to invest in retirement accounts, education, and home equity. The county's relative affordability creates opportunities to allocate income toward long-term financial goals.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Bosque County

via CrimeByCounty

One of America’s Safest Counties

Bosque County achieves an exceptional safety score of 99.2, making it a national standout. Its total crime rate of 505.4 per 100,000 is nearly five times lower than the national average.

Exceeding State Safety Standards

The county far outperforms the Texas average safety score of 96.8. Its total crime rate of 505.4 is roughly 75% lower than the statewide average of 2,052.5 per 100,000 residents.

Reliable Local Security

With eight reporting agencies, Bosque provides high-quality data that confirms a consistent pattern of safety. This multi-agency transparency shows the county is a leader in security among its Central Texas peers.

Extremely Low Violent Crime

Violent crime is rare, occurring at a rate of just 92.4 per 100,000 residents. Property crime is also minimal at 413.0, representing only a small fraction of the national norm.

Preserve Your Peace of Mind

While risks are low, securing farm equipment and outbuildings remains a wise habit. Maintaining visible security measures helps preserve the high level of safety that Bosque residents enjoy.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Bosque County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Network of Small Rural Districts

Bosque County supports 2,478 students across 11 public schools managed by 8 different school districts. The infrastructure consists of 3 elementary schools, 1 middle school, 2 high schools, and 5 multi-level facilities.

Performance Above National Benchmarks

With an 88.9% graduation rate, the county exceeds the national average of 87.0%. Local schools spend $8,306 per pupil, which is higher than the Texas state average of $7,498, resulting in a school score of 55.8.

Clifton and Valley Mills Lead Enrollment

Clifton ISD is the largest district, serving 1,024 students across 3 schools, followed by Valley Mills ISD with 665 students. There are no charter schools in the county, with all 11 campuses operating as traditional public schools.

Quiet Towns and Rural Campuses

The county features 8 rural and 3 town-based schools, with an average school size of 225 students. Clifton Elementary is the largest campus with 471 students, while Meridian High School serves a smaller cohort of 187.

Settling Near Bosque County Schools

Prospective homeowners will find a variety of small-town school options across the county's 8 districts. Consider homes in Clifton or Valley Mills for access to the area's most robust educational hubs.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Bosque County

via RiskByCounty

Bosque sits well below national average risk

Bosque County's composite risk score of 36.90 earns a Very Low rating, placing it 25% lower than the national average. This Central Texas county faces below-average natural disaster exposure overall.

Below-average risk for Texas

Bosque's 36.90 score falls 25% below Texas's state average of 49.00, making it one of the safer counties statewide. Still, tornado and wildfire risks merit attention in this region.

Moderate risk in its local region

Bosque (36.90) sits between the very-safe Briscoe County (8.75) and the riskier Bowie County (79.01) in Central Texas. Its exposure to tornado and wildfire outpaces some regional peers but remains manageable.

Tornadoes and wildfires dominate hazard profile

Tornado risk of 71.37 and wildfire risk of 84.83 are Bosque's primary concerns, both above state averages. Flood risk (40.30) and hurricane threat (53.61) add secondary but notable exposure for residents.

Add tornado and wildfire coverage

Standard homeowners insurance leaves gaps for Bosque County's tornado and wildfire threats; consider riders or specialized policies for these hazards. A weather radio and evacuation plan are smart investments given the county's moderate tornado and fire exposure.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Bosque County

via WaterByCounty

Bosque County Earns Failing Grade for Compliance

Bosque County receives a Grade F for drinking water compliance, having recorded 22 health violations over the past five years. Despite the low grade, its violation rate of 111.7 per 100,000 people is notably lower than the Texas state average of 581.9. This suggests that while violations occur, they impact a smaller segment of the population compared to state peaks.

Watershed Impairment Data Currently Unavailable

Water bodies within Bosque County are not yet covered in the federal §303(d) assessment for the current reporting cycle. No official impairment percentage or top causes are listed in the EPA ATTAINS database at this time. Comprehensive federal monitoring has not yet reached the county's specific streams and lakes.

Robust Nutrient and Inorganic Monitoring in Place

Ten monitoring sites across Bosque County have produced 4,683 measurements over the last five years. Data collection focuses heavily on physical characteristics, inorganics, and nutrient levels in the water. This active monitoring footprint provides a detailed look at the chemical composition of local water sources.

Brazos River Flow Well Below Historical Mean

The Brazos River near Aquilla is currently flowing at just 90 cfs, which is only 6% of its long-term mean of 1,522 cfs. This significant drop in discharge reflects severe hydrological drought conditions for the drainage area. The river is moving far less water than typical for this time of year.

Manage Water Use During Low-Flow Periods

Low flow in the Brazos River can lead to higher concentrations of nutrients and inorganics in the source water. Residents should be aware of the county's Grade F compliance status and consider routine maintenance of filtration systems. Monitoring local updates is essential when river discharge falls to such a small fraction of its historical average.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Bosque County

via WeatherByCounty

Warmer and Wetter than the National Norm

Bosque County maintains an annual average temperature of 65.4°F, which sits roughly 10 degrees higher than the national median. While much of the country sees lower rainfall, this region receives 37.5 inches of precipitation annually, surpassing the typical U.S. average.

Matching the Texas Average Temperature

The county's average temperature of 65.4°F almost perfectly mirrors the Texas state average of 65.5°F. However, residents experience significantly more rainfall than the state median of 31.9 inches, making it a relatively lush pocket of Central Texas.

A Rainy Alternative to West Texas Neighbors

Compared to drier counties further west like Brown, Bosque receives about 7 more inches of rain per year. Its 115 extreme heat days align closely with neighboring central regions, creating a humid subtropical environment.

Triple-Digit Potential and Mild Winters

Summers are intense with 115 days reaching 90°F or higher and a July average of 83.5°F. Winters remain gentle with a January average of 45.6°F and nearly non-existent snowfall averaging just 0.1 inches.

Plan for Heat and Humidity

Ensure HVAC systems are optimized for a summer season that lasts nearly a third of the year. Heavy-duty rain gutters are essential to manage the 37.5 inches of annual rain during spring downpours.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Bosque County

via SoilByCounty

Young Inceptisols with an alkaline touch

Bosque County is dominated by very fine sandy loam within the Inceptisol order, indicating relatively young soil development. Its pH of 7.38 is notably higher than the national median of 6.5. This slight alkalinity can influence which minerals are most available to local plants.

The fine texture of Bosque loam

The soil consists of 45.3% sand and 26.7% clay, providing a versatile medium for agriculture. This mix allows for decent workability while the 28.0% silt content contributes to a smooth, fine texture. It provides a reliable foundation for both crops and livestock grazing.

Standard organic levels and solid water capacity

At 1.58%, organic matter is just under the state average of 1.66%. The available water capacity measures 0.141 in/in, outperforming the Texas average of 0.133 in/in. These factors suggest a resilient soil that can sustain growth during dry Texas spells.

High infiltration rates support healthy roots

The well-drained classification and hydrologic group A status indicate that water infiltrates the soil rapidly. This prevents waterlogging, which protects plant roots from rot and allows for easier field access after rain. It is an ideal setup for crops that dislike 'wet feet.'

Thriving in the heart of zone 8b

Bosque County falls into hardiness zone 8b, perfect for heat-loving vegetables and native Texas wildflowers. Pecan trees and forage grasses do particularly well in this well-drained loam. Dig in and utilize the naturally high water capacity to establish a lush landscape.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Bosque County

via LawnByCounty

Better Than Average Growing Conditions

Bosque County earns a lawn difficulty score of 41.9, outperforming the Texas state average of 31.7. While still below the national median of 50.0, this Zone 8b region offers a fairer chance for a lush yard.

Ideal Rainfall Meets Summer Heat

Annual precipitation of 37.5 inches sits comfortably within the 30-50 inch ideal range for most grass species. However, 115 extreme heat days each year demand a rigorous summer irrigation schedule.

Well-Drained Fine Sandy Loam

The soil pH of 7.38 is slightly alkaline but manageable for common Texas turf. The 45.3% sand content provides excellent drainage, though the 26.7% clay helps retain some necessary moisture and nutrients.

Manageable Dry Spells for Now

While 100% of the area is abnormally dry, none is currently in severe drought, which is an improvement over the 18 weeks of drought seen last year. Constant monitoring is still required to maintain lawn health during peak summer.

Timing for Zone 8b Success

Warm-season grasses like St. Augustine or Zoysia thrive here once established. Aim to begin your lawn projects after the final spring frost around March 15 to maximize the growing season.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Bosque County's county score?
Bosque County, Texas has a composite county score of 50.4 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 Bosque County rank among counties in Texas?
Bosque County ranks #59 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 Bosque County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Bosque County is $1,859, with an effective tax rate of 1.01%. This earns Bosque County a tax score of 37.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Bosque County?
The median household income in Bosque County, Texas is $69,339 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Bosque County earns an income score of 64.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Bosque County, Texas a good place to live?
Bosque County scores 50.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #59 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Bosque 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 Bosque 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.