CountyScore

Brazoria County

Texas · TX

#237 in Texas
53.1
County Score

County Report Card

About Brazoria County, Texas

Brazoria Barely Tops National Average

Brazoria County scores 54.6, just 9% above the national median of 50.0—a marginal advantage that reflects trade-offs rather than true excellence. The county is only slightly above the typical U.S. county in measured livability, making it a mixed proposition.

Below Texas Average Despite Advantages

Brazoria's 54.6 falls noticeably below Texas's state average of 66.8, placing it in the lower half of Texas counties despite some economic strengths. This underperformance signals that the county's challenges outweigh its advantages in overall livability calculus.

Highest Incomes in This County Sample

Brazoria stands out with a median household income of $95,155—the highest among these eight counties—and an income score of 45.5 reflecting genuine earning potential. For households seeking wage growth, Brazoria offers a more prosperous economic base than its peers.

High Costs and Taxes Offset Income Gains

Brazoria's cost score of 57.9 reflects expensive housing (median home value $276,800 and median rent $1,410/month), while the tax score of 53.2 indicates a higher effective tax rate of 1.745%. These burdens consume much of the income advantage, leaving households with less discretionary wealth than higher-income sounds.

For Dual-Income Families Prioritizing Wages

Brazoria County suits higher-earning households (especially dual-income families) who can absorb elevated housing and tax costs in exchange for job opportunities and regional economic strength. It's less ideal for retirees or single-income households seeking to minimize expenses, as housing and tax burdens are substantial.

Score breakdown

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

Tax53.2Cost57.9SafetyComing SoonHealth64.7SchoolsComing SoonIncome45.5Risk6.4WaterComing Soon
🏛53.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠57.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼45.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤64.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡6.4
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 Brazoria County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Montgomery County
Texas
53.1
Median income: $97,266
Kaufman County
Texas
53
Median income: $88,606
Alameda County
California
53.3
Median income: $126,240
San Francisco County
California
53.3
Median income: $141,446
Williamson County
Texas
53.3
Median income: $108,309

Deep Dives

Brazoria County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Brazoria County

via TaxByCounty

Brazoria's taxes rank among the nation's highest

Brazoria County's effective tax rate of 1.745% significantly exceeds the national median of 1.09%, placing it in the top 15% of U.S. counties by tax burden. Homeowners pay a median of $4,831 annually—nearly 80% more than the national median of $2,690.

Among Texas's most heavily taxed counties

At 1.745%, Brazoria County's effective rate towers above Texas's 1.276% average, making it one of the state's priciest counties for property taxes. The median tax bill of $4,831 exceeds the state median by $2,638—a striking gap of 120%.

Substantially higher than Brazos and regional peers

Brazoria County's 1.745% rate far outpaces nearby Brazos County (1.637%) and represents the steepest tax climb in the region. Coastal location and higher home values combine to create a notably heavier tax burden here.

Your median annual tax bill: $4,831

On Brazoria County's median home value of $276,800, typical homeowners pay approximately $4,831 per year without a mortgage and $6,192 with one. This sizable annual obligation reflects the county's among-the-highest effective tax rate.

Challenge your appraisal—potential savings are significant

Given Brazoria County's high tax burden, a successful property tax appeal could yield substantial annual savings. Many homeowners never file, missing the free opportunity to dispute inflated assessments with the county appraisal district.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Brazoria County

via CostByCounty

Brazoria's higher incomes cushion housing costs

Brazoria County's median household income of $95,155—27% above the U.S. average—helps offset high rents and owner costs. Despite paying $1,410 monthly rent, residents spend only 17.8% of income on housing, a rate below the national norm and competitive with Texas.

Brazoria's income advantage shines statewide

Brazoria County ranks among Texas's highest-income areas, placing it comfortably in the state's affordable category despite absolute housing costs. The 17.8% rent-to-income ratio beats the state average of 18.1%, reflecting strong earning power.

Brazoria commands premium, backed by wages

Brazoria's $1,410 monthly rent and $276,800 median home value exceed nearby Galveston and Matagorda counties, yet affordability remains solid due to $95,155 median income. High earners here enjoy access to growing Houston suburbs without the overextension of lower-income peers.

Strong earners manage premium housing costs

Brazoria residents allocate 17.8% of income to rent and 20.4% to owner costs, both sustainable rates for a high-earning county. The $1,618 monthly owner cost feels manageable against the $95,155 median income, supporting the region's appeal to upwardly mobile families.

Brazoria suits relocators with strong income

If you're earning $90,000+ and considering Houston's suburbs, Brazoria's 17.8% rent-to-income ratio offers breathing room despite premium absolute costs. Compare it to pricier Harris County and you'll see why this fast-growing county attracts professionals seeking affordability with growth.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Brazoria County

via IncomeByCounty

Brazoria County ranks among America's wealthiest

Brazoria County's median household income of $95,155 significantly exceeds the national median of $74,755 by 27%, placing it well into the upper-income tier nationally. Its per capita income of $41,681 also towers above the Texas state average of $33,197, signaling strong economic capacity throughout the county.

Top earner among Texas counties

At $95,155, Brazoria County ranks among the highest-income counties in Texas, far outpacing the state average of $64,737. This exceptional performance reflects robust employment opportunities and strong household earning power across the region.

Brazoria dominates regional income competition

Brazoria's $95,155 household income towers over every county in this group—outearning Bosque ($69,339) by $25,816, Borden ($64,250) by $30,905, and dramatically outpacing Brewster, Briscoe, and Brooks. The county represents the clear economic engine of the region.

Strong incomes support premium housing values

Despite a median home value of $276,800—the highest among these counties—Brazoria's 17.8% rent-to-income ratio remains healthy and affordable. High household incomes ($95,155) enable residents to shoulder premium housing costs while maintaining financial flexibility.

Brazoria residents can aggressively build wealth

With median household income of $95,155 and manageable housing burden ratios, Brazoria County residents are positioned to invest heavily in retirement accounts, real estate, and diversified portfolios. The county's economic strength creates exceptional opportunities for long-term wealth accumulation and financial independence.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Brazoria County

via HealthByCounty

Brazoria Exceeds State Benchmarks

Brazoria County's life expectancy of 76.9 years surpasses Texas's 74.3-year average, placing residents among the healthier populations in the state. With 19.0% reporting poor or fair health, the county demonstrates strong overall population health.

Outperforming Texas Averages

Brazoria's 76.9-year life expectancy ranks 2.6 years above the Texas average, and its 14.9% uninsured rate beats the state's 19.8%. The county represents a health success story within Texas.

Regional Health Leader

Brazoria's 76.9-year life expectancy trails only Brewster (79.7) and Brazos (79.0) counties in the region, substantially outpacing Bowie's 72.3 years. The county also maintains strong provider capacity with 117 mental health providers per 100K.

Access Meets Coverage

Brazoria offers 65 primary care providers and 117 mental health providers per 100K residents, with only 14.9% uninsured. This combination of strong provider availability and high coverage rates enables consistent healthcare access across the county.

Maintain Your Coverage

Brazoria's success stems from strong insurance rates—keep it that way. If you're among the 14.9% without coverage, visit healthcare.gov to explore plans and sustain the community's health advantage.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Brazoria County

via RiskByCounty

Brazoria faces nearly double national risk

Brazoria County's composite risk score of 93.64 earns a Relatively Moderate rating and nearly doubles the national average. This Gulf Coast county ranks among America's highest-exposure areas to natural disasters.

Among Texas's riskiest counties statewide

Brazoria's 93.64 score towers 91% above Texas's state average of 49.00, placing it in the state's most hazardous tier. Few Texas counties face comparable multi-hazard intensity.

Highest risk in its coastal region

Brazoria (93.64) substantially exceeds nearby Brazos County (88.36) and Brooks County (60.81) in overall disaster exposure. Its Gulf proximity and low elevation create a uniquely hazardous setting.

Hurricanes, floods, and tornadoes converge

Hurricane risk of 96.91 and flood risk of 94.40 make Brazoria one of America's most hurricane-vulnerable counties, while tornado risk of 97.04 adds major severe-weather exposure. This trifecta of coastal and severe-storm hazards demands serious preparedness.

Flood and hurricane insurance are non-negotiable

Brazoria County residents must carry flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program and robust windstorm coverage—standard homeowners policies exclude both. Elevated construction, impact-resistant windows, and a reinforced shelter are essential investments in this highest-risk environment.

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.