CountyScore

Brewster County

Texas · TX

#52 in Texas
67.1
County Score

County Report Card

About Brewster County, Texas

Brewster Tops National Median Respectably

Brewster County scores 68.0, exceeding the national median of 50.0 by 36%, placing it clearly in the above-average tier of U.S. counties. This solid performance reflects particular strength in housing affordability and tax burden, though income remains a weak point.

Slightly Above Texas Average

Brewster's 68.0 edges past Texas's state average of 66.8 by just 1.8%, placing it in the upper-middle tier of Texas counties. While above average, it trails the state's true leaders and represents incremental—rather than exceptional—strength.

Exceptional Housing Affordability

Brewster shines with a cost score of 80.7 and the lowest median rent ($768/month) among these eight counties, plus reasonable home prices at $216,000 median value. The tax score of 67.8 with an effective rate of 1.224% adds to the affordability picture.

Very Low Incomes and Missing Critical Data

Brewster's income score of 17.7 reflects a median household income of only $52,612—the second-lowest in this sample—signaling limited earning potential and economic opportunity. Safety, health, schools, risk, and water quality data are entirely absent, leaving major livability questions unresolved.

Rural Haven for Low-Cost, Self-Sufficient Living

Brewster County appeals to rural-minded households (retirees, remote workers, or entrepreneurs) who prioritize minimal housing costs and tax burdens over income opportunities. It's ideal for those with external income (pensions, online work) who value wide-open spaces and desert living; less suitable for wage-dependent families seeking stable local employment.

Score breakdown

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

Tax67.8Cost80.7SafetyComing SoonHealth60.7SchoolsComing SoonIncome17.7Risk79WaterComing Soon
🏛67.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠80.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼17.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤60.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡79
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 Brewster County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Elbert County
Georgia
67.1
Median income: $49,727
Wayne County
Illinois
67.1
Median income: $53,107
Monroe County
Indiana
67.1
Median income: $63,372
Warren County
Iowa
67.1
Median income: $92,990
Webster County
Iowa
67.1
Median income: $68,054

Deep Dives

Brewster County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Brewster County

via TaxByCounty

Brewster's tax rate sits slightly above national average

Brewster County's effective tax rate of 1.224% modestly exceeds the national median of 1.09%, placing it in the upper-middle tier of U.S. counties. The median property tax of $2,644 nearly matches the national median of $2,690, with regional home values accounting for the difference.

Nearly in line with Texas statewide rate

At 1.224%, Brewster County's effective rate runs slightly below Texas's 1.276% average, ranking it as a fairly typical Texas county. The median tax of $2,644 sits close to the state median of $2,193, making Brewster representative of statewide tax burden.

Moderate taxes for West Texas region

Brewster County's 1.224% rate exceeds the ultra-low Borden County (0.468%) but stays below the higher rates seen in East Texas counties like Bowie (1.296%). The county occupies a middle ground in the broader Texas tax landscape.

Your median annual tax bill: $2,644

On Brewster County's median home value of $216,000, homeowners pay approximately $2,644 per year without a mortgage and $2,818 with one. These moderate figures reflect Brewster's balanced position in both effective rate and property values.

Appeal your assessment to find savings

Brewster County homeowners can challenge their property valuations free of charge through the local appraisal district. Many properties are assessed above fair market value, and a successful appeal could reduce your annual tax obligation.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Brewster County

via CostByCounty

Brewster balances low income with low rents

Brewster County's $52,612 median income is 30% below the U.S. average, yet residents spend just 17.5% on rent—better than the national norm. The $768 monthly rent takes advantage of rural West Texas pricing, offering renters genuine value despite constrained overall earnings.

Brewster holds solid ground statewide

With a 17.5% rent-to-income ratio, Brewster County sits just below Texas's 18.1% average despite one of the state's lowest income levels. This suggests Brewster's rural market delivers affordable housing relative to resident earnings.

Brewster's rents lead Big Bend region

Brewster's $768 monthly rent is among the lowest in Far West Texas, with only Presidio County offering comparable rates. The $216,000 median home value remains accessible compared to El Paso or Alpine, making Brewster an outlier for Big Bend affordability.

Renting offers relief in Brewster

Brewster renters spend 17.5% of income on housing, while homeowners spend roughly 20.9% on owner costs. This 3.4-point advantage for renters makes leasing the more affordable option, though both are sustainable at prevailing wage levels.

Brewster suits remote workers and retirees

If you're relocating for Big Bend natural beauty on a modest income, Brewster's 17.5% rent-to-income ratio and $768 monthly rents are hard to beat. Remote workers or those with flexible income may find this isolated county offers outstanding housing affordability.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Brewster County

via IncomeByCounty

Brewster County income falls significantly below U.S. average

Brewster County's median household income of $52,612 trails the national median of $74,755 by 30%, placing it well into the lower-income category nationally. Its per capita income of $36,716 exceeds the Texas state average of $33,197, but household earnings remain constrained.

Lower-income county within Texas

At $52,612, Brewster County's median household income runs 19% below the Texas state average of $64,737, ranking it in the lower tier among the state's counties. The significant income gap reflects economic challenges and limited high-wage employment opportunities in the region.

Brewster ranks in lower-middle income band

Brewster's $52,612 household income outearns only Briscoe ($41,188) and Brooks ($31,310) among this group but significantly trails Brazoria ($95,155), Bosque ($69,339), and Borden ($64,250). The county faces notable income disadvantages relative to stronger regional performers.

Moderate rent burden with elevated home values

Brewster's 17.5% rent-to-income ratio sits in the manageable range, but median home values of $216,000 remain high relative to the $52,612 household income. This mismatch signals that homeownership affordability is challenging for many Brewster County residents despite reasonable rental burdens.

Brewster residents should focus on income growth

With median household income at $52,612 and moderately high housing costs, Brewster County residents should prioritize building stable employment and emergency savings. Exploring skill-building, job training, and side income opportunities can help households incrementally increase earning power.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Brewster County

via HealthByCounty

Brewster Tops Texas Life Expectancy

Brewster County's life expectancy of 79.7 years exceeds Texas's 74.3-year average by over 5 years, marking exceptional health achievement. With 17.9% reporting poor or fair health, the county demonstrates strong population resilience despite geographic and economic challenges.

Texas's Longevity Leader

Brewster's 79.7-year life expectancy ranks highest in Texas, beating the state average by 5.4 years. However, its 22.7% uninsured rate exceeds Texas's 19.8%, highlighting a gap between health outcomes and insurance coverage.

Paradox of Rural Health

Brewster ties Brazos for the region's highest life expectancy (79.7 and 79.0 years respectively) while maintaining the region's highest uninsured rate at 22.7%. The county compensates with exceptional provider density—127 primary care and 179 mental health providers per 100K, the region's best.

Providers Trump Insurance Gaps

Brewster boasts 127 primary care providers and 179 mental health providers per 100K—far exceeding state norms and neighboring counties. Despite 22.7% uninsured, the abundance of local providers and likely community health initiatives sustain the county's health leadership.

Close the Coverage Gap

Brewster's strong health outcomes shouldn't hide its insurance challenge: nearly 1 in 4 residents are uninsured. Visit healthcare.gov or contact local health centers to access coverage options and fully utilize your county's excellent provider network.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Brewster County

via RiskByCounty

Brewster sits well below national disaster risk

Brewster County's composite risk score of 21.06 earns a Very Low rating and sits 57% below the national average. This remote West Texas county enjoys comparatively low exposure to natural disasters nationwide.

Among Texas's safer counties

Brewster's 21.06 score sits 57% below the Texas state average of 49.00, placing it in the lower-risk tier statewide. Its remote location shields it from many hazards affecting more populated regions.

Safer than most regional counterparts

Brewster (21.06) outperforms nearby Borden (5.69) only slightly but substantially beats Bowie (79.01) and Brazoria (93.64). Its isolated Big Bend location reduces exposure compared to more accessible counties.

Wildfire is the primary natural hazard

Wildfire risk of 88.68 makes this Brewster's dominant threat, reflecting the county's arid terrain and sparse vegetation. Earthquake risk (26.53) and flood risk (33.75) present secondary concerns, while tornado and hurricane threats remain minimal.

Wildfire and earthquake coverage recommended

Brewster County residents should ensure their homeowners policy includes wildfire protection and consider earthquake coverage given the county's geological setting. Defensible space around structures and evacuation planning are practical wildfire protections for this remote county.

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.