countyscore
55.4
County Score
Safety 80.4Schools 79.1Disaster Risk 79

County Report Card

About Brewster County, Texas

High-Quality Living in West Texas

Brewster County earns a composite score of 55.4, outperforming the national median of 50.0. This indicates a higher-than-average quality of life for residents. It stands out as a high-performing rural destination on the national stage.

Leading the Texas Pack

With a score of 55.4, Brewster County far exceeds the Texas average of 41.9. It ranks as one of the most livable regions in the western part of the state. Its unique blend of safety and education makes it a state-wide leader.

Elite Safety and Superior Schools

The county shines with a high safety score of 80.4 and a school score of 79.1. It also enjoys a very low environmental risk score of 79.0. These factors create an incredibly secure and high-quality environment for raising a family.

Lower Incomes and Water Scarcity

An income score of 19.8 reflects a lower median household income of $52,612. Water resources are also a concern, with a score of 13.1 indicating potential supply or infrastructure issues. Residents must manage their budgets carefully given the low income rankings.

A Sanctuary for Families and Retirees

Brewster County is perfect for those seeking peace, safety, and excellent schools in a stunning natural setting. With median rents at a modest $768, it remains accessible for those not tied to high-paying metro jobs. It is a premier choice for remote workers or retirees prioritizing lifestyle over income.

2040608010024.555.180.450.479.119.87913.123.4Tax24.5Cost55.1Safety80.4Health50.4Schools79.1Income19.8Risk79Water13.1Weather23.455.4/100
This county
National avg
3 above average4 below average

Brewster County DNA

Foverall

How Brewster County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Brewster County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Disaster Risk (79/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (13.1/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
24.5-27.5
Cost
55.1
Safety
80.4+25.400000000000006
Health
50.4
Schools
79.1+25.099999999999994
Income
19.8-31.2
Risk
79+32
Water
13.1-44.9
Weather
23.4-32.6
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Think property taxes are too high in Brewster County?

Many homeowners in Brewster County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$216,000

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$768/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$216,000/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$30,720/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum4.1x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $52,612/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

63.4

per 100K

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

Terrell County
Texas
64
Presidio County
Texas
55.1
Pecos County
Texas
48.5
Jeff Davis County
Texas
63.3
Val Verde County
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Crockett County
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Crane County
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Ward County
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Deep Dives

Brewster County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 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

Safety in Brewster County

via CrimeByCounty

Exceptional West Texas Safety

Brewster County is an exceptionally safe area with a safety score of 99.3. Its total crime rate of 465.4 per 100,000 is roughly five times lower than the national average.

A State Safety Leader

The county far exceeds the Texas average safety score of 96.8. Its crime rate is also significantly lower than the state's 2,052.5 average, marking it a low-crime sanctuary.

Quiet and Secure Landscapes

Using data from three reporting agencies, Brewster maintains lower crime levels than many other tourist-heavy Texas counties. This consistent safety profile makes it a standout in the Big Bend region.

Minimal Risk to Residents

Property crime is remarkably low at 306.7 per 100,000, while violent crime sits at 158.7. Both figures are well below state and national norms, indicating very low risk for the community.

Protect Your Remote Property

The county's vast geography makes self-reliance and property security important. Simple measures like perimeter lighting can provide extra peace of mind in this quiet, expansive territory.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Brewster County

via SchoolsByCounty

Vast Landscapes and Intimate Schools

Brewster County provides education to 1,144 students through 6 schools across 4 school districts. The infrastructure is built for small cohorts, including 2 elementary schools and 1 high school for the entire region.

Exceptional Success in Far West Texas

Brewster County earns a high graduation rate of 95.1%, easily surpassing the state average of 91.6%. The county invests $8,298 per pupil, leading to a strong 59.0 school score that outranks many neighboring counties.

Alpine ISD Anchors the Region

Alpine ISD is the largest district, serving 954 students, while San Vicente ISD is remarkably small with only 9 students enrolled. There are no charter schools in the county, emphasizing a reliance on local independent school districts.

Town Centers and Isolated Rural Campuses

Schools are split evenly between town and rural settings, with an average school size of just 191 students. Alpine Elementary is the largest campus with 377 students, while Marathon Independent School District serves just 59 students PK–12.

Small-Town Living with Big Results

For families who value high academic outcomes and small class sizes, Brewster County is a standout choice. Consider the Alpine area for the most traditional school experience or Marathon for an incredibly small, personalized environment.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Water Quality in Brewster County

via WaterByCounty

Brewster County Faces Failing Water Grade

Brewster County is rated Grade F for drinking water compliance, with 20 health violations recorded over five years. The violation rate of 232.4 per 100,000 is roughly 40% of the Texas state average. While better than many neighbors, the frequency of violations still triggers a failing grade for local systems.

Watershed Health Reporting Pending for Brewster

The water bodies in Brewster County are not currently included in federal §303(d) impairment assessments. Consequently, no official data exists regarding the percentage of assessed waters failing to meet Clean Water Act standards. Federal reporting cycles have yet to characterize the health of this county's specific basins.

Metal and Inorganic Monitoring in the Big Bend

Eight monitoring sites in Brewster County have logged 858 measurements over the last five years. Local monitoring focuses heavily on physical characteristics, metals, and inorganics. These efforts are crucial for understanding the unique mineral profile of water in this arid West Texas region.

Rio Grande Flow Drops to 1% of Typical

The Rio Grande near Castolon is currently discharging only 7 cfs, a mere 1% of its long-term mean of 662 cfs. This represents an extreme hydrological deficit for the primary river in the region. Flow is nearly non-existent compared to historical averages for this station.

Exercise Caution During Extreme Water Scarcity

The near-total loss of flow in the Rio Grande combined with a Grade F compliance record requires heightened vigilance. Residents should be aware that metals and inorganics are top monitoring priorities in the area. Utilizing filtration and conserving water are critical steps while surface water sources are at such historic lows.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Brewster County

via WeatherByCounty

Arid Heat in the High Desert

Brewster County averages 67.9°F annually, staying well above the national median temperature. With only 12.0 inches of annual precipitation, it is one of the driest counties in the United States.

A Dry Outlier in the Lone Star State

While its average temperature of 67.9°F is close to the state average of 65.5°F, its rainfall is remarkably low. The county receives only about one-third of the 31.9 inches of rain typical for Texas.

The Epicenter of High Heat Days

Brewster County faces a staggering 144 days of extreme heat, far more than central or eastern counties. It represents the quintessential desert climate of Far West Texas, characterized by intense sun and minimal moisture.

Intense Sun and Brisk Desert Nights

July averages 83.4°F, but the dry air leads to 144 days of 90°F+ heat annually. Winters are cool and dry, averaging 51.1°F with a meager 0.6 inches of annual snowfall.

Water Conservation and Sun Protection

Strategic water storage and xeriscaping are vital in a region with only 12 inches of rain. UV protection and hydration are daily essentials for managing the nearly five months of extreme heat.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Brewster County

via SoilByCounty

The mysterious soils of the Big Bend

Brewster County presents a rugged landscape where comprehensive soil survey data is currently limited. While we lack a specific average pH, the region is known for its diverse desert and mountain mineralogy. Most local soils reflect the arid climate of the Trans-Pecos.

A complex and varied terrain

Specific percentages for sand, silt, and clay are not available for the county as a whole. Observed conditions range from rocky mountain slopes to silty desert basins. This variability means that soil workability can change drastically over just a few miles.

Adapting to arid soil conditions

With organic matter and water capacity data unavailable, we look to the hardy native flora as a guide. The plants that thrive here are masters of survival in low-nutrient, low-moisture environments. Successful gardening usually requires significant soil building and irrigation.

Flash floods and rocky runoff

While formal hydrologic groups are not listed, the steep terrain of Brewster County often leads to rapid drainage. In the basins, water may collect briefly during summer monsoons before evaporating. Understanding your specific site's slope is key to managing water here.

Embrace the desert in zone 8b

Hardiness zone 8b allows for a wide range of xeric plants, including agaves and yuccas. Many residents find success with raised beds and intensive soil conditioning to overcome the natural rocky terrain. Let the stunning desert landscape inspire your unique Brewster County garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Brewster County

via LawnByCounty

Texas' Most Challenging Lawn Environment

Brewster County has an extremely low lawn difficulty score of 5.2, making it nearly ten times harder to grow grass here than the national average. In this Zone 8b desert environment, traditional lawns are a massive undertaking.

Extreme Aridity and Blistering Heat

The county receives just 12.0 inches of annual precipitation, which is far below the 30-inch minimum for healthy turf. Compounding this, 144 days per year reach temperatures of 90°F or higher.

Start with a Soil Test

Standard soil data is currently unavailable for this region, making local soil testing your first priority before planting. Given the arid climate, expect to supplement your soil with organic matter to help retain every drop of water.

A Year of Constant Drought

The county has spent all 53 weeks of the past year in drought, with 82.7% currently facing Severe Drought (D2+). In these conditions, xeriscaping or ultra-drought-tolerant native grasses are the only sustainable options.

Choose Native for the Best Results

Buffalograss is the only realistic turf choice given the 12-inch annual rainfall and intense heat. Wait until the soil warms after the March 6 frost date to give your lawn its best chance at survival.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Brewster County's county score?
Brewster County, Texas has a composite county score of 55.4 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 Brewster County rank among counties in Texas?
Brewster County ranks #31 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 Brewster County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Brewster County is $2,644, with an effective tax rate of 1.22%. This earns Brewster County a tax score of 24.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Brewster County?
The median household income in Brewster County, Texas is $52,612 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Brewster County earns an income score of 19.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Brewster County, Texas a good place to live?
Brewster County scores 55.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #31 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Brewster 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 Brewster 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.