countyscore
36.6
County Score
Water Quality 63.8Schools 61.5Cost of Living 50.6

County Report Card

About Brown County, Texas

Brown County Trails the National Median

With a composite score of 36.6, Brown County sits below the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a mix of strong affordability and education offset by lower rankings in health and safety.

Falling Short of the Texas Average

Brown County's 36.6 overall score is lower than the Texas state average of 41.9. While it offers a more affordable lifestyle than many urban hubs, it faces steeper challenges in infrastructure and public wellness.

Stable Schools and Local Resources

The county earns its highest marks for water quality at 63.8 and school performance at 61.5. Housing also remains accessible, with a median home value of $149,900 and a cost score of 50.6.

Navigating Safety and Health Hurdles

Public safety and health outcomes are significant areas for improvement, with scores of 21.4 and 21.6 respectively. Additionally, the income score of 25.6 reflects a median household income of $55,305, which is lower than many neighboring regions.

A Fit for Budget-Conscious Families

Brown County is best suited for families who prioritize low-cost living and solid public schools over high-income growth. Residents benefit from monthly rents averaging just $887, though they should be mindful of the lower health and safety rankings.

Score breakdown

Tax27.9Cost50.6Safety21.4Health21.6Schools61.5Income25.6Risk35.1Water63.8Weather31.4
🏛27.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠50.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼25.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡21.4
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤21.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓61.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡35.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧63.8
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤31.4
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱24.2
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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Deep Dives

Brown County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Brown County

via TaxByCounty

Brown County taxes rank low nationally

At 1.152%, Brown County's effective tax rate sits well below the national median of 1.8%, placing it in the bottom 30% of U.S. counties by tax burden. Homeowners here pay just $1,727 annually on a median home valued at $149,900—significantly less than the national median tax of $2,690.

Below average for Texas

Brown County's 1.152% rate ranks in the lower half of Texas counties, undercutting the state average effective rate of 1.276% by more than a tenth of a percentage point. This modest advantage means Brown County homeowners pay about $466 less annually than the state median property tax of $2,193.

One of the region's cheapest

Among nearby central Texas counties, Brown County competes well on affordability, with only Callahan County (1.096%) and Camp County (1.065%) offering lower rates in the immediate region. The surrounding area varies widely, from Burnet County's higher-value homes (1.126% rate) to Caldwell County's steeper burden (1.332%).

What $149,900 home costs annually

On Brown County's median home value, you'll pay roughly $1,727 in property tax each year—or about $144 per month. If you're financing that home, escrow payments to your lender average $2,415 annually, bundling taxes with insurance and mortgage insurance.

Review your property assessment

Many homeowners across Texas discover their assessed values exceed market reality, and Brown County is no exception. If you believe your home is overvalued, requesting a formal appraisal review or filing a protest with the county appraisal district could lower your bill substantially.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Brown County

via CostByCounty

Brown County rents outpace national norms

Brown County renters spend 19.3% of their income on rent, slightly above the national average of 18.1%—manageable but tightening household budgets. The median income here is $55,305, nearly $20,000 below the U.S. median of $74,755, meaning that extra percentage point hits harder on smaller paychecks.

Solidly affordable among Texas counties

Brown County's 19.3% rent-to-income ratio ranks it in the middle tier of Texas affordability, slightly above the state average of 18.1%. With median rent of $887 versus the state average of $963, renters here benefit from below-state-average housing costs.

Cheaper rents than Hill Country rivals

Brown County's $887 monthly rent undercuts nearby Burnet County by $437 and Caldwell County by $258, offering a real cost advantage for those seeking Central Texas living. However, neighboring Callahan County ($881) offers nearly identical affordability with slightly lower rent and owner costs.

Where Brown County incomes go

Renters spend $887 monthly while homeowners carry $777 in monthly costs, with median home values sitting at $149,900. On a $55,305 annual income, housing consumes roughly 19% of gross income for renters and 17% for owners—leaving adequate room for other essentials.

Brown County for the budget-conscious

If you're relocating to Central Texas on a modest budget, Brown County delivers lower rents and home values than trendier neighbors like Burnet while staying below state averages. Compare your income against the $887 rent baseline and $149,900 home prices to see if Brown County's affordability works for your move.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Brown County

via IncomeByCounty

Brown County lags national income

Brown County's median household income of $55,305 falls 26% below the U.S. median of $74,755. This places the county in the lower quartile nationally, indicating residents earn substantially less than the typical American household.

Below average for Texas

At $55,305, Brown County's median income trails the Texas state average of $64,737 by nearly $10,000 annually. The county ranks in the bottom third statewide, reflecting weaker earning power compared to most other Texas counties.

Neighboring counties earn more

Brown County residents earn $13,000 to $25,000 less annually than nearby Callahan ($68,455) and Burnet ($77,158) counties. The income gap suggests economic disparities across the region, with Brown County facing tighter household budgets.

Housing costs strain the budget

The 19.3% rent-to-income ratio indicates housing expenses consume roughly one-fifth of median household earnings, which is manageable but leaves limited discretionary income. With a median home value of $149,900, homeownership remains within reach for many, though incomes limit buying power for higher-priced properties.

Building financial stability matters

Brown County residents can strengthen their economic future by prioritizing emergency savings and exploring affordable investment vehicles suited to modest incomes. Even small, consistent contributions to retirement accounts and low-cost index funds compound over time, helping bridge the income gap with better-earning regions.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Brown County

via CrimeByCounty

Brown County Stays Below National Crime Levels

With a total crime rate of 2030.9 per 100K residents, Brown County is significantly safer than the national average of 2,385.5. The county earns an impressive safety score of 96.8 out of 100.

Matching the Texas Safety Standard

Brown County perfectly mirrors the state average safety score of 96.8. Its crime rate sits slightly below the Texas average of 2052.5 per 100K, reflecting a consistent safety profile for the region.

Local Comparison in Central Texas

Brown County reports lower crime than neighboring Caldwell County but sees higher activity than nearby Burleson. Eight local agencies work together to maintain these competitive safety metrics.

Property Crimes Outnumber Violent Incidents

Most reported activity involves property crime at 1708.6 incidents per 100K, while violent crime remains lower at 322.3. This violent crime rate stays below the national benchmark of 369.8.

Stay Proactive with Home Security

While local rates are favorable, property crimes represent the vast majority of local law enforcement activity. Installing smart cameras or alarm systems helps protect your property and supports community safety.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Brown County

via HealthByCounty

Brown County trails national life expectancy

At 72.3 years, Brown County residents live about 5 years less than the U.S. average of 77.2 years. The county's 20.9% poor or fair health rating exceeds the national average of 17%, signaling higher rates of chronic disease and health challenges.

Texas ranks ahead on state comparison

Brown County's 72.3-year life expectancy falls 2 years below Texas's 74.3-year state average, placing it in the lower half of Texas counties. The 20.9% poor health rate is close to the state trend, but life expectancy remains a concern.

Outpaced by healthier rural neighbors

Burnet County (76.9 years) and Caldwell County (75.7 years) both exceed Brown County's life expectancy by 3–4 years, despite similar uninsured rates. Brown County does offer 52 primary care providers per 100K, competitive with regional peers.

Lower uninsured rate masks access gaps

Brown County's 17.8% uninsured rate beats the state average of 19.8%, yet residents still struggle to find mental health support at just 204 providers per 100K. Primary care capacity at 52 per 100K is adequate, but mental health care remains sparse.

Explore coverage options in Brown County

Even with insurance rates above state average, health outcomes suggest unmet medical needs. Visit Healthcare.gov or call 211 to find affordable plans, sliding-scale clinics, and community health centers serving Brown County today.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Brown County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Network of Eight Dedicated Districts

Brown County manages a robust infrastructure of 22 public schools serving 6,409 students across eight distinct districts. The landscape includes eight elementary schools, three middle schools, and eight high schools, providing a complete path from PK through graduation. Three alternative schools and one charter option round out the local educational offerings.

Graduation Rates Outpace State Benchmarks

Students here achieve a 94.3% graduation rate, significantly higher than the Texas state average of 91.6% and the national average of 87.0%. While the per-pupil expenditure of $7,041 is slightly below the state average, the county’s composite school score of 55.9 remains competitive. These figures suggest that local educators are delivering strong results despite leaner budgets.

Brownwood ISD Leads the Way

Brownwood ISD is the county's primary educational provider, operating seven schools for 3,443 students. The Texas Juvenile Justice Department also maintains five specialized schools serving 567 students. Charter school options are limited, representing only 4.5% of the total school inventory.

Small-Town Feel with Personal Attention

Education in Brown County feels intimate, with an average school size of just 291 students. Thirteen schools are located in town settings while nine remain rural, offering families a choice between community hubs and quieter locales. Brownwood High School is the largest campus with 971 students, while many smaller rural schools offer highly personalized environments.

Excellent Outcomes for Home Seekers

Families looking for high graduation rates in a small-town atmosphere will find Brown County an attractive choice. Moving here means joining a community that prioritizes student success and efficient educational spending. Explore available properties near top-rated campuses like Woodland Heights Elementary today.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Brown County

via RiskByCounty

Brown County faces moderate U.S. risk

Brown County's composite risk score of 64.89 places it above the national average, driven primarily by significant wildfire and flood exposure. The county rates as Relatively Low overall, but ranks higher than many peers in wildfire vulnerability at 86.16.

Higher risk than most Texas counties

At 64.89, Brown County's composite risk score exceeds Texas's state average of 49.00 by 32 percent. This positions the county in the upper-middle tier of Texas natural disaster risk.

Wildfire sets Brown apart locally

Brown County's wildfire risk of 86.16 substantially outpaces neighboring Callahan County's 82.00, reflecting its geography and vegetation patterns. However, Brown's flood risk of 72.96 closely mirrors regional trends across Central Texas counties.

Wildfire and flood dominate here

Wildfires pose the most acute threat in Brown County, with a risk score of 86.16 that puts grassland and structures in direct danger during dry seasons. Flooding comes second at 72.96, particularly along creek systems during spring and summer storms.

Prepare for fire and water damage

Brown County residents should prioritize comprehensive homeowners insurance that covers both wildfire and flood damage, since standard policies exclude both. Consider clearing vegetation 30 feet from structures and ensuring your property is defensible against advancing flames.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Brown County

via WeatherByCounty

Standard Texas Warmth and Dry Air

Brown County averages 65.6°F annually, which is about 10 degrees warmer than the national median. Its 30.6 inches of rainfall is very close to the average for the United States.

A Typical Texas Climate Profile

Brown County almost perfectly represents the state average with a 65.6°F annual temperature and 30.6 inches of rain. It sits right in the heart of Texas, matching the state's typical weather patterns.

Drier than Eastern Central Neighbors

While it shares the 65°F average with Bosque County, Brown is notably drier by about 7 inches of annual rain. It maintains 116 extreme heat days, typical for the rolling plains of Central Texas.

Hot Summers with Rare Snow

Summer temperatures average 83.2°F, featuring 116 days over the 90°F mark. Winters are mild at 47.6°F, though the county sees a light average of 1.3 inches of snow most years.

Prepare for Flash Droughts

Given the 30.6 inches of rain, residents should use water-efficient landscaping to survive dry spells. Reliable HVAC maintenance is crucial for the 116 days of extreme summer heat.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Brown County

via SoilByCounty

A Snapshot of Brown County’s Terrain

While detailed taxonomic data is currently limited for this area, the regional landscape typically features diverse textures. Local growers should test their specific plots to determine if they align with the 6.5 national median pH or the 7.09 state average. Knowing your starting point is the first step toward a productive season.

Balancing Sand, Silt, and Clay

Specific percentages for sand, silt, and clay are unavailable in the current dataset for this county. Understanding these ratios is vital as they dictate how well your land retains water and nutrients. A simple jar test at home can help you identify if your soil leans toward sandy drainage or clay-heavy retention.

Evaluating Soil Health and Storage

Data regarding organic matter and available water capacity (AWC) is currently unavailable for this region. Most Texas soils hover around 1.66% organic matter, which serves as a fuel source for crops. Increasing organic content through composting remains a reliable strategy to improve even the toughest local ground.

Managing Water Flow and Drainage

Dominant drainage classes and hydrologic groups are not currently recorded for the county. This information usually determines where to place buildings or how to manage irrigation during dry spells. Observing how quickly puddles disappear after a heavy rain provides a practical estimate of your soil's permeability.

Planting Success in Zone 8a

Brown County sits in Hardiness Zone 8a, offering a long growing season for heat-tolerant favorites. Okra, peppers, and southern peas thrive in this climate when given proper care. Grab your tools and start a garden today to take advantage of the generous Texas sun.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Brown County

via LawnByCounty

Struggling with a Challenging Central Texas Climate

Brown County earns a lawn difficulty score of 24.2, which is significantly lower than the national median of 50.0 and below the Texas average of 31.7. Residents in Hardiness Zone 8a face an uphill battle maintaining green space in this semi-arid region. High summer temperatures mean your lawn requires more intervention than the typical American yard.

Heat Intensity Dominates the Mowing Calendar

With 116 extreme heat days annually, this county surpasses the state average of 105 days. The 30.6 inches of annual precipitation barely reaches the minimum ideal range for healthy turf, while 6,304 growing degree days keep grass active for most of the year. Expect a relentless mowing schedule that begins shortly after the last frost on March 22.

Adapting to Local Ground Conditions

While specific local soil composition data is limited, regional Central Texas trends often feature clay-heavy profiles that require aeration. Homeowners should perform independent soil tests to determine if their pH falls within the ideal 6.0 to 7.0 range for nutrient uptake. Adding organic matter can help improve water retention in this challenging environment.

Managing Water in Persistent Dry Spells

The county spent 29 weeks in drought over the last year, and 100% of the area is currently classified as abnormally dry. Conservation is critical here, as evaporation rates climb during the long, hot summers. Focus on deep, infrequent watering early in the morning to maximize absorption and build root resilience.

Selecting Hardy Turf for Brown County

Bermuda and Zoysia are the top choices for this climate due to their superior heat tolerance and ability to go dormant during drought. Aim to seed or sod after the final spring frost on March 22 but before the intense July heat arrives. With proper species selection, you can maintain a resilient lawn that survives the 116-day heat gauntlet.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Brown County's county score?
Brown County, Texas has a composite county score of 36.6 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 Brown County rank among counties in Texas?
Brown County ranks #172 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 Brown County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Brown County is $1,727, with an effective tax rate of 1.15%. This earns Brown County a tax score of 27.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Brown County?
The median household income in Brown County, Texas is $55,305 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Brown County earns an income score of 25.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Brown County, Texas a good place to live?
Brown County scores 36.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #172 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Brown 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 Brown County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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