CountyScore

Brown County

Texas · TX

#121 in Texas
63
County Score

County Report Card

About Brown County, Texas

Brown County outpaces national average

Brown County's composite score of 69.0 sits well above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the upper half of U.S. counties. This 38% advantage over the national baseline reflects stronger-than-average affordability and tax efficiency across the board.

Slightly ahead of Texas average

Brown County ranks above Texas's state average composite score of 66.8, positioning it in the upper tier of Texas counties. This modest edge reflects consistent performance across measured dimensions, though the county has room to grow in income levels.

Affordability and low taxes shine

Brown County excels in housing affordability with a cost score of 80.6, where median home values of $149,900 and rents of $887/month are among the state's most accessible. The county's effective tax rate of 1.152% delivers a solid tax score of 69.9, keeping the overall cost of living in check.

Income levels lag behind state

The county's income score of 19.5 reflects median household earnings of $55,305, which trails many Texas peers and limits long-term wealth building for residents. Safety, health, schools, and water quality data are not yet available, leaving gaps in the complete livability picture.

Best for budget-conscious rural families

Brown County suits families and retirees prioritizing low housing costs and minimal tax burden over higher earning potential and urban amenities. The strong affordability metrics make it an attractive base for remote workers, fixed-income residents, and those seeking small-town living with measurable financial advantages.

Score breakdown

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

Tax69.9Cost80.6SafetyComing SoonHealth56.5SchoolsComing SoonIncome19.5Risk35.1WaterComing Soon
🏛69.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠80.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼19.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤56.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡35.1
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 Brown County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Shasta County
California
63
Median income: $71,931
Escambia County
Florida
63
Median income: $65,715
Walton County
Florida
63
Median income: $79,281
Mason County
Illinois
63
Median income: $62,127
Yates County
New York
63
Median income: $67,521

Deep Dives

Brown County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

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.