CountyScore

Burnet County

Texas · TX

#180 in Texas
59.9
County Score

County Report Card

About Burnet County, Texas

Burnet exceeds national baseline clearly

Burnet County's composite score of 64.6 towers above the national median of 50.0, representing a 29% advantage and placing it solidly in the upper third of U.S. counties. This strong showing reflects particular success in managing housing costs despite higher property values.

Just below Texas state average

Burnet County's 64.6 score sits slightly below Texas's 66.8 average, indicating respectable but not exceptional performance within the state. The county ranks in the middle-to-upper range of Texas counties despite its national standing.

Higher income and reasonable taxes

Burnet County boasts an income score of 33.8 with a median household income of $77,158, the highest among these eight counties and supporting long-term financial stability. The tax score of 70.6 reflects a 1.126% effective tax rate, keeping the fiscal burden modest despite higher property values.

Housing costs significantly higher

The cost score of 67.7 signals a real affordability challenge: median home values of $310,500 and rents of $1,324/month are the highest in this group, limiting accessibility for middle-income households. Missing data on safety, health, schools, water quality, and risk factors prevents a fuller livability assessment.

Perfect for affluent retirees and professionals

Burnet County appeals to established professionals, entrepreneurs, and retirees with solid incomes seeking Hill Country living and scenic natural amenities. The higher property values reflect desirable location and lifestyle; it's less suitable for first-time homebuyers or those prioritizing maximum housing affordability.

Score breakdown

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

Tax70.6Cost67.7SafetyComing SoonHealth59.8SchoolsComing SoonIncome33.8Risk23.4WaterComing Soon
🏛70.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠67.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼33.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤59.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡23.4
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 Burnet County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

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59.9
Median income: $79,661
Anne Arundel County
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59.9
Median income: $120,324
Delaware County
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59.9
Median income: $130,088
Oklahoma County
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Median income: $65,374

Deep Dives

Burnet County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Burnet County

via TaxByCounty

Burnet's higher property values drive tax bills

While Burnet County's effective rate of 1.126% remains below the national median of 1.8%, the county's median home value of $310,500 pushes annual tax bills to $3,495—29% above the national median property tax. This reflects Burnet's desirable Hill Country location and corresponding real estate premium.

Moderate rate, upscale property values

Burnet County's 1.126% effective rate runs slightly below Texas's average of 1.276%, but the county ranks higher in absolute taxes paid due to elevated home values. Annual property tax of $3,495 exceeds the state median of $2,193 by $1,302, reflecting Burnet's appeal to retirees and affluent Austinites.

Priciest homes in the regional cluster

Burnet County's $310,500 median home value dwarfs most neighbors—nearly double Callahan County's $144,800 and well above Camp County's $159,900. This wealth difference means Burnet residents pay the highest annual taxes in the region despite competitive rates, a trade-off for Hill Country desirability.

Hill Country premium in your tax bill

On Burnet County's $310,500 median home, annual property tax reaches approximately $3,495—or roughly $291 monthly. Mortgage escrow payments climb to $4,360 yearly, reflecting the county's upscale character and higher underlying values.

Protect your appraisal

Burnet's booming real estate market can trigger aggressive appraisals; many homeowners find their assessed values exceed comparable sales in the neighborhood. Review your appraisal notice carefully and don't hesitate to protest if recent neighborhood transactions suggest a lower fair market value.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Burnet County

via CostByCounty

Burnet County's premium Hill Country pricing

Burnet County renters dedicate 20.6% of income to rent, notably above the national average of 18.1% and the Texas state average of 18.1%. Despite a median income of $77,158 that slightly exceeds the national median of $74,755, Burnet's desirable Hill Country location commands higher housing costs.

Pricier than most Texas counties

Burnet County's 20.6% rent-to-income ratio and $1,324 median rent place it among the least affordable counties in Texas, driven by strong demand for its scenic Hill Country setting. Even well-earning households here allocate more to housing than typical Texas residents.

Premium pricing versus nearby Brown, Callahan

Burnet's $1,324 rent towers 50% above Brown County ($887) and 51% above Callahan County ($881), while its $310,500 median home value nearly doubles nearby counties. The tradeoff: Burnet offers natural beauty and recreation that justifies the premium for lifestyle-focused relocators.

Hill Country prestige costs real money

Renters spend $1,324 monthly while homeowners face $1,081 in monthly costs, with homes averaging $310,500—the highest in this eight-county comparison. On a $77,158 income, housing consumes 20.6% for renters and 17% for owners, leaving less discretionary income than more affordable neighbors.

Burnet for lifestyle, not budget movers

If you're relocating for Hill Country living and can afford the premium, Burnet delivers scenic beauty and strong home values at $310,500. Compare your household income against the $1,324 rent baseline to ensure this lifestyle choice aligns with your financial goals.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Burnet County

via IncomeByCounty

Burnet County tops national median

Burnet County's median household income of $77,158 exceeds the U.S. median of $74,755 by about 3%, placing it solidly above the national average. This strong performance reflects robust earning capacity for a rural Texas county.

Top earner in Texas

At $77,158, Burnet County significantly outpaces the Texas state average of $64,737, ranking in the top tier among all Texas counties. The $12,400+ annual income advantage signals an economically vibrant community.

Highest income in the region

Burnet County leads nearby Brown ($55,305), Callahan ($68,455), and Caldwell ($68,503) counties by $8,600 to $21,800 annually. The strong regional advantage reflects either higher-paying industries or more dual-income households concentrated in Burnet.

Housing costs rising with values

Despite strong incomes, Burnet County's 20.6% rent-to-income ratio shows housing costs are creeping upward relative to earnings. Median home values of $310,500—among the highest in the region—are accessible but require careful financial planning for many households.

Use income advantage wisely

Burnet County residents' above-average earnings position them well for aggressive wealth-building through real estate appreciation, stock market investments, and education funding. Prioritizing a diversified portfolio and consulting a financial advisor can help households maximize their income advantage over time.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Burnet County

via HealthByCounty

Burnet outpaces nation on life expectancy

Burnet County residents live to 76.9 years on average, nearly matching the U.S. benchmark of 77.2 years and besting it by 2.3 years. The 19.6% poor or fair health rate sits just above the national 17%, indicating relatively strong population health.

Texas health leaders rank Burnet highly

At 76.9 years, Burnet County's life expectancy ranks 2.6 years above the Texas state average of 74.3 years. The county's 19.5% uninsured rate nearly matches the state average of 19.8%, suggesting balanced coverage.

Burnet leads Central Texas in longevity

Burnet County's 76.9-year life expectancy outpaces Brown County (72.3 years) by 4.6 years and Caldwell County (75.7 years) by 1.2 years. This success reflects both good provider access and favorable health behaviors across the region.

Strong care infrastructure supports outcomes

Burnet County's 41 primary care providers and 89 mental health providers per 100K offer solid access to routine and behavioral health services. The near-state-average uninsured rate of 19.5% means most residents can afford to seek care when needed.

Maintain your health with good coverage

Burnet County's strong health outcomes reflect consistent access to care. If you're uninsured, visit Healthcare.gov or call 211 to secure a plan that keeps you and your family healthy and protected.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Burnet County

via RiskByCounty

Burnet County exceeds typical U.S. risk

Burnet County's composite risk score of 76.62 substantially exceeds the national average, though it still rates as Relatively Low. The county faces particularly elevated wildfire and tornado exposure.

Well above Texas average across hazards

At 76.62, Burnet County scores 56 percent higher than Texas's state average of 49.00, placing it among the state's higher-risk counties. Wildfire (88.87), tornado (84.76), and flood (82.28) risks all rank above state norms.

Highest risk in its immediate region

Burnet County's 76.62 composite score exceeds nearby Caldwell County's 79.77 narrowly but surpasses most other Central Texas peers significantly. Its wildfire risk of 88.87 is among the state's most severe.

Wildfires, tornadoes, and flooding converge

Wildfires represent Burnet's dominant threat at 88.87, fueled by cedar-oak woodlands during dry seasons. Tornadoes (84.76) and floods (82.28) round out a trio of significant seasonal hazards.

Multi-hazard insurance is essential

Burnet County homeowners should secure comprehensive coverage including wildfire, tornado, and flood protection—standard policies exclude all three. Defensible space management and a reinforced roof are critical investments given the 88.87 wildfire risk.

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.