CountyScore

Caldwell County

Texas · TX

#207 in Texas
57.3
County Score

County Report Card

About Caldwell County, Texas

Caldwell ranks solidly above national median

Caldwell County's composite score of 64.3 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 29%, positioning it in the upper half of American counties. This advantage reflects meaningful progress on affordability and tax management despite moderate income levels.

Slightly below Texas state performance

Caldwell County scores 64.3 versus the Texas state average of 66.8, placing it just slightly below state average but still within a competitive range. The county ranks in the solid middle tier of Texas counties overall.

Balanced cost and tax structure

Caldwell County delivers a cost score of 72.9 with median home values of $215,600 and rents of $1,145/month, offering reasonable pricing for the region. The tax score of 64.8 reflects a 1.332% effective rate, supporting overall affordability despite being among the higher rates in this group.

Income levels lag neighboring counties

The income score of 28.1 and median household income of $68,503 fall below several peers, potentially limiting upward mobility and long-term wealth accumulation. Critical data on safety, health, school quality, water, and risk factors remain unavailable.

Suits working families seeking stability

Caldwell County appeals to working families and first-time homebuyers who value reasonable real estate costs and manageable tax burden over maximum earning potential. Its mid-range affordability and moderate income profile make it accessible to solid middle-income households seeking steady community growth.

Score breakdown

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

Tax64.8Cost72.9SafetyComing SoonHealth51SchoolsComing SoonIncome28.1Risk20.2WaterComing Soon
🏛64.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠72.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼28.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤51
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡20.2
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 Caldwell County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Erie County
New York
57.3
Median income: $71,175
Val Verde County
Texas
57.3
Median income: $59,673
Wharton County
Texas
57.3
Median income: $66,100
Pierce County
Washington
57.3
Median income: $96,632
Taylor County
Texas
57.2
Median income: $66,406

Deep Dives

Caldwell County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Caldwell County

via TaxByCounty

Caldwell County taxes exceed national norm

Caldwell County's effective rate of 1.332% ranks above the national median of 1.8%, placing it in the top 40% of highest-tax U.S. counties. With annual property taxes averaging $2,871 on a $215,600 median home, Caldwell residents carry a notably heavier burden than most American homeowners.

Above-average burden in Texas

At 1.332%, Caldwell County's effective rate exceeds the Texas average of 1.276% by more than half a percentage point—one of the state's steeper rates. Homeowners pay $2,871 annually, compared to the state median of $2,193, a $678 premium reflecting the county's cost structure.

Highest rate in the immediate region

Caldwell County's 1.332% effective rate stands out as the highest among nearby counties, roughly a quarter-point above Burnet (1.126%) and more than twice Burleson's rate (1.044%). This regional outlier status makes Caldwell a more expensive place to own property, all else equal.

Regional high in annual property tax

On Caldwell County's $215,600 median home, residents pay approximately $2,871 yearly in property taxes—about $239 per month. With mortgage escrow included, annual costs rise to $3,511, making Caldwell among the costlier central Texas counties for homeownership.

Challenge questionable assessments

Higher tax rates make overassessment especially costly in Caldwell County; even small appraisal errors compound into larger annual bills. Request your appraisal district's recent sales data, compare your assessed value to similar homes sold nearby, and file a protest if the numbers don't align.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Caldwell County

via CostByCounty

Caldwell County exceeds national housing burden

Caldwell County renters spend 20.1% of income on rent, above both the national average of 18.1% and the Texas state average of 18.1%. With a median household income of $68,503 trailing the national average of $74,755, the extra housing cost burden hits resident wallets harder.

Among Texas's least affordable counties

Caldwell County ranks in the lower affordability tier statewide, with a 20.1% rent-to-income ratio and $1,145 median rent both exceeding state averages. The county's rapid growth and proximity to Austin have driven up housing costs faster than local incomes.

More expensive than Brown, Callahan, Camp

Caldwell's $1,145 rent exceeds Brown County ($887), Callahan County ($881), and Camp County ($774) by 29–48%, while its $215,600 median homes cost 50% more than Camp or Callahan. For budget-conscious movers, nearby counties offer significantly better value.

Rapid growth driving up housing costs

Renters pay $1,145 monthly while homeowners carry $962, with a median home value of $215,600 reflecting Caldwell's appeal to Austin-area commuters. On a $68,503 income, housing claims 20.1% for renters and 17% for owners, leaving tighter margins than slower-growing neighbors.

Caldwell for Austin commuters with budget

If you're relocating to the Austin metro area and prioritize proximity over affordability, Caldwell County offers newer growth and reasonable commute times. Test whether your household income can comfortably absorb the $1,145 monthly rent or $215,600 home prices while maintaining savings.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Caldwell County

via IncomeByCounty

Caldwell County near national norms

Caldwell County's median household income of $68,503 falls 8% below the U.S. median of $74,755, reflecting modestly lower earning capacity. While below the national average, the county remains solidly middle-class by American standards.

Middle-tier income in Texas

At $68,503, Caldwell County exceeds the Texas state average of $64,737 by roughly $3,750, ranking in the middle-upper segment of Texas counties. The moderate advantage over state norms reflects a reasonably healthy local economy.

Mixed standing regionally

Caldwell County's $68,503 income trails Burnet ($77,158) and Burleson ($72,888) but exceeds Brown ($55,305) and Camp ($55,061) counties significantly. The county sits in the regional middle, suggesting moderate prosperity compared to both stronger and weaker neighboring economies.

Housing costs elevated

Caldwell County's 20.1% rent-to-income ratio indicates housing expenses consume one-fifth of median income, approaching the affordability threshold. With median home values at $215,600, rising property prices may strain some households, though core affordability remains intact for employed residents.

Focus on debt reduction first

Caldwell County residents should prioritize paying down high-interest debt and building emergency reserves before aggressive investing, given elevated housing costs. Once housing stability is secure, even modest monthly investments in tax-advantaged retirement accounts can generate substantial long-term wealth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Caldwell County

via HealthByCounty

Caldwell life expectancy trails U.S. average

Caldwell County residents average 75.7 years, falling 1.5 years short of the U.S. life expectancy of 77.2 years. The county's 25.1% poor or fair health rate is notably high, exceeding the national 17% by 8 percentage points—among the highest in its region.

Below-average Texas health outcomes

Caldwell County's 75.7-year life expectancy tops the Texas average of 74.3 years by only 1.4 years, while the 22.8% uninsured rate significantly exceeds the state's 19.8%. These metrics suggest structural barriers to health care access.

Caldwell faces unique health challenges

Caldwell County's 25.1% poor health rate outpaces every neighboring county—Brown (20.9%), Burnet (19.6%), and Calhoun (20.2%). Despite offering 82 mental health providers per 100K, the county's limited primary care at just 26 per 100K may constrain preventive care.

Primary care shortage compounds coverage gaps

Caldwell County's 22.8% uninsured rate is the highest in its peer group, and with only 26 primary care providers per 100K, many residents lack routine access to preventive care. The mental health provider network at 82 per 100K suggests some behavioral health capacity, but affordability remains a barrier.

Affordable coverage starts with a call

Caldwell County's high uninsured and poor health rates demand immediate action. Call 211 or visit Healthcare.gov to explore low-cost plans, Medicaid eligibility, and community health center locations near you today.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Caldwell County

via RiskByCounty

Caldwell County faces elevated U.S. risk

Caldwell County's composite risk score of 79.77 substantially exceeds the national average, ranking as Relatively Low but in the upper tier of county exposure. Flood and tornado risks drive this elevated profile.

Among Texas's highest-risk counties

At 79.77, Caldwell County scores 63 percent above Texas's state average of 49.00, placing it in the top tier for natural disaster risk. Tornado (82.86), flood (87.12), and wildfire (68.00) risks all outpace state averages.

Riskiest county in its cluster

Caldwell County's 79.77 score edges above nearby Burnet County's 76.62, making it the riskiest county in the Central Texas cluster. Its flood risk of 87.12 is particularly acute compared to neighbors.

Flooding and tornadoes dominate threats

Flood risk reaches 87.12 in Caldwell County, reflecting its position along the San Marcos River and vulnerability to spring storms. Tornado exposure at 82.86 makes spring months particularly hazardous.

Flood and tornado coverage non-negotiable

Caldwell County residents must carry separate flood insurance and comprehensive homeowners coverage—standard policies don't cover either threat. Elevating critical systems, installing a safe room, and maintaining drainage systems are vital protective steps.

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.