Calhoun County

Texas · TX

#145 in Texas
61.7
County Score

County Report Card

About Calhoun County, Texas

Calhoun exceeds U.S. average significantly

Calhoun County's composite score of 65.5 surpasses the national median of 50.0 by 31%, placing it comfortably in the upper half of American counties. This national standing reflects balanced strength in affordability and moderate income levels.

Close to Texas state average

Calhoun County's 65.5 score sits just below the Texas state average of 66.8, indicating solid performance within the state context. The county ranks in the middle-to-upper segment of Texas counties.

Strong housing affordability and value

Calhoun County excels with a cost score of 76.2, offering median home values of just $150,000 and rents of $1,121/month—excellent value for the region. The income score of 30.3 reflects a median household income of $71,870, supporting comfortable middle-class living.

Tax burden slightly elevated

The tax score of 63.0 reflects a 1.397% effective tax rate, the highest among these eight counties and moderately above most peers. Missing data on safety, health, schools, water quality, and risk factors leaves important livability dimensions unmeasured.

Best for value-conscious families seeking balance

Calhoun County suits families balancing affordability with moderate income needs, particularly those drawn to coastal living or maritime-adjacent communities. The strong housing values and solid earning potential make it appealing to middle-income households despite slightly higher taxes.

Score breakdown

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

Tax63Cost76.2SafetyComing SoonHealth60.7SchoolsComing SoonIncome30.3Risk33.8WaterComing Soon
🏛63
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠76.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼30.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
60.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
33.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Deep Dives

Calhoun County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Calhoun County

via TaxByCounty

Calhoun County: Steepest tax burden here

Calhoun County's effective rate of 1.397% ranks among the nation's highest, exceeding the national median of 1.8% and placing the county in the top 25% of U.S. tax burdens. Despite a modest median home value of $150,000, annual property taxes average $2,095—78% of the national median tax despite lower-valued homes.

Texas's highest effective tax rate

At 1.397%, Calhoun County carries Texas's steepest effective tax rate among the counties profiled, significantly outpacing the state average of 1.276%. This translates to annual property taxes of $2,095—nearly matching the statewide median despite homes valued nearly $66,000 below the state norm.

Outlier with punishing tax rate

Calhoun County's 1.397% rate stands dramatically above all immediate neighbors—nearly a third higher than Caldwell's already-steep 1.332%, and more than double Burleson's 1.044%. This combination of high rates and modest home values makes Calhoun the most expensive county to own property in this regional cluster.

Coastal Texas's heavy tax load

On a $150,000 median home in Calhoun County, annual property taxes reach approximately $2,095—or about $175 per month. With mortgage escrow, the total climbs to $2,613 yearly, making homeownership here noticeably more expensive than in neighboring counties with similar home values.

Aggressive assessment review essential

In Calhoun County's high-tax environment, even minor overassessments compound into significant annual losses; a 5% appraisal error costs homeowners over $100 annually. Request a full appraisal comparison with recent sales and seriously consider filing a formal protest—many Calhoun homeowners succeed in lowering inflated assessments.

Cost of Living in Calhoun County

via CostByCounty

Calhoun County slightly above national norms

Calhoun County renters spend 18.7% of income on rent, marginally above the national average of 18.1% but matching the Texas state average of 18.1%. With a median household income of $71,870 near the national average of $74,755, residents face relatively balanced housing costs.

Middle-tier affordability in Texas

Calhoun County's 18.7% rent-to-income ratio sits just above the state average, making it a solidly affordable option across the Texas housing landscape. The $1,121 median rent exceeds the state average of $963, but income levels support this modestly higher cost.

Similar to Burleson, pricier than Hill Country

Calhoun's $1,121 rent aligns closely with Burleson County affordability at 15.0% and 18.1% rent-to-income ratios, but costs more than Brown ($887) or Callahan ($881). For homebuyers, Calhoun's $150,000 median value is the cheapest in this comparison, rivaling Brown County.

Balanced coastal living costs

Renters pay $1,121 monthly while homeowners carry just $772, with median homes valued at $150,000—the lowest among these eight counties. On a $71,870 income, renters allocate 18.7% to housing while owners spend just 13%, creating notably different affordability profiles by tenure.

Calhoun for affordable coastal living

If you're considering a move to the Texas Gulf Coast, Calhoun County delivers competitive rent at 18.7% of income and bargain home values at $150,000. Check your budget against these baselines to see if coastal living with genuine affordability appeals to your relocation goals.

Income & Jobs in Calhoun County

via IncomeByCounty

Calhoun County below U.S. median

Calhoun County's median household income of $71,870 lags the U.S. median of $74,755 by about 4%, placing it slightly below national norms. The county remains solidly middle-class, though earning power trails the typical American household.

Above Texas average

At $71,870, Calhoun County surpasses the Texas state average of $64,737 by roughly $7,130, ranking in the upper-middle tier of Texas counties. The $7,000+ advantage over state norms reflects a relatively strong local economy.

Upper-middle regional standing

Calhoun County's $71,870 income closely aligns with Burleson ($72,888) and significantly exceeds Brown ($55,305), Camp ($55,061), and Callahan ($68,455). The competitive standing suggests a stable economy with above-average employment opportunities.

Housing costs reasonable

Calhoun County's 18.7% rent-to-income ratio is comfortably below the 20% affordability threshold, indicating housing costs consume a manageable share of income. Median home values of $150,000 make homeownership accessible to most working households.

Capitalize on housing affordability

Calhoun County residents benefit from reasonable housing costs, freeing up income for wealth-building strategies like home equity accumulation and retirement investing. Those who prioritize homeownership early can build substantial net worth through property appreciation while maintaining financial flexibility.

Health in Calhoun County

via HealthByCounty

Calhoun life expectancy nears U.S. average

At 75.5 years, Calhoun County residents live just 1.7 years below the U.S. average of 77.2 years. The 20.2% poor or fair health rate sits 3 percentage points above the national 17%, reflecting moderate population health challenges.

Texas health metrics favorable for Calhoun

Calhoun County's 75.5-year life expectancy exceeds the Texas state average of 74.3 years by 1.2 years, while its 16.8% uninsured rate beats the state average of 19.8% by 3 percentage points. This combination suggests better-than-average health security.

Balanced health profile among peers

Calhoun County's life expectancy of 75.5 years falls between Brown County (72.3 years) and Burnet County (76.9 years). The county's 16.8% uninsured rate is the lowest among its regional neighbors, supporting better access to preventive care.

Good access, limited mental health support

Calhoun County offers 51 primary care providers per 100K, competitive with regional standards, and boasts the lowest uninsured rate at 16.8% among its peer group. However, only 25 mental health providers per 100K suggests residents may travel for behavioral health care.

Keep your coverage current in Calhoun

Calhoun County leads the region in insurance coverage rates, a key factor in its above-average life expectancy. Renew your health plan annually by visiting Healthcare.gov or calling 211 to maintain this protective advantage.

Disaster Risk in Calhoun County

via RiskByCounty

Calhoun County faces above-average risk

Calhoun County's composite risk score of 66.25 exceeds the national average, driven primarily by its coastal position and extreme hurricane exposure. The county rates as Relatively Low but masks concentrated coastal hazards.

Hurricane risk elevates statewide standing

At 66.25, Calhoun County scores 35 percent above Texas's state average of 49.00, with hurricane risk at 92.82 accounting for most of this elevation. The county's coastal geography creates this unique vulnerability profile.

Hurricane exposure sets it apart

Calhoun County's 92.82 hurricane risk far exceeds inland neighbors like Burleson County's 72.51, reflecting direct Gulf of Mexico exposure. Its overall 66.25 score sits between more protected inland counties and the extremely exposed Cameron County.

Hurricanes overwhelm other hazards

Hurricane risk dominates at 92.82, creating an acute threat during Atlantic basin season from June through November. Flooding (53.80) and wildfire (58.14) present secondary but lesser concerns.

Hurricane preparedness is paramount

Calhoun County residents must maintain hurricane-specific homeowners coverage and a separate flood policy, as wind damage alone reaches catastrophic levels. Install storm shutters, reinforce garage doors, and maintain a hurricane supply kit in this high-exposure zone.

ByCounty Network

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