countyscore
36.2
County Score
Income & Jobs 71.1Schools 55.1Lawn Care 40.8

County Report Card

About Calhoun County, Texas

Below the National Benchmark

Calhoun County posts a composite score of 36.2, trailing the national median of 50.0. While its economic metrics are solid, environmental and tax factors weigh down its overall standing.

Underperforming the Texas Standard

The county’s score of 36.2 sits below the Texas state average of 41.9. High local taxes and water infrastructure issues are the primary reasons for this state-level deficit.

Strong Earnings and Education

The county boasts a robust income score of 71.1, with a median household income of $71,870. Local schools also perform well, earning a score of 55.1.

Heavy Tax Burden and Water Risks

The effective tax rate of 1.397% results in a low tax score of 17.4. Additionally, the water score of 6.4 suggests that infrastructure for clean water is a notable local challenge.

A Coastal Hub for Skilled Workers

Calhoun County is a strong fit for skilled workers who value high wages and decent schools. However, prospective residents must account for a higher-than-average tax burden and potential water quality issues.

2040608010017.438.732.934.555.171.133.86.425.8Tax17.4Cost38.7Safety32.9Health34.5Schools55.1Income71.1Risk33.8Water6.4Weather25.836.2/100
This county
National avg
1 above average6 below average

Calhoun County DNA

Foverall

How Calhoun County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Calhoun County falls below the national average in most categories. The biggest gap is in Water Quality (6.4/100), though Income (71.1/100) remains a relative bright spot.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
17.4-34.6
Cost
38.7-9.299999999999997
Safety
32.9-22.1
Health
34.5-15.5
Schools
55.1
Income
71.1+20.099999999999994
Risk
33.8-13.200000000000003
Water
6.4-51.6
Weather
25.8-30.2
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Many homeowners in Calhoun County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$150,000

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,121/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$150,000/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$44,840/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.1x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $71,870/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

35.1

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

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Nearby counties

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23.6
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Deep Dives

Calhoun County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

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.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Calhoun County

via CrimeByCounty

Calhoun County Remains Below National Averages

Calhoun County secures a safety score of 97.5, indicating a high level of security for its residents. Its total crime rate of 1575.0 per 100K is well below the national average of 2,385.5.

Exceeding Texas State Safety Metrics

Calhoun County's safety score of 97.5 beats the Texas average of 96.8. Its total crime rate is also lower than the state's average of 2052.5 per 100K, making it a relatively safe Texas choice.

Comparative Safety in Coastal Regions

Calhoun County reports fewer crimes than Cameron or Caldwell counties, though it has slightly more activity than Burleson. Seven reporting agencies manage law enforcement across the county's various districts.

Understanding Local Crime Categories

Property crime accounts for 1351.4 incidents per 100K, while violent crime remains low at 223.6. Both metrics sit comfortably below national property and violent crime averages.

Guard Your Coastal Property Effectively

With property crime as the most common issue, residents should focus on securing garages and sheds. Simple deterrents like motion-activated lights can make a significant difference in preventing theft.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Calhoun County

via SchoolsByCounty

One Unified District Serving the Coast

Calhoun County operates a streamlined educational system of seven public schools all contained within a single district. Serving 3,530 students, the infrastructure includes four elementary schools, one middle school, and two high schools. This unified approach ensures consistent standards and resources across the entire county.

Strong Success with 95% Graduation Rate

Academic achievement is high, with a 95.0% graduation rate that comfortably exceeds both state and national averages. The county spends $6,376 per pupil, maintaining a competitive school score of 54.8. These numbers indicate a focused and efficient use of resources to drive student completion.

Calhoun County ISD’s Total Coverage

Calhoun County ISD is the sole provider for the area, ensuring every student from Port Lavaca to Seadrift benefits from the same administration. There are no charter schools, keeping the community's focus entirely on the local public school system. This single-district model simplifies logistics for families moving into the area.

Town Life with Mid-Sized Classrooms

Five of the county's schools are located in town settings, while two serve more rural areas near the coast. The average school size is 504 students, with Calhoun High School acting as the largest campus with 987 students. Schools like Seadrift offer a smaller PK-8 environment for families seeking a more integrated experience.

Coastal Living Meets Academic Excellence

Families moving to Calhoun County can enjoy the Texas coast while knowing their children are in a district with a 95% graduation rate. The consolidated district makes it easy to research any home location without worrying about shifting school quality. Explore waterfront properties or townhomes within the Calhoun County ISD boundaries today.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Calhoun County

via WaterByCounty

Calhoun County Matches State Violation Average

The county received a Grade F after reporting 122 health violations over the last five years. At 582.5 violations per 100,000 residents, Calhoun is almost exactly in line with the Texas state average of 581.9. These figures indicate that drinking water compliance remains a consistent challenge for local utilities.

Watershed Assessment Data Not Available

Federal §303(d) assessments have not been completed for the water bodies within Calhoun County. Because these waters haven't been evaluated in the latest cycle, there is no official impairment percentage. Information on top impairment causes is also unavailable at this time.

Broad Monitoring Coverage Across Eighty-Nine Sites

Calhoun County maintains a dense network of 89 monitoring sites, recording 7,308 measurements recently. Beyond physical and inorganic tests, the county sees significant monitoring of organics and pesticides. This diverse testing regime is vital for a coastal county with varied industrial and agricultural inputs.

Guadalupe River Flowing Below Normal

The USGS gauge near Tivoli shows a discharge of 992 cfs for the Guadalupe River. This current flow reaches 82% of the long-term mean of 1,206 cfs. While the river is not at record lows, it is currently underperforming compared to historical trends.

Pesticide Monitoring Highlights Need for Care

With a high volume of pesticide and organic monitoring, residents should be mindful of chemical runoff into local sources. The Grade F compliance record suggests that household water filtration is a prudent safeguard. Watch for local advisories when the Guadalupe River flow stays below its 1,206 cfs mean.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Calhoun County

via WeatherByCounty

Tropical Influence Along the Coast

Calhoun County’s annual average temperature of 71.4°F is significantly higher than the national median. The coastal location creates a humid environment with high annual rainfall of 41.4 inches.

One of the State's Warmer Corners

Calhoun surpasses the state average temperature of 65.5°F by nearly 6 degrees. Its 41.4 inches of precipitation is nearly 10 inches higher than the Texas average, reflecting its Gulf Coast position.

Moderated Heat Compared to Inland Counties

While very warm, Calhoun only sees 67 days of extreme heat, which is nearly half as many as inland Burleson. The Gulf breezes keep summer highs more manageable than in the Texas interior.

Mild Winters and Humid Summers

Winter is exceptionally mild with a January average of 55.3°F and no snow. Summer humidity is the primary challenge, even though extreme heat days are fewer than in central Texas.

Protect Against Humidity and Rain

With 41.4 inches of rain, residents must focus on flood preparedness and moisture control. Dehumidifiers are essential indoor tools to combat the heavy coastal humidity during the 83.9°F summer months.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Calhoun County

via SoilByCounty

Coastal Alkaline Soils

Calhoun County soils feature an average pH of 7.26, placing them on the alkaline side of the 6.5 national median. While specific taxonomic data is limited, the soil score of 26.7 indicates a challenging environment that requires informed management. Growers here must account for this alkalinity when selecting fertilizers and crops.

Sandy Texture with Moderate Clay

With 52.9% sand, the soil has a gritty texture that typically allows for good aeration at the surface. The 22.9% clay content provides enough body to prevent it from being pure beach sand, helping to hold some nutrients in place. This mixture is characteristic of the coastal transition zones found along the Gulf.

Managing Lean Water Capacity

Organic matter reaches 1.70%, which is slightly better than the 1.66% state average. However, the available water capacity is only 0.101 in/in, falling well below the state average of 0.133. This means your plants will likely need more frequent irrigation during the dry spells of the Texas summer.

Slow Infiltration in Group D

Calhoun County is classified under hydrologic group D, which indicates very slow infiltration rates and high runoff potential. Despite the high sand content at the surface, heavy clay layers or a high water table likely restrict deep drainage. This makes the land prone to standing water after heavy coastal storms.

Coastal Growing in Zone 9b

The warm 9b Hardiness Zone allows for almost year-round gardening, including tropical fruits and winter greens. Salt-tolerant species and heat-loving hibiscus thrive in this coastal climate. Grab your seeds and take advantage of the long, sun-drenched growing season today.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Calhoun County

via LawnByCounty

Coastal Conditions Offer a Growth Advantage

Calhoun County earns a lawn difficulty score of 40.8, which is much higher—and therefore easier—than the Texas average of 31.7. Located in Hardiness Zone 9b, the coastal influence provides a more stable environment for lawns than inland counties. You still face some challenges, but you start from a better position than most Texans.

Abundant Water and Moderate Summer Heat

The county receives 41.4 inches of rain annually, placing it perfectly within the ideal range for healthy turf. Notably, it only sees 67 extreme heat days per year, far fewer than the state average of 105. This moisture and relative coolness, combined with 7,918 growing degree days, creates a massive window for active grass growth.

Sandy Soil with High Nutrient Needs

Calhoun County's soil is 52.9% sand, which allows for excellent drainage but can lead to rapid nutrient leaching. The pH of 7.26 is slightly above the ideal range, meaning you may need to supplement with acidic fertilizers or iron. Frequent, light fertilization is often more effective than heavy applications in these sandy coastal conditions.

Monitoring Moisture in the Coastal Heat

Despite the high rainfall, 100% of the county is currently in severe drought, having faced 31 dry weeks over the past year. In sandy soils, moisture disappears quickly, so even a short dry spell can lead to turf stress. Focus on increasing the organic content of your soil to help hold onto that 41.4 inches of annual rain.

Thriving in a Year-Round Season

With a final frost as early as February 4 and a first frost in late December, you have a nearly year-round growing season. St. Augustine is the king of the coast here, thriving in the sandy soil and humid air. Start your lawn projects in late February to take full advantage of the long, productive growing window.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Calhoun County's county score?
Calhoun County, Texas has a composite county score of 36.2 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 Calhoun County rank among counties in Texas?
Calhoun County ranks #177 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 Calhoun County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Calhoun County is $2,095, with an effective tax rate of 1.40%. This earns Calhoun County a tax score of 17.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Calhoun County?
The median household income in Calhoun County, Texas is $71,870 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Calhoun County earns an income score of 71.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Calhoun County, Texas a good place to live?
Calhoun County scores 36.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #177 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Calhoun 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 Calhoun County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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