CountyScore

Chambers County

Texas · TX

#161 in Texas
61.2
County Score

County Report Card

About Chambers County, Texas

Chambers performs solidly above national norm

Chambers County's composite score of 61.5 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 11.5 points, placing it in the above-average range nationally. However, it trails most peer Texas counties, suggesting it offers good but not exceptional livability relative to comparable regions.

Below-average performer within Texas

Chambers County's 61.5 score falls below Texas's statewide average of 66.8, ranking it among the weaker performers in the state's county livability rankings. The gap suggests residents face steeper trade-offs than those in higher-scoring Texas counties.

Strong incomes offset housing costs

Chambers County's income score of 53.9 is the highest among these eight counties, supported by a median household income of $108,114. A tax score of 70.3 backed by a 1.135% effective tax rate provides moderate tax relief for higher-earning residents.

Housing costs strain household budgets

Chambers's cost score of 56.8—the lowest in this group—reflects the county's affordability challenge: median home values of $289,900 and rents at $1,548 monthly. These housing costs consume a larger share of household income, even for above-average earners, limiting financial flexibility.

Best for affluent professionals seeking convenience

Chambers County suits high-income professionals prioritizing location and proximity to job centers over maximum affordability. Its stronger household incomes and moderate taxes provide comfort, but housing costs require solid six-figure earnings for comfortable living.

Score breakdown

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

Tax70.3Cost56.8SafetyComing SoonHealth64.8SchoolsComing SoonIncome53.9Risk48.2WaterComing Soon
🏛70.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠56.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼53.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤64.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡48.2
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 Chambers County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Shawnee County
Kansas
61.2
Median income: $66,043
Cooke County
Texas
61.2
Median income: $72,472
Medina County
Texas
61.2
Median income: $73,462
Upshur County
Texas
61.2
Median income: $62,794
Yakima County
Washington
61.2
Median income: $68,015

Deep Dives

Chambers County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Chambers County

via TaxByCounty

Chambers taxes above national median

Chambers County's 1.135% effective rate produces a median tax bill of $3,290—exceeding the national median of $2,690 by about 22%. This places Chambers in the top half of U.S. counties for property tax burden, driven by home values near the national average.

Higher than Texas average

Chambers's effective rate of 1.135% sits slightly below Texas's 1.276% state average, but its median home value of $289,900 is substantially higher than the state median. The resulting $3,290 tax bill exceeds Texas's median by about $1,097.

Premium taxes, premium homes

Chambers's median home value significantly outpaces most neighboring counties, explaining its higher absolute tax burden despite a moderate effective rate. Compared to rural neighbors like Castro ($94,900 median home value), Chambers represents a more developed, higher-value market.

Chambers tax bill explained

At Chambers County's median home value of $289,900, property owners pay approximately $3,290 annually in taxes at the 1.135% rate. With mortgage add-ons, annual obligations can reach $3,970—reflecting the county's relatively affluent market.

Challenge high valuations

Chambers homeowners paying taxes on $3,000+ annual bills should closely scrutinize their appraisals for accuracy. Many properties are assessed above fair market value, and successful appeals can save hundreds of dollars yearly.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Chambers County

via CostByCounty

Chambers County: Premium Houston-area housing

Chambers County's 17.2% rent-to-income ratio holds steady despite median rents of $1,548—among the highest in our analysis—because median household income reaches $108,114, well above the national median of $74,755. This affluent coastal county commands premium housing prices matched by premium local wages.

High costs, high incomes in Chambers

With a 17.2% rent-to-income ratio, Chambers County sits below Texas's 18.1% average despite housing costs that far exceed the state norm. The county's above-average incomes ($108,114 vs. state median) make higher housing prices manageable for residents here.

Comparison: Chambers as Houston gateway

Chambers County's $1,548 median rent dwarfs rural Panhandle counties and even surpasses the state average of $963 by 60%, reflecting its position near the Houston metro. Yet its household income of $108,114 is roughly double that of neighboring rural counties, justifying the higher housing costs.

Premium pricing for premium incomes

At $1,548 monthly, Chambers County renters allocate 17.2% of their $108,114 income to rent, while homeowners pay $1,521 toward a median home value of $289,900. These figures reflect a prosperous coastal county where housing costs remain proportionate to local earning power.

Chambers for affluent Houston arrivals

If you're relocating to the Houston metro with a six-figure income, Chambers County delivers premium housing in a thriving coastal community where costs align with earnings. The county's 17.2% housing burden leaves significant discretionary income for other life priorities.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Chambers County

via IncomeByCounty

Chambers County's income ranks among the nation's best

At $108,114, Chambers County's median household income towers $33,359 above the national median of $74,755. The county ranks in the top 10% nationally, reflecting a highly prosperous economy.

Highest earner in Texas's sample

Chambers County's median household income of $108,114 exceeds the Texas state average of $64,737 by a remarkable $43,377, or 67%. The county stands among Texas's wealthiest communities by household income.

Chambers far outearns regional counties

At $108,114, Chambers County residents earn substantially more than any peer in this analysis—nearly $24,000 above Carson County ($84,583) and more than double Cass County ($54,328). This income lead is the region's most dramatic.

Strong income sustains luxury housing market

Despite the highest median home value in the region at $289,900, Chambers County's 17.2% rent-to-income ratio remains well below the 30% threshold. High incomes easily support premium housing costs.

Leverage Chambers's wealth-building advantage

With income well above state and national levels, Chambers County households can aggressively invest and diversify. Consider maxing retirement contributions, establishing brokerage accounts, and exploring real estate and business ownership to accelerate wealth accumulation.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Chambers County

via HealthByCounty

Chambers leads on longevity and coverage

At 76.2 years, Chambers County residents live longer than the U.S. average of 76.4 years, and just 14% lack insurance—well below the national average of 10.9%. Both metrics rank among the strongest in this eight-county comparison.

Top performer on health and insurance

Chambers County's 76.2-year life expectancy exceeds the Texas average of 74.3 years by nearly 2 years, while its 14% uninsured rate beats the state average of 19.8% by 5.8 percentage points. The county is a clear outlier for positive health metrics.

Regional leader in health outcomes

Chambers County's 76.2-year life expectancy is the highest in the region and its 14% uninsured rate is the lowest, setting it apart from peers. However, primary care access is modest at 14 per 100K, and mental health providers at 41 per 100K suggests room for improvement.

Strong insurance, moderate care access

Chambers County's 14% uninsured rate means most residents have coverage, but the primary care provider density of just 14 per 100K is the lowest in this region—potentially causing long wait times. Mental health services are more robust at 41 providers per 100K, supporting behavioral health access.

Keep your coverage strong

Chambers County residents who lack insurance should enroll now through Healthcare.gov or local programs. With strong health outcomes already in place, maintaining universal coverage will help preserve the county's leading position.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Chambers County

via RiskByCounty

Chambers faces significant coastal exposure

Chambers County's composite risk score of 51.84 exceeds the national average, driven primarily by its proximity to the Gulf Coast. The county's Relatively Low rating reflects concentrated hurricane (85.77) and tornado (75.64) risks requiring specialized preparation.

Slightly elevated above Texas average

At 51.84, Chambers County's composite risk score surpasses Texas's 49.00 average, placing it in the upper-middle tier statewide. The county ranks among more vulnerable areas, particularly due to coastal hurricane and storm surge exposure.

Highest hurricane risk in comparison set

Chambers County exhibits dramatically higher hurricane exposure (85.77) than any nearby county, reflecting its Gulf Coast location and vulnerable geography. Its 51.84 overall score sits between Cherokee County (61.64) and Cass County (50.80).

Hurricanes and tornadoes create dual threat

Hurricane risk dominates at 85.77, with tornadoes close behind at 75.64, creating a severe weather combination unique to Chambers's coastal position. Wildfire risk (78.85) and flood risk (55.00) add additional layers of vulnerability in this low-lying Gulf region.

Hurricane insurance is non-negotiable here

Homeowners must secure comprehensive coverage including hurricane, wind, and flood insurance—the latter particularly critical given the county's 55.00 flood exposure and storm surge vulnerability. Regular property maintenance and storm-resistant upgrades significantly reduce loss during major hurricanes.

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.