46.9
County Score
Cost of Living 82.1Disaster Risk 79.4Safety 73

County Report Card

About Coleman County, Texas

Coleman County Trails the National Median

Coleman County earns a composite score of 46.9, which is slightly lower than the national median of 50.0. While it lags nationally, it maintains high scores in categories like safety and cost of living.

Performing Above the Texas Average

The county’s score of 46.9 beats the Texas state average of 41.9 by five points. This indicates that Coleman County offers a higher general livability than many other counties across the state.

High Safety and Low Property Costs

Strengths include a cost score of 82.1 and a safety score of 73.0. The median home value of $91,200 is exceptionally low, making property ownership highly accessible for residents.

Tax Burdens and Health Access

Low scores in health (15.5) and taxes (18.4) mark the primary areas for improvement. Residents face a relatively high effective tax rate of 1.368% and limited local healthcare infrastructure.

Suited for Budget-Conscious Small-Town Seekers

Coleman County is best for individuals who value safety and incredibly low housing entry points. It suits those comfortable with a smaller healthcare footprint in exchange for significant residential savings.

2040608010018.482.17315.530.719.579.434.433.9Tax18.4Cost82.1Safety73Health15.5Schools30.7Income19.5Risk79.4Water34.4Weather33.946.9/100
This county
National avg
3 above average6 below average

Coleman County DNA

Foverall

How Coleman County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Coleman County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Cost of Living (82.1/100) but notably weak in Health (15.5/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
18.4-33.6
Cost
82.1+34.099999999999994
Safety
73+18
Health
15.5-34.5
Schools
30.7-23.3
Income
19.5-31.5
Risk
79.4+32.400000000000006
Water
34.4-23.6
Weather
33.9-22.1
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Coleman County?

Many homeowners in Coleman County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

Check My Assessment

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$91,200

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$714/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$91,200/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$28,560/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum1.7x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $52,364/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

12.9

per 100K

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

Deep Dives

Coleman County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Coleman County

via TaxByCounty

Coleman County taxes beat national median

Coleman County's 1.368% effective tax rate sits below the national median of 1.41%, though it's closer to the middle of the pack than some neighboring counties. The median property tax of $1,248 remains well below the national median of $2,690, reflecting lower home values across the county.

Slightly above Texas state average rate

Coleman County's 1.368% effective rate exceeds Texas's 1.276% state average by 0.092 percentage points, placing it in the moderate-tax tier within the state. Despite the slightly higher rate, the median tax of $1,248 stays below the state median of $2,193 due to lower home values.

Moderate taxes in Central Texas region

Coleman's 1.368% rate is higher than Coke County's 1.187% but lower than Comanche County's 1.511%. The $1,248 median tax puts Coleman among the region's more affordable counties for property tax burden.

Median home valued at $91,200

A typical Coleman County home valued at $91,200 carries an annual property tax bill of $1,248 without a mortgage, or $1,402 with one included. This works out to about $104 monthly for the median homeowner—among the lowest in Texas.

Appeal options available to homeowners

Property overassessment happens in every county, including Coleman, and homeowners who believe their appraisal is too high can file a formal appeal. Given Coleman's lower median home value, even small assessment reductions can yield meaningful annual tax savings.

Cost of Living in Coleman County

via CostByCounty

Coleman County beats national housing costs

Renters in Coleman County spend 16.4% of income on housing—well below the national average of roughly 30%—with a median rent of $714 per month. The typical household earns $52,364 annually, creating favorable conditions where housing remains truly affordable relative to earnings.

Top tier affordability across Texas

Coleman County's 16.4% rent-to-income ratio is among the lowest in Texas, sitting well below the state average of 18.1%. At $714 monthly, rent is 26% cheaper than the state median of $963, placing Coleman in the state's most affordable housing markets.

Slightly pricier than Coke, cheaper than rest

Coleman's $714 rent edges out nearby Coke County ($687) by just $27 monthly, but both offer dramatic savings compared to Concho County ($919) and especially Collin County ($1,792). Among rural Texas counties in this region, Coleman ranks among the most tenant-friendly options.

Low housing burden frees up household budget

The median Coleman County household earning $52,364 allocates $714 monthly for rent (16.4% of income) or $620 monthly to own a home valued at $91,200. Housing expenses consume roughly 32% of gross income when combined, one of the healthiest ratios in Texas.

Coleman rewards renters and first-time buyers

Relocating to Coleman County positions you in one of Texas's most affordable housing markets, with rents at $714 and median home values around $91,200. Compare these costs to state averages ($963 rent, higher home prices statewide) to understand Coleman's genuine affordability edge.

Income & Jobs in Coleman County

via IncomeByCounty

Coleman County significantly below U.S. norm

Coleman County's median household income of $52,364 trails the national median of $74,755 by 30%. This reflects the economic reality of a small, rural county with limited job diversification and population growth.

Ranks lower-middle among Texas counties

At $52,364, Coleman County's median household income sits 19% below Texas's state average of $64,737. However, the county performs slightly better than the poorest rural counties in the state.

Moderate income for rural West Texas

Coleman County's $52,364 median edges out Coke County ($46,431) but lags Collingsworth County ($60,165) and Colorado County ($68,554). It represents a middle ground among small rural economies.

Rent burden stays manageable

At 16.4%, Coleman County's rent-to-income ratio is healthy and well below the 30% national threshold, allowing households to allocate funds elsewhere. Median home values of $91,200 align with local earning capacity.

Small steps lead to bigger savings

Automate even $25–50 monthly contributions to a savings or investment account—compound growth turns small amounts into meaningful wealth over decades. Consider employer 401(k) matches as free money toward retirement security.

Safety in Coleman County

via CrimeByCounty

Coleman County Ranks Among Nation's Safest

With a safety score of 99.0, Coleman County is one of the most secure regions in the country. Its total crime rate of 640.4 per 100,000 residents is roughly one-quarter of the national average of 2,385.5.

A Top-Tier Performer in Texas

Coleman County’s safety score of 99.0 easily beats the Texas state average of 96.8. Its total crime rate is nearly 70% lower than the state average, reflecting a very high standard of public safety.

Safe Even by Local Standards

Coleman County is safer than many of its neighbors, with a crime rate of 640.4 per 100,000 compared to Coke County's 1,059.0. It provides a level of security that stands out even among the low-crime counties of Central Texas.

Violent Crime Stays Well Below Average

The violent crime rate stands at 128.1 per 100,000, which is less than half the national average of 369.8. Property crime remains the primary concern at 512.3 per 100,000, though this is still exceptionally low.

Protecting Peace of Mind

Low crime rates offer peace of mind, but homeowners should still implement basic security protocols like deadbolts and window locks. Maintaining these habits ensures Coleman County remains a difficult target for opportunistic property crimes.

Schools in Coleman County

via SchoolsByCounty

Educational Access Across Three Local Districts

Coleman County supports 1,209 students through a network of six public schools managed by three different districts. The landscape includes two elementary schools, one middle school, and two high schools, along with one specialized PK-12 campus. This variety provides localized education for the county's growing student population.

Performance Trends in Coleman County Schools

The graduation rate in Coleman County currently stands at 83.7%, which is below the Texas state average of 91.6%. While per-pupil expenditure is $7,139, the county maintains a school score of 50.5, aligning closely with the national median. Local leaders continue to work toward bridging the gap to state graduation standards.

Coleman ISD Leads the County Enrollment

Coleman ISD is the largest provider in the area, managing three schools and 794 students. Santa Anna ISD follows with 270 students, while Panther Creek CISD serves 145 students in its single PK-12 facility. There are no charter schools in the county, keeping enrollment focused within traditional districts.

A Blend of Town and Rural Settings

The county offers a mix of three rural schools and three town-based schools, with an average enrollment of 202 students per campus. Coleman Elementary is the largest school with 339 students, while Panther Creek School provides a smaller, all-in-one environment for 145 students. This diversity allows families to choose between traditional town schools or more secluded rural options.

Make Coleman County Your Family's Home

Prospective homeowners in Coleman County can choose between living in the central hub of Coleman or the quieter rural outskirts. With several distinct districts, families have multiple options for finding the right educational fit near their new home. Consider the local school culture as you explore real estate in this historic Texas county.

Disaster Risk in Coleman County

via RiskByCounty

Coleman County: Low Risk Nationally

Coleman County scores 20.61, earning a Very Low rating and placing it well below the national average for disaster risk. The county's risk profile is driven primarily by wildfire and tornado exposure in the South Texas region.

Below-Average Risk in Texas

At 20.61, Coleman County scores less than half the Texas state average of 49.00, ranking among the safer counties statewide. This positions Coleman in the lowest risk quartile across all Texas counties.

Moderate Risk for the West Texas Cluster

Coleman County (20.61) sits between Coke County (3.66) and Collingsworth County (27.42) in regional comparison, making it slightly riskier than Coke but safer than most of its broader neighbors. It reflects a transition zone between extremely low-risk and moderate-risk West Texas counties.

Wildfire and Tornado Dominate

Wildfire (79.01) and tornado (38.33) risks are Coleman's primary natural hazards, each substantially above the state average. Hurricane risk (38.84) adds a secondary concern, while flood risk (22.65) remains relatively contained.

Bundle Wildfire and Wind Protection

Homeowners in Coleman County should ensure comprehensive wildfire coverage and robust wind/tornado protection in their policies. Review your deductibles and coverage limits annually, especially before peak wildfire season, and maintain defensible space around structures.

Water Quality in Coleman County

via WaterByCounty

Low Violation Rate Despite Failing Grade

Coleman County carries a failing water quality grade despite having only five health violations in five years. Its violation rate of 48.9 per 100,000 residents remains significantly lower than the Texas average of 581.9.

Clean Water Act Status Pending

Watersheds within Coleman County are not yet assessed under the federal §303(d) standards. Information regarding the impairment status of local rivers and lakes is currently unavailable in the federal reporting cycle.

Nutrient Levels Tracked Across Seven Sites

The county maintains a monitoring footprint of 7 sites with 3,180 total measurements recorded over the past five years. Key data points include physical characteristics, major inorganics, and nutrient concentrations in the local supply.

Colorado River Flow Drops to Five Percent

The Colorado River near Stacy is flowing at just 5 cfs, which is only 5% of its typical long-term mean of 104 cfs. This dramatic reduction in flow highlights significant water stress throughout the county.

Address Supply Stress and Compliance Gaps

Residents should track specific health violations that led to the failing grade and use appropriate point-of-use filters. Low streamflow levels may lead to changes in water chemistry, making regular testing of private wells essential.

Weather & Climate in Coleman County

via WeatherByCounty

Warmer than the national median

Coleman County averages 65.3°F annually, significantly exceeding the national median temperature. This subtropical climate is typical for the heart of Texas, though it receives a modest 28.0 inches of rainfall per year.

A perfect match for Texas norms

The county's 65.3°F average temperature sits nearly perfectly in line with the Texas state average of 65.5°F. However, it remains drier than the state benchmark, trailing the average annual precipitation by nearly four inches.

Wetter and warmer than western neighbors

Coleman is slightly warmer and wetter than nearby Concho County, which averages 64.9°F and 24.7 inches of rain. To the north, temperatures begin to dip as the landscape transitions toward the Rolling Plains.

Long summers and dusting of snow

The county endures 104 days of extreme heat above 90°F, peaking with a July average of 83.4°F. Winters are mild at 47.9°F, and residents see just 1.3 inches of snow annually.

Prepare for persistent summer heat

High-efficiency cooling systems are a necessity given that one out of every three days reaches 90°F or higher. While winter snowfall is rare, homeowners should still winterize pipes for occasional freezing temperatures.

Soil Quality in Coleman County

via SoilByCounty

Coleman's Productive Fine Sandy Loams

This county is dominated by Alfisol soils with a fine sandy loam texture and an average pH of 7.26. This alkaline profile sits above the national median of 6.5 but remains suitable for most regional agriculture.

High Silt and Clay Balance

A mix of 38.3% sand, 30.3% silt, and 27.2% clay provides a heavy enough texture to hold nutrients without becoming unworkable. The high silt content compared to neighbors improves the soil's overall silky feel and water retention.

Strong Organic Matter Performance

Coleman County boasts 1.84% organic matter, beating the state average of 1.66% by a healthy margin. Its available water capacity of 0.142 in/in also exceeds the state norm, signaling superior drought resistance.

Efficient Water Management

The land is well drained, ensuring that oxygen reaches roots even after heavy rains. It falls into hydrologic group C, which means moderate infiltration rates that help manage water flow across the rolling plains.

Planting Success in Zone 8a

Your 8a climate is perfect for heat-tolerant vegetables and native grasses. Use this high-capacity soil to establish a productive home garden or small orchard this season.

Lawn Care in Coleman County

via LawnByCounty

Navigating Central Texas Growth Barriers

Coleman County's lawn difficulty score of 27.8 sits slightly below the state average of 31.7, indicating a demanding environment for traditional turf. Residents in Zone 8a must balance erratic rainfall with high summer temperatures to keep landscapes green.

Nearing the Threshold for Ideal Rain

Annual precipitation of 28.0 inches is just shy of the 30-inch ideal mark, while 104 extreme heat days mirror the state average. With 6,208 growing degree days, the warm season is robust, though high July averages of 83.4°F stress most cool-season grass varieties.

Well-Drained Loam with High pH

A soil pH of 7.26 indicates slightly alkaline conditions that might require sulfur amendments to reach the ideal 6.0-7.0 range. The fine sandy loam texture features a balanced 27.2% clay content, providing better water holding capacity than sandier neighbors.

Persistent Dry Conditions Require Care

The county has spent 30 weeks in drought over the last year, and 100% of the area currently experiences abnormally dry conditions. Utilizing mulching mowers can help retain soil moisture and protect grass crowns from the intense Texas sun.

Planting for the Long Growing Season

With the last spring frost typically occurring on March 29th, late spring is the prime window to install heat-hardy Zoysia or Bermuda grass. These varieties take full advantage of the long season before the first fall frost arrives around November 20th.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Coleman County's county score?
Coleman County, Texas has a composite county score of 46.9 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 Coleman County rank among counties in Texas?
Coleman County ranks #89 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 Coleman County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Coleman County is $1,248, with an effective tax rate of 1.37%. This earns Coleman County a tax score of 18.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Coleman County?
The median household income in Coleman County, Texas is $52,364 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Coleman County earns an income score of 19.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Coleman County, Texas a good place to live?
Coleman County scores 46.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #89 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Coleman 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 Coleman County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

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