countyscore
39.5
County Score
Income & Jobs 52.9Safety 52.7Cost of Living 47.1

County Report Card

About Colorado County, Texas

Moderate Performance on the National Stage

Colorado County holds a composite score of 39.3, trailing the national median of 50.0. The score reflects a mix of respectable income levels offset by lower rankings in health and education.

Slightly Below the Texas State Average

The county's score of 39.3 is just below the Texas state average of 41.9. It performs middle-of-the-pack for the state, offering moderate affordability and safety.

Stable Incomes and Favorable Tax Rates

A strength for the county is its income score of 63.2, with a median household income of $68,554. Additionally, the effective tax rate of 1.091% provides a tax score of 31.8, which is better than many neighboring counties.

Lagging in Health and Schooling

The county struggles with a health score of 21.9 and a school score of 35.7. Improving these local systems would significantly boost the overall livability for residents.

A Solid Choice for Working Adults

Colorado County suits mid-career professionals looking for a stable income and reasonable tax burden. It is best for those who do not prioritize top-tier school rankings in their immediate relocation decisions.

204060801003247.152.721.935.752.937.845.920.9Tax32Cost47.1Safety52.7Health21.9Schools35.7Income52.9Risk37.8Water45.9Weather20.939.5/100
This county
National avg
5 below average

Colorado County DNA

Foverall

How Colorado County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Colorado County falls below the national average in most categories. The biggest gap is in Weather & Climate (20.9/100), though Income (52.9/100) remains a relative bright spot.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
32-20
Cost
47.1
Safety
52.7
Health
21.9-28.1
Schools
35.7-18.299999999999997
Income
52.9
Risk
37.8-9.200000000000003
Water
45.9-12.100000000000001
Weather
20.9-35.1
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Colorado County?

Many homeowners in Colorado 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

$209,800

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$926/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$209,800/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$37,040/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.2x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $66,377/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

28.9

per 100K

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

Deep Dives

Colorado County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Colorado County

via TaxByCounty

Colorado County offers lowest tax burden

At 1.091%, Colorado County's effective tax rate ranks among the lowest in the entire nation, well below the national median of 1.41%. The median property tax of $2,117 remains below the national median of $2,690, despite Colorado having higher property values than its rural neighbors.

Tax-friendly standout in Texas

Colorado County's 1.091% effective rate is 0.185 percentage points below Texas's 1.276% state average, placing it among the state's most tax-favorable counties. The median tax of $2,117 runs $76 below the state median, offering meaningful savings statewide.

Clear winner in regional tax comparison

Colorado County's 1.091% rate is substantially lower than all nearby counties: Coke at 1.187%, Coleman at 1.368%, and Comal at 1.210%. With the lowest median home value and one of the lowest tax rates in the region, Colorado offers exceptional value for property owners.

Median home valued at $194,000

A typical Colorado County home valued at $194,000 generates an annual property tax bill of $2,117 without a mortgage, or $2,343 with one included. At roughly $176 monthly, property taxes here are among Texas's lightest burdens, even accounting for homestead mortgage taxes.

Low rates don't eliminate appeal value

Even in Colorado County's favorable tax environment, homeowners should verify their assessments against comparable sales, as errors occur anywhere. An appeal cost little to pursue and could yield refunds if your appraisal proves excessive relative to your neighborhood's actual market values.

Income & Jobs in Colorado County

via IncomeByCounty

Colorado County approaches national average

Colorado County's median household income of $68,554 falls 8% short of the national median of $74,755. This southeast Texas county benefits from proximity to growing metros and agricultural heritage.

Slightly above Texas state median

At $68,554, Colorado County exceeds the Texas state average of $64,737, placing it in the upper-middle tier of state counties. Per capita income of $37,885 also tops the state average of $33,197.

Stronger than most rural West Texas

Colorado County's $68,554 median outearns six of the seven comparison counties, trailing only Comal ($99,015) and Collin ($117,588). It demonstrates the income advantage of southeast Texas's location and economy.

Housing takes moderate share of income

At 17.5%, Colorado County's rent-to-income ratio remains comfortable, allowing households flexibility in budgets. Median home values of $194,000 are within reach for many local earners with reasonable down payments.

Above-average income fuels investing

Colorado County households earning above-state-average wages can accelerate wealth building through homeownership, retirement accounts, and diversified investments. Set clear financial goals and review progress quarterly.

Safety in Colorado County

via CrimeByCounty

Colorado County Maintains High Safety Marks

Colorado County earns a strong safety score of 98.3, outperforming national norms. Its total crime rate of 1,064.1 per 100,000 is less than half the national average of 2,385.5.

Safer Than the Texas Average

The county’s safety score of 98.3 is higher than the Texas state average of 96.8. This reflects a total crime rate that is nearly 1,000 points lower than the state's average of 2,052.5 per 100,000.

Competitive Safety Among Neighbors

Colorado County’s rate of 1,064.1 is very similar to Coke County’s 1,059.0, showing consistent safety across these rural regions. It is significantly more secure than Comal County, which sees nearly 700 more crimes per 100,000.

Low Violence, Manageable Property Crime

Violent crime remains low at 145.8 per 100,000, which is well under the national average of 369.8. Property crime constitutes 918.3 of the total rate, indicating that most local law enforcement efforts focus on theft and burglary.

Smart Steps for Property Protection

With property crime as the primary local concern, residents should focus on securing high-value items and garages. Simple deterrents like motion sensors or gravel driveways can help maintain the county's excellent safety standing.

Weather & Climate in Colorado County

via WeatherByCounty

Tropical heat and heavy rain

Colorado County is much warmer than the national median, averaging a balmy 68.8°F. With 45.0 inches of annual precipitation, it is one of the more humid and rain-heavy regions in the country.

Surpassing the Texas heat average

The county's 68.8°F annual average is over three degrees warmer than the Texas state benchmark. It also receives 13 inches more rain than the state average, fueling its lush, coastal-plain landscape.

Hotter than its northern peers

Colorado County is significantly warmer than Comanche or Coleman counties to the northwest. It averages roughly 20 more extreme heat days than its neighbors closer to the state's center.

A year without snow

Summer dominates the calendar with a staggering 132 days of temperatures over 90°F. Snow is nonexistent with a 0.0-inch average, and even January remains mild with an average of 51.3°F.

Prioritize cooling and rain drainage

Extreme heat for over a third of the year makes high-performance HVAC systems non-negotiable. Homeowners should also focus on flood prevention and moisture control to manage the 45 inches of annual rain.

Soil Quality in Colorado County

via SoilByCounty

The Goldilocks pH of Colorado County

Colorado County hits the national median pH perfectly at 6.50, offering a neutral environment for most plants. This balance makes it unique among Texas counties, which often lean heavily alkaline.

Sandy Soils of the Coastal Plains

The soil is 57.7% sand, the highest in this group, balanced by 22.8% silt and 19.5% clay. This mixture provides excellent workability and aeration for root systems.

Moderate Fertility and Water Capacity

Organic matter content stands at 1.37%, which is slightly below the state average of 1.66%. The available water capacity is 0.132 in/in, aligning almost perfectly with the Texas benchmark.

Slow Infiltration in Group D

Though specific drainage classes aren't mapped, the county falls into hydrologic group D. This suggests the soil can become easily saturated, leading to significant runoff during heavy Gulf Coast rains.

Subtropical Success in Zone 9a

The warm 9a zone is perfect for citrus, tomatoes, and long-season crops. Use your neutral pH to your advantage and start a diverse backyard orchard or vegetable patch.

Lawn Care in Colorado County

via LawnByCounty

Thriving in the Coastal Plains

Colorado County enjoys a lawn difficulty score of 39.7, outperforming the Texas state average of 31.7. Located in Zone 9a, the county benefits from a nearly year-round growing cycle, though extreme summer heat remains a primary maintenance factor.

Abundant Rain and Significant Heat

Lawns receive a generous 45.0 inches of annual precipitation, which is well within the ideal range for lush growth. However, a staggering 132 extreme heat days—far exceeding the state average of 105—demands heat-tolerant species that can handle 7,171 growing degree days.

Ideal pH for Nutrient Absorption

The county boasts a soil pH of 6.50, sitting perfectly within the 6.0-7.0 ideal range for plant health. The soil is quite sandy at 57.7%, meaning that while nutrients are easily absorbed, the ground requires consistent organic matter additions to hold moisture.

Severe Drought Risks in the South

Despite high rainfall, the county is currently 100% covered by severe drought (D2+), with 39 weeks of drought over the past year. In these conditions, utilizing rain barrels and drip irrigation for flower beds can help save municipal water for the lawn.

Maximum Growth in a Long Season

The frost-free window begins early on March 9th and extends until late November, offering a massive period for lawn establishment. St. Augustine and Bermuda grass are the local favorites, flourishing in the humid, warm environment of the Texas coastal interior.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Colorado County's county score?
Colorado County, Texas has a composite county score of 39.5 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 Colorado County rank among counties in Texas?
Colorado County ranks #151 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 Colorado County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Colorado County is $2,204, with an effective tax rate of 1.05%. This earns Colorado County a tax score of 32/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Colorado County?
The median household income in Colorado County, Texas is $66,377 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Colorado County earns an income score of 52.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Colorado County, Texas a good place to live?
Colorado County scores 39.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #151 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Colorado 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 Colorado County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

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