Colorado County

Texas · TX

#128 in Texas
62.6
County Score

County Report Card

About Colorado County, Texas

Colorado County Clearly Above National Median

Colorado County achieves a composite score of 69.7, positioning it in the 70th national percentile well above the median of 50.0. This Southeast Texas county demonstrates solid overall livability.

Outperforms Most Texas Peers

At 69.7, Colorado County exceeds Texas's state average of 66.8 by a meaningful margin, ranking it among the state's better-performing counties. The county outpaces roughly 70% of its Texas counterparts.

Excellent Tax Position and Solid Affordability

Colorado County leads with a tax score of 71.6 and the lowest effective tax rate at 1.091%, combined with reasonable housing costs. Median home values of $194,000 and median rent of $1,002/month offer strong value for the region.

Moderate Incomes Limit Wealth Building

The income score of 28.1 reflects a median household income of $68,554, adequate but below Texas norms for economic mobility. Data gaps on safety, health, schools, and environment remain unfilled.

Great for Tax-Conscious Middle-Class Families

Colorado County suits families and retirees seeking a balanced lifestyle with low taxes and reasonable housing costs in Southeast Texas. It appeals to those valuing tax efficiency and modest affordability without expecting high incomes.

Score breakdown

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

Tax71.6Cost78.6SafetyComing SoonHealth52.2SchoolsComing SoonIncome28.1Risk37.8WaterComing Soon
🏛71.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠78.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼28.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
52.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
37.8
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

Colorado County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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.

Cost of Living in Colorado County

via CostByCounty

Colorado County balances cost and income well

Renters in Colorado County spend 17.5% of income on housing—well below the national average of roughly 30%—with a median rent of $1,002 per month. The typical household earns $68,554, just below the national median of $74,755, yet maintains strong affordability relative to housing costs.

Slightly above Texas average, still affordable

Colorado County's 17.5% rent-to-income ratio edges slightly below the Texas state average of 18.1%, maintaining competitive affordability across the state. At $1,002 monthly, rent is only 4% above the state median of $963, positioning Colorado as a reasonably priced option among Texas counties.

Moderate rents bridging rural and metro

Colorado County's $1,002 rent sits between rural West Texas counties like Coke ($687) and Concho ($919), and the pricier Comal County ($1,460). It represents a middle ground for those seeking more amenities than rural areas offer without the premium pricing of major metro regions like Collin County.

Balanced housing costs for moderate incomes

The median Colorado County household earning $68,554 allocates $1,002 monthly for rent (17.5% of income) or $767 monthly to own a home valued at $194,000. Combined housing costs consume roughly 34% of gross income, a healthy proportion that leaves room for other expenses.

Colorado offers balanced Texas living

If you're considering relocation to Colorado County, expect moderate rents of $1,002 and median home values around $194,000—a sweet spot between rural affordability and metro amenities. Compare these figures to nearby counties and statewide averages to gauge whether Colorado's positioning matches your budget and lifestyle needs.

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.

Health in Colorado County

via HealthByCounty

Colorado County health lags national averages

Colorado County residents live an average of 74.0 years, roughly 5 years below the U.S. average of 79 years. More than one in five residents (22.2%) report poor or fair health, exceeding the national average of 18%, while 22.6% lack health insurance. These gaps reflect both economic constraints and limited access to preventive healthcare services.

Below average health outcomes for Texas

At 74.0 years, Colorado County's life expectancy matches the state average of 74.3 years almost exactly, but its 22.6% uninsured rate substantially exceeds Texas's 19.8% average. The county's 22.2% poor/fair health rate indicates residents face elevated chronic disease burden and stress. Like many rural Texas counties, Colorado struggles with healthcare access despite reaching state-level life expectancy benchmarks.

Middle ground among regional counties

Colorado County's 74.0-year life expectancy places it between better-performing neighbors like Comal (78.3) and Comanche (74.8) counties but ahead of Coleman's 70.5 years. Its 22.6% uninsured rate exceeds Comanche (21.9%) and Coke (18.2%) but remains slightly below Collingsworth's 26.0%. The county occupies a middle-tier position regionally, suggesting some healthcare infrastructure exists but remains stressed.

Adequate primary care, limited mental health

Colorado County has 53 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—respectable by rural standards—but only 38 mental health providers per 100,000, limiting access to behavioral health treatment. The high uninsured rate (22.6%) means many residents cannot afford even available primary care services. Rural residents may still face travel burdens and limited appointment availability despite the presence of providers.

Affordable coverage is available now

With nearly one in four Colorado County residents uninsured, expanding coverage is critical to improving health outcomes and protecting families from medical debt. Marketplace plans, community health center sliding-scale services, and potential Medicaid eligibility offer paths to affordable care for most families. Visit healthcare.gov or local community health centers to explore options—coverage can start immediately.

Disaster Risk in Colorado County

via RiskByCounty

Colorado County: Moderate Risk Profile

Colorado County scores 62.25, earning a Relatively Low rating and exceeding the national average moderately. The county's risk stems primarily from hurricane and tornado exposure in the South Texas coastal corridor.

Above Texas Average, Below Collin County

At 62.25, Colorado County exceeds the Texas state average of 49.00 by roughly 27%, reflecting significant but manageable natural hazard exposure. It ranks in the upper-middle tier statewide, between low-risk West Texas and the high-risk Dallas metro area.

Higher Risk Than Panhandle Counties

Colorado County (62.25) faces notably higher risk than Coke (3.66), Coleman (20.61), and Collingsworth (27.42) counties farther west. It approaches Comanche County (51.02) and sits below the elevated risks of Collin (98.86) and Comal (92.68).

Hurricane and Tornado Dominate

Hurricane risk (87.98) is Colorado County's most acute hazard, making it one of the top exposures in the state for coastal weather impacts. Tornado risk (71.09) ranks second, and combined these two weather threats create significant seasonal exposure.

Hurricane and Wind Coverage Critical

Colorado County residents near the coast or in flood-prone areas must carry separate flood insurance—their 51.05 flood risk score merits dedicated protection. Ensure your homeowners policy covers hurricane and wind damage, and consider higher coverage limits for both named-storm and tornado-related losses.

ByCounty Network

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