44.9
County Score
Schools 71.8Water Quality 61.2Cost of Living 50.8

County Report Card

About DeWitt County, Texas

DeWitt County approaches national median levels

With a composite score of 44.9, DeWitt County is competitive on a national scale, sitting just under the median of 50.0. It offers a stable quality of life compared to many U.S. counties.

Exceeding the average Texas livability score

DeWitt County’s 44.9 score beats the Texas average of 41.9. It ranks as a solid middle-of-the-pack option within the state for those seeking a balanced lifestyle.

Low taxes and high school quality

The county excels with a school score of 71.8 and a very favorable tax score of 48.3. An effective tax rate of 0.859% is among the more attractive rates in the region.

Vulnerability to risk and health gaps

The risk score of 16.1 suggests higher vulnerability to natural or environmental hazards. Additionally, the health score of 24.3 indicates that medical access could be more robust.

Perfect for education-minded, tax-conscious families

DeWitt County is a strong choice for families who want good schools and low property taxes. The $167,200 median home value provides a manageable entry into a stable community.

Score breakdown

Tax48.3Cost50.8Safety37.6Health24.3Schools71.8Income50.8Risk16.1Water61.2Weather17.8
🏛48.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠50.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼50.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡37.6
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty
24.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓71.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty
16.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧61.2
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty
🌤17.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty
🪨30.4
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty
🌱31.8
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty
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Deep Dives

DeWitt County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in DeWitt County

via TaxByCounty

DeWitt ranks among nation's lowest-tax

DeWitt County's 0.86% effective tax rate is nearly identical to the national median of 0.87%, making it one of America's most tax-friendly counties. The median property tax of $1,437 is 47% below the national median of $2,690, despite homes worth a comparable amount.

Lowest-taxing county in Texas

DeWitt County holds the distinction of lowest effective tax rate in Texas at 0.86%, well below the state average of 1.28%. Homeowners pay just $1,437 in median property taxes—34% less than the statewide median of $2,193.

South Texas's most affordable tax home

DeWitt County's 0.86% rate significantly undercuts surrounding counties Dimmit (1.14%) and Dickens (1.37%), making it a rare low-tax oasis in South Texas. This efficiency reflects a tight municipal budget and primarily rural, agricultural character.

Median home costs $1,437 yearly

A DeWitt County home valued at $167,200 generates just $1,437 in annual property taxes at the 0.86% rate. Combined with mortgage-related assessments, total annual obligations reach $2,300.

Verify your assessment even in low-tax areas

Even in Texas's lowest-tax county, homes are sometimes overassessed relative to comparable properties or market conditions. DeWitt County homeowners should request a no-cost appraisal review to confirm their assessed value is accurate and fair.

Cost of Living in DeWitt County

via CostByCounty

DeWitt balances modest income and rent

DeWitt County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.9% falls below the national norm despite a median household income of $64,014—14% below the U.S. average. This Central Texas county offers solid affordability for households willing to trade big-city wages for reasonable living costs.

DeWitt near Texas affordability average

DeWitt County's 17.9% rent-to-income ratio sits just below the Texas state average of 18.1%, with a median rent of $955 comparing favorably to the state median of $963. The county ranks among Texas's moderately affordable options for working-class families.

Central Texas affordable middle ground

DeWitt County's $955 median rent and 17.9% affordability ratio position it between rural affordability leaders like Delta County ($857) and urban pressures like Dallas County ($1,469). The county's median home value of $167,200 offers accessible homeownership relative to its income level.

Modest costs on modest income

DeWitt households spend $955 monthly for rent or $708 for mortgages on a median income of $64,014. Homeownership here consumes just 13.3% of income compared to 17.9% for renters, creating strong incentive for owner-occupancy.

DeWitt for balanced living

Consider DeWitt County if you seek affordable rents ($955) with near-statewide affordability ratios and a rural Texas lifestyle. The county's 17.9% rent-to-income ratio makes it an accessible choice for relocating families with modest incomes.

Income & Jobs in DeWitt County

via IncomeByCounty

DeWitt falls below national median

DeWitt County's median household income of $64,014 lags the national median of $74,755 by 14.4%, reflecting lower earning potential in this South Texas region. The county's per capita income of $30,723 trails the national average, suggesting limited high-wage employment opportunities.

Nearly matches Texas average

DeWitt County's median household income of $64,014 nearly aligns with the Texas state average of $64,737, placing it squarely in the middle tier of Texas counties. Its per capita income of $30,723 sits below the state average of $33,197 by 7.5%.

Moderate South Texas earnings

DeWitt County's income ranks above poorer South Texas counties like Dimmit and Jim Wells, but below more prosperous neighbors like Goliad and Lavaca. The county's economy balances agriculture, ranching, and light manufacturing typical of the region.

Housing costs stay reasonable

At 17.9%, DeWitt County's rent-to-income ratio remains safely below the 20% affordability threshold, keeping housing costs manageable for median earners. A median home value of $167,200 makes homeownership accessible without forcing families into financial hardship.

Steady savings compound growth

DeWitt County's moderate housing costs leave room for savings that, invested consistently over decades, can build substantial wealth despite modest incomes. Contributing to employer retirement plans and exploring low-cost index funds provides accessible paths to long-term financial security.

Safety in DeWitt County

via CrimeByCounty

DeWitt County Maintains Strong Safety

DeWitt County reports a total crime rate of 1,437.5 per 100,000, which is much lower than the national average of 2,385.5. This performance earns the county a high safety score of 97.7. Residents enjoy a level of security that is superior to many rural and urban areas nationwide.

Surpassing the Texas Safety Average

With a safety score of 97.7, DeWitt County is safer than the average Texas county, which scores 96.8. Its total crime rate of 1,437.5 also sits well below the state average of 2,052.5. Four agencies work together to keep local crime rates low.

Consistent Security Relative to the Region

DeWitt County's crime rate of 1,437.5 is very similar to Dallas County's 1,314.8, showing high safety consistency. It is notably more secure than Dawson County, where the crime rate reaches 2,438.8. This makes DeWitt a reliable choice for residents prioritizing a low-crime environment.

Understanding the Crime Mix

Violent crime in DeWitt is reported at 373.2 per 100,000, which is almost identical to the national average of 369.8. Property crime is relatively low at 1,064.3, significantly better than the national rate of 2,015.7. Most crime in DeWitt is property-related, though violent crime rates match national norms.

Practical Tips for Home Safety

Because property crime is the most common incident type here, simple deterrents like motion lights are effective. Keeping your property well-maintained and documented can help if an incident does occur. DeWitt’s high safety score is best maintained through individual vigilance and community cooperation.

Health in DeWitt County

via HealthByCounty

DeWitt near national averages on lifespan

DeWitt County's 74.6-year life expectancy essentially matches the U.S. average of 74.3 years, though 22.8% of residents report poor or fair health—above national norms. The county's 18.9% uninsured rate trails Texas's 19.8%, suggesting moderate health insurance access in this South Texas community.

Slightly above Texas on life expectancy

DeWitt County's 74.6-year life expectancy edges slightly above Texas's 74.3-year average, placing it in the middle tier of Texas counties for longevity. The 22.8% poor/fair health rate and 18.9% uninsured rate both slightly exceed state averages, indicating room for improvement in health outcomes and coverage.

Comparable to Dickens, ahead of rural peers

DeWitt County's 74.6-year life expectancy matches Dickens County (73.3 years) closely but exceeds health-challenged Dimmit (71.0 years) and Dawson (70.7 years). With 60 primary care providers per 100,000 and 30 mental health providers per 100,000, DeWitt offers better-than-average rural healthcare infrastructure.

Solid primary care, modest mental health

DeWitt County's 60 primary care providers per 100,000 residents provide decent access to routine care, though the 30 mental health providers per 100,000 lag state needs. The 18.9% uninsured rate means roughly one in five residents navigate healthcare without coverage, delaying preventive visits and managing chronic illness in crisis mode.

Expand coverage in South Texas

DeWitt County's 18.9% uninsured rate leaves thousands vulnerable to medical debt and delayed care; those without coverage should explore Medicaid or ACA marketplace plans at healthcare.gov. Insurance unlocks access to DeWitt's primary care network and enables the preventive care that keeps life expectancy rising.

Schools in DeWitt County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Distributed Six-District System

DeWitt County serves 4,381 students across 15 public schools, including eight elementary and three high schools. Six different districts oversee these campuses, providing a decentralized approach to education.

Strong Academic Outcomes and Scoring

The county's 95.5% graduation rate easily surpasses the state average of 91.6%. With a per-pupil expenditure of $7,538, DeWitt County matches the state average for educational investment while achieving a 57.6 school score.

Cuero and Yoakum Drive Enrollment

Cuero ISD is the largest district by enrollment with 1,937 students, while Yoakum ISD follows closely with 1,546 students. Traditional public districts are the only option here, as the county contains no charter schools.

Town and Rural Balance

The county offers a balanced mix of eight town-based and seven rural schools, with an average enrollment of 292 students. Cuero High School is the largest campus at 638 students, maintaining a community-centric feel across all levels.

Community-Focused Living in DeWitt

For families seeking high-performing schools in a quiet, rural-to-town setting, DeWitt County is an excellent choice. Look for properties near Cuero or Yoakum to take advantage of these highly-rated local districts.

Disaster Risk in DeWitt County

via RiskByCounty

DeWitt County faces substantial disaster risk

DeWitt County's composite risk score of 83.91 places it in the "Relatively Moderate" category, well above the national average. This South Texas Gulf Coast region experiences concentrated exposure to weather and water hazards.

Mid-range risk for Texas

At 83.91, DeWitt County scores significantly above the Texas state average of 49.00, ranking it among the higher-risk counties statewide. The county's proximity to the Gulf Coast and inland waterways creates distinct vulnerability patterns.

Gulf proximity drives regional risk

DeWitt's 83.91 score exceeds nearby inland counties but reflects the shared hurricane exposure of South Texas coastal zones. Counties farther inland like Dimmit (35.88) demonstrate how Gulf proximity dramatically elevates composite risk.

Hurricanes and floods reign supreme

Hurricane risk of 90.28 and flood risk of 89.22 are DeWitt's primary concerns, reflecting its Gulf Coast and river-bottom geography. Tornado risk (70.74) and wildfire risk (67.59) round out a formidable hazard portfolio.

Flood and hurricane coverage essential

Flood insurance is non-negotiable given the 89.22 flood and 90.28 hurricane scores; standard homeowners policies exclude both. Ensure your policy explicitly covers hurricane/wind damage, maintain year-round property maintenance, and establish a family evacuation plan for storm season.

Weather & Climate in DeWitt County

via WeatherByCounty

A Hot and Humid Gulf Slope

DeWitt County is much warmer than the national average, posting an annual mean temperature of 70.0°F. Its 36.5 inches of annual rain make it a lush, humid environment compared to the national median.

Warmer Than the Texas Average

DeWitt is about 4.5 degrees warmer than the state average of 65.5°F. It also receives 36.5 inches of rain, which is about 4.6 inches more than the typical Texas county.

Coastal Plains Warmth and Humidity

Located inland from the coast, DeWitt shares a similar humid profile with Victoria and Lavaca counties. It experiences significantly more heat days than the counties to its north.

Lengthy Summers and Very Mild Winters

The county endures 129 days of temperatures reaching 90°F or higher each year. Winter is virtually snow-free at 0.2 inches, with a comfortable January average of 53.1°F.

Prepare for Long Periods of Heat

Residents should plan for nearly four months of temperatures over 90°F with robust cooling systems. Outdoor activities are best scheduled for the mild winters, where the average temperature remains a pleasant 54.8°F.

Soil Quality in DeWitt County

via SoilByCounty

Slightly alkaline coastal plain soils

DeWitt County soils have an average pH of 7.22, placing them just above the state average of 7.09 and the national median of 6.5. This slight alkalinity is typical for the transitioned coastal plains of South-Central Texas.

High sand content for light texture

The soil is comprised of 54.5% sand, 21.3% silt, and 24.1% clay. This high sand percentage creates a light, easy-to-till soil that warms up quickly in the spring sun.

Healthy organic matter near state levels

The organic matter content is 1.63%, nearly matching the Texas state average of 1.66%. The available water capacity is 0.130 in/in, which is essentially on par with the statewide average of 0.133 in/in.

Slow infiltration despite sandy texture

The soil falls into hydrologic group D, which indicates a low rate of water transmission despite the high sand content. This suggests that subsurface layers may be more restrictive to water movement than the surface suggests.

Heat-resilient crops for Zone 9a

In the warm Zone 9a climate, citrus and heat-loving herbs thrive in these sandy soils. Gardeners can take advantage of the long growing season to produce multiple harvests of peppers and beans.

Lawn Care in DeWitt County

via LawnByCounty

Heat and Drought Test DeWitt Yards

DeWitt County faces a lawn difficulty score of 31.8, placing it right at the Texas state average but well below the national mark of 50.0. Being in hardiness zone 9a means the county experiences long, hot growing seasons that can stress traditional turf. Yard success here depends heavily on managing extreme heat and periodic water shortages.

Extreme Heat Defines the Season

The county endures 129 extreme heat days annually, far exceeding the state average of 105 and pushing turf to its limits. Annual precipitation is a healthy 36.5 inches, but the high temperatures quickly evaporate surface moisture. The massive 7,524 growing degree days mean your mower will stay busy for a very long season.

Working with Sandy Soil Profiles

The local soil is heavily sandy at 54.5%, which promotes fast drainage but can lead to rapid nutrient leaching. A soil pH of 7.22 is slightly alkaline, so choosing grass types that tolerate higher pH levels is a smart move. Regular addition of organic compost can help the soil hold onto both moisture and fertilizer more effectively.

Surviving Long Dry Stretches

DeWitt County has struggled through 42 weeks of drought over the past year, with 100% of its area currently in severe D2+ conditions. This persistent dryness requires homeowners to prioritize water-wise gardening and native plant selections. In these conditions, letting your grass grow taller can help shade the soil and reduce water loss.

Start Early for Zone 9a

With the last spring frost typically occurring on March 2nd, you can start your lawn work earlier than most of the state. St. Augustine and Bermuda are the most resilient options for this hot, zone 9a climate. Your growing window is extensive, stretching until the first fall frost arrives around November 30th.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is DeWitt County's county score?
DeWitt County, Texas has a composite county score of 44.9 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 DeWitt County rank among counties in Texas?
DeWitt County ranks #103 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 DeWitt County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in DeWitt County is $1,437, with an effective tax rate of 0.86%. This earns DeWitt County a tax score of 48.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in DeWitt County?
The median household income in DeWitt County, Texas is $64,014 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. DeWitt County earns an income score of 50.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is DeWitt County, Texas a good place to live?
DeWitt County scores 44.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #103 in Texas. The best way to evaluate DeWitt 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 DeWitt County with other counties side by side.