countyscore
45.1
County Score
Schools 71.8Water Quality 61.2Cost of Living 55.3

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.

204060801004655.337.624.371.845.116.161.217.8Tax46Cost55.3Safety37.6Health24.3Schools71.8Income45.1Risk16.1Water61.2Weather17.845.1/100
This county
National avg
1 above average4 below average

DeWitt County DNA

Foverall

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

DeWitt County falls below the national average in most categories. The biggest gap is in Weather & Climate (17.8/100), though Schools (71.8/100) remains a relative bright spot.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
46
Cost
55.3
Safety
37.6-17.4
Health
24.3-25.7
Schools
71.8+17.799999999999997
Income
45.1
Risk
16.1-30.9
Water
61.2
Weather
17.8-38.2
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Think property taxes are too high in DeWitt County?

Many homeowners in DeWitt 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

$170,900

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$921/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$170,900/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$36,840/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.7x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $63,730/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

15.1

per 100K

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

Deep Dives

DeWitt County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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.

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.

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 45.1 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 #105 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 $1,469, with an effective tax rate of 0.86%. This earns DeWitt County a tax score of 46/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in DeWitt County?
The median household income in DeWitt County, Texas is $63,730 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. DeWitt County earns an income score of 45.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is DeWitt County, Texas a good place to live?
DeWitt County scores 45.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #105 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.
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.