CountyScore

Duval County

Texas · TX

#112 in Texas
63.5
County Score

County Report Card

About Duval County, Texas

Duval Exceeds National Livability Standard

Duval County's composite score of 73.0 puts it 46% above the national median of 50.0, marking it as a strong livability performer nationally. The county demonstrates balanced strengths across affordability and tax policy.

Above-Average Performer in Texas

With a score of 73.0, Duval County outperforms the Texas state average of 66.8, positioning it among the more livable counties in the state. This consistent outperformance reflects sound fundamentals in multiple dimensions.

Housing Affordability Tops the List

Duval County's cost score of 87.9 reflects genuinely affordable housing, with median home values at $86,400 and median rent at just $737 per month. A tax score of 72.0 and effective tax rate of 1.077% add further financial appeal for budget-minded households.

Limited Income Growth Potential

The county's income score of 16.1 corresponds to a median household income of $50,081, suggesting limited high-earning job opportunities. Additional data on safety, health, schools, and environmental quality would help complete the livability assessment.

Best for Affordability-First Households

Duval County is ideal for families, retirees, and workers who prioritize low housing costs and minimal tax burden over maximum income potential. The county offers genuine financial relief for those seeking to stretch every dollar while maintaining livability.

Score breakdown

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

Tax72Cost87.9SafetyComing SoonHealth44.2SchoolsComing SoonIncome16.1Risk45.6WaterComing Soon
🏛72
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠87.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼16.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤44.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡45.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Duval County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Pinal County
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Median income: $77,588
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63.5
Median income: $72,349
Logan County
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63.5
Median income: $64,188
Perry County
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63.5
Median income: $59,286
Lyon County
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63.5
Median income: $59,078

Deep Dives

Duval County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Duval County

via TaxByCounty

Duval's tax burden runs light nationally

Duval County's effective rate of 1.077% positions it well below national norms, with a median property tax of just $931—barely 35% of the national median of $2,690. This county ranks among America's most affordable for property tax burden relative to home values.

Second-lowest tax rate in Texas

At 1.077%, Duval County claims one of Texas's most competitive rates, trailing only Edwards County's 1.051% statewide. The median tax bill of $931 runs less than 42% of the state average, marking significant savings for residents.

South Texas leader in low tax rates

Duval County's 1.077% beats most South Texas peers and ranks second only to Edwards County in the broader region. Its median tax of $931 is the lowest among comparable rural Texas counties, giving homeowners tangible year-over-year savings.

Typical annual bill: under $1,000

On a median home value of $86,400, Duval County homeowners pay approximately $931 annually in property taxes. This makes owning a typical home in Duval among Texas's most economical propositions from a tax perspective.

Verify your property valuation now

Even in low-tax counties, assessment errors happen—and they cost real money over time. Request a free appraisal review from Duval County's appraisal district and challenge any inflated valuation that doesn't match recent market sales.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Duval County

via CostByCounty

Duval rents affordable but incomes lag

Renters in Duval County spend 17.7% of income on housing—below the national average—but that affordability masks a lower median household income of $50,081 versus the nation's $74,755. Even cheap rents strain smaller paychecks.

Just shy of Texas average affordability

Duval County's 17.7% rent-to-income ratio edges below Texas's 18.1% state average, putting it in the middle tier of affordability across the state. The $737 monthly rent is $226 below the state median of $963.

Competitive with South Texas peers

Duval County rents ($737) fall between Donley County ($686) and Eastland County ($803), offering a middle ground in the region. Median home values of $86,400 align with the most affordable parts of rural Texas.

Modest housing, modest income

Renters pay $737/month and homeowners pay $480/month against a $50,081 median income, meaning housing takes roughly 18% of earnings. While rent-to-income is acceptable, the lower overall income leaves less cushion for emergencies.

Budget-conscious families should look here

Duval County offers genuine affordability for families prioritizing low housing costs in Texas. With rents under $750 and home values under $90,000, this county rewards careful budgeters seeking financial stability.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Duval County

via IncomeByCounty

Duval's income significantly below U.S. average

Duval County's median household income of $50,081 ranks among the lowest nationally, trailing the U.S. median of $74,755 by nearly $24,700—a 33% gap. This places Duval in the lower income tier for American counties, reflecting persistent economic challenges.

One of Texas's lower-earning counties

Duval's $50,081 median household income falls well below Texas's state average of $64,737, a shortfall of $14,656. The per capita income of $23,379 is also notably low compared to the state average of $33,197, signaling limited economic opportunity.

Struggling among South Texas peers

Duval County ranks among the weakest income performers in its South Texas region. While neighboring Ector County earns $71,031 median household income, Duval lags by over $20,900, highlighting the economic divide between oil-dependent and agricultural areas.

Housing costs stretch household budgets

Duval's rent-to-income ratio of 17.7% is elevated relative to incomes, meaning a larger slice of take-home pay goes to housing than in stronger-income counties. Median home values of $86,400 offer affordability, but renters here face tighter financial margins.

Invest in skills and income growth

Duval County residents benefit from prioritizing education and vocational training to raise earning potential over time. Even modest increases in household income through career advancement or entrepreneurship compound significantly; explore local workforce programs and Small Business Administration resources designed for rural communities.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Duval County

via HealthByCounty

Duval faces significant health challenges

Duval County's life expectancy of 70.3 years is nearly 5 years below the U.S. average of 75.4 years, representing one of the lowest outcomes in the state. Almost one in three residents (32.7%) report poor or fair health, well above the national average of 19.5%.

Lowest life expectancy in Texas

Duval County ranks among Texas's counties with the poorest health outcomes, at 70.3 years compared to the state average of 74.3 years. Its 32.7% poor/fair health rate is the highest among this group of eight counties, signaling acute health disparities.

Struggles beyond neighboring counties

Duval's 70.3-year life expectancy is roughly 5-7 years lower than Edwards County and significantly lower than Ellis or Erath counties, both above 76 years. The county's 32.7% poor/fair health rate dwarfs Erath County's 21.2%, indicating concentrated health challenges.

Lower uninsured rate masks deeper issues

Duval County's 18.0% uninsured rate is actually below the state average, yet the county still reports the worst health outcomes—suggesting barriers beyond insurance coverage affect health. Mental health providers are available at 10 per 100,000 residents, far below the state's capacity, while primary care provider data remains unavailable.

Insurance is step one toward health

Though Duval's uninsured rate is relatively low, expanding access to preventive care and mental health services could address the county's severe health disparities. Residents should verify their coverage includes regular checkups and specialist access, particularly mental health providers who are critically scarce in the area.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Duval County

via RiskByCounty

Duval County's Moderate Risk Level

Duval County scores 54.42 on the national composite risk scale, earning a Relatively Low rating and sitting slightly above the national average. This modest elevation reflects the county's exposure to several significant hazards, particularly from coastal and tropical weather systems. Overall, Duval residents face moderate but manageable disaster risk compared to the broader U.S.

Slightly Above Texas Average

At 54.42, Duval County exceeds Texas's average composite risk score of 49.00 by about 11%, indicating greater exposure than most of the state. The county ranks in the middle tier of Texas hazard vulnerability, with risk significantly higher than Panhandle communities but lower than major metropolitan corridors. This positioning reflects Duval's South Texas location and proximity to coastal systems.

Higher Risk Than Regional Peers

Duval County's 54.42 score surpasses Edwards County (5.73), making it substantially more exposed to natural disasters than its inland neighbor. However, it remains considerably safer than Erath County (75.00) and Ector County (82.82). Duval's risk profile places it at the middle of the South Texas hazard spectrum.

Hurricane and Wildfire Threats

Hurricane risk dominates at 74.84—among the highest hazard scores in Duval County—reflecting its coastal position and tropical storm vulnerability. Wildfire risk ranks second at 52.42, while flood risk at 28.59 adds a secondary concern. Together, these three hazards account for most of the county's natural disaster exposure.

Hurricane and Wildfire Insurance Essential

Duval County residents must prioritize hurricane-specific wind and hail coverage, which standard policies often exclude or limit significantly. Supplemental wildfire insurance is equally critical given the county's substantial exposure to brush fires and grassland burns. Review your policy deductibles and coverage limits annually before hurricane season begins each June.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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