countyscore
40.2
County Score
Cost of Living 82.7Schools 64.5Disaster Risk 45.6

County Report Card

About Duval County, Texas

Below the National Benchmark

Duval County’s composite score of 43.2 falls short of the national median of 50.0. While it faces infrastructure hurdles, it maintains a competitive edge in basic living costs.

A Competitive Texas Player

Despite national trends, Duval sits slightly above the Texas state average score of 41.9. It maintains a solid standing within the South Texas landscape.

Accessible Homeownership and Education

A high cost score of 87.0 reflects incredibly accessible housing, with median rents at just $737. The school score of 64.5 also indicates a surprisingly strong local education environment.

Critical Infrastructure Needs

The county faces significant pressure in health and water, with scores of 5.4 and 2.4 respectively. These figures suggest that residents may deal with limited medical access and aging utility systems.

Best for Thrifty Families

Duval suits families who prioritize affordable housing and decent local schools above all else. It is an ideal spot for those comfortable with small-town infrastructure who want to keep monthly bills low.

2040608010019.782.737.25.464.510.145.62.413Tax19.7Cost82.7Safety37.2Health5.4Schools64.5Income10.1Risk45.6Water2.4Weather1340.2/100
This county
National avg
2 above average6 below average

Duval County DNA

Foverall

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

Duval County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Cost of Living (82.7/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (2.4/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
19.7-32.3
Cost
82.7+34.7
Safety
37.2-17.799999999999997
Health
5.4-44.6
Schools
64.5+10.5
Income
10.1-40.9
Risk
45.6
Water
2.4-55.6
Weather
13-43
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Think property taxes are too high in Duval County?

Many homeowners in Duval County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$89,400

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$741/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$89,400/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$29,640/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum1.8x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $49,038/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

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

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Nearby counties

Jim Wells County
Texas
25
Jim Hogg County
Texas
46.5
Brooks County
Texas
52.1
McMullen County
Texas
67.8
Live Oak County
Texas
57.1
Kleberg County
Texas
20.5
La Salle County
Texas
53.1
San Patricio County
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31.4

Deep Dives

Duval County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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

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

Safety in Duval County

via CrimeByCounty

Duval County Maintains a High Safety Profile

The county records 1,445.8 crimes per 100K, staying well below the national average of 2,385.5. It currently holds a strong safety score of 97.7 out of 100.

Local Data Shows a Competitive State Ranking

Duval's safety score of 97.7 sits above the Texas average of 96.8. This indicates a safer environment than many other parts of the Lone Star State.

Safety Rates Compare Favorably to Regional Counterparts

Duval’s total rate of 1,445.8 is lower than the 1,602.9 seen in nearby El Paso County. Four reporting agencies provide a consistent and transparent picture of the local safety landscape.

Property Incidents Occur More Frequently Than Violence

Property crime measures 1,044.2 per 100K, while violent crime is much lower at 401.6. Both figures represent a fraction of the national property crime rate of 2,015.7.

Smart Habits Keep Duval Households Secure

Residents should focus on home security to prevent property crime from rising above current levels. Installing doorbell cameras helps monitor activity and provides daily peace of mind.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Duval County

via WeatherByCounty

Subtropical Warmth and Persistent Sun

Duval County is among the warmest in the nation with an annual average temperature of 71.9°F. It is relatively dry, receiving only 25.1 inches of annual precipitation.

Significantly Warmer Than the State Average

At 71.9°F, Duval is 6.4 degrees warmer than the state average of 65.5°F. Its 25.1 inches of rain is about 7 inches below the state average, marking it as a warm, semi-arid zone.

A Warm Hub of South Texas

Duval shares the brush country climate of Jim Wells and McMullen counties. It is characterized by high evaporation rates and more extreme heat days than counties located further north.

Endless Heat and Non-Existent Snow

Residents endure 155 days of extreme heat at or above 90°F each year. Snowfall is recorded at 0.0 inches, and even in January, the average temperature stays a mild 55.3°F.

Prepare for Constant Summer Conditions

With 155 days of extreme heat, air conditioning is a critical utility for nearly half the year. Landscaping should focus on drought-tolerant species that can thrive in 25.1 inches of rain and intense sun.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Duval County

via SoilByCounty

Fine Sandy Loams of South Texas

Duval County is dominated by Inceptisols with a fine sandy loam texture. The average pH of 7.36 is more alkaline than the national median of 6.5.

Sandy Profiles Ensure Rapid Drainage

The soil contains 60.0% sand, 19.8% silt, and 20.3% clay. This high sand content ensures fast drainage, though it requires regular nutrient management to maintain productivity.

Solid Organic Matter for Arid Land

Organic matter levels of 1.60% nearly meet the Texas state average of 1.66%. The available water capacity of 0.125 in/in is slightly lower than the state benchmark of 0.133.

Effective Moisture Management for Gardens

Well drained soils and hydrologic group B indicate good water movement through the profile. These characteristics help minimize runoff risks during intense South Texas rain events.

Heat-Loving Plants Thrive in Zone 9b

Located in hardiness zone 9b, this county supports heat-loving citrus, peppers, and tropicals. The sandy loam is a fantastic foundation for a productive year-round garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Duval County

via LawnByCounty

Tough Turf Conditions in Duval

Duval County presents a significant challenge with a lawn difficulty score of 19.0, far below the national average of 50.0. In Hardiness Zone 9b, the environment demands high-maintenance strategies to keep grass green against the South Texas heat.

Extreme Heat Defines the Season

Lawns endure a staggering 155 days of extreme heat annually, which is 50 days more than the Texas state average. Low annual rainfall of 25.1 inches combined with 8,170 growing degree days makes frequent irrigation essential for survival.

Sandy Loam Drainage Needs

The soil features 60% sand and a well-drained fine sandy loam texture that moves water quickly away from roots. A pH of 7.36 means the ground is slightly more alkaline than the ideal 6.0-7.0 range, potentially limiting nutrient uptake.

Persistent Severe Drought Pressures

The county has spent all 52 of the last weeks in drought, with 100% of the area currently in severe drought conditions. Utilizing mulch and drought-tolerant grass species is critical to maintaining any ground cover during these extreme cycles.

Heat-Hardy Grass Selections

St. Augustine and Zoysia are the top contenders for Zone 9b lawns due to their ability to withstand the intense 155 heat days. With the last frost usually passing by February 20, the growing season starts early in the South Texas spring.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Duval County's county score?
Duval County, Texas has a composite county score of 40.2 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 Duval County rank among counties in Texas?
Duval County ranks #147 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 Duval County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Duval County is $1,148, with an effective tax rate of 1.28%. This earns Duval County a tax score of 19.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Duval County?
The median household income in Duval County, Texas is $49,038 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Duval County earns an income score of 10.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Duval County, Texas a good place to live?
Duval County scores 40.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #147 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Duval 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 Duval County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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