countyscore
46.4
County Score
Cost of Living 80.1Disaster Risk 73.8Schools 59

County Report Card

About Falls County, Texas

Falls County Trails the National Median

Falls County earns a composite score of 46.4, placing it just below the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a rural profile that balances extreme affordability with some infrastructure limitations.

A Strong Performer in Texas

Despite its national ranking, Falls County exceeds the Texas state average composite score of 41.9. It stands out as a more livable option compared to many of its state peers.

Unbeatable Affordability and Low Risk

The county excels in cost with a score of 80.1, driven by a median home value of just $97,300. It also offers peace of mind with a high risk score of 73.8, indicating lower environmental hazards.

Addressing Water and Health Infrastructure

The county faces hurdles in water quality and health, which score 5.8 and 18.0 respectively. Additionally, the tax score of 14.3 reflects a higher property tax rate of 1.469%.

The Best Fit for Budget-Conscious Families

This county is ideal for those seeking low-cost housing and a secure, low-risk environment. It provides an accessible entry point to homeownership in the Central Texas region.

Score breakdown

Tax14.3Cost80.1Safety56.2Health18Schools59Income25.9Risk73.8Water5.8Weather34.4
🏛14.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠80.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼25.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡56.2
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤18
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓59
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡73.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧5.8
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤34.4
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨35.6
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱45.6
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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Nearby counties

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Deep Dives

Falls County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Falls County

via TaxByCounty

Falls County taxes: Below the national norm

Falls County's effective tax rate of 1.469% sits above the national median of 1.026%, putting it in the higher half of U.S. counties. However, the median property tax of $1,429 is roughly half the national median of $2,690, reflecting the county's lower median home value of $97,300 compared to the national $281,900.

Above average for Texas, but not extreme

Falls County's 1.469% effective rate exceeds Texas's 1.276% average, ranking it in the upper third of Texas counties. The median property tax of $1,429 is significantly lower than Texas's state average of $2,193, driven by more modest home values in the county.

Falls stands out in regional comparison

Among nearby counties, Falls County's 1.469% rate is notably higher than Fayette County's 1.008% and Franklin County's 0.912%, but comparable to regional averages. The county's tax burden on modest homes reflects its position between the affordable rural counties and pricier suburban areas.

Annual tax on typical home: $1,429

A homeowner with the median home value of $97,300 in Falls County pays approximately $1,429 annually in property taxes. With a mortgage, taxes may increase to around $1,822; without one, they drop to about $1,155.

You might be overassessed

Many Falls County homeowners are unaware that property assessments can be challenged. If your home's assessed value seems high relative to recent sales in your area, filing an appeal with the county appraisal district could reduce your tax burden.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Falls County

via CostByCounty

Falls County rents hit below national norms

At 16.2%, Falls County's rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably below the national benchmark, meaning renters spend less of their paycheck on housing than typical Americans. The median rent of $747 per month is 22% cheaper than Texas's state average of $963, offering genuine affordability in a tightening market.

A housing bargain in Texas rankings

Falls County ranks among the most affordable counties in Texas when measuring housing burden against income. With rents that pull 1.9 percentage points below the state average rent-to-income ratio, this county offers relief for renters statewide.

Cheaper than most Texas neighbors

Falls County's $747 median rent undercuts Fannin County ($994) by 25% and Fayette County ($909) by 18%, making it a compelling choice for budget-conscious renters in Central Texas. Home ownership is similarly affordable: median values sit at $97,300, roughly one-third the price of Fayette County homes.

Low housing costs, stable incomes

Falls County renters allocate just $747 monthly from a median household income of $55,372, while homeowners pay $592 monthly with median home values at $97,300. Housing consumes roughly 16% of household income for renters—leaving more money for food, healthcare, and savings.

Consider Falls County for affordability

If housing costs are squeezing your budget, Falls County delivers sub-state-average rents and deeply affordable home purchases. Compare your current rent-to-income ratio against Falls County's 16.2% to see how much you could save by relocating to Central Texas.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Falls County

via IncomeByCounty

Falls County trails national income averages

Falls County's median household income of $55,372 sits 26% below the national median of $74,755, placing it in the lower-income tier nationally. Residents here earn roughly $19,400 less than the typical American household, a gap that compounds across years and generations.

Below Texas average, but not alone

At $55,372, Falls County's median household income trails the Texas state average of $64,737 by $9,365 per household. Still, the county outperforms its per capita income of $29,535 against the state's $33,197, suggesting wealth is somewhat concentrated among fewer earners.

Mixed fortunes in the F-counties cluster

Falls County earns slightly more than Floyd County ($55,461) but significantly less than Fannin County ($68,377) and Fayette County ($76,541) nearby. Within this regional group, Falls sits in the middle-lower range, suggesting economic variation across central Texas.

Housing costs remain manageable here

Falls County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.2% indicates housing is reasonably affordable, well below the 30% threshold that signals affordability stress. At a median home value of $97,300, homeownership remains accessible for many families earning the county median.

Building wealth despite income gaps

Falls County residents can leverage affordable housing to build equity—the median home value of $97,300 represents just 1.76 years of median household income, creating real opportunity for wealth accumulation. Starting an emergency fund and exploring first-time homebuyer programs can help close the income-to-opportunity gap.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Falls County

via CrimeByCounty

Falls County significantly safer than national average

Falls County earns a high safety score of 98.4 out of 100, indicating a very secure environment. Its total crime rate of 1,005.1 per 100,000 residents remains well below the national average of 2,385.5.

Surpassing the Texas safety benchmark

The county's safety score exceeds the Texas average of 96.8, positioning it as a safe haven within the state. Five reporting agencies work to maintain a total crime rate that is roughly half the state average of 2,052.5.

Lower crime than many regional neighbors

Falls County maintains a lower crime rate than Fayette County, which records 1,249.8 incidents per 100,000 people. While it reports more activity than Fannin County, it remains significantly more peaceful than urban centers like Fort Bend.

Property crimes dominate local data

Property crime accounts for 893.4 incidents per 100,000 residents, while violent crime stays low at 111.7. This violent crime rate is nearly one-third of the national average, suggesting low risk for physical confrontations.

Staying proactive in a safe community

Despite low crime rates, residents should still secure their homes against property theft. Simple measures like motion-sensing lights and deadbolts help maintain the county's excellent safety standing.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Falls County

via HealthByCounty

Falls County lags on life expectancy

At 73.9 years, Falls County residents live nearly 6 years less than the U.S. average of 79 years. The county's 25.7% poor or fair health rate also exceeds the national average of 19%, signaling persistent health challenges across the population.

Below Texas average in life expectancy

Falls County's 73.9-year life expectancy trails Texas' 74.3-year average, placing it in the lower half of the state's counties. This gap persists despite Texas' own life expectancy running below the national norm.

Primary care access is limited here

Falls County has just 6 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—less than a third the state benchmark—making it a care desert compared to neighboring Fayette County's 32 per 100K. Mental health support at 17 per 100K also lags regional peers.

Healthcare barriers hit daily

Nearly 1 in 5 Falls County residents (18.3%) lack health insurance, close to the state rate but concentrated in a smaller, more rural population. The severe shortage of primary care doctors means residents often travel far for routine care or rely on emergency services.

Explore coverage options today

If you're uninsured or underinsured in Falls County, visit Healthcare.gov or contact your local health department to explore Medicaid, marketplace plans, and community health resources. Taking this step now can prevent costly emergency visits and improve long-term health outcomes.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Falls County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Small-Town Texas Education Infrastructure

Falls County supports 2,388 students across nine public schools managed by four distinct districts. The infrastructure includes three elementary schools, two middle schools, and three high schools, providing a focused learning environment for the local population.

Solid Graduation Rates and Local Investment

The county achieves a 91.0% graduation rate, significantly outperforming the national average of 87.0%. While the $7,847 per-pupil expenditure is below the $13,000 national benchmark, it exceeds the Texas state average of $7,498.

Marlin and Rosebud-Lott Lead the Way

Marlin ISD is the largest provider in the county, serving 926 students across four schools. Rosebud-Lott ISD follow closely with 755 students, and Chilton ISD operates a single PK-12 campus for 553 students.

Rural Roots and Intimate Campus Sizes

Education here is entirely rural or town-based, with schools averaging just 265 students. The Chilton School is the largest campus with 553 students, while the high schools maintain a small-town feel that encourages individual attention.

Finding Your Home in Falls County

Families looking for a close-knit community and high graduation rates should explore homes in Marlin or Chilton. Use our school quality data to find the perfect property near these established local districts.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Falls County

via RiskByCounty

Falls County faces very low disaster risk

With a composite risk score of 26.24, Falls County ranks well below the national average and sits in the very low risk category. This means residents face significantly fewer natural disaster threats than most Americans, though localized hazards still warrant attention.

Among Texas's safest counties

Falls County's composite score of 26.24 places it well below Texas's state average of 49.00, making it one of the state's lower-risk areas. This favorable standing reflects the county's relative protection from the extreme weather events that challenge other Texas communities.

Safer than most central Texas peers

Falls County's risk score of 26.24 compares favorably to neighboring Fayette County (57.98) and Franklin County (24.81), though it faces similar tornado and hurricane exposure. The county enjoys notably lower flood and earthquake risks than its immediate neighbors.

Tornadoes and hurricanes dominate here

Tornado risk (69.88) and hurricane risk (68.04) are Falls County's primary hazards, though both remain below state average intensities. Wildfire risk scores 54.48, moderate for the region, while flood and earthquake threats stay minimal at 24.08 and 21.63 respectively.

Secure your home against severe weather

Falls County residents should prioritize wind and tornado coverage in their homeowners policies, given the county's elevated tornado and hurricane scores. Standard homeowners insurance typically covers wind damage, but reviewing your policy limits and considering additional protection for high-wind events remains prudent.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Falls County

via WeatherByCounty

Standard Texas subtropical warmth

Falls County’s annual average temperature of 65.3°F is much higher than the national median. It receives 39.1 inches of rain annually, making it a humid and relatively wet part of the country.

Following the state baseline

Falls County’s 65.3°F average temperature is nearly identical to the Texas state average of 65.5°F. However, it is significantly wetter than the state average, recording 39.1 inches of rain versus the state’s 31.9.

Warmer than Fannin County

With an annual average of 65.3°F, Falls County is nearly 2 degrees warmer than Fannin County’s 63.5°F. It also receives 39.1 inches of rain, which is more than most counties to its west.

Significant heat and humidity

The county sees 102 days of extreme heat annually, with July temperatures averaging 82.9°F. Winters are very mild with a January average of 46.3°F; snowfall data for this region is currently unavailable.

Cooling for a hundred-day summer

Budgeting for 102 days of temperatures over 90°F is critical for residents managing energy costs. Given the 39.1 inches of rain, moisture control and mold prevention are important home maintenance tasks.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Falls County

via SoilByCounty

Falls County's Rich Mollisol Identity

The county features nutrient-rich Mollisols with a dominant loam texture. At 7.23, the pH is slightly more alkaline than the national median of 6.5 and sits above the Texas average of 7.09. This balance supports high natural fertility for regional agriculture.

A Balanced Blend of Sand and Clay

The soil contains a nearly equal mix of 37.1% sand, 31.6% silt, and 31.3% clay. This loamy profile offers excellent workability while retaining enough clay to hold onto essential plant nutrients. Gardeners find this texture easy to manage compared to heavier clay regions.

Water Storage Beats the State Average

Organic matter sits at 1.60%, trailing the national average of 2.0% but mirroring the Texas average. However, the available water capacity of 0.148 in/in exceeds the state average of 0.133, providing a reliable moisture reservoir for crops during dry spells.

Well Drained but High Runoff Risk

The land is classified as well drained, yet it belongs to hydrologic group D, which indicates high runoff potential when saturated. While water moves well through the profile, the heavy clay subsoil can limit infiltration during intense Texas thunderstorms. Proper site grading is essential for new construction projects here.

Thriving in Hardiness Zone 8b

Warm winters and loamy soils make Falls County ideal for heat-tolerant vegetables and stone fruits like peaches. With a soil score of 35.6, this land outperforms the state average of 28.8. Start your garden today to take advantage of these productive Central Texas conditions.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Falls County

via LawnByCounty

Falls County Lawn Maintenance Overview

Falls County earns a lawn difficulty score of 45.6, placing it slightly below the national median of 50.0 but significantly ahead of the Texas state average of 31.7. Homeowners in Hardiness Zone 8b face moderate challenges in balancing heat with moisture. While easier than many neighboring counties, keeping a lush lawn here still requires consistent attention to local conditions.

Managing Heat and Humidity

The county receives 39.1 inches of annual precipitation, which sits comfortably within the ideal range for healthy turf. However, with 102 extreme heat days over 90°F and 6,146 growing degree days, grass can quickly scorch without careful monitoring. The high July average of 82.9°F necessitates a rigorous watering schedule during the peak of summer.

Working with Loamy Soil

The soil here is a well-drained loam with a pH of 7.23, which is slightly more alkaline than the ideal 6.0 to 7.0 range. A clay content of 31.3% helps retain moisture, though it may require aeration to prevent compaction. Most lawns benefit from sulfur-based amendments to slightly lower the pH for better nutrient uptake.

Current Water and Drought Status

With 18 weeks spent in drought over the last year, 100% of the county currently experiences abnormally dry conditions. Residents should practice deep, infrequent watering to encourage deep root growth and minimize evaporation. Maintaining a taller mowing height helps shade the soil and conserve the moisture already present.

Best Practices for Your 8b Lawn

Bermudagrass and Zoysia are the top choices for this climate due to their heat tolerance and resilience. Aim to seed or sod after the last spring frost on March 21 to give the roots time to establish before the summer heat. With a long growing season that lasts until the first frost on November 9, your lawn has plenty of time to thrive.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Falls County's county score?
Falls County, Texas has a composite county score of 46.4 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 Falls County rank among counties in Texas?
Falls County ranks #93 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 Falls County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Falls County is $1,429, with an effective tax rate of 1.47%. This earns Falls County a tax score of 14.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Falls County?
The median household income in Falls County, Texas is $55,372 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Falls County earns an income score of 25.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Falls County, Texas a good place to live?
Falls County scores 46.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #93 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Falls 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 Falls County with other counties side by side.

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🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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