countyscore
36.3
County Score
Schools 63.5Cost of Living 48.3Safety 45.2

County Report Card

About Frio County, Texas

Frio County Faces National Livability Gaps

With a composite score of 36.3, Frio County performs significantly below the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a rural community navigating the unique economic pressures of South Texas.

Ranking Below the Texas Average

The county's overall score of 36.3 trails the Texas state average of 41.9. It faces stiff competition from more developed counties but holds its own in specific educational metrics.

Resilient Schools and Low Home Prices

Frio County boasts a respectable school score of 63.5, indicating a strong commitment to local student success. Housing remains a major draw, featuring a median home value of only $110,100.

Addressing Health and High Tax Burdens

Healthcare access is a primary concern with a health score of only 8.5. Additionally, the effective tax rate of 1.590% results in a low tax score of 9.5, signaling a relatively high burden on residents.

Ideal for Entry-Level Homeownership and Education

Frio County is best for families seeking exceptionally low entry prices for homes and solid local schools. It caters to those who value community-focused education over expansive regional infrastructure.

Score breakdown

Tax9.5Cost48.3Safety45.2Health8.5Schools63.5Income39.3Risk44.1Water39Weather15.3
🏛9.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠48.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼39.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡45.2
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤8.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓63.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡44.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧39
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤15.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨32.4
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱19
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

La Salle County
Texas
53.6
Zavala County
Texas
43.8
Atascosa County
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32.5
Medina County
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Dimmit County
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McMullen County
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Uvalde County
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Bandera County
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Deep Dives

Frio County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Frio County

via TaxByCounty

Frio taxes moderate by national standards

Frio County's effective tax rate of 1.590% exceeds the national median, though the median tax bill of $1,751 remains below the national median of $2,690. This reflects Frio's relatively modest home values of $110,100.

Above average for Texas

Frio's effective rate of 1.590% ranks above Texas's state average of 1.276%, placing it among higher-taxing counties statewide. The median tax of $1,751 is still lower than the state median of $2,193 due to lower home values.

Higher than nearby Freestone and Goliad

Frio County's 1.590% rate exceeds both Freestone County (1.037%) and Goliad County (1.035%), making it the higher-tax option in the immediate region. Despite this, the actual tax bills remain affordable due to modest property values.

What homeowners pay annually

On Frio's median home value of $110,100, homeowners pay approximately $1,751 in annual property taxes. With a mortgage, expect $2,399; without one, around $1,452.

Review your assessment for savings

Frio County homeowners should verify that their properties are assessed fairly relative to current market values. Filing an appeal during assessment review periods could unlock significant tax savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Frio County

via CostByCounty

Frio renters face above-average squeeze

Frio County's rent-to-income ratio of 20.1% exceeds Texas's state average of 18.1% and the national benchmark, meaning renters here dedicate a larger paycheck share to housing. Median rent of $1,006 per month sits above the state median of $963, pressing household budgets harder than peers statewide.

Less affordable than most Texas counties

Frio ranks below the state average in housing affordability, with renters bearing a notably heavier cost burden than typical Texans. The county's affordability challenge stems from rent levels that outpace both state averages and the modest $60,098 median household income.

Costlier rent than surrounding counties

Frio's $1,006 monthly rent significantly exceeds nearby Goliad County's $724 and Garza County's $797, making it one of the pricier options in its rural region. Homebuying here offers relief: median owner costs of just $699 per month are competitive with neighbors, though the $110,100 median home value suggests limited inventory diversity.

Renters squeezed; owners find value

Renters in Frio spend 20.1% of their $60,098 income on housing—well above the comfort zone—while homeowners spend a lean 13.9% of income. This split suggests Frio works better for buyers willing to purchase than for those seeking to rent affordably.

Consider if you're buying, not renting

Relocating to Frio makes financial sense if homeownership is in your plans, with owner costs and home values among Texas's most reasonable. But prospective renters should compare Frio's $1,006 rent to more affordable neighbors like Goliad before committing.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Frio County

via IncomeByCounty

Frio County's income lags far behind

Frio County's median household income of $60,098 sits 20% below the nation's $74,755 median. This income gap is typical of rural South Texas counties with limited economic diversification.

Lower income among Texas counties

Frio ranks in the lower half of Texas counties with a median income 7% below the state average of $64,737. At just $22,170, per capita income trails the state average of $33,197 by 33%—one of the steeper gaps in the dataset.

Part of rural South Texas cluster

Frio's $60,098 sits near Freestone ($58,460) and Goliad ($59,556), forming a corridor of economically similar rural counties. The region shares agricultural heritage and limited urban employment centers.

Rent burden is rising here

At 20.1%, Frio's rent-to-income ratio edges above the comfort zone, signaling that renters allocate a significant portion of earnings to housing. The median home value of $110,100 is relatively affordable, but limited income makes even modest mortgages challenging.

Maximize what you earn in Frio

With per capita income among the state's lowest, every dollar counts toward financial security. Explore community credit unions, microfinance programs, and local workforce development resources to boost skills and earning potential.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Frio County

via CrimeByCounty

Frio County ranks high for overall safety

Frio County boasts an impressive safety score of 98.1, far exceeding the national average. Its total crime rate of 1223.1 per 100,000 residents is roughly half of the national figure of 2,385.5.

Leading the pack in Texas safety

With a safety score of 98.1, Frio County outperforms the Texas state average of 96.8. Its total crime rate of 1223.1 is significantly lower than the statewide average of 2052.5 per 100,000 residents.

A regional leader in low crime rates

Frio County maintains a much lower crime profile than many of its South Texas neighbors. Three reporting agencies coordinate to keep the total crime rate at a manageable 1223.1 per 100,000 people.

Low violent crime rates define the area

The county reports 225.9 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, which is well below the national average of 369.8. Property crime stands at 997.2, representing the majority of reported law enforcement activity.

Maintaining peace in Frio County

While rates are low, proactive home security can further decrease the risk of property crime. Basic upgrades like smart doorbells help residents stay connected with the three local agencies protecting the community.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Frio County

via HealthByCounty

Frio lags behind national health benchmarks

At 72.4 years, Frio County's life expectancy trails the national average by roughly 2–3 years, signaling serious underlying health challenges. With 32.3% of adults reporting poor or fair health, Frio faces one of the higher rates of self-reported poor health in Texas.

Among Texas's lowest life expectancy counties

Frio's 72.4-year life expectancy falls 1.9 years below the Texas average of 74.3 years, placing it in the bottom quartile statewide. Its 21.9% uninsured rate exceeds the state average of 19.8%, compounding healthcare access challenges for vulnerable populations.

Frio struggles compared to South Texas peers

Frio's 32.3% poor/fair health rate significantly exceeds neighboring counties like Atascosa and LaSalle, reflecting deeper chronic disease burdens. The county's 21.9% uninsured rate is among the highest in its region, limiting access to preventive and routine care.

Limited providers, coverage gaps persist

Frio has just 22 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—less than half the density found in better-resourced counties. With 21.9% of the population uninsured, many residents delay or skip care, likely contributing to the high poor/fair health rates.

Frio residents: check coverage options today

Nearly one in five Frio County residents lacks health insurance, creating barriers to care and financial risk. Visit the Texas Health Insurance Marketplace or contact Frio County's community health centers to explore Medicaid, CHIP, or affordable private plans.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Frio County

via SchoolsByCounty

Streamlined Schooling in South Texas

Frio County maintains a focused education system with seven total public schools serving 2,917 students. The landscape is split between two primary school districts that manage three elementary, two middle, and two high schools. This compact infrastructure ensures resources are concentrated in the county's most populated areas.

Strong Graduation Success in Frio

The county’s 93.6% graduation rate exceeds both the Texas state average of 91.6% and the national benchmark of 87.0%. Per-pupil spending sits at $7,341, which is very close to the state average of $7,498. These figures indicate a healthy investment in student outcomes, resulting in a composite school score of 56.2.

Pearsall ISD Serves the Majority

Pearsall ISD is the dominant district in the county, overseeing five schools and 2,026 students. Dilley ISD manages the remaining three schools, serving 899 students in the southern portion of the county. Neither district features charter school options, focusing instead on traditional public education for the entire community.

A Mix of Town and Rural Campuses

Most students attend one of the five schools located in town settings, while two campuses serve rural areas. The average school size is 417 students, led by Pearsall High School with 614 enrollees. This creates a mid-sized school feel where students benefit from diverse peer groups without the anonymity of massive urban campuses.

Join a Community That Values Education

If you are researching South Texas real estate, the consistent academic performance in Pearsall and Dilley makes Frio County a smart choice. These districts provide reliable public education options with graduation rates that lead the state. Start your home search near these core campuses to secure a bright future for your family.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Frio County

via RiskByCounty

Frio County Moderately Above National Risk

Frio's composite risk score of 55.95 classifies it as relatively low risk but still exceeds the national average around 50. The county's exposure stems mainly from wildfire and hurricane hazards, which dominate its overall risk profile.

Slightly Elevated for South Texas

At 55.95, Frio's score surpasses Texas's state average of 49.00, placing it above the middle of the state's risk distribution. This south-central location brings hurricane exposure and brushland fire danger that shape the county's insurance landscape.

Similar to Surrounding South Texas Counties

Frio's score of 55.95 aligns closely with nearby LaSalle and Atascosa counties, all sharing similar wildfire and hurricane vulnerabilities. The region's semiarid terrain and proximity to the Gulf Coast create consistent risk patterns across multiple counties.

Wildfire and Hurricane Threats

Frio's top hazards are wildfire (75.16) and hurricane (71.59), both well above national norms, while tornado risk remains moderate at 53.37. Dry brush and grasslands fuel rapid wildfire spread, while Gulf proximity brings seasonal hurricane exposure from June through November.

Fireproof Landscaping and Wind Insurance

Frio residents should clear brush and dead vegetation within 30 feet of structures to reduce wildfire risk, and maintain robust wind coverage for hurricane season. Flood insurance is recommended for properties in flood-prone areas near the Frio River and its tributaries.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Frio County

via WeatherByCounty

Scorching South Texas Heat

Frio County is one of the warmest counties in the U.S. with an annual average temperature of 71.0°F. Its climate is classified as subtropical Steppe, characterized by hot, dry periods and intense sun.

Hotter than the Average Texan

The county is significantly hotter than the Texas state average, exceeding it by 5.5 degrees. It is also drier than many parts of the state, with only 23.9 inches of rain compared to the 31.9-inch average.

The Brush Country Heat

Frio County aligns with the hot, semi-arid conditions of the Eagle Ford Shale region. It stays noticeably warmer and drier than the San Antonio area just to its north.

Endless Summer Conditions

A staggering 140 days per year reach temperatures of 90°F or more, the highest in this group. Winters are short and warm, with an average temperature of 55.4°F and negligible snowfall.

Manage the Extreme Heat

Air conditioning is a non-negotiable requirement for the 140 days of extreme heat. Residents should also prioritize sun protection and water conservation given the low 23.9-inch annual rainfall.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Frio County

via SoilByCounty

Alkaline Soils of the Brush Country

Frio County reports an average pH of 7.29, making it more alkaline than the 6.5 national median. While specific taxonomic order and texture data are limited, the chemical profile is clearly defined. This alkalinity influences how local plants access soil nutrients.

A Balanced Silt and Clay Mix

The soil is composed of 48.6% sand, 25.9% silt, and 23.5% clay. This balanced ratio of silt and clay helps the soil hold onto moisture better than purely sandy regions. It provides a stable environment for both roots and structures.

Strong Water Retention Potential

The available water capacity is 0.141 in/in, which beats the Texas state average of 0.133 in/in. Organic matter content is 1.64%, sitting almost exactly at the state average of 1.66%. These numbers suggest a solid foundation for productive agriculture.

High Runoff Risks for Developers

Frio County belongs to hydrologic group D, indicating soil with very low infiltration rates and high runoff potential. While specific drainage class data is unavailable, this group often presents challenges for water management. Builders must account for slow-draining conditions in their designs.

Citrus and Melons in Zone 9a

Hardiness Zone 9a offers a warm climate where citrus and melons can truly flourish. The soil's ability to hold water supports these thirsty crops during the hot Texas summers. It is a fantastic environment for anyone looking to start a productive fruit garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Frio County

via LawnByCounty

Extreme Challenges in South Texas

Frio County's lawn difficulty score is a low 19.0, reflecting the intense struggle of maintaining turf in Zone 9a. This score is significantly tougher than the Texas average of 31.7, requiring specialized care and high-input irrigation.

Brutal Heat and Limited Rain

Local lawns endure 140 extreme heat days annually, far exceeding the state average of 105. With only 23.9 inches of rain and 7,844 growing degree days, grass grows rapidly but requires constant hydration to survive the sun.

Alkaline Soil Challenges

The soil pH of 7.29 is slightly alkaline, which can occasionally lock out essential micronutrients like iron. While drainage data is limited for this specific area, the 23.5% clay content suggests a need for aeration to prevent compaction.

A Year of Constant Drought

The county has spent all 53 of the past weeks in drought, with 100% of the area currently in severe drought or worse. Use mulch-mowing to keep clippings on the lawn, which helps retain precious soil moisture during these critical dry spells.

Tough Grasses for Frio Heat

Heat-tolerant St. Augustine or Bermuda are the best bets for this climate. Start your lawn projects after the early frost date of February 16 to maximize the long, intense growing season.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Frio County's county score?
Frio County, Texas has a composite county score of 36.3 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 Frio County rank among counties in Texas?
Frio County ranks #176 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 Frio County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Frio County is $1,751, with an effective tax rate of 1.59%. This earns Frio County a tax score of 9.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Frio County?
The median household income in Frio County, Texas is $60,098 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Frio County earns an income score of 39.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Frio County, Texas a good place to live?
Frio County scores 36.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #176 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Frio 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 Frio County with other counties side by side.

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