countyscore
28.8
County Score
Income & Jobs 87.3Water Quality 59.1Schools 50.3

County Report Card

About Galveston County, Texas

Coastal Livability Meets Significant Challenges

Galveston County scores a 28.7, which is substantially lower than the national median of 50.0. This score reflects the complex balance between coastal beauty and high environmental risks.

Struggling Against the State Average

The county's 28.7 composite score is well below the Texas average of 41.9. Higher living costs and environmental factors weigh down its overall standing compared to inland neighbors.

Elite Incomes and Strong Water Quality

Wealth is a major factor here, with an income score of 88.8 and a median household income of $85,348. The county also maintains a solid water score of 59.1, providing reliable utility infrastructure.

Managing Environmental Risks and High Costs

A critical risk score of 4.6 highlights the county's vulnerability to natural disasters. Additionally, housing affordability is low, with a cost score of 8.9 and median rents at $1,360.

Best for High-Earners Seeking Coastal Life

This county is best for affluent professionals who prioritize coastal access and high salaries. It suits those willing to accept higher environmental risks in exchange for a dynamic gulf lifestyle.

2040608010014.69.11843.950.387.34.659.126Tax14.6Cost9.1Safety18Health43.9Schools50.3Income87.3Risk4.6Water59.1Weather2628.8/100
This county
National avg
1 above average5 below average

Galveston County DNA

Foverall

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

Galveston County falls below the national average in most categories. The biggest gap is in Disaster Risk (4.6/100), though Income (87.3/100) remains a relative bright spot.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
14.6-37.4
Cost
9.1-38.9
Safety
18-37
Health
43.9
Schools
50.3
Income
87.3+36.3
Risk
4.6-42.4
Water
59.1
Weather
26-30
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Compare mortgage rates in Galveston County

Whether buying or refinancing in Galveston County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$314,600

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$1,404/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$314,600/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$56,160/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.7x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $86,105/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

14.4

per 100K

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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Counties with similar scores

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Brazoria County
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Pulaski County
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Greater Bridgeport Planning Region
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Calhoun County
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Montgomery County
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Nearby counties

Chambers County
Texas
32.4
Brazoria County
Texas
28.9
Harris County
Texas
25
Liberty County
Texas
30.2
Fort Bend County
Texas
27.2
Jefferson County
Texas
19.1
Hardin County
Texas
41.8
Montgomery County
Texas
29.6

Deep Dives

Galveston County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Galveston County

via TaxByCounty

Galveston ranks high nationally

Galveston County's effective tax rate of 1.488% sits above the national median, and the median tax bill of $4,238 far exceeds the national median of $2,690. Home values here average $284,900, nearly matching the national median—making Galveston a substantial tax burden.

Among Texas's highest-tax counties

Galveston's 1.488% effective rate ranks well above Texas's state average of 1.276%, placing it among the state's pricier counties. The median tax of $4,238 represents 93% more than Texas's state median of $2,193.

Significantly higher than regional peers

Galveston County's $4,238 median tax far exceeds nearby Freestone ($1,705), Goliad ($1,892), and Gaines ($2,721). The difference reflects both higher tax rates and substantially higher property values in this coastal county.

What homeowners pay annually

On Galveston's median home value of $284,900, homeowners pay approximately $4,238 in annual property taxes. With a mortgage, you'll owe $5,019; without one, around $3,213.

Challenge high assessments today

Galveston County homeowners face substantial annual tax bills and should prioritize reviewing their property assessments for overvaluation. Even modest assessment reductions could save hundreds of dollars annually.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in Galveston County

via IncomeByCounty

Galveston thrives above national income

Galveston County's median household income of $85,348 outpaces the national median of $74,755 by 14%. This coastal Texas county ranks among the nation's more prosperous regions, reflecting diverse employment in petrochemicals, shipping, and tourism.

Top earner in Texas comparison

Galveston's median income runs 32% above the Texas state average of $64,737, making it one of the state's highest-earning counties. Per capita income of $44,123 also far exceeds the state average of $33,197 by 33%.

Commanding lead over rural counterparts

Galveston's $85,348 towers above nearby rural counties like Freestone ($58,460) and Goliad ($59,556). The Houston metropolitan area's spillover effect and industrial activity create income advantages unavailable in Texas's agricultural regions.

High income absorbs rising housing costs

Despite a 19.1% rent-to-income ratio, Galveston's strong income handles the median home value of $284,900 relatively well. The county's purchasing power supports homeownership even as coastal property values continue climbing.

Leverage prosperity for long-term gains

Above-average income positions Galveston residents to build significant wealth through strategic investing and diversification. Consider real estate appreciation, retirement accounts, and college savings plans that compound your economic advantage over time.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Galveston County

via CrimeByCounty

Galveston County holds steady safety scores

Galveston County carries a safety score of 96.6, staying competitive with national trends. Its total crime rate of 2183.6 per 100,000 residents remains lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Aligned with the Texas state average

The county's safety score of 96.6 is nearly on par with the Texas average of 96.8. Although its crime rate of 2183.6 is slightly higher than the state average, it reflects the complexities of a populous coastal region.

Robust reporting from 28 local agencies

Galveston County benefits from high data transparency with 28 different agencies reporting crime statistics. This collaborative effort manages a crime rate of 2183.6, which is typical for a major transit and tourism hub.

Violent crime remains below national marks

Violent crime occurs at a rate of 261.4 per 100,000, significantly safer than the national rate of 369.8. Property crime is the primary concern for local law enforcement, accounting for 1922.2 incidents per 100,000.

Smart security for coastal residents

With property crime as the most frequent issue, home security systems are a wise investment for Galveston residents. Community watch programs and visible cameras provide an extra layer of protection in this busy county.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Galveston County

via WeatherByCounty

Coastal warmth in a humid subtropical zone

Galveston County maintains an average annual temperature of 71.4°F, significantly warmer than the national median. This maritime climate stays much milder than the interior U.S., rarely seeing the sharp freezes typical of northern latitudes.

Warmer and wetter than the Texas average

The county's 71.4°F annual average sits nearly six degrees above the Texas state average of 65.5°F. It also receives 53.7 inches of rain annually, far outpacing the state average of 31.9 inches.

A maritime outlier in the Gulf region

Galveston stays warmer in winter than inland neighbors like Harris County, thanks to the Gulf of Mexico's insulating effect. Its 55.4°F January average provides a gentler winter than most counties in the upper Texas coast.

Mild winters and humid, steady summers

Summer temperatures average 84.2°F with 66 days of heat reaching 90°F or higher. Snow is almost non-existent at just 0.2 inches annually, while winter temperatures stay comfortable with a 57.3°F average.

Prepare for high humidity and tropical rain

Residents should invest in high-efficiency dehumidifiers and robust HVAC systems to manage the intense coastal moisture. With over 53 inches of annual rain, flood preparation and reliable rain gear are essential year-round.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Galveston County

via SoilByCounty

Neutral Soils on the Gulf Coast

Galveston County boasts a nearly neutral pH of 6.76, which is very close to the national median of 6.5. Although specific soil order data is unavailable, this balanced pH supports a wide range of coastal vegetation. It provides a versatile foundation for both natural marshes and residential landscapes.

Balanced Texture for Coastal Life

The soil contains 46.2% sand, 27.1% silt, and 20.7% clay. This mix provides enough clay for nutrient retention while maintaining a manageable texture. It is a robust composition for supporting the heavy infrastructure of a coastal county.

Rich Organic Matter, Low Water Hold

Organic matter content is impressive at 3.05%, nearly doubling the state average of 1.66%. However, available water capacity is low at 0.092 in/in compared to the state’s 0.133 in/in average. The soil is rich in nutrients but may require frequent watering during dry spells.

Slow Infiltration Near the Shore

The county belongs to hydrologic group D, which means the soil has very low infiltration rates. This can lead to standing water after heavy Gulf storms, a critical factor for local builders. Proper drainage systems are a necessity for any gardening or construction project.

Subtropical Potential in Zone 9b

Hardiness Zone 9b allows for a lush, subtropical garden featuring palms and hibiscus. The high organic matter in the soil provides a head start for these hungry plants. Embrace the coastal climate by planting a diverse, salt-tolerant landscape.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Galveston County

via LawnByCounty

Coastal Humidity and Heavy Rain

Galveston County scores 41.3 for lawn difficulty, making it easier to manage than the typical Texas county. The humid Zone 9b climate supports lush growth, though it presents unique challenges compared to the national average of 50.0.

Abundant Rain and Coastal Breezes

The county receives a massive 53.7 inches of rain annually, which exceeds the ideal range and requires excellent drainage. Fortunately, coastal effects limit extreme heat to just 66 days, far fewer than the state average of 105.

Balanced pH Near the Coast

A soil pH of 6.76 is nearly perfect for most turfgrasses, facilitating easy nutrient absorption. The soil is nearly half sand (46.2%), which helps manage the high annual rainfall, though supplemental data on specific drainage classes is limited.

High Rainfall with Sudden Dips

Despite high annual rain, the county has seen 20 weeks of drought this year, with 45.5% of the area in severe conditions. Check your irrigation system for leaks frequently to ensure you aren't wasting water during these surprising dry windows.

Tropical Turf for the Coast

St. Augustine and Zoysia thrive in the high humidity and 7,931 growing degree days found here. Because the last frost usually occurs early on January 25, you can start your spring lawn prep much sooner than inland neighbors.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Galveston County's county score?
Galveston County, Texas has a composite county score of 28.8 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 Galveston County rank among counties in Texas?
Galveston County ranks #223 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 Galveston County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Galveston County is $4,442, with an effective tax rate of 1.41%. This earns Galveston County a tax score of 14.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Galveston County?
The median household income in Galveston County, Texas is $86,105 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Galveston County earns an income score of 87.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Galveston County, Texas a good place to live?
Galveston County scores 28.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #223 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Galveston 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 Galveston 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.