CountyScore

Galveston County

Texas · TX

#231 in Texas
54.8
County Score

County Report Card

About Galveston County, Texas

Galveston Beats National Median, With Caveats

Galveston's composite score of 57.6 surpasses the national median of 50.0 by 7.6 points, though it ranks lower among the featured counties. The score reflects significant housing cost pressures that offset other economic advantages.

Below Texas Average, Reflecting High Housing Costs

At 57.6, Galveston scores below the Texas state average of 66.8—a 9.2-point gap driven primarily by expensive housing. The county's coastal location commands a premium that challenges affordability benchmarks.

Strong Incomes Offset Housing Expense

Galveston's income score of 39.1 with median household income of $85,348 ranks highest in this group, reflecting robust job markets and earning potential. The county's economic vitality supports residents who can afford its higher cost of living.

Housing Costs Significantly Outpace Affordability

The cost score of 60.1 reveals the real challenge: median home values reach $284,900 and rents average $1,360/month, making housing the county's Achilles heel. Tax rates of 1.488% add to the financial burden for homeowners.

Ideal for High-Earning Professionals Valuing Coastal Access

Galveston suits dual-income households and established professionals prioritizing beach lifestyle and strong income growth over affordability. The county works best for those whose earnings comfortably cover premium housing costs.

Score breakdown

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

Tax60.4Cost60.1SafetyComing SoonHealth64.3SchoolsComing SoonIncome39.1Risk4.6WaterComing Soon
🏛60.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠60.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼39.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤64.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡4.6
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 Galveston County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

San Benito County
California
54.8
Median income: $108,289
Broome County
New York
54.8
Median income: $61,059
Capitol Planning Region
Connecticut
54.7
Median income: $91,541
Lubbock County
Texas
54.7
Median income: $63,367
Monterey County
California
54.9
Median income: $94,486

Deep Dives

Galveston County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

Cost of Living in Galveston County

via CostByCounty

Galveston costs more, incomes bigger

Galveston County's rent-to-income ratio of 19.1% slightly exceeds Texas's state average of 18.1%, though the county's higher median income of $85,348 provides cushion. Median rent of $1,360 per month significantly outpaces the state average of $963, reflecting the premium coastal location and stronger regional economy.

Higher costs offset by stronger incomes

Galveston ranks as a higher-cost Texas county, but its above-average household income of $85,348—well above the state and national median—makes housing more manageable for many residents. The tradeoff: you pay more upfront but earn more to cover it.

Priciest rent among these eight counties

Galveston's $1,360 monthly rent far exceeds all neighboring counties in this cohort, including Freestone ($844), Gaines ($788), and even Gillespie ($1,331). Median home values of $284,900 similarly rank among the highest, positioning Galveston as the premium option for those seeking coastal access and stronger job markets.

Higher income absorbs higher costs

Renters in Galveston spend 19.1% of their $85,348 income on housing, while homeowners commit 21.7% to a median monthly cost of $1,538. The county's robust income levels help offset these elevated costs, though homebuying here demands substantially deeper pockets than rural alternatives.

Relocate if income and job access matter

Galveston makes sense for higher-earning households seeking coastal living, job market access, and urban amenities, not lowest housing costs. If you're earning well and prioritize proximity to Houston's economy and Gulf access over pure affordability, Galveston's premium prices buy you valuable location.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

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

Health in Galveston County

via HealthByCounty

Galveston outpaces national health benchmarks

At 76.1 years, Galveston County residents live 2–3 years longer than the national average, reflecting strong health infrastructure and socioeconomic factors. With just 17.7% reporting poor or fair health, Galveston performs well above national norms across multiple health metrics.

Texas's healthiest county by life expectancy

Galveston's 76.1-year life expectancy exceeds the Texas state average of 74.3 years by 1.8 years, ranking among the state's top counties. Its 15.8% uninsured rate is the best among the comparison group, indicating broad healthcare access.

Galveston dominates the Houston region

Galveston's 76.1-year life expectancy and 17.7% poor/fair health rate far exceed neighboring Houston and Chambers Counties. With 70 primary care providers and 159 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, Galveston operates in a different healthcare league than rural Texas.

Abundant providers, strong coverage access

Galveston boasts 70 primary care providers and 159 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—well above state and national benchmarks. With only 15.8% uninsured, most residents access preventive care, specialist services, and mental health support without major barriers.

Galveston has coverage—keep it strong

While Galveston's 15.8% uninsured rate is among Texas's lowest, those without coverage can explore options through the marketplace or employer plans. Maintaining continuous coverage ensures access to the robust provider network Galveston residents enjoy.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Galveston County

via RiskByCounty

Galveston Faces Exceptional Disaster Risk

Galveston's composite risk score of 95.39 ranks as relatively high—placing it in the top tier of riskiest U.S. counties. This coastal county's exposure to hurricanes (97.04), tornadoes (96.95), and floods (93.64) far exceeds national averages and reflects its vulnerability as a Gulf Coast population center.

Highest Risk in Texas by Far

At 95.39, Galveston nearly doubles Texas's state average of 49.00, ranking as one of the most hazard-exposed counties in the entire state. The county's proximity to the Gulf and major storm track convergence create compounded risks from multiple hazard types.

Far Exceeds Surrounding Counties

Galveston's composite score of 95.39 vastly outpaces neighboring Chambers (76), Brazoria (68), and Harris (72) counties. The difference reflects Galveston's coastal location and exposure to direct hurricane impacts that inland neighbors experience less severely.

Hurricanes, Tornadoes, and Floods

Galveston faces extreme risk from hurricanes (97.04), tornadoes (96.95), and floods (93.64)—all scoring in the critical range. The county sits directly in the primary Atlantic hurricane track and Gulf storm zone, while its low elevation amplifies flood vulnerability from storm surge and rainfall.

Mandatory Insurance and Hardening

All Galveston homeowners should carry comprehensive wind and flood insurance, including coverage for storm surge and hurricane damage. Structural upgrades like impact-resistant windows, reinforced roofs, and elevated utilities provide critical protection in this high-hazard environment.

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.