CountyScore

Gillespie County

Texas · TX

#155 in Texas
61.4
County Score

County Report Card

About Gillespie County, Texas

Gillespie Well Above National Livability Median

Gillespie County's composite score of 65.2 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 15.2 points, demonstrating solid competitive performance. The county ranks among better-performing U.S. communities on fiscal measures.

Slightly Below Texas Average, Still Competitive

At 65.2, Gillespie trails the Texas state average of 66.8 by just 1.6 points, placing it in the state's upper-middle tier. The small gap reflects balanced strengths and strategic trade-offs.

Low Taxes Define Gillespie's Appeal

Gillespie's tax score of 73.6 with an effective tax rate of 1.019%—the lowest in this group—attracts tax-conscious residents. The county also maintains reasonable cost advantages with homes averaging $432,300.

High Housing Prices and Limited Local Income Growth

While tax-efficient, Gillespie's median home value of $432,300 and rents at $1,331/month place housing among the priciest in this group. The income score of 27.6 with $67,799 median household income suggests limited local wage escalation.

Suits Tax-Optimized Retirees and Affluent Professionals

Gillespie County attracts affluent retirees, business owners, and professionals seeking tax efficiency and scenic, upscale living. The county works best for those with independent income sources who value low tax burden over rapid local wage growth.

Score breakdown

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

Tax73.6Cost68.3SafetyComing SoonHealth57.7SchoolsComing SoonIncome27.6Risk42.3WaterComing Soon
🏛73.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠68.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼27.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤57.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡42.3
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 Gillespie County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Sutter County
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61.4
Median income: $75,450
Hall County
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61.4
Median income: $77,430
Pottawattamie County
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61.4
Median income: $71,446
Geary County
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61.4
Median income: $57,344
Oakland County
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61.4
Median income: $95,296

Deep Dives

Gillespie County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Gillespie County

via TaxByCounty

Gillespie's rate is exceptionally low

Gillespie County's effective tax rate of 1.019% ranks among the nation's lowest, well below the national median. Though the median tax bill of $4,404 exceeds the national median of $2,690, this reflects Gillespie's much higher median home value of $432,300.

Texas's most tax-efficient county

Gillespie's 1.019% effective rate is the lowest among all Texas counties examined here and far below the state average of 1.276%. Despite significant property wealth, Gillespie homeowners pay less per dollar of value than almost anywhere else in Texas.

Best rate in the region

Gillespie's 1.019% rate beats every regional peer, including Freestone (1.037%) and Goliad (1.035%), earning it the best tax efficiency. Higher absolute taxes reflect premium property values, not excessive rates.

What homeowners pay annually

On Gillespie's median home value of $432,300—the highest examined—homeowners pay approximately $4,404 in annual property taxes. With a mortgage, you'll owe $4,780; without one, around $3,946.

Even premium properties warrant review

Gillespie County homeowners with high-value properties should still verify their assessments, as overvaluation at premium price points can inflate bills significantly. An appeal could yield substantial dollar savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Gillespie County

via CostByCounty

Gillespie's rent squeeze outpaces state

Gillespie County's rent-to-income ratio of 23.6% stands significantly above Texas's state average of 18.1%, signaling an affordability challenge for renters. Median rent of $1,331 per month far exceeds the state median of $963, driven by the county's Hill Country appeal and proximity to Austin.

Among Texas's least affordable counties

Gillespie ranks near the bottom of Texas counties for housing affordability, with renters bearing a notably heavy cost burden relative to the $67,799 median income. The county's popularity as a Hill Country destination has inflated housing costs beyond what local incomes can comfortably sustain.

Costliest rent; median homes priciest

Gillespie's $1,331 monthly rent is the highest among these eight counties, while median home values of $432,300 nearly double Galveston's $284,900. These premium prices reflect Hill Country cache and Austin-area spillover demand—but they come at the expense of affordability for average-income households.

Renters struggle; homebuyers pay dearly

Renters in Gillespie spend a staggering 23.6% of their $67,799 income on housing, the highest burden across all eight counties. Homeowners commit 18.3% to a median monthly cost of $1,033, also among the highest, making Gillespie work only for well-above-average earners.

Move here only if income allows

Gillespie rewards the well-to-do with Hill Country beauty and Austin proximity, but renters and modest earners should compare costs carefully before relocating. If you're earning significantly above $67,799, Gillespie's premium housing costs become manageable; otherwise, consider more affordable neighbors like Gaines or Garza.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Gillespie County

via IncomeByCounty

Gillespie slightly trails the nation

Gillespie County's median household income of $67,799 falls 9% short of the national median of $74,755. The Hill Country county performs better than most rural Texas peers, though still below the broader U.S. average.

Slightly above Texas average

Gillespie's median income exceeds the Texas state average of $64,737 by 5%. However, per capita income of $43,555 substantially outpaces the state average of $33,197 by 31%, suggesting concentrated wealth or high earners in the county.

Mid-range among similar areas

Gillespie's $67,799 sits between struggling rural counties like Freestone ($58,460) and wealthier regions like Galveston ($85,348). The county's Hill Country appeal attracts both retirees and tourism workers with varied income levels.

High-value homes strain incomes

Gillespie's rent-to-income ratio of 23.6% ranks among the highest, indicating housing costs consume substantial earnings. The median home value of $432,300 is the highest in this county group, making homeownership challenging despite above-average incomes.

Plan for Hill Country's premium costs

The scenic Hill Country's popularity drives property values that require careful financial planning to sustain. Focus on retirement savings, property diversification, and long-term wealth strategies rather than relying solely on appreciation in an already-expensive market.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Gillespie County

via HealthByCounty

Gillespie leads Texas in life expectancy

At 78.7 years, Gillespie County residents live roughly 4–5 years longer than the national average, placing it among America's healthiest counties. With just 18.1% reporting poor or fair health, Gillespie demonstrates exceptional wellness across multiple health measures.

Texas's longest-living county by far

Gillespie's 78.7-year life expectancy exceeds the Texas state average of 74.3 years by 4.4 years—the widest gap among all comparison counties. Its strong healthcare provider density and relatively lower poor/fair health rates reflect a prosperous Hill Country community.

Gillespie vastly outpaces surrounding counties

Gillespie's 78.7-year life expectancy and 18.1% poor/fair health rate far exceed neighboring Blanco, Llano, and Mason Counties. With 117 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, Gillespie rivals major urban centers in healthcare access.

Elite provider network, solid coverage rates

Gillespie boasts 117 primary care providers and 94 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—exceptional densities that rival large metropolitan areas. Despite a 24.7% uninsured rate that slightly exceeds state average, the robust provider network ensures most residents find care options.

Gillespie: keep coverage comprehensive

While Gillespie's uninsured rate of 24.7% runs slightly above the state average, the county's outstanding provider network makes coverage valuable. Review your health plan annually through the Texas Health Insurance Marketplace to maintain access to Gillespie's excellent healthcare resources.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Gillespie County

via RiskByCounty

Gillespie's Risk Moderately Above Average

Gillespie's composite risk score of 57.70 classifies it as relatively low risk but exceeds the national average around 50. The Hill Country county faces notable wildfire and flood exposures that elevate its overall hazard profile.

Above Texas Average in Hill Country

At 57.70, Gillespie's score surpasses Texas's state average of 49.00, placing it in the upper-middle tier of state risk rankings. The county's terrain and vegetation patterns create elevated wildfire and flash flood conditions typical of Hill Country communities.

Similar Risk to Surrounding Hill Country

Gillespie's composite score of 57.70 aligns closely with neighboring Blanco (56) and Llano (58) counties across the Hill Country region. All three counties share similar topography, drought patterns, and fire-prone cedar-oak terrain.

Wildfire and Flood Dominate Hazards

Gillespie faces high wildfire risk (84.00) and significant flood exposure (68.10), while tornado (70.17) risk remains elevated. Cedar and oak forests fuel rapid wildfires, while steep terrain and creek systems create flash flood danger during heavy rain events.

Defensible Space and Flood Awareness

Gillespie residents should maintain 30+ feet of cleared vegetation around structures and ensure gutters and drainage are clear of debris. Flood insurance is essential for properties near creeks and flood plains; wind coverage is critical for wildfire smoke and embers.

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.