countyscore
36.8
County Score
Water Quality 63.8Cost of Living 62.5Schools 58.7

County Report Card

About Gonzales County, Texas

Below the National Median for Livability

Gonzales County holds a composite score of 36.8, trailing significantly behind the national median of 50.0. This score places the county in the lower third of overall livability rankings across the United States. Residents face unique trade-offs compared to the average American county.

Slightly Underperforming the Texas Average

While the Texas state average composite score is 41.9, Gonzales County lags behind at 36.8. It struggles to compete with faster-growing peers in the region on health and safety metrics. The county remains a more localized rural alternative to the state's urban hubs.

Affordable Housing and Reliable Water Access

The county excels in resource management and affordability with a Water Score of 63.8 and a Cost Score of 62.5. Median gross rent is just $837 per month, while home values average a modest $158,900. These figures offer a clear advantage for budget-conscious residents.

Health and Environmental Risks Pose Hurdles

Gonzales County faces significant challenges in health and environmental stability, scoring 17.3 and 14.3 respectively. A low Safety Score of 21.7 further indicates areas where public services could see improvement. These factors currently weigh down the overall composite ranking.

A Value Choice for Rural Homeowners

This county is best suited for individuals or families who prioritize homeownership and low living costs over high-end healthcare access. With a School Score of 58.7, it offers a solid foundation for families willing to overlook environmental risks. It provides a classic rural lifestyle at a price point well below state averages.

Score breakdown

Tax24.2Cost62.5Safety21.7Health17.3Schools58.7Income37Risk14.3Water63.8Weather20.8
🏛24.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠62.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼37
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡21.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤17.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓58.7
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡14.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧63.8
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤20.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨35
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱33.3
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

Caldwell County
Texas
22.5
DeWitt County
Texas
44.9
Guadalupe County
Texas
39.4
Lavaca County
Texas
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Wilson County
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Fayette County
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Hays County
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Karnes County
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Deep Dives

Gonzales County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Gonzales County

via TaxByCounty

Gonzales taxes run below national average

At 1.227%, Gonzales County's effective tax rate sits below the state average of 1.276% and well below the national median property tax of $2,690. Homeowners here pay a median of $1,949 annually—28% less than the national median—on a median home valued at $158,900.

Middle of the Texas pack on rates

Gonzales County ranks in the middle range among Texas counties for property tax burden. At $1,949 in median annual taxes, it falls $244 below the state average of $2,193, positioning it as a relatively affordable county within Texas.

Gonzales vs. surrounding South Texas

Compared to nearby Guadalupe County, Gonzales homeowners pay significantly less: $1,949 versus $4,270 annually on similar-valued homes. Gonzales offers a lighter tax load than its more developed neighbor to the northeast.

Your annual bill in Gonzales County

Buy a median-priced home at $158,900 in Gonzales County and expect to pay about $1,949 in annual property taxes. With a mortgage, that figure rises to $2,531 when factoring in additional fees and assessments.

Check if you're overassessed today

Many Gonzales County homeowners pay taxes on inflated property valuations. If your assessed value seems high compared to recent sales in your area, filing a tax appeal could lower your annual bill—it's free to challenge and often succeeds.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Gonzales County

via CostByCounty

Gonzales stays below the national squeeze

At 16.9%, Gonzales County's rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably below the national average of 18.1%, giving renters more breathing room than most Americans. The county's median rent of $837 is significantly lower than typical markets, making it one of Texas's most affordable rental destinations.

Among Texas's most affordable counties

Gonzales ranks well in housing affordability across Texas, with renters spending a lower share of income on housing than the state average of 18.1%. The county's median home value of $158,900 reflects a genuinely accessible market for both buyers and renters.

Cheaper than most nearby counties

Gonzales's $837 median rent undercuts neighboring Grimes County ($985) and nearby Guadalupe County ($1,439) by significant margins. At the same time, homes remain more valuable here than in smaller neighbors like Hall County, suggesting a healthier local economy.

Housing costs break down fairly

Renters in Gonzales spend about $837 monthly while homeowners invest $689—a rare situation where ownership is cheaper than renting. Against a median household income of $59,355, these costs represent 16.9% and 13.9% of income respectively, leaving room for other expenses.

Gonzales works for budget-conscious movers

If you're relocating on a tight budget, Gonzales delivers low rents and affordable home values without the affordability crisis gripping much of Texas. Compare these numbers to your current market—you might find the savings substantial enough to matter.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Gonzales County

via IncomeByCounty

Gonzales lags behind national income

At $59,355, Gonzales County's median household income falls 20.6% short of the U.S. median of $74,755. This puts the county in the lower-income tier nationally, though residents still earn above many rural Texas counties.

Below Texas average but competitive

Gonzales ranks below the state median of $64,737, earning about 8.3% less than typical Texas households. However, the county outperforms several neighboring rural counties in the state.

Middle of the pack regionally

Gonzales ($59,355) sits between Gray County ($56,082) and Grayson County ($70,455) in household income. Its per-capita income of $31,773 closely matches the state average of $33,197, suggesting relatively stable earnings across wage earners.

Housing costs stay manageable

With a rent-to-income ratio of 16.9%, Gonzales households spend a modest portion of earnings on housing—well below the 30% affordability benchmark. The median home value of $158,900 remains accessible for households in the county's income range.

Build savings despite modest income

Even as a lower-income county, Gonzales residents benefit from low housing cost burdens, freeing up cash for emergency savings and retirement planning. Consider working with a financial advisor to maximize employer retirement benefits and explore tax-advantaged savings accounts.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Gonzales County

via CrimeByCounty

Gonzales County Safety Outpaces the Nation

Gonzales County maintains a high safety score of 96.8, significantly outperforming many regions across the country. Its total crime rate of 2,016.7 per 100,000 residents remains lower than the national average of 2,385.5. This data reflects a community where overall reported incidents are less frequent than in the typical American county.

Matching the Texas Safety Benchmark

The county's safety score of 96.8 aligns exactly with the Texas state average. While its total crime rate is slightly lower than the state average of 2,052.5, Gonzales County faces unique challenges in specific categories. Local law enforcement across nine reporting agencies works to maintain this equilibrium within the state's vast landscape.

Gonzales County vs. Regional Trends

Compared to nearby Guadalupe County, which sees a much lower rate of 793.9, Gonzales County experiences more frequent reported activity. However, it stays more secure than neighboring Gregg County, where the crime rate climbs above 2,800. These numbers highlight Gonzales as a middle-ground for safety in the region.

Understanding the Local Crime Mix

Violent crime in Gonzales County is notably high at 770.2 per 100,000, more than double the national average of 369.8. Conversely, property crime remains low at 1,246.5, well below the national mark of 2,015.7. This split suggests that while physical security is a priority, residents face fewer threats to their personal belongings.

Securing Your Gonzales County Property

Even with property crime rates below national averages, staying vigilant remains essential for every homeowner. Installing modern lighting and alarm systems helps maintain the downward trend in local thefts. Professional monitoring provides an extra layer of defense against the property incidents reported by the nine local agencies.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Gonzales County

via HealthByCounty

Gonzales lags slightly on life expectancy

Residents of Gonzales County live an average of 74.2 years, falling just short of the national life expectancy of 78.9 years. The county's 25.7% poor or fair health rating exceeds the national average of 18%, signaling a health challenge across the population.

Near Texas average despite health concerns

Gonzales County's 74.2-year life expectancy matches almost exactly with Texas's 74.3-year state average, placing it squarely in the middle of Texas health outcomes. However, the county's uninsured rate of 22.6% significantly outpaces the state average of 19.8%, creating barriers to preventive care.

Healthier than some nearby peers

Gonzales residents outlive those in Gray County (72.3 years) and Hale County (72.6 years), though they fall behind Grayson County's 74.4-year average. The county's 41 primary care providers per 100,000 residents provides decent access compared to neighboring areas with 26-29 providers per 100K.

Insurance gaps limit healthcare access

Nearly 1 in 4 Gonzales residents—22.6%—lack health insurance, making them vulnerable to delayed or skipped medical care. The county maintains 40 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, but the uninsured rate means many cannot afford to reach them.

Explore health insurance options today

If you're among the uninsured in Gonzales County, marketplace plans, Medicaid, and community health center programs may be available to you. Visit Healthcare.gov or contact a local navigator to find coverage that fits your budget and health needs.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Gonzales County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Small-Town Education Network

Gonzales County supports a focused education infrastructure of 14 public schools serving 3,991 total students. Three school districts manage a landscape that includes three elementary, three middle, and four high schools.

Strong Graduation Rates Outpace the State

The county boasts a 93.2% graduation rate, significantly higher than the national average of 87.0% and the state average of 91.6%. While per-pupil spending of $7,047 trails the national benchmark, the county maintains a solid school score of 55.3.

Gonzales ISD Leads the Region

Gonzales ISD is the primary provider here, educating 2,605 students across five campuses. Nixon-Smiley CISD serves another 1,045 students, and the county offers limited choice with one charter school representing 7.1% of the local options.

Rural Schools with Personalized Attention

Most campuses are in rural settings, with nine schools in the countryside and five in town. With an average school size of 307 students, families experience a close-knit environment ranging from the 537-student Gonzales Elementary to the 791-student Gonzales High School.

Find Your Home in Gonzales

Families seeking high graduation rates and small-town values will find compelling options across the county. Explore local real estate near these districts to secure a spot in a community that prioritizes student success.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Gonzales County

via RiskByCounty

Gonzales faces above-average disaster risk

With a composite risk score of 85.66, Gonzales County ranks as relatively moderate—significantly higher than the U.S. average and well above Texas's state average of 49.00. This elevated score reflects multiple serious hazards affecting the community, from hurricanes to flooding.

Among Texas's highest-risk counties

Gonzales ranks in the upper tier of Texas counties for overall disaster risk, driven by exceptional hurricane (88.65) and flood (90.39) scores that far exceed state norms. The county's exposure to Gulf Coast storms makes it one of Texas's most vulnerable areas.

Riskier than most nearby counties

Gonzales's score of 85.66 exceeds neighboring Guadalupe County (91.51) and Grimes County (56.97), placing it among the region's highest-risk areas. Its hurricane and flood vulnerabilities are notably higher than inland counties to the north and west.

Hurricanes and floods dominate threats

Gonzales County faces exceptional hurricane risk (88.65) and flood risk (90.39), both well above state averages—typical for counties near the Gulf Coast. Tornadoes (72.49) and wildfires (73.09) also pose significant secondary threats to homes and infrastructure.

Prioritize flood and hurricane coverage

Standard homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage, making separate flood insurance essential for Gonzales County residents given the 90.39 flood risk score. Consider hurricane-resistant upgrades and ensure your policy includes wind damage coverage, especially if you're near the coast or in storm-surge zones.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Gonzales County

via WeatherByCounty

Consistent warmth in the Texas interior

Gonzales County averages 69.1°F annually, staying well above the national temperature median. This inland region experiences a humid subtropical climate with significant sun exposure.

Warmer than most of the state

The county's 69.1°F average exceeds the state average of 65.5°F by several degrees. It receives 35.0 inches of annual precipitation, which is slightly higher than the Texas average of 31.9 inches.

An inland pocket of extreme heat

Gonzales endures 119 days of extreme heat, which is more frequent than in the Hill Country to the west. Its July average of 84.1°F is among the highest in the south-central Texas region.

Long summers and very mild winters

Summer dominates the year with 119 days over 90°F and an average temperature of 83.6°F. Winters are brief and pleasant, with a 53.5°F average and only 0.1 inches of snowfall.

Maximize shade and indoor cooling

Given the 119 days of extreme heat, shade structures and high-efficiency HVAC are critical for comfort. Light, breathable clothing is necessary for the majority of the year, as January averages stay above 51.8°F.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Gonzales County

via SoilByCounty

Loamy Alfisols highlight the local landscape

Gonzales County features Alfisols with a dominant texture of loamy fine sand. The average pH of 6.84 is slightly more alkaline than the 6.5 national median but more acidic than the 7.09 state average.

A balanced mix of sand and clay

The soil contains 52.2% sand, 23.1% silt, and 22.8% clay. This mixture provides a solid foundation for plant roots while maintaining enough clay to hold essential minerals.

Steady water capacity drives productivity

The 1.48% organic matter content sits below the 1.66% state average, yet the soil score of 35.0 outpaces many neighbors. An available water capacity of 0.132 in/in matches the state benchmark for moisture retention.

Reliable drainage for agricultural success

Fields are classified as well drained and belong to hydrologic group C. This setup promotes healthy root aeration and manages runoff effectively during typical Texas rain events.

Thriving in hardiness zone 9a

The warm climate and loamy sand favor pecans, peaches, and heat-tolerant vegetables. Start your garden today to take advantage of this productive soil profile.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Gonzales County

via LawnByCounty

A Moderate Challenge in Zone 9a

Gonzales County earns a 33.3 lawn difficulty score, making it slightly easier to manage than the Texas average of 31.7 but harder than the national median of 50.0. Situated in hardiness zone 9a, lawns here face a long, intense growing season that requires careful planning.

High Heat Demands Constant Hydration

While 35.0 inches of annual precipitation falls within the ideal range for turf, 119 extreme heat days create significant thermal stress. Homeowners must manage 7,247 growing degree days, which translates to a very fast mowing cycle during the peak summer months.

Well-Drained Loamy Sand Simplifies Care

The soil features a 6.84 pH, sitting perfectly within the ideal 6.0-7.0 range for nutrient uptake. Because the loamy fine sand is well-drained, you rarely have to worry about waterlogged roots, though it may require more frequent light watering.

Persistent Drought Requires Strict Conservation

With 100% of the county in severe drought and 53 weeks of drought over the last year, water conservation is a top priority. Residents should focus on deep, infrequent watering to encourage deep root growth that survives these harsh, dry spells.

Target Warm-Season Grasses for Success

St. Augustine and Bermuda grass are excellent choices for the local 9a climate and intense heat. For the best results, start your sodding or seeding projects shortly after the last frost date of February 26.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Gonzales County's county score?
Gonzales County, Texas has a composite county score of 36.8 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 Gonzales County rank among counties in Texas?
Gonzales County ranks #169 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 Gonzales County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Gonzales County is $1,949, with an effective tax rate of 1.23%. This earns Gonzales County a tax score of 24.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Gonzales County?
The median household income in Gonzales County, Texas is $59,355 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Gonzales County earns an income score of 37/100 on CountyScore.
Is Gonzales County, Texas a good place to live?
Gonzales County scores 36.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #169 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Gonzales 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 Gonzales 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.