With a composite score of 69.6, Gonzales County ranks significantly above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the upper tier of U.S. counties for livability. This 39% advantage over the national baseline reflects strong fundamentals in housing affordability and tax burden, making it an increasingly attractive destination for budget-conscious families.
2 / 5
Slightly above average for Texas
Gonzales ranks just above the Texas state average composite score of 66.8, holding its own among the state's 254 counties. The county's 69.6 score puts it in the competitive middle-to-upper range statewide, indicating solid but not exceptional livability compared to its peers.
3 / 5
Housing and tax advantages stand out
Gonzales excels in affordability with a cost score of 82.9 and median home values of just $158,900, paired with rents averaging $837 monthly. The county's low effective tax rate of 1.227% adds to the financial advantage for homeowners and renters alike.
4 / 5
Income growth lags behind affordability gains
The county's income score of 22.1 reveals a significant weak spot, with median household income at $59,355—well below state and national averages. Data on safety, health, schools, and infrastructure remains limited, leaving important livability dimensions unmeasured at this time.
5 / 5
Ideal for retirees and budget-conscious families
Gonzales County suits families prioritizing affordable housing and low taxes over higher earning potential, making it attractive for retirees and remote workers. The strong cost fundamentals create a compelling case for those seeking financial stability in a rural-friendly setting.
With a composite score of 69.6, Gonzales County ranks significantly above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the upper tier of U.S. counties for livability. This 39% advantage over the national baseline reflects strong fundamentals in housing affordability and tax burden, making it an increasingly attractive destination for budget-conscious families.
Slightly above average for Texas
Gonzales ranks just above the Texas state average composite score of 66.8, holding its own among the state's 254 counties. The county's 69.6 score puts it in the competitive middle-to-upper range statewide, indicating solid but not exceptional livability compared to its peers.
Housing and tax advantages stand out
Gonzales excels in affordability with a cost score of 82.9 and median home values of just $158,900, paired with rents averaging $837 monthly. The county's low effective tax rate of 1.227% adds to the financial advantage for homeowners and renters alike.
Income growth lags behind affordability gains
The county's income score of 22.1 reveals a significant weak spot, with median household income at $59,355—well below state and national averages. Data on safety, health, schools, and infrastructure remains limited, leaving important livability dimensions unmeasured at this time.
Ideal for retirees and budget-conscious families
Gonzales County suits families prioritizing affordable housing and low taxes over higher earning potential, making it attractive for retirees and remote workers. The strong cost fundamentals create a compelling case for those seeking financial stability in a rural-friendly setting.
Score breakdown
5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.
🏛67.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.