countyscore
39.4
County Score
Income & Jobs 93.3Safety 66.1Water Quality 60.1

County Report Card

About Guadalupe County, Texas

Competitive Income with High Living Costs

Guadalupe County's composite score of 39.3 sits below the national median of 50.0. While its economic power is top-tier, high costs and environmental risks create a unique profile. It is a high-earning county with specific trade-offs.

Nearly Meeting the Texas Average

At 39.3, Guadalupe County is very close to the Texas state average of 41.9. It stands out for its high-income population compared to more rural Texas counties. It remains a key player in the regional economy of the San Antonio-Austin corridor.

Exceptional Incomes and Community Safety

The Income Score of 93.3 is elite, fueled by a high median household income of $93,776. Safety is another strong pillar with a score of 66.1, making it a secure choice for families. Health services also perform well above many state peers at 51.9.

Very High Costs and Risk Factors

The county struggles with affordability, posting a very low Cost Score of 8.9 and median home values of $285,900. Additionally, the Risk Score of 8.5 indicates high vulnerability to environmental or economic shocks. High taxes also impact the bottom line for many residents.

Best for High-Earning Families

Guadalupe County is perfect for established professionals who can comfortably afford the $1,439 median rent and prioritize safety. The $93,776 median income makes the high costs manageable for many. It offers a premium lifestyle for those focused on income and security.

20406080100138.966.151.948.393.38.560.118.9Tax13Cost8.9Safety66.1Health51.9Schools48.3Income93.3Risk8.5Water60.1Weather18.939.4/100
This county
National avg
2 above average4 below average

Guadalupe County DNA

Foverall

How Guadalupe County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Guadalupe County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Income (93.3/100) but notably weak in Cost of Living (8.9/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
13-39
Cost
8.9-39.1
Safety
66.1+11.099999999999994
Health
51.9
Schools
48.3
Income
93.3+42.3
Risk
8.5-38.5
Water
60.1
Weather
18.9-37.1
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$285,900

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,439/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$285,900/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$57,560/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.0x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $93,776/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

14.6

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
Compare Guadalupe County with Wicomico County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Wicomico County
Maryland
Median income: $72,861
39.4
Bay County
Michigan
Median income: $60,523
39.4
Chemung County
New York
Median income: $63,469
39.4
Craig County
Oklahoma
Median income: $50,182
39.4
Luzerne County
Pennsylvania
Median income: $62,321
39.4
Horry County
South Carolina
Median income: $64,623
39.4
Clay County
Texas
Median income: $77,355
39.4
Freestone County
Texas
Median income: $58,460
39.4

Nearby counties

Comal County
Texas
33.9
Wilson County
Texas
37.1
Caldwell County
Texas
22.5
Bexar County
Texas
18.1
Hays County
Texas
22.7
Gonzales County
Texas
36.8
Kendall County
Texas
41.3
Karnes County
Texas
41.7

Deep Dives

Guadalupe County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Guadalupe County

via TaxByCounty

Guadalupe has Texas's highest tax rate

At 1.494%, Guadalupe County's effective tax rate is the highest among these eight counties and 17% above the Texas state average of 1.276%. Its median property tax of $4,270 nearly matches the national median of $2,690, reflecting homes valued at $285,900.

Guadalupe County leads in tax burden

Guadalupe County residents face the steepest property tax rates in this analysis, with a 1.494% effective rate that far exceeds the state average of 1.276%. At $4,270 median annual taxes, Guadalupe ranks among Texas's most tax-heavy counties.

Guadalupe taxes far outpace region

Guadalupe County homeowners pay $4,270 annually—nearly double the burden in adjacent Gonzales County at $1,949. The 1.494% rate stands alone among this group as exceptionally high, making Guadalupe the priciest South Texas county.

Guadalupe property tax reality

The median home in Guadalupe County, valued at $285,900, generates an annual property tax bill of approximately $4,270. With mortgage assessments included, homeowners typically owe around $4,952 per year.

High taxes make appeals worthwhile

Guadalupe County's elevated tax rate makes even a small reduction in assessed value valuable for homeowners. Filing a free tax appeal if your property is assessed above fair market value could save hundreds annually.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Guadalupe County

via CostByCounty

Guadalupe incomes justify higher rents

Though Guadalupe County's rent-to-income ratio of 18.4% slightly exceeds the national average of 18.1%, the county's median household income of $93,776 is well above the national median of $74,755, making housing costs sustainable. Renters here earn significantly more, offsetting higher absolute rental costs.

Highest incomes in this county set

Guadalupe County's $93,776 median household income towers above the Texas average, easily outpacing all seven neighboring counties examined here. At 18.4% rent-to-income, the county sits near the state average of 18.1% despite the highest rents in the group.

Highest rents, highest incomes

Guadalupe's $1,439 median rent is the highest among all eight counties, exceeding Grayson ($1,178) and Gregg ($1,072) significantly. Yet the county's $93,776 median income far exceeds all peers, making the elevated rents proportionally more affordable.

Premium market, premium incomes

Renters in Guadalupe pay $1,439 monthly (18.4% of income) while homeowners pay $1,444 (18.5%)—a rare situation where rent and ownership costs nearly match. Against the county's strong median income, both options remain accessible despite these higher absolute costs.

Guadalupe for growing professionals

If your household income approaches six figures, Guadalupe County offers the strongest earning potential and property appreciation in this regional group. Compare these premium rents and values with lower-cost neighbors only if you're willing to trade income growth for cheaper housing.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Guadalupe County

via IncomeByCounty

Guadalupe County exceeds national income

Guadalupe County's median household income of $93,776 is 25.5% above the U.S. median of $74,755. The county ranks among Texas's highest-income areas, reflecting strong economic fundamentals and diverse employment.

Tops all peer counties by far

At $93,776, Guadalupe County dominates the state median of $64,737 by 44.8%, towering over all comparison counties. The per-capita income of $39,766 significantly exceeds the state average of $33,197.

Clear income leader in region

Guadalupe County ($93,776) far outearns every comparison county, with more than $19,000 above the next highest (Grayson at $70,455). This income advantage reflects a robust regional economy and higher-wage opportunities.

Highest incomes support premium homes

With a median home value of $285,900 and a rent-to-income ratio of 18.4%, Guadalupe County households enjoy strong purchasing power. The county's high income-to-home-value ratio makes homeownership highly attainable.

Multiply wealth in prosperity county

Guadalupe County residents benefit from above-average income and affordable housing, creating exceptional wealth-building potential. Consider diversified investment strategies, retirement optimization, and real estate portfolios to compound your advantage.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Guadalupe County

via CrimeByCounty

Guadalupe County: A Model of Safety

Guadalupe County boasts an exceptional safety score of 98.7, placing it among the safest regions in the United States. Its total crime rate of 793.9 per 100,000 is less than one-third of the national average of 2,385.5. Residents here enjoy a level of security that is rare on a national scale.

One of the Safest Counties in Texas

Guadalupe County far exceeds the Texas state average safety score of 96.8. Its total crime rate of 793.9 is nearly 60% lower than the Texas state average of 2,052.5. Five reporting agencies manage to keep the peace effectively across this rapidly growing county.

Leading Its Neighbors in Security

Guadalupe County is significantly safer than nearby Gonzales County, which has a crime rate of 2,016.7. It also maintains a much lower rate than Grimes County's 1,762.8. In every local comparison, Guadalupe stands out as a premier destination for public safety.

Broad Safety Across All Categories

Violent crime is extremely rare here, with a rate of only 107.6 compared to the national 369.8. Property crime is also remarkably low at 686.3, far below the national average of 2,015.7. These numbers describe a community where residents face very low risk for most types of crime.

Protecting Your Guadalupe County Investment

While crime is low, maintaining your home's security preserves the safe environment of Guadalupe County. Installing smart doorbells and keeping valuables out of sight are easy ways to stay protected. Your participation in community safety programs helps keep these impressive numbers in place.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Guadalupe County

via SchoolsByCounty

Growing Suburban School Systems

Guadalupe County supports a large student population of 29,649 across 44 public schools. The infrastructure is deep, featuring 21 elementary, 11 middle, and 9 high schools managed by three primary districts.

High Success with Efficient Spending

Students here achieve a 94.4% graduation rate, significantly higher than the 87% national average. The county achieves this with a very lean per-pupil expenditure of $5,940, focusing resources on results.

Schertz-Cibolo and Seguin Districts

Seguin ISD serves 7,239 students across 14 schools, while Schertz-Cibolo-U City ISD hosts the county's largest campuses. Choice is available through two charter schools, though traditional districts remain the primary focus.

Large Suburban Campus Life

With 19 suburban schools and an average enrollment of 674, these campuses feel larger and more active. Byron P Steele II High School is the county's largest, enrolling 2,716 students in a bustling environment.

Join the Guadalupe Community

The blend of suburban convenience and rural charm makes Guadalupe County a favorite for families. Look for homes in the Schertz or Seguin areas to access these highly successful and efficient school districts.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Guadalupe County

via RiskByCounty

Guadalupe County ranks among nation's riskiest

With a composite risk score of 91.51, Guadalupe County ranks as relatively moderate and is among the highest-risk counties in the United States. The county's score more than doubles the Texas state average of 49.00, driven by extraordinary hurricane and flood exposure.

Second-highest risk in Texas

Guadalupe County ranks among Texas's most disaster-vulnerable counties, with exceptional flood risk (95.64) and high tornado risk (92.24). The county's proximity to the Gulf Coast and position along the Colorado River create a perfect storm of hydro and storm hazards.

Regional leader in disaster risk

Guadalupe County's score of 91.51 is the highest in its region, exceeding Gonzales County (85.66), Grimes County (56.97), and all other nearby counties. The county faces the most severe multi-hazard exposure in South Texas.

Flooding is the critical threat

Guadalupe County's flood risk of 95.64 is among the highest in the nation, reflecting proximity to the Colorado River and Gulf Coast storm surge. Tornadoes (92.24) and wildfires (75.03) also pose significant secondary threats across different seasons.

Flood insurance is non-negotiable

With a flood risk score of 95.64, flood insurance is essential for every Guadalupe County property owner—standard homeowners policies do not cover flood damage. Evaluate your elevation, proximity to rivers and streams, and consider additional coverage; elevation certificates can help determine accurate insurance requirements.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Guadalupe County

via WaterByCounty

Moderate Compliance Grade for Guadalupe County

Guadalupe County earns a C grade with 13 health violations recorded over a five-year period. Its violation rate of 6.3 per 100,000 people is exceptionally low compared to the state average of 581.9.

Stream Assessment Data Not Currently Provided

The federal §303(d) assessment does not yet include the water bodies located in Guadalupe County. Monitoring remains localized as the county awaits formal federal reporting on watershed health.

Extensive Monitoring Data Available

There are 31 monitoring sites in the county, contributing 11,643 measurements to the EPA Water Quality Portal. These samples primarily track physical water properties, inorganics, and nutrients.

Guadalupe River Near Seguin is Low

The river gauge near Seguin reports 68 cfs, representing just 11% of its long-term mean flow. This indicates that the Guadalupe River is currently experiencing significantly drier conditions than normal.

Watch Mineral Levels During Low Flow

When river flows drop to 11% of mean levels, mineral concentrations in source water often increase. Residents should monitor for changes in water taste and consider standard filtration to handle sediment.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Guadalupe County

via WeatherByCounty

Among the hottest regions in the nation

Guadalupe County averages a warm 69.6°F annually, placing it well above the national median for temperature. This climate is defined by long, intense summers and very short, mild winters.

Hotter than the typical Texas county

At 69.6°F, the county's average temperature sits roughly four degrees higher than the Texas state average of 65.5°F. Its annual precipitation of 32.6 inches is almost perfectly in line with the state average of 31.9 inches.

Intense heat even by regional standards

The county experiences 128 extreme heat days per year, a higher frequency than many of its neighbors in Central Texas. While it shares a similar rainfall pattern with nearby areas, the 84.0°F summer average makes it a regional heat leader.

Extended summers and zero snowfall

Summer dominates the calendar with 128 days over 90°F and a July average of 84.5°F. Winter remains very warm by national standards, featuring a 52.2°F January average and no measurable annual snowfall.

Gear up for extreme summer heat

Residents must prepare for over four months of temperatures exceeding 90°F with high-efficiency cooling and hydration plans. Winter gear is rarely needed as snow is non-existent and the winter average stays a comfortable 53.9°F.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Guadalupe County

via SoilByCounty

Inceptisols with an alkaline punch

Guadalupe County features Inceptisols with an average pH of 7.44. This is much higher than the 6.5 national median, reflecting the lime-rich parent materials common in this region.

Heavy silty clay holds the ground

The soil is composed of 32.1% clay and 33.0% silt, forming a heavy silty clay texture. This mix holds nutrients effectively but can become very sticky and difficult to work when wet.

Rich organic matter supports growth

At 1.83%, the organic matter content exceeds both the 1.66% state average and the 2.0% national average. An available water capacity of 0.137 in/in ensures crops have access to moisture.

Efficient drainage in hydrologic group B

Despite the high clay content, the soil is classified as well drained and belongs to hydrologic group B. This rare combination is highly desirable for sustainable farming and gardening.

Nutrient-dense gardening in zone 9a

Heavy feeders like tomatoes and squash thrive in this nutrient-rich, high-clay soil. Take advantage of the zone 9a climate by planting your first seeds in early spring.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Guadalupe County

via LawnByCounty

High Difficulty in the Texas Sun

Guadalupe County is a challenging place for lawns, with a difficulty score of 24.3. This is significantly tougher than the state average, requiring diligent management to maintain green space in zone 9a.

Extreme Heat and High Evaporation

With 128 days per year reaching 90°F or higher, lawns here face relentless thermal pressure. The 7,389 growing degree days mean your grass never stops growing, demanding frequent mowing and heavy summer irrigation.

Managing Alkaline Silty Clay

The soil pH of 7.44 is slightly above the ideal range, which may require amendments to help the grass absorb nutrients. The silty clay texture holds water well, but you must monitor for compaction to ensure roots can breathe.

Battling Continuous Severe Drought

The entire county is currently in severe drought, having spent all 53 weeks of the past year in drought conditions. Adopting xeriscaping principles or choosing ultra-drought-tolerant turf is vital for long-term lawn survival.

Choose Heat-Hardy Grass Varieties

Bermuda and Zoysia are the most resilient options for this difficult 9a environment. Aim to finish your primary planting by the time the frost risk ends around March 1st to beat the extreme summer heat.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Guadalupe County's county score?
Guadalupe County, Texas has a composite county score of 39.4 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 Guadalupe County rank among counties in Texas?
Guadalupe County ranks #148 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 Guadalupe County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Guadalupe County is $4,270, with an effective tax rate of 1.49%. This earns Guadalupe County a tax score of 13/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Guadalupe County?
The median household income in Guadalupe County, Texas is $93,776 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Guadalupe County earns an income score of 93.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Guadalupe County, Texas a good place to live?
Guadalupe County scores 39.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #148 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Guadalupe 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 Guadalupe County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & 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.