Guadalupe County

Texas · TX

#221 in Texas
56.3
County Score

County Report Card

About Guadalupe County, Texas

Guadalupe exceeds national baseline significantly

Guadalupe County's composite score of 58.2 surpasses the national median of 50.0 by 16 percent, placing it solidly above average for U.S. livability. The county's advantage is driven primarily by higher incomes offsetting elevated housing costs and taxes.

Below Texas average despite income strength

Guadalupe County scores 58.2 against the Texas state average of 66.8, placing it in the lower half of state rankings despite its highest median income in this group. This gap reflects the county's higher cost and tax burdens overwhelming its income advantages relative to state peers.

Highest incomes in the comparison group

Guadalupe County boasts the strongest income profile with a score of 44.6 and median household income of $93,776, substantially exceeding every other county on this list. This earning power positions residents to weather higher housing and tax expenses.

Cost and tax burdens reduce overall livability score

The county faces headwinds from the highest effective tax rate at 1.494%, a cost score of just 60.0, median home values of $285,900, and rents averaging $1,439 monthly. Data on safety, schools, health, and infrastructure remains incomplete, leaving multiple livability factors unassessed.

Best for high-income professionals seeking growth

Guadalupe County suits affluent families and professionals whose strong incomes can support elevated housing costs and tax burdens. The county's profile indicates a developing area with growth potential, appealing to those prioritizing income opportunity over cost minimization.

Score breakdown

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

Tax60.3Cost60SafetyComing SoonHealth67.3SchoolsComing SoonIncome44.6Risk8.5WaterComing Soon
🏛60.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠60
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼44.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
67.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
8.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Deep Dives

Guadalupe County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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.

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.

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.

Health in Guadalupe County

via HealthByCounty

Guadalupe County leads Texas longevity

Guadalupe County residents live an average of 78.2 years—just 0.7 years below the U.S. average of 78.9 years, making it one of Texas's healthiest counties. Only 18.5% report poor or fair health, matching the national average and far exceeding most Texas peers.

Texas health champion outperforms state

At 78.2 years, Guadalupe County's life expectancy leads the state average of 74.3 years by nearly 4 full years—a remarkable achievement. The county's 13.8% uninsured rate stands 6 percentage points below Texas's average of 19.8%, ensuring broad healthcare access.

Dramatically outpaces all regional peers

Guadalupe County's 78.2-year life expectancy vastly exceeds neighbors like Gray (72.3), Hale (72.6), Gregg (72.1), and even leads Grayson (74.4). With just 13.8% uninsured, Guadalupe residents enjoy the lowest uninsured rate in this eight-county cluster, setting a regional standard.

Low uninsured rates enable preventive care

Only 1 in 7 Guadalupe residents (13.8%) lack health insurance—a remarkable 6-point advantage over the state average. While the county maintains modest primary care infrastructure at 26 providers per 100,000, high insurance rates mean residents can access those providers and pursue preventive care.

Protect Guadalupe's health leadership

Guadalupe County's success stems partly from high insurance rates—if you're among the 13.8% uninsured, closing that gap is critical. Check Healthcare.gov to find plans, apply for Medicaid, or visit a local clinic to join the majority of Guadalupe residents with coverage.

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.

ByCounty Network

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS — informational only.