CountyScore

Hamilton County

Texas · TX

#95 in Texas
64.4
County Score

County Report Card

About Hamilton County, Texas

Hamilton County Outpaces National Average

Hamilton County's composite score of 65.6 significantly exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it in the upper tier of U.S. counties. This 31% advantage reflects strong fundamentals in housing affordability and tax efficiency, though income levels remain a modest area.

Slightly Below Texas Average

Hamilton County ranks near the middle of Texas counties with a score of 65.6 compared to the state average of 66.8. While competitive statewide, the county finds its primary advantage in cost-of-living factors rather than income growth.

Affordable Housing and Reasonable Taxes

Hamilton County excels in housing affordability with a cost score of 82.0, offering a median home value of just $124,800 and monthly rent of $847. Its effective tax rate of 1.537% provides moderate tax relief while maintaining local services.

Income Growth Lags Behind National Peers

The income score of 19.5 reflects a median household income of $55,339, notably below state and national averages. Data for safety, health, schools, and water quality remain unavailable, limiting a complete livability picture.

Ideal for Budget-Conscious Retirees

Hamilton County suits individuals and families seeking low housing costs and modest taxes without high income requirements. The county works best for those with fixed incomes or early retirees prioritizing affordability over urban amenities or wage growth.

Score breakdown

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

Tax59Cost82SafetyComing SoonHealth53.6SchoolsComing SoonIncome19.5Risk87.2WaterComing Soon
🏛59
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠82
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼19.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤53.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡87.2
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 Hamilton County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Santa Cruz County
Arizona
64.4
Median income: $53,614
Gordon County
Georgia
64.4
Median income: $61,997
Macon County
Georgia
64.4
Median income: $37,177
Davis County
Iowa
64.4
Median income: $79,505
Saline County
Kansas
64.4
Median income: $63,316

Deep Dives

Hamilton County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Hamilton County

via TaxByCounty

Hamilton's taxes run below national median

At 1.537%, Hamilton County's effective tax rate sits well below the national median of 1.80%, placing it in the lower half of American counties. The median property tax here is $1,918—about 29% less than the national median of $2,690—despite comparable home values to the state average.

Above average among Texas counties

Hamilton County ranks in the upper half of Texas counties with an effective rate of 1.537%, compared to the state average of 1.276%. This means local property owners here pay roughly 20% more in effective tax rate than their counterparts in lower-taxing Texas counties.

Mid-range tax burden for Central Texas

Hamilton's 1.537% rate falls between nearby Hardeman County (1.183%) and Hansford County (1.639%). With a median home value of $124,800, Hamilton homeowners typically pay less in absolute dollars than those in the faster-appreciating regions to the east.

A $1,918 annual bill for median homes

The median home in Hamilton County valued at $124,800 generates an annual property tax bill of $1,918. With a mortgage, that figure rises to $2,167, making it substantially lower than what national homeowners pay despite Texas's reputation for low taxes.

Challenge your assessment if it feels high

Many Texas homeowners are overassessed, and Hamilton County is no exception—a professional appraisal review could potentially lower your taxable value. The county appraisal process allows homeowners to formally protest their assessed value if they believe it exceeds fair market value.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Hamilton County

via CostByCounty

Hamilton County rents are a bargain

At 18.4%, Hamilton County's rent-to-income ratio sits just above the Texas state average of 18.1%, but significantly below the national average of about 30%. Renters here spend roughly one-fifth of their income on housing, making it more affordable than most of the country.

Middle of the pack in Texas

Hamilton County ranks in the affordable-to-moderate range among Texas's 254 counties, with housing costs reasonable but not exceptional. The median rent of $847 runs $116 cheaper than the state average, reflecting the county's rural character.

Cheaper than Harrison, pricier than Hardeman

Hamilton County's $847 median rent sits between neighboring Harrison County at $977 and Hardeman County at $688. Buyers will find median home values here at $124,800, a sweet spot between these nearby counties.

Where does the income go?

With a median household income of $55,339, Hamilton County residents spend roughly 18.4% on rent or 16% on mortgage payments. This leaves most households with manageable housing costs and room for other expenses.

Consider Hamilton for stability

If you're weighing rural Texas counties, Hamilton offers solid affordability without extreme isolation—rent is lower than state average and homeownership is accessible at under $125,000 median value. Compare these numbers to neighboring counties to find your best fit.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Hamilton County

via IncomeByCounty

Hamilton County trails national income

Median household income in Hamilton County is $55,339, nearly $19,400 below the U.S. median of $74,755. This puts Hamilton County in the lower half nationally, though the county's per capita income of $36,865 exceeds Texas's state average of $33,197.

Below average for Texas

Hamilton County's $55,339 median household income falls short of Texas's state average of $64,737 by about $9,400. The county ranks in the lower third among Texas's 254 counties, indicating limited high-wage employment opportunities locally.

Less prosperous than nearby counties

Hamilton County's median income trails nearby Hardeman County ($61,179) and Hansford County ($68,299) by significant margins. Only Haskell County ($54,044) in this region earns less, underscoring Hamilton's relative economic challenge.

Affordable housing offsets modest wages

With a median home value of $124,800 and rent-to-income ratio of 18.4%, Hamilton County offers reasonable housing affordability for its income level. This favorable ratio suggests households can comfortably cover housing costs while maintaining room for savings and other expenses.

Build financial resilience now

Hamilton County residents earning below the state average should prioritize emergency savings and explore low-cost investment options like employer 401(k)s or index funds. With housing costs manageable at 18.4% of income, households have opportunity to allocate 10-15% toward long-term wealth building.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Hamilton County

via HealthByCounty

Hamilton's life expectancy matches Texas average

At 74.3 years, Hamilton County residents live as long as the Texas average but about 5.5 years less than the U.S. average of 79.8 years. One in five residents (21.2%) report poor or fair health, slightly below the national rate of 21.7%, suggesting baseline health challenges across the county.

Middle of the pack for Texas health

Hamilton County ranks at the state average for life expectancy at 74.3 years, placing it squarely in Texas's middle tier for longevity. Its uninsured rate of 22.3% exceeds Texas's state average of 19.8%, meaning more residents lack coverage here than typical.

Better access to mental health care

Hamilton County offers strong mental health provider access at 104 per 100,000 residents, outpacing nearby Hardeman County (115 per 100K) and matching state demand. Primary care availability at 97 per 100,000 is solid and keeps residents closer to essential preventive services than some regional neighbors.

One in five residents uninsured

With 22.3% of the population uninsured, Hamilton County residents face barriers to routine care and preventive services. This gap widens when you consider the county's 97 primary care providers per 100,000 are spread across a population where nearly a quarter lack insurance entirely.

Explore coverage options now

If you're among the 22.3% of Hamilton County residents without health insurance, 2025 enrollment is open. Visit healthcare.gov or contact a local health department to find plans that fit your budget and medical needs.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Hamilton County

via RiskByCounty

Hamilton County's low natural disaster risk

Hamilton County's composite risk score of 12.85 places it well below the national average, earning a Very Low rating for natural disaster exposure. This makes it one of Texas's safer counties when measuring combined hazard risk across floods, wildfires, tornadoes, earthquakes, and hurricanes.

Among Texas's safest counties

Hamilton County ranks in the lowest tier statewide with a composite risk score of 12.85, compared to Texas's 49.00 state average. This 74% lower risk score reflects minimal exposure to major disaster types across the region.

Safer than Comanche, similar to Milam

Hamilton County's risk profile outperforms most neighboring counties in Central Texas. Its Very Low rating contrasts sharply with higher-risk areas to the south and east, positioning it among the state's most resilient communities.

Wildfire and tornado exposure remain

Though overall risk is low, Hamilton County faces meaningful wildfire exposure at 84.86—well above state average—and moderate tornado risk at 46.60. Residents should still prepare for fire season and severe weather despite the county's strong composite rating.

Wildfire insurance protects your property

Even in low-risk counties, wildfire and tornado coverage gaps expose homeowners to preventable losses. Review your homeowner's policy to ensure adequate wildfire and wind coverage, and maintain defensible space around your property.

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.