countyscore
22.7
County Score
Income & Jobs 89.1Water Quality 62.2Health 53.7

County Report Card

About Hays County, Texas

Falling Short of the National Median

Hays County earns a composite score of 22.7, trailing significantly behind the national median of 50.0. This low ranking places it well within the bottom quartile of counties nationwide for overall livability. Despite its rapid growth, the county struggles to keep pace with basic quality-of-life benchmarks.

Lagging Behind the Texas Average

With a score of 22.7, Hays County sits nearly 20 points below the Texas state average of 41.9. It ranks among the lower-performing counties in the state despite its proximity to the booming Austin metro. This suggests that population growth hasn't translated into a higher composite livability score yet.

High Earnings and Clean Water

The county shines in earning potential with an income score of 89.1 and a median household income of $85,827. Residents also benefit from a strong water score of 62.2, which is a bright spot in its profile. These factors highlight a professional workforce enjoying high-quality utility infrastructure.

Extreme Costs and Safety Concerns

Affordability is a major hurdle, as evidenced by a cost score of 6.3 and a high median rent of $1,417. Safety is the most pressing issue, with a near-zero safety score of 0.2 dragging down the overall average. Residents also face a high tax burden with an effective rate of 1.729%.

A High-Income Hub with Trade-offs

Hays County is best suited for high-earning professionals who value proximity to Austin and can afford premium housing. However, families must be comfortable with low safety ratings and high property taxes. It offers a trade-off between economic opportunity and daily affordability.

Score breakdown

Tax6.5Cost6.3Safety0.2Health53.7Schools33.1Income89.1Risk9.4Water62.2Weather24.7
🏛6.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠6.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼89.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡0.2
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤53.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓33.1
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡9.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧62.2
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤24.7
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱24.6
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

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Comal County
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Travis County
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Guadalupe County
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Blanco County
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Deep Dives

Hays County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Hays County

via TaxByCounty

Hays taxes rank high nationally

At 1.729%, Hays County's effective tax rate outpaces the national median of 1.199%, placing it in the 73rd percentile—meaning most American counties tax property less aggressively. Homeowners here pay $6,420 annually on a median home valued at $371,400, compared to the national median tax of just $2,690.

Third-highest rate in Texas

Hays County ranks among the highest-taxing counties in Texas at 1.729%, well above the state average of 1.276%. The median property tax of $6,420 nearly triples the state average of $2,193, reflecting both higher home values and aggressive tax collection.

Stands out among regional peers

Neighboring counties tax at significantly lower rates: Hood County (1.152%), Henderson County (0.981%), and Hopkins County (1.073%) all charge roughly one-third less. Hays's 1.729% rate makes it the clear outlier in Central Texas, driven by strong suburban demand and rising home valuations.

What $371,400 home costs annually

A median-priced home in Hays County generates $6,420 in annual property taxes under standard conditions, or $6,694 if financed with a mortgage. That's roughly $535 per month in property taxes alone—a significant burden for homeowners in this fast-growing Austin suburb.

Challenge your assessment

With tax rates this high, overassessment is common—many Hays County homeowners pay on inflated property valuations. Consider requesting a professional appraisal and filing a formal appeal if your assessed value doesn't match current market comparables; successful challenges have saved residents thousands annually.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Hays County

via CostByCounty

Hays rents outpace national affordability

Hays County renters spend 19.8% of income on rent, well above the national sweet spot of roughly 15-16%. While median income here ($85,827) exceeds the national median ($74,755), housing costs are rising faster than paychecks in this fast-growing Austin suburb.

Above-average rent burden statewide

Hays ranks above Texas's 18.1% state average rent-to-income ratio, putting it in the less affordable half of Texas counties. The $1,417 median rent here is 47% higher than the state median of $963, reflecting Hays's booming population and proximity to tech jobs.

Pricier than nearby Hill and Blanco

Hays renters pay $1,417 monthly—about $490 more than Hill County ($929) and significantly more than most surrounding rural counties. Only Hood County ($1,414) comes close, both reflecting the Austin metro's expanding footprint into the Hill Country.

Housing takes a $3,204 monthly bite

Between median rent ($1,417) and median owner costs ($1,787), Hays households dedicate roughly 38% of income to housing combined. Renters alone allocate nearly 20% of the $85,827 median income just to keep a roof overhead.

Austin's growth comes with a cost

If you're considering Hays for that tech job or Hill Country lifestyle, budget $1,417+ for rent or expect a $371,400 median home price. Compare that against smaller counties like Hockley ($813 rent) or Hemphill ($946 rent) if affordability is your priority.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Hays County

via IncomeByCounty

Hays County outpaces the nation

With a median household income of $85,827, Hays County households earn 14.8% more than the U.S. median of $74,755. This places the county in the upper tier of American communities by earnings, reflecting strong economic activity in the Austin metro region.

Top earner among Texas counties

Hays County's median income of $85,827 ranks it significantly above Texas's state average of $64,737—a gap of $21,090 per household. The county's per capita income of $41,931 also exceeds the state average of $33,197 by 26.3%.

Leading the Hill Country corridor

Hays County's $85,827 median household income substantially outearns nearby Hood County ($86,802—nearly identical), and significantly exceeds Henderson County ($63,955) and Williamson County neighbors. This reflects Austin's growth as a tech and business hub drawing higher-wage jobs to the region.

Comfortable but rising housing costs

A rent-to-income ratio of 19.8% indicates housing remains affordable by national standards, though median home values of $371,400 are climbing steeply. For a household earning the median income, monthly housing costs consume roughly 1 out of every 5 dollars of gross income.

Build on strong earnings foundation

Hays County's above-average incomes create an opportunity to prioritize wealth-building through retirement accounts, homeownership equity, and diversified investments. With housing costs manageable at under 20% of income, households have bandwidth to save and invest for long-term financial security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Hays County

via CrimeByCounty

High Crime Rates Challenge Hays County

Hays County faces a significant challenge with a total crime rate of 17,461.1 per 100K, which is over seven times the national average of 2,385.5. These figures result in a safety score of 72.4, trailing significantly behind more secure regions.

Falling Behind Texas Safety Standards

Compared to the Texas state average safety score of 96.8, Hays County ranks much lower in overall security. Local law enforcement across 10 reporting agencies works to manage a crime rate far exceeding the state's average of 2,052.5 per 100K.

A Regional Outlier in Central Texas

While neighboring counties like Comal often report lower figures, Hays County’s high activity reflects rapid suburban growth between Austin and San Antonio. The 17,461.1 per 100K rate stands out as a distinct outlier in the region.

Property Crime Dominates Local Statistics

Property crime dominates the landscape at 15,123.2 per 100K, dwarfing the violent crime rate of 2,337.9. This means residents are far more likely to experience theft or burglary than physical confrontation.

Prioritize Your Home Security

Given the high property crime rate, residents should prioritize smart home security systems and well-lit entryways. Staying vigilant and connected with neighbors helps deter localized theft in this fast-growing area.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Hays County

via HealthByCounty

Hays County lives longer than America

At 79.4 years, Hays County residents live about 5 years longer than the U.S. average of 74.5 years. Just 18.9% report poor or fair health, well below national rates, signaling a county where most people experience good health outcomes.

Texas's healthiest county leaders

Hays County's 79.4-year life expectancy ranks among the best in Texas, beating the state average of 74.3 years by 5.1 years. The county also leads Texas in low uninsured rates at 13.8%, nearly 6 points below the state average of 19.8%.

Hays shines among Texas peers

Hays County outperforms neighboring Hill County (72.6 years) and Hopkins County (74.0 years) by significant margins in life expectancy. Its 13.8% uninsured rate is the lowest among comparable Texas counties, reflecting stronger healthcare access.

Access to doctors and mental health care

Hays County has 44 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and 135 mental health providers per 100,000, providing robust mental health support compared to state averages. Despite strong provider availability, the county's 13.8% uninsured rate means some residents still face barriers to affording care.

Check your coverage options today

If you're among the 13.8% of Hays County residents without insurance, marketplace plans and Medicaid may be available to you. Visit healthcare.gov or contact local health departments to explore affordable coverage that fits your family's needs.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Hays County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Growing Infrastructure for 44,000 Students

Hays County manages a robust network of 59 public schools across nine districts, serving 44,362 students. The landscape includes 33 elementary schools and 9 high schools to accommodate the area's rapid growth.

Strong Graduation Rates on Lean Budgets

The county achieves an 88.9% graduation rate, surpassing the national average of 87.0%. While per-pupil spending of $6,356 is lower than the Texas average, the county maintains a 51.6 school score, staying competitive with national medians.

Hays CISD Leads the Local Network

Hays CISD is the largest provider with 22,297 students, while San Marcos and Dripping Springs ISDs each serve over 8,000. Charter schools are a significant factor here, accounting for nearly 17% of all campuses.

Suburban Reach with Rural Roots

While 32 schools are in rural locales, the average school size remains large at 752 students. Moe and Gene Johnson High School leads the county in size, hosting 2,692 students.

Find a Home Near Hays Schools

Families moving to this region enjoy a mix of high-performing suburban campuses and expansive rural districts. Explore local real estate to find the right educational fit for your children.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Hays County

via RiskByCounty

Hays ranks well above national risk average

Hays County's composite risk score of 90.55 places it firmly in the "Relatively Moderate" category, significantly higher than the national average. This elevated exposure reflects the county's particular vulnerability to multiple hazard types that affect the Austin metropolitan area.

High risk compared to typical Texas county

With a composite risk score of 90.55, Hays County ranks among the higher-risk counties in Texas, where the state average sits at 49.00. This makes Hays one of the riskier places to live in the state, driven by concentrated exposure to tornadoes, floods, and wildfires.

Riskiest in the Austin-area cluster

Hays County's 90.55 score significantly outpaces nearby Hood County (70.52) and Hill County (72.96), making it the highest-risk county in the greater Austin region. Only Hidalgo County statewide exceeds Hays' risk level, reflecting the central Texas area's unique concentration of tornado, flood, and wildfire exposure.

Tornadoes, floods dominate your hazard profile

Tornado risk stands at 96.09—among the highest statewide—followed closely by flood risk at 93.16, making spring severe weather your top concerns. Wildfire risk of 87.95 rounds out a trio of significant threats that define the county's overall risk exposure.

Flood and wind insurance are critical here

With flood and tornado risks both above 93, comprehensive homeowners insurance plus separate flood coverage should be priorities for Hays residents. Review your policy annually and ensure it reflects your home's location within flood zones and areas of high tornado exposure.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Hays County

via WeatherByCounty

Hot Central Texas Corridor

Hays County averages 68.0°F, placing it well above the national median temperature. It receives 36.5 inches of rain, typical for the Texas Hill Country.

Warmer and Wetter Than Average

The county stays warmer than the state average of 65.5°F. Its 36.5 inches of rain also sits slightly above the statewide average of 31.9 inches.

Typical Hill Country Weather

Hays is warmer than Haskell County and experiences similar extreme heat. It shares the flash-flood potential common to Central Texas neighbors.

Long Summers and Rare Snow

The county faces 111 days of extreme heat, with summer averages reaching 83.2°F. Winters are mild at 52.0°F with only trace amounts of snow.

Beating the 111-Day Heat

Prepare for over 100 days of 90°F temperatures with serviced HVAC units and shaded outdoor spaces. Use water-wise gardening to manage the 36.5 inches of rain.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Hays County

via SoilByCounty

Texas Hill Country Terrain

Detailed taxonomic and pH data are currently unavailable for Hays County in the central database. We know the region generally features alkaline profiles that differ from the national median pH of 6.5.

Limestone and Rocky Base

While specific sand and clay percentages are not recorded, the area sits atop the Edwards Plateau's limestone-rich base. This typically results in rocky, shallow profiles that challenge deep-rooting crops compared to the state's deeper plains.

Managing Sparse Organic Matter

Organic matter levels remain unmapped in the official dataset, though they usually trend lower than the 1.66% state average. Available water capacity is also not specified, suggesting growers should focus on soil-building techniques.

Complex Regional Drainage

Hydrologic groups and drainage classes for Hays County are not listed in the current summary. Proper site-specific testing is essential for determining how water moves through these unique Hill Country landscapes.

Lush Zone 8b Growth

The county sits in hardiness zone 8b, which offers a long, warm growing season. Native perennials and drought-tolerant shrubs thrive here once established in the rocky terrain.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Hays County

via LawnByCounty

Hays County's Tough Lawn Challenge

Hays County earns a low lawn difficulty score of 24.6, making it significantly more challenging than the national median of 50.0. Situated in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b, homeowners here face tougher growing conditions than the average Texan.

Intense Heat Drives the Growing Season

While 36.5 inches of annual rain beats the state average, 111 extreme heat days above 90°F quickly evaporate moisture. With 6,909 growing degree days, grass stays active for most of the year between the March 17 last frost and November 29 first frost.

Unknown Soils Require Local Testing

Localized soil data is limited for Hays, but the region typically requires significant testing to manage drainage and nutrient levels. Homeowners should focus on organic amendments to compensate for missing regional baseline soil metrics.

Year-Round Drought Demands Water Discipline

Drought is a persistent threat, with the county spending all 53 weeks of the past year in drought conditions. Currently, 100.0% of the area faces severe drought (D2+), making deep, infrequent watering cycles essential for lawn survival.

Best Grasses for Central Texas Heat

Heat-tolerant varieties like Bermuda or Zoysia are the best bets for this 8b climate. Plan to seed or install sod shortly after the mid-March frost to establish roots before the intense summer heat arrives.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hays County's county score?
Hays County, Texas has a composite county score of 22.7 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 Hays County rank among counties in Texas?
Hays County ranks #245 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 Hays County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Hays County is $6,420, with an effective tax rate of 1.73%. This earns Hays County a tax score of 6.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Hays County?
The median household income in Hays County, Texas is $85,827 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Hays County earns an income score of 89.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Hays County, Texas a good place to live?
Hays County scores 22.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #245 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Hays 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 Hays County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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