CountyScore

Hays County

Texas · TX

#240 in Texas
52.9
County Score

County Report Card

About Hays County, Texas

Hays Edges Past National Average

Hays County's composite score of 52.7 sits slightly above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the better half of American counties. This modest advantage reflects a county in transition—growing economically but still balancing affordability with development pressures.

Below Texas Peers but Competitive

Hays ranks below Texas's state average of 66.8, placing it in the lower-middle tier among the state's counties. The gap suggests that while Hays performs better nationally, it faces stiffer competition from stronger-scoring Texas counties.

Tax Burden and Income Stand Out

Hays excels with a median household income of $85,827—well above the state average—and a reasonable tax burden of 1.729%. Housing affordability lags somewhat at a median home value of $371,400, but for a county attracting young professionals, the income-to-tax ratio is attractive.

Data Gaps and Income Inequality

Safety, health, schools, and water quality data remain unavailable, limiting a full livability picture. The income score of 39.4 reveals inequality—while top earners do well, wage distribution is uneven, and median rent of $1,417 suggests affordability strain for lower-income households.

For Young Professionals on the Rise

Hays suits college-educated workers and young families with solid incomes who value low taxes and can absorb higher housing costs. It's a growth county that rewards career builders more than it serves budget-conscious retirees or lower-wage workers.

Score breakdown

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

Tax53.7Cost55.2SafetyComing SoonHealth67.9SchoolsComing SoonIncome39.4Risk9.4WaterComing Soon
🏛53.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠55.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼39.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤67.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡9.4
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 Hays County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Kaufman County
Texas
53
Median income: $88,606
Brazoria County
Texas
53.1
Median income: $95,155
Montgomery County
Texas
53.1
Median income: $97,266
DeKalb County
Illinois
52.6
Median income: $69,022
DuPage County
Illinois
52.6
Median income: $110,502

Deep Dives

Hays County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

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.