countyscore
29.2
County Score
Water Quality 64.2Cost of Living 53.3Schools 46.5

County Report Card

About Hidalgo County, Texas

Well Below the National Median

Hidalgo County scores 29.2, placing it significantly below the national median of 50.0. This low composite score indicates that the county faces steep challenges across multiple livability dimensions. It ranks among the most challenged counties in the United States for overall quality of life.

Struggling Against the State Average

The county's 29.2 score lags behind the 41.9 Texas average by a wide margin. While it serves as a major cultural and population center, it does not currently provide the same level of data-driven livability as other large Texas counties. Socioeconomic hurdles remain a defining factor for the region.

Low Housing Costs and Good Water

Affordability is the county's best feature, with a cost score of 53.3 and a median home value of just $124,000. Water quality also scores reasonably well at 64.2, offering reliable utility infrastructure for residents. These factors help lower the barrier to entry for first-time homebuyers.

Economic Hurdles and High Risk

Hidalgo faces a nearly bottom-tier risk score of 1.0, indicating high vulnerability to environmental disasters. The income score of 19.3 reflects a median household income of only $52,281, while the tax score of 5.7 shows a heavy property tax burden. Safety and health also score in the bottom quartile.

Entry-Level Homeownership at a Cost

This county is suited for those who prioritize ultra-affordable housing and can navigate a high-risk environmental landscape. It is a challenging environment for high-earners but offers a starting point for families focused on low-cost real estate. Improvements in economic mobility and risk mitigation are critical.

Score breakdown

Tax5.7Cost53.3Safety19.3Health24.5Schools46.5Income19.3Risk1Water64.2Weather7.1
🏛5.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠53.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼19.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡19.3
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤24.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓46.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧64.2
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤7.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨21.2
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱24.2
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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Deep Dives

Hidalgo County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Hidalgo County

via TaxByCounty

Hidalgo taxes above national average

Hidalgo County's 1.764% effective tax rate substantially exceeds the national median of 1.199%, placing it in the 76th percentile nationally. Despite modest home values averaging $124,000, residents pay $2,187 annually—slightly below the national median tax of $2,690 due to lower property values.

Second-highest rate in Texas

At 1.764%, Hidalgo County ranks second-highest among these eight counties and well above Texas's 1.276% state average. The median property tax of $2,187 sits nearly at the state median of $2,193, despite this county's much lower home valuations.

Heaviest-taxed South Texas county

Hidalgo's 1.764% rate far exceeds other South Texas options, nearly double some rural alternatives. Only Hays County (1.729%) comes close, and both are driven by different factors—Hays by rapid appreciation, Hidalgo by high tax rates on modest-valued homes.

What $124,000 home costs yearly

A median-priced Hidalgo County home generates $2,187 in annual property taxes under standard conditions, or $3,243 with a mortgage. That's approximately $182 per month—a significant burden relative to the lower home values in this South Texas county.

Challenge inflated assessments

Hidalgo County's high rate makes assessment accuracy especially critical; overvalued properties waste money fast. Request an appraisal review and file a formal challenge if your assessed value exceeds comparable recent sales in your neighborhood.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Hidalgo County

via CostByCounty

Hidalgo's rent burden crushes national norms

Hidalgo County renters dedicate 21.2% of income to rent—the highest ratio in this county set and well above the 15-16% national standard. With median income at just $52,281, housing eats into already-tight household budgets across the Rio Grande Valley.

Most unaffordable rental county in comparison

Hidalgo's 21.2% rent-to-income ratio significantly exceeds Texas's 18.1% state average, making it one of the state's least affordable counties by this metric. The mismatch reflects the Valley's lower incomes paired with rising housing demand.

High burden despite low rents

Though Hidalgo's $925 rent is among the lowest here, the county's lower median income ($52,281) means renters spend a larger share of paychecks on housing. This contrasts with wealthier counties like Hays, where higher income cushions the burden of higher rents.

One-third of income toward housing

Renters allocate 21.2% ($925) to rent, while homeowners commit 16% ($699) to mortgages—totaling 37% of the $52,281 median income combined. For a family on the Valley's lower wage scale, this leaves stretched finances for food, transportation, and savings.

Cheapest homes, but tightest budgets

Hidalgo offers the lowest home prices ($124,000) and rents ($925) in this set, but income constraints mean housing remains the toughest affordability challenge. Relocate here only with secure income sources, as local wage levels make housing disproportionately costly.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Hidalgo County

via IncomeByCounty

Hidalgo County significantly below national average

Hidalgo County's median household income of $52,281 trails the U.S. median of $74,755 by $22,474—a gap of 30.1%. The county faces economic headwinds compared to national norms, though it remains part of a broader lower-income region in South Texas.

Among Texas's lowest-income counties

Hidalgo County's median household income of $52,281 falls 19.3% below Texas's state average of $64,737, with a per capita income of $22,005 trailing the state average of $33,197 by 33.7%. These figures reflect persistent poverty and limited wage growth across the Rio Grande Valley.

Economic challenges region-wide

Hidalgo County's $52,281 median income ranks it among the lowest in this sample, significantly trailing even Hill County ($63,147) and Hockley County ($54,810). As the Valley's largest county, Hidalgo faces structural employment and income challenges that shape household financial capacity.

Housing costs strain household budgets

Hidalgo County's rent-to-income ratio of 21.2% is the highest in this sample, meaning housing consumes more than 1 in 5 dollars of gross income for a median household. At $124,000, median home values are affordable in absolute terms but represent a heavy burden relative to income.

Community resources support financial resilience

Hidalgo County households should seek out nonprofit credit counseling, matched savings programs, and employer benefits to build financial security from modest income bases. Prioritizing emergency savings and low-cost investment vehicles can help households weather economic volatility and build generational wealth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Hidalgo County

via CrimeByCounty

Safety Aligning with National Trends

Hidalgo County reports a safety score of 96.7, which aligns closely with national safety expectations. Its total crime rate of 2,109.7 per 100K sits safely below the national average of 2,385.5.

Consistent with Texas Averages

On a state level, the county’s safety score of 96.7 matches the Texas average of 96.8 almost perfectly. The total crime rate of 2,109.7 per 100K is also very close to the state average of 2,052.5.

Robust Law Enforcement Presence

Compared to other major border counties, Hidalgo's 31 reporting agencies maintain a stable environment with crime rates lower than several urban neighbors. This extensive presence helps keep the violent crime rate at 305.9 per 100K.

Theft Outpaces Violent Crime

Property crime represents the bulk of local incidents at 1,803.8 per 100K, while violent crime stays below the national average of 369.8. This breakdown suggests most police activity involves non-violent property disputes.

Stay Vigilant in the Valley

Residents can bolster community safety by installing visible security cameras and participating in local watch programs. These simple steps help protect property in this bustling Rio Grande Valley hub.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Hidalgo County

via HealthByCounty

Hidalgo County faces major health disparities

Hidalgo County's 77.3-year life expectancy falls 3 years short of the U.S. average despite having a large, young population. Critically, 37.3% report poor or fair health—the highest rate in this dataset—and 30.2% lack insurance, creating a crisis of health access.

Texas's most uninsured county here

Hidalgo County's 30.2% uninsured rate is the highest among these Texas counties and far exceeds the state average of 19.8%, meaning nearly one in three residents lack coverage. Life expectancy of 77.3 years trails the state average by 3 years, reflecting these access barriers.

Hidalgo stands apart in challenge

Hidalgo County's 37.3% poor/fair health rate dwarfs Henderson County's 21.7% and far exceeds any peer in this comparison. The 30.2% uninsured rate makes Hidalgo's health challenge distinctly severe, requiring targeted intervention.

Poverty and coverage collide in Hidalgo

Hidalgo County has 46 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and 91 mental health providers per 100,000, but the 30.2% uninsured rate means many cannot afford to see them. The county's 37.3% poor/fair health rate—double national averages—signals that economic hardship and lack of coverage are driving poor outcomes.

Coverage can change your family's health

If you're uninsured in Hidalgo County, Medicaid and marketplace subsidies are designed for households with limited income. Call 211 or visit healthcare.gov to find plans—coverage is often free or very low cost and can prevent costly emergencies.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Hidalgo County

via SchoolsByCounty

Texas Education at a Massive Scale

Hidalgo County is an educational powerhouse with 340 schools serving 216,543 students. The system includes 187 elementary schools and 74 high schools spread across 22 districts.

Matching State Graduation Benchmarks

The county maintains a graduation rate of 91.6%, perfectly aligning with the Texas state average. At a per-pupil spend of $6,722, it achieves a competitive school score of 53.8.

Charter Giants and Massive Districts

IDEA Public Schools is a massive presence with 123 schools and 74,217 students, making up 15% of the county's campuses. Edinburg CISD and PSJA ISD also serve large populations exceeding 30,000 students each.

Bustling Suburban and City Schools

The average school size is 648 students, with most campuses located in suburban or city settings. La Joya High School leads the county as the largest campus, enrolling 2,775 students.

Infinite Options for Your Children

With hundreds of campuses and robust charter options, Hidalgo County offers unparalleled school choice for families. Research neighborhoods near these top-tier suburban districts to find your next home.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Hidalgo County

via RiskByCounty

Hidalgo faces exceptionally high national risk

Hidalgo County's composite risk score of 99.01 ranks it as "Relatively High" and among the most at-risk counties in the entire United States. This exceptional exposure reflects the Rio Grande Valley's vulnerability to hurricanes, floods, and multiple other hazards.

Highest-risk county in all of Texas

Hidalgo County's score of 99.01 is the absolute highest in Texas and more than double the state average of 49.00. The county's southern location along the Gulf Coast and Mexican border creates unmatched exposure to hurricanes, storm surge, and flooding.

Dramatically riskier than surrounding counties

Hidalgo County's 99.01 score far exceeds all other Texas counties; the next-closest is Hays County at 90.55. Its unique geographic position at the southern tip of Texas creates hazard exposures unmatched elsewhere in the state.

Hurricanes and floods dominate your profile

Hurricane risk reaches 99.50—the highest possible exposure in the state—while flood risk stands at 96.44, creating a severe coastal weather double threat. Tornado risk of 95.99 and earthquake risk of 79.01 complete an exceptionally hazardous profile.

Comprehensive coverage is non-negotiable

Hidalgo residents must carry homeowners insurance, separate flood insurance, and wind/hail coverage to address the county's extreme exposure to hurricanes and flooding. Given the 99+ risk scores for both hurricanes and floods, adequate insurance is essential for financial recovery after major events.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Hidalgo County

via WeatherByCounty

Hidalgo's Subtropical Heat Outpaces National Averages

Hidalgo County maintains an annual average temperature of 74.8°F, significantly higher than the national median. This humid subtropical climate experiences far more consistent warmth than most of the United States.

One of the Warmest Spots in Texas

While the Texas average annual temperature is 65.5°F, Hidalgo County sits nearly 10 degrees higher at 74.8°F. It represents the extreme southern heat typical of the Rio Grande Valley.

A Regional Leader in Extreme Heat Days

Hidalgo County endures 171 extreme heat days per year where temperatures reach or exceed 90°F. This frequency of high heat is among the highest in the South Texas region.

Short Winters and Intense Summer Humidity

Summer averages reach a sweltering 86.2°F, while winters remain mild with a 61.8°F average. Snow is almost non-existent here, with an annual average of just 0.1 inches.

Preparing for Constant High Temperatures

Residents must maintain robust HVAC systems to handle 171 days of 90-degree weather. Additionally, with only 22.8 inches of annual rain, efficient irrigation is essential for local landscaping.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Hidalgo County

via SoilByCounty

Southern Alkaline Plains

Soils in Hidalgo County are alkaline, averaging a pH of 7.30. This level sits above both the national median of 6.5 and the Texas state average of 7.09.

Balanced Medium Textures

The mix contains 44.3% sand, 25.3% silt, and 22.8% clay. This balanced distribution creates a medium-textured soil that offers better nutrient retention than purely sandy regions found elsewhere in the state.

Rio Grande Valley Fertility

At 1.21%, the organic matter content is lower than the state average of 1.66%. Similarly, the available water capacity of 0.123 in/in trails the state benchmark of 0.133 in/in, requiring careful irrigation.

High Surface Runoff Potential

As part of hydrologic group D, the soil presents a high runoff potential. Managing water flow is critical for agricultural success in the Rio Grande Valley's unique subtropical climate.

Thriving Zone 10a Tropics

In the subtropical heat of zone 10a, citrus trees and winter vegetables flourish. This region supports a year-round growing cycle, provided growers manage the alkaline soil conditions properly.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Hidalgo County

via LawnByCounty

Extreme Growing in the Valley

Hidalgo County presents a major challenge for lawn care with a difficulty score of 24.2, well below the state average of 31.7. Located in Zone 10a, the extreme southern climate demands specialized care for year-round growth.

Blistering Heat and Constant Growth

The area endures a staggering 171 days of extreme heat above 90°F each year, far exceeding the state average of 105 days. With only 22.8 inches of rain and 9,139 growing degree days, the mowing and watering seasons almost never end.

Alkaline Soil and Sandy Mix

Soil conditions lean alkaline with a pH of 7.30 and a moderate clay content of 22.8%. The 44.3% sand balance helps with some drainage, but you may need amendments to bring the pH closer to the ideal 6.0-7.0 range.

Battling Severe and Persistent Drought

Drought resilience is critical here, as the county spent 28 weeks in drought over the past year. With 100.0% of the area currently in severe drought (D2+), utilizing drought-tolerant grass and xeriscaping techniques is a necessity.

Heat-Hardy Varieties for Zone 10a

Bermudagrass is the gold standard for this intense Zone 10a heat and high sun exposure. Since the last frost typically occurs as early as January 10, you can begin your spring lawn projects much earlier than the rest of the country.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hidalgo County's county score?
Hidalgo County, Texas has a composite county score of 29.2 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 Hidalgo County rank among counties in Texas?
Hidalgo County ranks #221 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 Hidalgo County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Hidalgo County is $2,187, with an effective tax rate of 1.76%. This earns Hidalgo County a tax score of 5.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Hidalgo County?
The median household income in Hidalgo County, Texas is $52,281 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Hidalgo County earns an income score of 19.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Hidalgo County, Texas a good place to live?
Hidalgo County scores 29.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #221 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Hidalgo 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 Hidalgo 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.