countyscore
38.7
County Score
Schools 64Income & Jobs 47.1Cost of Living 46.5

County Report Card

About Hill County, Texas

Moderate Standing Below National Median

Hill County earns a 38.4 composite score, which is below the 50.0 national median but remains competitive within its region. It reflects a standard quality of life that avoids the extreme lows seen in more distressed counties. Most metrics hover in the bottom-middle range of national rankings.

Close to the Texas Standard

With a score of 38.4, Hill County is slightly below the state average of 41.9. It operates as a typical rural-to-suburban transition county for Texas, offering a predictable mix of services. It ranks fairly consistently with its immediate neighbors in Central Texas.

Solid Schools and Affordable Living

Educational quality is a primary asset here, with a school score of 64.0. The county also offers a manageable cost of living, scoring 45.9 with median gross rents staying under $930. These scores make it an attractive option for families looking for value.

Healthcare Access and Risk Levels

Health outcomes are a notable weakness with a score of 18.2, alongside a moderate tax score of 24.0. Environmental risk resilience is also lower at 27.0, and water quality follows at 37.8. Residents must look outside the county for more specialized healthcare and environmental protections.

A Value Play for Families

Hill County is best suited for families who want decent public schools without the high price tag of major metro areas. It offers a balanced lifestyle for those who don't mind traveling for healthcare or professional services. It is a functional choice for middle-income households.

2040608010025.446.538.618.26447.12737.831.3Tax25.4Cost46.5Safety38.6Health18.2Schools64Income47.1Risk27Water37.8Weather31.338.7/100
This county
National avg
1 above average6 below average

Hill County DNA

Foverall

How Hill County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Hill County falls below the national average in most categories. The biggest gap is in Health (18.2/100), though Schools (64/100) remains a relative bright spot.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
25.4-26.6
Cost
46.5
Safety
38.6-16.4
Health
18.2-31.8
Schools
64+10
Income
47.1
Risk
27-20
Water
37.8-20.200000000000003
Weather
31.3-24.7
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Hill County?

Many homeowners in Hill County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

Check My Assessment

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$179,200

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$946/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$179,200/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$37,840/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.8x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $64,591/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

24.5

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Nearby counties

Bosque County
Texas
50.4
Johnson County
Texas
32.5
McLennan County
Texas
22.8
Somervell County
Texas
52.1
Ellis County
Texas
30.8
Navarro County
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31.3
Limestone County
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31.5
Hood County
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38.2

Deep Dives

Hill County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Hill County

via TaxByCounty

Hill County taxes slightly above average

At 1.234%, Hill County's effective tax rate modestly exceeds the national median of 1.199%, placing it around the 52nd percentile. The median property tax of $2,012 on a $163,100 home sits well below the national median tax of $2,690.

Slightly above Texas average

Hill County's 1.234% effective rate sits just above Texas's 1.276% state average, making it relatively competitive statewide. The median tax of $2,012 falls below the state median of $2,193, reflecting this county's lower home valuations.

Mid-range among regional counties

Hill County's 1.234% rate places it squarely between lower-taxing Henderson (0.981%) and higher-taxing Hays (1.729%). It's the middle ground for Central Texas property owners seeking moderate tax burdens.

What $163,100 home costs yearly

A median-priced Hill County home generates $2,012 in annual property taxes under standard conditions, or $2,671 with a mortgage. At roughly $168 per month, it represents a moderate tax burden for the region.

Verify your assessed value

Hill County homeowners should confirm their assessments match current market conditions—rural properties especially tend to be overvalued. A formal appeal based on recent comparable sales often results in meaningful tax reductions.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in Hill County

via IncomeByCounty

Hill County below national income median

Hill County's median household income of $63,147 falls $11,608 short of the U.S. median of $74,755, representing a 15.5% shortfall. The county ranks in the lower-middle tier of American communities by earning power.

Slightly below Texas state average

Hill County's median household income of $63,147 trails Texas's state average of $64,737 by $1,590, placing it marginally below the state midpoint. Per capita income of $31,410 runs about 5.4% below the state average of $33,197.

Mid-range earner in central region

Hill County's $63,147 median income is comparable to Henderson County ($63,955) and Hopkins County ($64,725), but lags Hays County ($85,827) and Hood County ($86,802). The county reflects a more rural, historically agricultural economy than nearby growth corridors.

Housing costs well-controlled

Hill County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.6% is among the lowest in this sample, meaning housing consumes less than 1 in 5.7 dollars of gross income. Median home values of $163,100 remain quite affordable relative to household incomes.

Affordable housing enables saving

Hill County's low housing cost burden of 17.6% provides households room to save and invest beyond shelter needs. Consider automating contributions to retirement accounts and exploring accessible investment products to grow wealth steadily over time.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Hill County

via CrimeByCounty

Hill County Outperforms National Benchmarks

Hill County achieves a high safety score of 97.8, making it one of the more secure regions in the country. The total crime rate of 1,400.1 per 100K is significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

A Safer Choice in Texas

The county outperforms the Texas average safety score of 96.8 by a full point. With a crime rate of 1,400.1 per 100K, it remains much safer than the state average of 2,052.5.

Quiet Corridors South of Metroplex

Hill County maintains a quieter profile than its northern neighbors in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Its 9 reporting agencies manage a crime rate that reflects its transition from rural farmland to a growing commuter corridor.

Physical Safety Remains High

Property crime is the primary concern at 1,184.3 per 100K, while violent crime is low at 215.8 per 100K. These numbers indicate that physical safety is high, though property vigilance remains necessary.

Deter Property Crime with Lighting

To keep property crime rates low, homeowners should ensure that outdoor lighting is functional and garages are secured. Simple deterrents are effective in maintaining the county’s strong 97.8 safety score.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Hill County

via WeatherByCounty

Hill County's Temperate North-Central Climate

With an annual average of 66.1°F, Hill County is warmer than the national median but typical for the southern U.S. It transitions between humid and semi-arid climate zones.

Mirroring the Broader Texas Average

The county's 66.1°F average temperature sits just above the Texas state average of 65.5°F. It experiences more rainfall than the state average, receiving 38.0 inches annually compared to 31.9 inches.

Standard Heat Patterns for Central Texas

Hill County records 105 extreme heat days annually, aligning with its neighbors in the Interstate 35 corridor. This puts it squarely in the middle of regional heat trends.

Hot Summers and Brisk Winters

July averages reach 84.4°F, while January temperatures drop to a cool 46.5°F. The county sees very little snow, averaging only 0.4 inches per year.

Managing Seasonal Weather Extremes

Heavy-duty cooling is required for the 105 days over 90°F each year. Homeowners should also prepare for 38 inches of rain, which often arrives in concentrated spring storms.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Hill County

via SoilByCounty

The Productive Alfisols Order

Hill County features Fine sandy loam soils from the Alfisols order with a pH of 7.17. This value is slightly more alkaline than the national median of 6.5 but matches the state's 7.09 average closely.

Stable Loam Composition

The soil is composed of 40.6% sand, 28.5% silt, and 27.7% clay. This relatively high clay and silt content provides excellent structure and nutrient-holding capacity compared to sandier neighboring counties.

Strong Water Retention Capacity

Organic matter stands at 1.53%, which is near the state average of 1.66%. The soil's available water capacity of 0.137 in/in actually exceeds the state average, making it better at surviving dry spells.

Moderately Well Drained Land

These soils are moderately well-drained but belong to hydrologic group D. While they manage water effectively for crops, the clay content can lead to slow infiltration during heavy Central Texas rains.

Bountiful Zone 8b Gardens

Gardeners in zone 8b can take advantage of the rich loam for corn, cotton, and various vegetables. It is a highly productive region that rewards soil-building practices like cover cropping.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Hill County

via LawnByCounty

Reliable Results in Hill County

Hill County offers a solid environment for lawns with a score of 46.3, placing it well above the Texas state average of 31.7. Residents in Zone 8b enjoy conditions that are nearly as manageable as the national average.

Steady Rain and Standard Heat

An annual precipitation of 38.0 inches provides a strong base for growth, exceeding the state average by 6 inches. The 105 days of extreme heat match the state average exactly, creating a predictable rhythm for seasonal lawn maintenance.

Excellent Fine Sandy Loam

The local soil is a fine sandy loam that is moderately well drained, which is ideal for preventing root rot. With a 7.17 pH and 27.7% clay, the soil foundation is nearly perfect, though a tiny bit of sulfur could help reach the ideal range.

Favorable Current Drought Outlook

The county is currently in a good position with 0.0% severe drought (D2+) coverage. Over the past year, Hill County only faced 15 weeks of drought, allowing for more consistent greening than in neighboring counties.

Seeding After the March Frost

Warm-season grasses like Zoysia or Bermuda thrive in this fine sandy loam and Zone 8b climate. Plan your seeding for late March or early April to avoid the last spring frost on March 21.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hill County's county score?
Hill County, Texas has a composite county score of 38.7 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 Hill County rank among counties in Texas?
Hill County ranks #159 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 Hill County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Hill County is $2,078, with an effective tax rate of 1.16%. This earns Hill County a tax score of 25.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Hill County?
The median household income in Hill County, Texas is $64,591 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Hill County earns an income score of 47.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Hill County, Texas a good place to live?
Hill County scores 38.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #159 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Hill 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 Hill County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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