countyscore
38.4
County Score
Schools 64Income & Jobs 48.7Lawn Care 46.3

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.

Score breakdown

Tax24Cost45.9Safety38.6Health18.2Schools64Income48.7Risk27Water37.8Weather31.3
🏛24
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠45.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼48.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡38.6
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤18.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓64
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡27
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧37.8
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤31.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨31.8
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱46.3
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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50.4
Johnson County
Texas
32.7
McLennan County
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22.6
Somervell County
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Deep Dives

Hill County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

Cost of Living in Hill County

via CostByCounty

Hill County pulls ahead of national average

Hill County renters spend just 17.6% of income on rent, beating the national benchmark of around 15-16% but remaining very affordable. Despite median income ($63,147) falling short of the national median ($74,755), low rents keep housing accessible here.

Better than Texas on affordability

Hill County's 17.6% rent-to-income ratio outperforms Texas's 18.1% state average, landing it in the more affordable half of the state's counties. The $929 median rent sits just below the state average, reflecting a balanced rural-to-suburban economy.

Sweet spot between rural and affordable

Hill's $929 rent is cheaper than Henderson ($978), Hopkins ($1,038), and Hays ($1,417), and its 17.6% rent burden is the best among this group. Only Hemphill and Hockley rival Hill's affordability, both further from urban job markets.

Housing takes $1,730 monthly

Combined rent ($929) and owner costs ($801) total roughly $1,730 per month—about 27% of the $63,147 median income. This leaves renters and homeowners with breathing room compared to national and state averages.

Gateway to Hill Country affordability

Hill County offers a rare combination: proximity to Austin's job market, Central Texas lifestyle, and rent that stays under $1,000 monthly. If you're seeking mid-sized Texas living without mega-city prices, Hill's $163,100 median homes and 17.6% rent burden make strong sense.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

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

Health in Hill County

via HealthByCounty

Hill County lags on life expectancy

At 72.6 years, Hill County residents live 1.9 years less than the U.S. average of 74.5 years, and 22.3% report poor or fair health. These figures place the county among the lower-performing regions in the nation.

Below Texas average in health outcomes

Hill County's 72.6-year life expectancy trails the Texas average of 74.3 years, and its 19.6% uninsured rate hovers near the state average of 19.8%. The county ranks among Texas's lower-performing regions on life expectancy.

Hill County struggles against better-off peers

Hill County's 72.6-year life expectancy lags Hays County (79.4 years) by nearly 7 years and Hood County (76.0 years) by 3.4 years. With just 25 primary care providers per 100K, the county faces the second-lowest provider availability in this comparison.

Severe shortage of primary care access

Hill County has only 25 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and 42 mental health providers per 100,000—the lowest in this dataset. At 19.6% uninsured, many residents cannot afford to visit even the scarce doctors available.

Enroll to access limited local providers

With only 25 primary care providers per 100K in Hill County, having insurance is essential to get any care at all. Visit healthcare.gov or call your county health department to explore Medicaid and marketplace plans available to you.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Hill County

via SchoolsByCounty

Wide-Ranging Districts for 6,500 Students

Hill County features 26 schools spread across 12 distinct districts, serving 6,584 students. The landscape is unique for its high number of specialized 'other' school types alongside traditional elementary and high schools.

Exceeding State and National Averages

The graduation rate stands at a strong 93.6%, comfortably beating the national 87.0% benchmark. With a school score of 56.2 and spending of $7,368 per pupil, Hill County remains highly competitive with state averages.

Hillsboro and Whitney Lead the Way

Hillsboro ISD and Whitney ISD are the primary educational anchors, serving over 3,500 students combined. The county is exclusively served by traditional public districts with no charter school presence.

Small Rural Schools Define the Area

The county is deeply rural, with 20 of its 26 schools located in countryside settings. While Hillsboro Elementary reaches 704 students, the average school enrollment is just 263 students.

Discover Rural Excellence in Hill County

Families seeking high-performing schools in a quiet, rural atmosphere will find Hill County ideal. Explore available homes near Hillsboro or Whitney for a top-tier education experience.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Hill County

via RiskByCounty

Hill County's risk moderately exceeds national norm

Hill County's composite risk score of 72.96 places it in the "Relatively Low" category but still above the national average. The central Texas county faces concentrated exposure to severe weather hazards that define its overall profile.

Above-average risk for Texas

With a score of 72.96 compared to Texas's state average of 49.00, Hill County ranks as higher-risk than typical for the state. The county's location in central Texas makes it vulnerable to tornado and wildfire activity.

Mid-range risk in central Texas region

Hill County's 72.96 score places it between Hood County (70.52) and Hays County (90.55) in the central Texas cluster. The county faces higher overall risk than most state peers but less severe exposure than Hays County to the east.

Tornadoes and wildfires are top concerns

Tornado risk of 89.79 and wildfire risk of 82.19 are Hill County's principal hazards, creating a spring severe weather and drought-fire vulnerability. Flood risk of 45.90 is notably lower than adjacent counties, but still meaningful.

Prioritize wind and wildfire protection

Hill County residents should ensure homeowners policies provide comprehensive wind/hail coverage and consider wildfire protection measures like defensible landscaping. Verify your insurance covers tornado and straight-line wind damage, which are your area's most frequent threats.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

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 38.4 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 #156 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 $2,012, with an effective tax rate of 1.23%. This earns Hill County a tax score of 24/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Hill County?
The median household income in Hill County, Texas is $63,147 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Hill County earns an income score of 48.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Hill County, Texas a good place to live?
Hill County scores 38.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #156 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.

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.