countyscore
38.4
County Score
Schools 61.8Safety 58.7Disaster Risk 54.6

County Report Card

About Jim Hogg County, Texas

Below the National Livability Curve

Jim Hogg County earns a 38.3 composite score, falling under the national median of 50.0. It faces standard rural challenges common in the American South and West.

Nearing the Texas Median

At 38.3, the county sits slightly below the Texas average of 41.9. It represents a typical South Texas experience where community safety and local schools are primary focuses.

Education and Public Safety

The county performs well in safety with a score of 58.7 and education with a school score of 61.8. These scores indicate a stable social environment for families despite economic pressures.

Economic and Utility Constraints

The income score is a low 4.6, driven by a median household income of $42,230. Water quality is also a significant concern, reflected in an extremely low water score of 4.8.

A Tight-Knit, Quiet Community

Jim Hogg County suits families who prioritize a safe environment and local schooling over high-paying careers. The low median home value of $125,600 makes it an accessible entry point for homeownership.

Score breakdown

Tax16.8Cost53.5Safety58.7Health8.7Schools61.8Income4.6Risk54.6Water4.8Weather9
🏛16.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠53.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼4.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡58.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤8.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓61.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡54.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧4.8
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤9
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨30.3
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱26.3
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

Brooks County
Texas
53.8
Duval County
Texas
43.3
Zapata County
Texas
53.9
Starr County
Texas
45.9
Jim Wells County
Texas
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Kenedy County
Texas
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Kleberg County
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Hidalgo County
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Deep Dives

Jim Hogg County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Jim Hogg County

via TaxByCounty

Jim Hogg taxes run above national norm

Jim Hogg County's effective tax rate of 1.413% sits above the national median of 1.264%, placing it in the higher-tax quartile nationwide. The typical American homeowner pays less as a percentage of home value than Jim Hogg residents do.

Elevated for Texas standards

At 1.413%, Jim Hogg County exceeds the Texas state average of 1.276%, ranking among the state's higher-tax counties. Most Texas homeowners pay a smaller percentage of home value in annual property taxes than Jim Hogg's rate reflects.

Notably higher than nearby counties

Jim Hogg's 1.413% rate surpasses Jasper County (1.036%), Karnes County (0.982%), and Jeff Davis County (0.547%), though it runs lower than Jefferson County (1.575%). For South Texas residents, Jim Hogg represents a mid-to-high tax burden regionally.

Mortgage payments may include $2,452

Jim Hogg County's median home value is $125,600, and at 1.413%, homeowners pay approximately $1,775 in annual property taxes. With a mortgage escrow, total annual costs can approach $2,452—above what many neighboring county residents pay.

Assessment appeals can add up here

In Jim Hogg County, many homeowners have never questioned their property valuations despite potential overassessments. A formal appeal on an overpriced assessment could return hundreds of dollars annually—an especially meaningful savings in a higher-tax county.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Jim Hogg County

via CostByCounty

Jim Hogg sits just above national average

Jim Hogg County renters spend 23.3% of income on housing, about five percentage points above the national comfort level of 18.1%. The county's median household income of $42,230 ranks it among the lower-earning areas, though a modest rent of $820 keeps the overall burden manageable.

Moderately affordable by Texas standards

Jim Hogg's 23.3% rent-to-income ratio exceeds Texas's 18.1% state average by 5.2 points, placing it in the state's less affordable tier. At $820 monthly, the median rent runs 15% below the state average, partially offsetting the county's income disadvantage.

Moderately priced in its region

Jim Hogg's $820 rent falls between Jasper County ($790) and Jim Wells County ($885), positioning it as a middle option among neighboring counties. The county's 23.3% burden exceeds all neighbors except Jeff Davis County's critical 48.3%.

Renters and owners pay similar amounts

Renters contribute $820 monthly while homeowners pay $838—nearly identical costs that suggest relative market balance. With a median home value of $125,600 and median income of $42,230, neither housing option presents a clear advantage.

Reasonable housing costs for rural Texas

Jim Hogg County offers decent affordability within its rural context, with rents and incomes roughly proportional to the broader region. If you're relocating to South Texas, Jim Hogg presents a viable option with housing burdens comparable to nearby Jim Wells County.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Jim Hogg County

via IncomeByCounty

Jim Hogg faces profound income gap

At $42,230, Jim Hogg County's median household income falls 43% short of the $74,755 national median, placing it among America's most economically challenged rural counties. This South Texas county reflects systemic barriers to income growth in agricultural and border regions.

Far below Texas average earnings

Jim Hogg County ranks in the lowest tier of Texas counties, earning just 65% of the state median of $64,737. The $22,500 gap per household underscores the economic disparity between rural South Texas and more developed state regions.

Struggling alongside similar border communities

Jim Hogg County's $42,230 median edges above Jeff Davis County ($32,625) but remains well below Jim Wells County ($47,492) and Karnes County ($59,103). The variation reflects different economic bases, with agriculture and limited manufacturing characterizing Jim Hogg's economy.

Low rents help stretch limited incomes

Jim Hogg County's 23.3% rent-to-income ratio falls within acceptable ranges, with housing costs remaining manageable relative to earnings. The median home value of $125,600 also remains accessible, providing stable housing foundations despite income constraints.

Build wealth through disciplined planning

At $42,230 median household income, establish a strict budget prioritizing essential expenses and building a small emergency fund before any investing. Maximize employer benefits and explore tax credits; small consistent savings compound significantly over decades.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Jim Hogg County

via CrimeByCounty

High Safety Scores in South Texas

Jim Hogg County earns a safety score of 98.5, well above the typical American community. Its total crime rate of 952.4 per 100,000 is less than half the national average of 2,385.5.

Ranking Above the Texas Average

The county’s safety score of 98.5 easily clears the state average of 96.8. With only one agency reporting, these figures reflect a focused but limited perspective on total local activity.

A Rural Bastion of Safety

Jim Hogg County maintains a much lower crime footprint than more populous South Texas neighbors. Its total crime rate is less than half of the statewide average of 2,052.5 per 100,000.

Low Rates Across All Categories

Violent crime is reported at 144.9 per 100,000, significantly lower than both state and national benchmarks. Property crime also remains low at 807.5 per 100,000 residents.

Maintain Your Peace of Mind

Low crime rates are a hallmark of this community, but basic home maintenance prevents crimes of opportunity. Ensuring entry points are well-lit and locked keeps Jim Hogg County safe for everyone.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Jim Hogg County

via HealthByCounty

Jim Hogg faces serious health challenges

At 72.5 years, Jim Hogg County residents live 3.9 years below the national average of 76.4 years, representing one of Texas's lowest life expectancies. A striking 34.0% of residents report poor or fair health—13 percentage points above the national rate of 21.0%—signaling widespread disease burden and health inequity. This deeply rural South Texas county faces compounded barriers to health and wellbeing.

Texas's bottom tier on health outcomes

Jim Hogg's 72.5-year life expectancy ranks it 1.8 years below Texas's state average of 74.3 years, placing it among the state's lowest performers. Its 34.0% poor/fair health rate is catastrophically high—nearly 10 percentage points above the state average—indicating systemic health crises spanning poverty, chronic disease, and healthcare access. These figures demand urgent, sustained intervention.

The worst health in its region

Jim Hogg (72.5 years, 34.0% poor/fair health) trails Zapata County (73.1 years) and starves for providers compared to Jim Wells County (31 per 100K primary care) and Karnes County (27 per 100K). With just 21 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and no reported mental health providers, Jim Hogg's healthcare infrastructure is among the state's sparsest. Residents routinely drive 45+ minutes to specialist care.

A healthcare desert with compounding barriers

One in five Jim Hogg residents (21.4%) lack health insurance, exacerbating a scarcity of providers: only 21 primary care doctors per 100,000 residents and no mental health specialists reported. Many residents speak Spanish as a primary language, complicating care coordination in an area with minimal telehealth infrastructure. Agricultural work, poverty (median household income ~$25,000), and chronic disease create a perfect storm.

Get covered—resources in your community

Jim Hogg County residents qualify for Medicaid at household income as low as $20,000/year; visit yourtexasbenefits.com or call 2-1-1 for application help in Spanish. Community health workers at Hidalgo County's South Texas Health Center serve Jim Hogg patients and can navigate enrollment, translation, and transportation. Taking the first step to coverage unlocks preventive care and medication access.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Jim Hogg County

via SchoolsByCounty

Streamlined Schooling in Jim Hogg

Jim Hogg County operates a single, centralized school district that manages three campuses. This includes one elementary, one middle, and one high school, serving a total of 1,072 students.

Leading the State in Graduation

The county achieves an incredible 97.0% graduation rate, far exceeding the state average of 91.6%. With a school score of 56.3 and spending at $6,557 per pupil, the district demonstrates high efficiency and academic success.

Unified Under Jim Hogg County ISD

Jim Hogg County ISD manages all public education for the area with no charter schools present. This unified approach ensures that all 1,072 students progress through a consistent local curriculum.

The Heart of a Texas Town

All three schools are located in a town setting, specifically serving the Hebbronville community. Hebbronville Elementary is the largest campus with 508 students, providing a medium-sized school feel for local families.

Graduate with Confidence in Hebbronville

Families looking for a proven track record of graduation success should consider Jim Hogg County. Find a home near these centralized schools to become part of this tight-knit educational community.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Jim Hogg County

via RiskByCounty

Jim Hogg holds relatively low risk

With a composite risk score of 45.45, Jim Hogg County ranks in the relatively low category and sits slightly below Texas's state average of 49.00. This South Texas county enjoys moderate protection from most major hazard types.

Below-average risk for Texas

Jim Hogg County's 45.45 score places it in the safer half of Texas's 254 counties, reflecting its inland location and lower population density. While not risk-free, the county faces fewer compounded hazard exposures than urban or coastal peers.

Safer than coastal South Texas

Jim Hogg County's risk profile sits well below neighboring coastal counties like Jim Wells, with significantly lower flood (23.16) and hurricane (65.50) scores. Its interior location provides meaningful protection unavailable in the Gulf Coast region.

Hurricane and wildfire exposure

Hurricane risk (65.50) represents Jim Hogg County's primary concern, though it remains lower than coastal peers due to inland position. Wildfire risk (51.40) and tornado risk (14.28) complete the hazard profile, both manageable relative to statewide benchmarks.

Standard coverage with flood option

Jim Hogg County residents should maintain standard homeowners insurance, with flood coverage strongly recommended given South Texas rainfall patterns. Hurricane coverage is optional but worth evaluating, particularly for mobile home owners or those in flood-prone areas.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Jim Hogg County

via WeatherByCounty

A blistering semi-arid Southern climate

Jim Hogg County averages 73.9°F annually, significantly exceeding the national median of roughly 55°F. This subtropical environment experiences intense heat throughout the year with only 22.7 inches of annual rainfall.

One of the hottest counties in Texas

The county's average temperature of 73.9°F sits nearly 8.5 degrees higher than the Texas state average of 65.5°F. This makes Jim Hogg one of the warmest regions in a state already known for its high temperatures.

Drier and hotter than coastal neighbors

Jim Hogg is notably drier than nearby Jim Wells, receiving about 5 inches less rain annually. While neighboring Kenedy County shares a similar heat profile, Jim Hogg lacks the moderating coastal breeze.

An endless summer with minimal relief

The county endures a staggering 158 days of extreme heat over 90°F each year. Summer averages 86.7°F while winters remain mild at 59.6°F, seeing just 0.3 inches of annual snowfall.

Prioritize cooling and water conservation

Residents require high-efficiency HVAC systems to manage the 158 extreme heat days. Landscaping should focus on drought-tolerant species given the low 22.7 inches of annual precipitation.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Jim Hogg County

via SoilByCounty

Neutral Sands of Jim Hogg

Jim Hogg County maintains an average pH of 6.64, which is very close to the national median of 6.5. This balanced acidity provides an excellent starting point for many South Texas plants. The county's soil score of 30.3 sits slightly above the state average of 28.8.

Dominant Sand and Easy Drainage

This soil is heavily sandy, containing 68.1% sand, 12.9% silt, and 11.7% clay. Such a high sand content ensures rapid drainage and easy workability but offers very little natural nutrient retention. You will need to fertilize more frequently to keep your plants healthy.

Building Up Lean Soil Organic Matter

Organic matter is quite low at 0.88%, which is roughly half of the Texas state average of 1.66%. The available water capacity is also low at 0.095 in/in compared to the state average of 0.133 in/in. These soils require significant organic additions to hold onto moisture and food.

Sandy Soil and Water Flow

While a specific hydrologic group is not documented, the 68.1% sand content suggests high infiltration rates. This helps prevent flooding in your garden but means water moves quickly past plant roots. Frequent, light watering is often more effective than occasional deep soaking in this environment.

Sun-Loving Crops in Zone 9b

In Hardiness Zone 9b, Jim Hogg County supports heat-tolerant crops and native brush species. You can find great success with peppers, okra, and native cacti that thrive in sandy conditions. Start your South Texas garden by selecting plants that don't mind the heat or the sand.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Jim Hogg County

via LawnByCounty

Extreme heat defines Jim Hogg lawn care

The lawn difficulty score of 26.3 reflects a challenging environment for zone 9b, falling below the Texas average of 31.7. Intense solar exposure and low rainfall make traditional green lawns a high-maintenance luxury here.

Over five months of extreme heat

This county endures 158 days of extreme heat per year, vastly exceeding the state average of 105 days. With only 22.7 inches of rain and 8,853 growing degree days, your mowing and watering schedule must be aggressive.

Sandy soil requires frequent amendments

The soil is 68.1% sand with a healthy pH of 6.64, which is ideal for nutrient availability but poor for water retention. You will likely need to add organic compost to improve the soil's ability to hold moisture during the hot summer.

Total county coverage of severe drought

Currently, 100% of the county is in severe drought, a condition that has persisted for 46 weeks over the last year. Mulching clippings back into the lawn is a vital strategy to protect the soil surface from the relentless sun.

Plant heat-hardy Bermuda grass early

Hybrid Bermuda grass is your best bet for surviving the 158 days of triple-digit heat found in zone 9b. You can start your lawn as early as February 4, which is the typical date of the final spring frost.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Jim Hogg County's county score?
Jim Hogg 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 Jim Hogg County rank among counties in Texas?
Jim Hogg County ranks #157 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 Jim Hogg County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Jim Hogg County is $1,775, with an effective tax rate of 1.41%. This earns Jim Hogg County a tax score of 16.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Jim Hogg County?
The median household income in Jim Hogg County, Texas is $42,230 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Jim Hogg County earns an income score of 4.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Jim Hogg County, Texas a good place to live?
Jim Hogg County scores 38.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #157 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Jim Hogg 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 Jim Hogg County with other counties side by side.

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