countyscore
25.8
County Score
Cost of Living 58.1Schools 41.5Soil Quality 31.2

County Report Card

About Jim Wells County, Texas

Significant National Gap in Livability

With a composite score of 25.8, Jim Wells County is positioned in the lower quartile of U.S. counties. It lags the national median of 50.0 across nearly all major livability dimensions.

Well Below the Texas Average

The county's score of 25.8 is substantially lower than the Texas state average of 41.9. Struggles with public health and safety are the primary drivers of this disparity.

Affordable Housing Market

The cost score of 58.1 is the county's brightest spot, supported by a very low median home value of $104,800. This makes the area one of the most affordable places to buy property in the region.

Health and Safety Vulnerabilities

Safety and health both score in the single digits at 8.2 and 7.2, respectively. A median household income of $47,492 makes it difficult for residents to overcome these systemic infrastructure issues.

A High-Value Real Estate Option

Jim Wells County is a strategic choice for those seeking very low-cost real estate who can commute elsewhere for work. Residents should plan to outsource their healthcare needs and prioritize personal security.

2040608010023.258.18.27.241.510.313.512.611.7Tax23.2Cost58.1Safety8.2Health7.2Schools41.5Income10.3Risk13.5Water12.6Weather11.725.8/100
This county
National avg
1 above average8 below average

Jim Wells County DNA

Foverall

How Jim Wells County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Jim Wells County falls below the national average in most categories. The biggest gap is in Safety (8.2/100), though Cost of Living (58.1/100) remains a relative bright spot.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
23.2-28.8
Cost
58.1+10.100000000000001
Safety
8.2-46.8
Health
7.2-42.8
Schools
41.5-12.5
Income
10.3-40.7
Risk
13.5-33.5
Water
12.6-45.4
Weather
11.7-44.3
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Many homeowners in Jim Wells County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$104,800

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$885/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$104,800/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$35,400/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.2x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $47,492/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

18.0

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

Duval County
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43.3
Kleberg County
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19.2
San Patricio County
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31.4
Nueces County
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18.5
Live Oak County
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57.8
Bee County
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Brooks County
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McMullen County
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53.7

Deep Dives

Jim Wells County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Jim Wells County

via TaxByCounty

Jim Wells taxes just above the median

Jim Wells County's effective tax rate of 1.251% sits just slightly below the national median of 1.264%, keeping homeowners right at typical American tax levels. This county is neither a tax bargain nor a burden—it's nearly average.

Nearly identical to Texas average

At 1.251%, Jim Wells County's effective rate nearly matches the Texas state average of 1.276%, placing it squarely in the middle of the state's property tax distribution. Most Texas homeowners pay roughly the same percentage as Jim Wells residents.

Middle ground in South Texas

Jim Wells's 1.251% rate falls between lower-tax Jeff Davis (0.547%) and Karnes (0.982%), while running below higher-tax Jefferson (1.575%) and Jim Hogg (1.413%). Regionally, it represents a balanced, middle-of-the-road tax position.

Modest taxes on modest home values

With a median home value of just $104,800—among the lowest in this group—Jim Wells homeowners pay $1,311 annually in property taxes at the 1.251% rate. With mortgage escrow included, annual costs reach about $2,546, below the national median tax.

Check your assessment for hidden savings

Even in a middle-tax county like Jim Wells, overassessments are common, especially on lower-value properties where they can represent a higher percentage loss. A quick assessment review might recover several hundred dollars annually without much effort.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Jim Wells County

via CostByCounty

Jim Wells renters stay near equilibrium

Jim Wells County renters dedicate 22.4% of income to housing, nearly four points above the national average of 18.1%. The county's median household income of $47,492 runs $27,263 below the national median, yet moderate rents of $885 keep affordability within reach for most households.

Slightly above Texas affordability baseline

Jim Wells County's 22.4% rent-to-income ratio exceeds the Texas state average of 18.1% by 4.3 points, ranking it among the state's moderately less affordable counties. The median rent of $885 sits just below the state average of $963, softening the impact of below-average incomes.

Affordable among South Texas options

Jim Wells's $885 median rent undercuts Jefferson County ($1,079) and Jeff Davis County ($1,314) while remaining higher than Jasper ($790) and Karnes ($872). The county offers solid middle-ground housing costs for the broader region.

Renting costs more than owning

Renters pay $885 monthly while homeowners spend $682—a $203 difference that favors ownership for those able to purchase. The median home value of $104,800 represents the second-lowest among these eight counties, making homeownership relatively attainable.

Budget option in South Texas housing

Jim Wells County delivers reasonable affordability for renters and some of the region's lowest home values, making it worth consideration if you're relocating to South Texas. At 22.4% of income, the rent burden remains manageable compared to higher-cost neighbors.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Jim Wells County

via IncomeByCounty

Jim Wells trails national income benchmark

At $47,492, Jim Wells County's median household income falls 36% below the U.S. median of $74,755, reflecting economic challenges common to South Texas agricultural regions. The gap highlights the need for economic diversification and wage-growth initiatives in the county.

Below Texas median by wide margin

Jim Wells County ranks below the Texas state average of $64,737, earning roughly $17,000 less per household than typical Texans. This positions the county in the lower third of Texas counties by income, alongside other rural South Texas communities.

Middle ground among South Texas counties

Jim Wells County's $47,492 income sits above Jim Hogg County ($42,230) but below Karnes County ($59,103) and Jasper County ($49,919). The modest differences reflect varying degrees of agricultural activity, oil and gas presence, and industrial diversification.

Housing remains affordable here

At 22.4%, Jim Wells County's rent-to-income ratio keeps housing costs reasonable, with families spending roughly one-fifth of income on rent. The median home value of $104,800—among the lowest profiled—ensures homeownership remains achievable for most households.

Prioritize savings in Jim Wells County

With median household income under $48,000, focus on building a 3-month emergency fund and maximizing any employer retirement matching before other investments. The affordable housing environment allows households to redirect savings toward long-term wealth building.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Jim Wells County

via CrimeByCounty

Public Safety Trends in Jim Wells County

Jim Wells County holds a safety score of 95.3, with a total crime rate of 2,964.7 per 100,000. This rate is higher than the national average of 2,385.5, suggesting a need for increased local vigilance.

A Higher Crime Rate than State Norms

The county's total crime rate of 2,964.7 sits well above the Texas state average of 2,052.5. Consequently, its safety score of 95.3 is slightly lower than the statewide average of 96.8.

Five Agencies Track Regional Safety

Local data is gathered from five reporting agencies, providing a clear picture of the county's safety landscape. This transparency helps Jim Wells County residents understand how their safety compares to neighboring South Texas areas.

Analyzing Violent and Property Crime

Violent crime is reported at 655.4 per 100,000, which is significantly higher than the national rate of 369.8. Property crimes also exceed national levels, with 2,309.3 incidents per 100,000 residents.

Investing in Household Security

Given the elevated property crime rates, home security audits are a practical step for residents. Motion sensors and community watch programs can help reduce these numbers and improve local safety.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Jim Wells County

via SchoolsByCounty

An Integrated Town and Rural Network

Jim Wells County features 16 public schools across 5 districts, supporting a total enrollment of 7,614 students. The infrastructure includes 10 elementary schools and 4 high schools to serve the region's youth.

Competitive Graduation and Scoring

The county maintains a 91.0% graduation rate, staying competitive with the Texas state average of 91.6%. While per-pupil spending is $6,468, the county's school score of 52.9 remains close to state benchmarks.

Alice ISD Drives Local Enrollment

Alice ISD is the largest district, enrolling 4,506 students across its 6 campuses. The county also offers school choice through one charter school, which accounts for about 6% of the local options.

A Balanced Mix of Settings

The county is evenly split with 8 schools in town settings and 8 in rural areas. Alice High School is the largest campus with 1,290 students, while the average school across the county serves 476 children.

Discover Your Home in Jim Wells

Whether you prefer the convenience of town schools or a rural educational setting, this county has options for every family. Explore local real estate to find the perfect home near these established districts.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Jim Wells County

via RiskByCounty

Jim Wells faces significant disaster risk

Jim Wells County's composite risk score of 86.51 ranks it in the relatively moderate category, nearly 1.8 times higher than Texas's state average of 49.00. This coastal South Texas county sits in the upper tier of hazard exposure nationwide.

High-risk standing in Texas

Jim Wells County's 86.51 score places it well above the median Texas county, with particularly elevated exposure to hurricane, flood, and tornado hazards. Among the state's 254 counties, this ranking reflects substantial vulnerability requiring serious preparation.

Riskier than inland South Texas

Jim Wells County's composite score significantly exceeds nearby Jim Hogg County (45.45), driven primarily by dramatically higher hurricane (94.08 vs. 65.50) and flood (63.26 vs. 23.16) scores. Its proximity to the Gulf makes it far more vulnerable to tropical systems.

Hurricanes lead the hazard list

Hurricane risk scores highest at 94.08, making Jim Wells County acutely vulnerable to storm surge and tropical rainfall. Flood (63.26) and tornado (68.42) risks round out serious concerns, creating a volatile weather environment.

Flood and hurricane coverage required

Jim Wells County residents must prioritize separate flood insurance and windstorm/hurricane coverage—these are essential, not optional. Check policy limits annually and ensure they reflect current replacement costs for your home and belongings.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Jim Wells County

via WaterByCounty

Grade F despite lower violation rate

Jim Wells County recorded 63 health violations over five years, earning a Grade F. However, its rate of 250.8 violations per 100,000 residents is less than half the Texas average.

Local watersheds remain unassessed federally

The water bodies in Jim Wells County have not yet been evaluated for §303(d) impairments. Federal reporting does not currently cover the attainment status of these watersheds.

Limited sites track inorganic characteristics

Three monitoring sites have captured 981 measurements over the last five years. The most frequently measured groups include physical attributes and major inorganic non-metals.

San Fernando Creek at critical low

The San Fernando Creek at Alice is currently flowing at just 2 cubic feet per second. This is a severe drop, representing only 11% of the creek's long-term typical flow.

Monitor supply quality during low flow

Extreme low flow in San Fernando Creek can degrade source water quality. Residents should be aware of inorganic concentrations in their water during these dry periods.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Jim Wells County

via WeatherByCounty

Tropical heat far above national norms

With an annual average of 72.6°F, Jim Wells County is much warmer than the typical American county. It maintains a humid subtropical climate that stays consistently warm throughout all four seasons.

Consistently warmer than the Texas average

The county's 72.6°F average temperature outpaces the state average of 65.5°F by over 7 degrees. It ranks among the warmer South Texas counties, though it receives slightly more rain than its western neighbors.

Balancing humidity and heat

At 27.9 inches of annual rain, Jim Wells is wetter than Jim Hogg but remains slightly drier than Kenedy County. Its July average of 85.3°F is nearly identical to its regional peers.

Intense summers and frost-free winters

Residents face 144 days of extreme heat over 90°F annually, mostly concentrated in the 85.0°F summers. Snow is almost non-existent, with a yearly average of just 0.3 inches.

Prepare for heat and high humidity

Air conditioning maintenance is critical given the 144 days of extreme heat. Light, breathable clothing is the local standard since winter lows rarely dip below freezing for long.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Jim Wells County

via SoilByCounty

Slightly Alkaline Coastal Bend Soils

Jim Wells County has an average pH of 7.15, which is slightly more alkaline than the national median of 6.5. This level is very close to the Texas state average of 7.09. The overall soil score of 31.2 indicates better-than-average quality for the state.

Sandy Loams with Clay Character

The soil contains 57.0% sand, 18.1% silt, and 20.5% clay. This composition offers a good balance of easy tilling from the sand and nutrient holding power from the clay. However, the clay content is high enough to require monitoring for drainage issues.

Solid Moisture and Nutrient Retention

Organic matter levels are 1.64%, nearly matching the Texas state average of 1.66%. With an available water capacity of 0.128 in/in, the soil holds almost as much moisture as the state average of 0.133 in/in. This makes the county a reliable place for consistent plant growth.

Navigating Slow Infiltration Rates

The county is classified under hydrologic group D, which indicates very slow water infiltration when saturated. This can lead to ponding during the heavy rain events typical of the Texas coast. You should implement raised beds to help sensitive plant roots stay dry.

Bountiful Harvests in Zone 9b

Located in Hardiness Zone 9b, Jim Wells County is perfect for a variety of citrus and warm-weather vegetables. Your garden can stay productive almost all year round if you manage the summer heat. Dive into gardening by trying heat-hardy tomatoes or sweet potatoes.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Jim Wells County

via LawnByCounty

Intense heat lowers Jim Wells lawn scores

A lawn difficulty score of 23.1 makes this one of the tougher Texas counties for turf management. It sits well below the state average of 31.7, primarily due to the 144 days of extreme heat in zone 9b.

High thermal demand for southern turf

The county records 8,377 growing degree days, indicating a very long and fast-growing season for grass. With just 27.9 inches of annual rain, you must supplement nearly 22 inches of water to reach the ideal lawn requirement.

Sandy, alkaline soil challenges nutrient levels

The soil is comprised of 57.0% sand and has a pH of 7.15, which is slightly above the ideal 7.0 limit. This alkalinity can sometimes lock out iron, so look for fertilizers specifically designed for southern, sandy soils.

A full year of severe drought conditions

Every acre of the county is currently in severe drought, and this has lasted for 53 consecutive weeks. Strict water conservation, such as using smart irrigation controllers, is necessary to keep lawns alive without wasting resources.

Start your season in late January

With the last frost occurring around January 31, Jim Wells County has an exceptionally long growing window. Warm-season grasses like Bermuda or Zoysia are the most resilient choices for this zone 9b climate.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Jim Wells County's county score?
Jim Wells County, Texas has a composite county score of 25.8 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 Wells County rank among counties in Texas?
Jim Wells County ranks #236 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 Wells County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Jim Wells County is $1,311, with an effective tax rate of 1.25%. This earns Jim Wells County a tax score of 23.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Jim Wells County?
The median household income in Jim Wells County, Texas is $47,492 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Jim Wells County earns an income score of 10.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Jim Wells County, Texas a good place to live?
Jim Wells County scores 25.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #236 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Jim Wells 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 Wells County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & 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.