CountyScore

Jim Wells County

Texas · TX

#200 in Texas
58.2
County Score

County Report Card

About Jim Wells County, Texas

Jim Wells ranks solidly above peers

Jim Wells County's composite score of 68.0 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 36%, confirming above-average livability. Strong housing affordability and moderate tax rates drive this respectable national standing.

A solid Texas performer

Jim Wells's score of 68.0 surpasses Texas's 66.8 state average, positioning it among the state's better counties. This edge reflects balanced tax and cost fundamentals relative to state peers.

Balanced affordability and taxes

Jim Wells delivers a Cost Score of 82.1 with median home values of $104,800 and rent at $885/month—among the most affordable in this group. The Tax Score of 67.1 reflects an effective rate of 1.251%, supporting overall household savings.

Income levels constrain opportunity

The Income Score of 14.4 reflects median household income of just $47,492, limiting wealth accumulation potential. Data remains unavailable for safety, health, schools, water quality, and environmental risk factors.

Great for cost-conscious families

Jim Wells attracts families and retirees seeking maximum housing affordability combined with reasonable taxes. Those focused on income growth and career advancement may find limited opportunities, making it better suited for established households managing fixed budgets.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax67.1Cost82.1SafetyComing SoonHealth47.1SchoolsComing SoonIncome14.4Risk13.5WaterComing Soon
🏛67.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠82.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼14.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤47.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡13.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Jim Wells County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

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Chenango County
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Niagara County
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Richmond County
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Median income: $98,290

Deep Dives

Jim Wells County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

Health in Jim Wells County

via HealthByCounty

Jim Wells trails U.S. health benchmarks

At 71.2 years, Jim Wells County residents live 5.2 years shorter than the U.S. average of 76.4 years, reflecting chronic health challenges in this Coastal Bend community. Nearly 3 in 10 (29.2%) report poor or fair health—8.2 percentage points above the national average—indicating high rates of diabetes, hypertension, and other chronic conditions. These disparities are rooted in economic stress and limited preventive care access.

Below Texas average, significant health gap

At 71.2 years, Jim Wells falls 3.1 years short of Texas's state average of 74.3 years, ranking in the lower quartile of county health outcomes. Its 29.2% poor/fair health rate exceeds the state average by roughly 5 percentage points, suggesting concentrated poverty and disease burden. For a county of 42,000, these health deficits ripple through workforce productivity and family stability.

Lagging Nueces and Kleberg nearby

Jim Wells (71.2 years) trails Nueces County (73.8 years) and Kleberg County (72.1 years), with the lowest life expectancy in its three-county region. Its 31 primary care providers per 100K edges out Jim Hogg (21 per 100K) but lags Johnson County (41 per 100K) and Jefferson County (48 per 100K). Mental health capacity (106 per 100K) is better than Jim Hogg but still below state-funded rural targets.

Access improving despite ongoing gaps

Jim Wells has the lowest uninsured rate (19.0%) among its peers, slightly better than the state average of 19.8%, yet 31 primary care providers per 100,000 residents remains modest for a county battling high disease prevalence. The South Texas Health Center and Christus Spohn operate clinics offering sliding-scale care, but wait times for appointments often exceed 4 weeks. Mental health services (106 per 100K) exist but lag demand.

Enroll in Medicaid and preventive benefits

Jim Wells residents can qualify for Medicaid at household incomes up to 138% of federal poverty line; apply at yourtexasbenefits.com or call 2-1-1. South Texas Health Center offers free enrollment support and can connect you to preventive screenings for diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. Medicaid also covers preventive dental and vision care—critical for managing chronic disease.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

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

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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