countyscore
41.7
County Score
Schools 66.2Cost of Living 58.4Disaster Risk 41.6

County Report Card

About Karnes County, Texas

Approaching the National Median

Karnes County earns a 41.7 composite score, coming closer to the national median of 50.0 than many of its neighbors. It presents a balanced, middle-of-the-road profile for the United States.

Matching the Texas Average

With a score of 41.7, Karnes County is nearly identical to the Texas state average of 41.9. It serves as a textbook example of the current Texas economic and social climate.

Strong Schools and Low Costs

A school score of 66.2 is the county's primary strength, followed by a solid cost score of 58.4. Residents benefit from a manageable 0.982% effective tax rate and $872 median rent.

Healthcare Access and Water Quality

Health outcomes are the biggest hurdle, with a score of 17.4, while water quality remains below average at 28.4. These factors may deter those with chronic health needs or high environmental standards.

A Balanced Choice for Families

Karnes County is a strong option for middle-income families who want their children in decent schools without overpaying for housing. It offers a stable, quintessential Texas lifestyle with predictable costs.

Score breakdown

Tax39.4Cost58.4Safety33.6Health17.4Schools66.2Income36.2Risk41.6Water28.4Weather17.5
🏛39.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠58.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼36.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡33.6
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤17.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓66.2
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡41.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧28.4
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤17.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨31.1
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱24
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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Counties with similar scores

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Nearby counties

Wilson County
Texas
37.1
DeWitt County
Texas
44.9
Bee County
Texas
28.1
Goliad County
Texas
51.4
Live Oak County
Texas
57.8
Atascosa County
Texas
32.5
Gonzales County
Texas
36.8
Guadalupe County
Texas
39.4

Deep Dives

Karnes County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Karnes County

via TaxByCounty

Karnes offers solid tax advantages

Karnes County's effective tax rate of 0.982% sits below the national median of 1.264%, placing it in the lower-tax quartile nationwide. Homeowners here enjoy a genuine advantage in property tax burden compared to the typical American.

Notably below Texas average

At 0.982%, Karnes County's rate runs well below the Texas state average of 1.276%, ranking it among the state's more affordable tax jurisdictions. Most Texas homeowners pay a higher percentage of home value in property taxes than Karnes residents.

Low-tax leader in South Texas

Karnes County's 0.982% rate is lower than Jasper (1.036%), Jim Hogg (1.413%), and Jefferson (1.575%), edging out only Jeff Davis's exceptional 0.547%. For the region, Karnes ranks among the most tax-friendly counties.

Under $1,400 on median homes

With a median home value of $136,900 and a 0.982% rate, Karnes homeowners pay approximately $1,344 in annual property taxes. This is nearly half the national median tax of $2,690, delivering genuine savings for area residents.

Don't leave tax savings on the table

Even in a relatively low-tax county like Karnes, some homeowners are overassessed and could appeal for refunds. A quick review of your property valuation takes minimal time and could recover several hundred dollars over a few years.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Karnes County

via CostByCounty

Karnes County rents stay manageable

Karnes County renters spend 17.7% of income on housing, meeting the national average of 18.1% and tying for the best performance in this county group. With a median household income of $59,103 and rent of $872, Karnes delivers genuine affordability.

Beats Texas state average affordability

Karnes County's 17.7% rent-to-income ratio matches Jones County's for the best result and exceeds the Texas state average of 18.1%. The median rent of $872 runs 9% below the state average, making Karnes one of Texas's most accessible counties.

Solid affordability in South Texas

Karnes's $872 rent trails only Jasper ($790) and Jim Hogg ($820) while undercutting Jefferson ($1,079), Jeff Davis ($1,314), and Johnson ($1,343). The county's 17.7% burden ties Jones County for the region's best performance.

Ownership slightly cheaper than renting

Renters contribute $872 monthly while homeowners pay $692—a $180 advantage for those purchasing the county's $136,900 median homes. Housing overall consumes approximately 17-18% of household income across both tenure types.

Excellent value for South Texas relocators

Karnes County ties Jones County for best overall affordability and ranks among Texas's most accessible housing markets. Whether you're renting or buying, Karnes delivers exceptional value comparable to Jones while offering a distinct South Texas character.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Karnes County

via IncomeByCounty

Karnes County nears national income parity

At $59,103, Karnes County's median household income trails the U.S. median of $74,755 by 21%, placing it closer to national standards than most South Texas rural counties. This South-Central Texas community demonstrates moderate economic strength.

Slightly below Texas average earnings

Karnes County ranks just below the Texas state median of $64,737, earning roughly $5,600 less per household than typical Texans. This positioning reflects relative stability within rural Texas, with income levels supporting families and communities.

Upper-middle income in regional profile

Karnes County's $59,103 income outperforms Jasper ($49,919), Jim Hogg ($42,230), and Jim Wells ($47,492) counties, approaching Jefferson County ($59,934). This mid-to-upper tier ranking reflects Karnes County's role as a regional agricultural and industrial center.

Housing costs well-managed locally

At 17.7%, Karnes County's rent-to-income ratio ties Jones County for the best in this analysis, meaning families spend just one-sixth of income on rent. The median home value of $136,900 remains accessible, supporting stable housing for most households.

Build long-term assets in Karnes County

With median household income at $59,103 and strong housing affordability, Karnes County families can commit to retirement savings and modest investment strategies beyond emergency funds. Prioritize employer 401(k) matching and explore tax-advantaged accounts to harness compound growth over time.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Karnes County

via CrimeByCounty

Karnes County Maintains a Secure Reputation

Karnes County features a high safety score of 97.6, comfortably beating the national average. The total crime rate of 1,546.8 per 100,000 is significantly lower than the U.S. average of 2,385.5.

Exceeding Texas Safety Standards

The county's safety score of 97.6 is higher than the Texas state average of 96.8. Local law enforcement reports a crime rate roughly 25% lower than the Texas average of 2,052.5.

Stable Security Across Three Agencies

Data from three reporting agencies shows a consistent pattern of safety in the region. Karnes County serves as a relatively quiet area compared to the more active corridors of the state.

Low Violent Crime Rates Prevail

The violent crime rate is just 155.4 per 100,000, less than half of the national 369.8. Property crime is the main contributor to local stats at 1,391.4 per 100,000 residents.

Stay Safe with Simple Precautions

Because most local crime is property-based, basic security measures like exterior lighting are highly effective. Residents can help maintain the county's high safety score by staying alert and reporting suspicious activity.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Karnes County

via HealthByCounty

Karnes near U.S. life expectancy standard

At 74.1 years, Karnes County residents live close to the U.S. average of 76.4 years, though still 2.3 years behind. With 26.8% reporting poor or fair health—nearly 6 percentage points above the national average—the county shows higher chronic disease prevalence despite near-average longevity. This South Texas Brush Country county reflects mixed health patterns typical of economically transitioning rural areas.

Just below Texas average, mid-pack rank

At 74.1 years, Karnes County falls just 0.2 years short of Texas's state average of 74.3 years, placing it squarely in the middle of Texas health outcomes. Its 26.8% poor/fair health rate exceeds the state average by a few percentage points, reflecting economic stress and chronic disease common to rural South Texas. With fewer than 16,000 residents, Karnes represents small-county health trends often overlooked statewide.

Mid-tier in Brush Country region

Karnes (74.1 years) sits between Jim Wells County (71.2 years) and Atascosa County (74.8 years), with 27 primary care providers per 100K—middle-of-the-pack for its rural peers. Its 13 mental health providers per 100K is among the lowest in South Texas, alongside Jones County (25 per 100K) and Jim Hogg (none reported). Regional medical centers in San Antonio (45 miles away) serve as referral hubs.

Adequate insurance, stretched providers

Karnes has the lowest uninsured rate among peers at 18.3%—below the state average of 19.8%—yet only 27 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and just 13 mental health providers per 100K. South Texas Health Center operates a clinic in Karnes, offering sliding-scale care, but wait times exceed state norms. Many residents manage chronic conditions with limited local mental health support, relying on San Antonio providers 45+ minutes away.

Explore coverage and telehealth options

Karnes residents should apply for Medicaid at yourtexasbenefits.com (income limit ~$20,000 for individuals) and explore Marketplace plans at healthcare.gov. South Texas Health Center offers enrollment assistance and sliding-scale services regardless of insurance status. For mental health support, platforms like BetterHelp and state-funded crisis lines (call 988) bridge gaps in local provider availability.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Karnes County

via SchoolsByCounty

Diverse Learning Paths in Karnes

Karnes County offers 13 public schools across 4 districts, serving 6,202 students. The infrastructure is unique, combining traditional elementary and high schools with significant virtual learning options.

High Scoring with Strong Investment

The county earns a school score of 57.4, outperforming the state average. This is supported by a robust $8,473 per-pupil expenditure and a graduation rate of 91.4%.

Karnes City ISD Dominates the Area

Karnes City ISD is the largest provider, enrolling 4,835 students across 7 schools. While there are no charter schools, the district offers expansive reaching programs like the Lone Star Virtual Academy.

A Blend of Virtual and Town Settings

The county features 7 rural and 6 town schools, but the largest enrollment is found at Lone Star Virtual Academy with 2,666 students. This mix allows for both traditional town-based education and flexible remote learning.

Flexible Education for Modern Families

With high school scores and innovative virtual options, Karnes County is a forward-thinking choice for education. Browse local homes to secure your spot in a district that invests heavily in student success.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Karnes County

via RiskByCounty

Karnes faces moderate disaster risk

Karnes County's composite risk score of 58.43 ranks it in the relatively low category but sits above Texas's state average of 49.00. This South-Central Texas county experiences above-average vulnerability to natural hazards.

Above-average risk for Texas

Karnes County's 58.43 score places it in the riskier half of Texas's 254 counties, reflecting its location between coastal and inland zones. The county faces multi-hazard exposure greater than most interior Texas communities.

Moderate risk between coast and plain

Karnes County's composite score sits between nearby inland and coastal counties, with hurricane exposure (85.15) approaching coastal levels. Its position in South-Central Texas creates a hybrid hazard profile more complex than purely inland or purely coastal peers.

Hurricane and flood vulnerabilities

Hurricane risk (85.15) represents Karnes County's highest hazard, reflecting tropical system impacts that reach far inland. Flood risk (63.77) and tornado risk (61.26) present secondary concerns, with wildfire (59.16) contributing to the hazard mix.

Flood insurance strongly recommended

Karnes County residents should secure flood insurance regardless of flood zone designation, given South Texas rainfall patterns. Windstorm coverage is worth evaluating, particularly for homes in mapped hurricane risk areas or with older roofing.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Karnes County

via WeatherByCounty

Warm South Texas plains environment

Karnes County has an average annual temperature of 70.2°F, placing it well above the national median. The climate is primarily humid subtropical with long, hot summers.

Sitting above the Texas thermal average

At 70.2°F, Karnes County is warmer than the state average of 65.5°F. Its 30.9 inches of rain nearly matches the state's 31.9-inch average, providing a typical Texas balance of heat and moisture.

Warmer than the Hill Country

Karnes is nearly 4 degrees warmer annually than Kendall County to its northwest. While drier than the coastal counties, it remains more humid than the inland plains of Jones County.

Long heat waves and mild winters

The county sees 120 days of extreme heat over 90°F, with summer averages reaching 84.1°F. Winters are pleasant and mild, averaging 55.2°F with virtually no snowfall.

Protect against sun and humidity

The 120 days of extreme heat require reliable air conditioning and sun protection for outdoor workers. Minimal snow means winter gear is rarely needed, but humidity management is a year-round task.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Karnes County

via SoilByCounty

Highly Alkaline South Texas Soils

Karnes County features an average pH of 7.32, making it significantly more alkaline than the national median of 6.5. This soil score of 31.1 is healthy, outperforming the state average of 28.8. Many local plants have adapted specifically to these higher lime levels.

Sandy Loam with High Clay Content

The soil consists of 44.6% sand, 22.0% silt, and 28.1% clay. This high clay percentage gives the soil excellent nutrient retention but can make it heavy and sticky when wet. You will need to wait for the right moisture levels before tilling to avoid clumping.

Rich Organic Matter for Texas

Organic matter averages 1.78%, which is notably higher than the state average of 1.66%. The available water capacity is 0.133 in/in, exactly matching the Texas state average. This combination provides a solid, fertile foundation for productive farming and gardening.

Infiltration Challenges in Group D

Classified in hydrologic group D, these soils have very slow infiltration rates when saturated. This means that during heavy Texas rains, the soil may struggle to absorb water quickly, leading to runoff. Consider using swales or rain gardens to manage water effectively on your property.

Abundant Growth in Zone 9a

Karnes County is in Hardiness Zone 9a, supporting a long growing season for heat-loving plants. You can grow exceptional peppers, melons, and southern peas in this warm environment. Start a garden today and enjoy the benefits of some of the region's most fertile soil.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Karnes County

via LawnByCounty

Challenging conditions for Karnes County turf

Karnes County has a lawn difficulty score of 24.0, which is significantly lower than the Texas average of 31.7. Residents in zone 9a must work harder than most to maintain a green lawn against 120 days of extreme heat.

Intense heat and moderate rainfall

Annual precipitation is 30.9 inches, which is on the low end of the ideal 30-50 inch range. With 7,588 growing degree days, the grass grows quickly and requires frequent mowing to maintain proper height.

Alkaline clay-sand mix needs attention

The soil pH of 7.32 is higher than the ideal maximum of 7.0, which can limit the availability of certain nutrients. The mix of 44.6% sand and 28.1% clay provides a stable base but may require pH adjustment for peak performance.

Universal severe drought throughout the county

Every part of Karnes County is currently in severe drought, a condition that has persisted for the entire past year. Deep-soak your lawn once a week rather than light daily watering to encourage the roots to grow deeper.

Beat the heat with February planting

The final frost usually occurs by February 16, offering a long window for lawn establishment. Choose drought-tolerant varieties like Zoysia or Bermuda to withstand the 120 days of intense summer heat.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Karnes County's county score?
Karnes County, Texas has a composite county score of 41.7 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 Karnes County rank among counties in Texas?
Karnes County ranks #123 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 Karnes County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Karnes County is $1,344, with an effective tax rate of 0.98%. This earns Karnes County a tax score of 39.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Karnes County?
The median household income in Karnes County, Texas is $59,103 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Karnes County earns an income score of 36.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Karnes County, Texas a good place to live?
Karnes County scores 41.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #123 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Karnes 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 Karnes 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.