41.3
County Score
Income & Jobs 97.5Health 64.2Safety 55.3

County Report Card

About Kendall County, Texas

Kendall Nears the National Median

Kendall County earns a composite score of 41.3, placing it within reach of the national median of 50.0. It performs better than many rural counterparts but faces specific cost-related challenges.

On Par with Texas Averages

At 41.3, the county's score is nearly identical to the Texas state average of 41.9. It maintains a competitive position in the state, particularly regarding public health and economic stability.

Wealth and Wellness Lead the Way

An elite income score of 97.5 reflects a robust median household income of $110,498. The county also boasts a strong health score of 64.2 and a safety score of 55.3, signaling a secure and healthy environment.

High Entry Costs and Water Risks

The cost score of 5.3 highlights a lack of affordable housing, evidenced by a median home value of $489,800. Additionally, a low water score of 11.3 suggests long-term concerns regarding water quality or availability.

Ideal for Wealthy Families and Retirees

Kendall County is perfectly suited for high-net-worth individuals who prioritize safety and health over housing affordability. It offers an upscale lifestyle for those who can afford the premium price of entry.

Score breakdown

Tax25.5Cost5.3Safety55.3Health64.2Schools54.5Income97.5Risk34.5Water11.3Weather31.3
🏛25.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠5.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼97.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡55.3
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty
64.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓54.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty
34.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧11.3
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty
🌤31.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty
🪨32.6
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty
🌱25.5
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
Sponsored

Compare mortgage rates in Kendall County

Whether buying or refinancing in Kendall County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

See Today's Rates

Deep Dives

Kendall County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Kendall County

via TaxByCounty

Kendall County taxes above U.S. median

Kendall's effective tax rate of 1.202% beats the national median of 0.92%, placing the county in the top third of U.S. counties by tax burden. However, the median home here ($489,800) is 74% pricier than the national median, so the absolute tax bill reflects that wealth.

Kendall ranks slightly below state average

At 1.202%, Kendall's rate sits just under Texas's statewide average of 1.276%, making it a moderate-tax county by state standards. About 40% of Texas counties tax property at Kendall's rate or lower.

Kendall sits in the middle of Hill Country

Kendall's 1.202% rate falls between Kerr County (1.093%) and Kaufman County (1.732%), positioning it as a moderate tax hub in the region. Neighboring Kimble County (1.255%) taxes at nearly the same rate.

Kendall homeowners pay $5,890 annually

The median Kendall home valued at $489,800 carries a $5,890 tax bill each year. With school bonds and other obligations folded in, mortgage-holding residents face $6,813—significantly above the national median property tax of $2,690.

High home values mean appeal savings compound

In Kendall's premium market, even a small reassessment error translates to big tax savings. Review your appraisal notice carefully—misclassified properties or inflated values are common, and filing an appeal is free.

Cost of Living in Kendall County

via CostByCounty

Kendall offers strong income, premium rents

Kendall County residents earn $110,498 annually—48% above the national median—yet spend a manageable 17.1% on rent despite median rents of $1,576. This combination of high income and moderate rent burden makes Kendall one of the more affordable premium markets in Texas.

Texas's most affordable high-income county

Kendall ranks among Texas's best for housing affordability, with a 17.1% rent-to-income ratio below the state average of 18.1%. Despite median rents 64% higher than the state median, Kendall households' superior incomes keep housing costs proportionally manageable.

Premium prices, premium incomes

Kendall's $1,576 median rent and $489,800 median home values are the highest among comparable counties, reflecting its status as the wealthiest county in this region. Neighbors like Kerr County ($1,079 rent) and Kimble County ($795 rent) offer lower housing costs but also lower median incomes.

Less than 30% to housing costs

Kendall households allocate roughly 27% of income to combined renter and owner costs ($3,293 monthly against $9,208 monthly income). The county's high median home value ($489,800) reflects strong property appreciation and demand from affluent San Antonio suburbs.

Kendall: if you want upscale affordability

Relocating professionals with above-average salaries find Kendall attractive for its blend of suburban comfort and manageable housing burden near San Antonio. Test your income against Kendall's $110,498 median—if you're close, affordability works in your favor here.

Income & Jobs in Kendall County

via IncomeByCounty

Kendall leads Texas in household earnings

Kendall County's median household income of $110,498 towers 48% above the U.S. median of $74,755, making it one of the nation's highest-earning counties. This exceptional income reflects the county's proximity to Austin's booming tech sector and affluent Hill Country retirees.

Texas's wealthiest county by median income

At $110,498, Kendall's median household income exceeds the Texas average of $64,737 by a stunning 71%, ranking it among the state's most prosperous counties. Per capita income of $57,181 nearly doubles the state average of $33,197, underscoring exceptional wealth concentration.

Far outearning Hill Country peers

Kendall's $110,498 median income vastly exceeds nearby Kerr ($67,927), Kimble ($65,703), and Kinney ($66,341) counties. Only Kaufman County ($88,606) comes close, but Kendall still leads the region by a decisive $21,892 margin.

Premium income supports premium costs

Despite a median home value of $489,800—the region's highest—Kendall residents spend only 17.1% of income on rent, comfortably within the 30% affordability benchmark. The county's exceptional earnings justify its elevated housing costs and lifestyle.

Capitalize on Kendall's wealth-building edge

Kendall households earn 48% above the national median, creating unparalleled opportunity to invest aggressively in retirement accounts, real estate portfolios, and diversified securities. Work with a wealth advisor to optimize tax strategies, leverage investment properties, and build generational wealth in this high-income county.

Safety in Kendall County

via CrimeByCounty

Exceptional Safety Standards in Kendall County

Kendall County is remarkably safe, earning an impressive safety score of 98.4 out of 100. Its total crime rate of 1,018.1 per 100,000 residents is less than half the national average of 2,385.5.

Leading the State in Public Security

Scoring higher than the Texas average safety score of 96.8, Kendall ranks among the most secure regions in the state. Local law enforcement across six reporting agencies ensures a consistent focus on keeping the community safe.

A Safer Alternative to State Averages

Kendall's crime rate of 1,018.1 is significantly lower than the Texas state average of 2,052.5 per 100K. This makes it a preferred choice for those seeking a quieter, more secure environment than surrounding urban areas.

Low Violent Crime Defines the Area

The violent crime rate is a remarkably low 83.7 per 100K, far below the national average of 369.8. Property crimes make up the bulk of reports at 934.4, yet this remains well under the national mark of 2,015.7.

Keep Kendall County Secure

Low crime rates are a point of pride, but proactive measures like motion-sensor lighting can deter opportunistic property crimes. Staying engaged with neighbors ensures that Kendall County remains a leading example of Texas safety.

Health in Kendall County

via HealthByCounty

Kendall leads Texas—and the nation

Kendall County residents live to 79.8 years, a full 5.3 years longer than the U.S. average of 74.5 years and one of Texas's highest life expectancies. Just 14.6% report poor or fair health, well below the national average of 17.8%.

Healthiest county in Texas

Kendall's 79.8-year life expectancy ranks among Texas's very best, outpacing the state average of 74.3 years by more than five years. At 15.3% uninsured, Kendall residents also enjoy significantly better coverage than the state average of 19.8%.

Clear health advantage over peers

Kendall's life expectancy of 79.8 years vastly exceeds surrounding counties like Kerr (76.5 years) and Kimble (78.6 years). The county also boasts far superior provider density, with 86 primary care and 237 mental health providers per 100K—among the highest in the state.

Access meets affordability

With only 15.3% uninsured and 86 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, Kendall offers exceptional health infrastructure and coverage. This combination allows residents to access preventive care easily and maintains one of Texas's healthiest populations.

Keep Kendall healthy—stay insured

Kendall's strong health outcomes depend on consistent coverage; if you're among the 15% uninsured, visit healthcare.gov to explore marketplace plans. Maintaining coverage ensures you benefit from the excellent provider network already available in your county.

Schools in Kendall County

via SchoolsByCounty

Boerne-Centered Education in the Hill Country

Kendall County manages 15 public schools that serve a total of 10,260 students across three districts. The infrastructure consists of 6 elementary, 4 middle, and 3 high schools, plus two alternative programs. One charter school, Meadowland Charter District, provides alternative options for approximately 6.7% of the county's campuses.

Exceptional Graduation Outcomes

With a 97.6% graduation rate, Kendall County exceeds the national average by over 10 percentage points. Though the per-pupil expenditure of $5,784 is below the Texas state average of $7,498, the county maintains a school score of 54.9. This indicates a high level of academic efficiency compared to national benchmarks.

Boerne ISD Dominates the Landscape

Boerne ISD is the primary provider of education in the county, overseeing 13 schools and 10,763 students. Comfort ISD also serves the region with 3 schools and 1,104 students. The Meadowland Charter District remains the smallest entity, focusing on a specialized group of 68 students.

Rural Roots with Large Campus Hubs

The county features a blend of 8 rural and 7 town-based schools, with an average enrollment of 733 students per campus. Boerne - Samuel V Champion High School stands as the largest institution with 2,014 students. In contrast, smaller primary schools like Kendall Elementary serve about 816 students in a more localized setting.

Find Your Home in a Top-Tier District

With graduation rates near 98%, Kendall County is a premier choice for education-focused homebuyers. Boerne ISD's reputation for quality makes the surrounding neighborhoods highly sought after for growing families. Explore the Hill Country today to find a home where academic success is a community standard.

Disaster Risk in Kendall County

via RiskByCounty

Kendall's risk sits above national baseline

Kendall County scores 65.49, exceeding the US average and earning a "Relatively Low" risk rating that reflects modest but meaningful hazard exposure. Wildfire and flood risks emerge as the primary drivers of this above-average profile.

Kendall ranks moderate among Texas counties

At 65.49, Kendall sits 34% higher than Texas's state average of 49.00, placing it in the middle-to-upper tier of statewide risk. Wildfire risk of 85.46 is notably elevated compared to most Texas peers.

Kendall moderately exceeds nearby county risks

Kendall's score of 65.49 runs higher than Kent County (1.08) and Kinney County (2.19) but lower than Kerr County (77.16). The Hill Country position exposes Kendall to wildfire and drought conditions its western neighbors largely escape.

Wildfires and tornadoes pose greatest threats

Wildfire risk reaches 85.46—among the state's highest—while tornado risk of 73.57 remains well above average for the region. Dry summers and strong convective systems create a volatile combination.

Prepare for drought-driven wildfire seasons

Homeowner's insurance should explicitly cover wildfire damage; many standard policies exclude it unless added. Create a defensible perimeter around your home by clearing brush, trimming tree branches, and using fire-resistant roofing materials.

Weather & Climate in Kendall County

via WeatherByCounty

Temperate Hill Country weather patterns

Kendall County averages 66.5°F annually, which is notably warmer than the national median but cooler than South Texas. The elevation of the Hill Country provides slightly more relief than the coastal plains.

Slightly warmer than the state average

The county's average temperature of 66.5°F is just a degree higher than the Texas state average of 65.5°F. Its 35.4 inches of rainfall is slightly above the state's typical 31.9 inches.

The cool peak of the region

Kendall features the lowest summer average in this group at 81.2°F. It is significantly cooler and wetter than Jones County, though it shares the same low snowfall levels as Kaufman.

Fewer extreme heat days than neighbors

The county experiences 95 days over 90°F, the lowest among its regional peers. Winters are moderate with a 50.8°F average and only trace amounts of snow.

Focus on outdoor living and shade

Take advantage of the lower extreme heat count by investing in shaded outdoor spaces. The 35.4 inches of rain supports more diverse landscaping than the arid counties to the west.

Soil Quality in Kendall County

via SoilByCounty

Alkaline Earth of the Hill Country

Kendall County soil is distinctly alkaline with a pH of 7.68. This is significantly higher than the national median of 6.5 and even surpasses the Texas state average of 7.09.

Heavy Silt and Clay Mix

The soil contains 38.5% silt and 38.0% clay, with just 21.9% sand. This dense composition creates a heavy texture that retains nutrients effectively but can be difficult to work when it dries out.

High Organic Matter for Growth

Organic matter is a high point here at 2.78%, beating the Texas average of 1.66% and the national 2.0% benchmark. The available water capacity of 0.136 in/in ensures plants have slightly better moisture access than the typical Texas plot.

Slow Drainage and High Runoff

Classified in hydrologic group D, these soils have a very high runoff potential and slow infiltration. This makes the land better suited for hardy native range plants than for crops that require rapid drainage.

Thriving in Hardiness Zone 8b

The combination of high organic matter and alkaline soil supports tough Hill Country classics like rosemary and Texas mountain laurel. Start a garden with drought-hardy perennials that can handle the heavy clay and limestone influence.

Lawn Care in Kendall County

via LawnByCounty

Kendall's High Difficulty Turf Battle

A difficulty score of 25.5 makes Kendall County significantly tougher for lawn care than the 31.7 state average. Gardeners in Zone 8b must work hard to overcome persistent climate challenges.

Hot Days and Moderate Rain

The region experiences 95 days of extreme heat and receives 35.4 inches of annual precipitation. These 6,414 growing degree days require a strict watering schedule to keep grass from going dormant.

Managing Alkaline Clay Soils

The soil pH of 7.68 is higher than the ideal 6.0-7.0 range, potentially locking out essential nutrients. With 38.0% clay content, the ground easily compacts and often needs regular aeration.

Persistent Drought Challenges

The county spent the entire past year in drought, and 73.2% of the area currently faces severe conditions. Deep, infrequent watering is the best strategy to help roots survive these long dry spells.

Hardy Grasses for Kendall

Zoysia and Buffalo grass are recommended to handle the local heat and alkaline soil. You can begin planting after the final frost on March 15 to ensure a long establishment period.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Kendall County's county score?
Kendall County, Texas has a composite county score of 41.3 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 Kendall County rank among counties in Texas?
Kendall County ranks #128 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 Kendall County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Kendall County is $5,890, with an effective tax rate of 1.20%. This earns Kendall County a tax score of 25.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Kendall County?
The median household income in Kendall County, Texas is $110,498 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Kendall County earns an income score of 97.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Kendall County, Texas a good place to live?
Kendall County scores 41.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #128 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Kendall 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 Kendall County with other counties side by side.