countyscore
33.7
County Score
Schools 95.2Disaster Risk 71.7Lawn Care 21.2

County Report Card

About Kenedy County, Texas

Kenedy Ranks Below National Benchmark

Kenedy County's composite score of 33.6 is well below the national median of 50.0. The score is influenced by extreme variations in local infrastructure and service availability.

Below the Texas State Average

Compared to the Texas average of 41.9, Kenedy County faces a steeper climb in overall livability. Its low density creates unique challenges that deviate from the state's typical suburban and urban profiles.

High School Performance and Low Risk

The county excels with a school score of 95.2 and a risk score of 71.7. These numbers suggest a very strong educational environment and a high level of resilience against natural disasters.

Significant Gaps in Health and Safety

A health score of 0.0 and a safety score of 12.2 highlight critical areas for improvement in local services. While some financial data is unavailable, the lack of health infrastructure is a primary concern for residents.

Suited for Self-Sufficient Households

Kenedy County is best for those who prioritize excellent local schooling and low environmental risk. It requires a degree of self-sufficiency given the limited local health and safety infrastructure.

Score breakdown

TaxComing SoonCostComing SoonSafety12.2Health0Schools95.2IncomeComing SoonRisk71.7Water8.7Weather11.5
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Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡12.2
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤0
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓95.2
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡71.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧8.7
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤11.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱21.2
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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Explore this county

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Counties with similar scores

Imperial County
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Median income: $82,184
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Douglas County
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Oktibbeha County
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Summit County
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Pierce County
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Jefferson County
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Denver County
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Nearby counties

Kleberg County
Texas
19.2
Willacy County
Texas
32.6
Brooks County
Texas
53.8
Hidalgo County
Texas
29.2
Nueces County
Texas
18.5
Jim Wells County
Texas
25.8
Jim Hogg County
Texas
38.4
Cameron County
Texas
29.7

Deep Dives

Kenedy County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 7 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Income & Jobs in Kenedy County

via IncomeByCounty

Limited income data for small county

Kenedy County's median household income is not currently available, limiting direct comparison to the national median of $74,755. However, the county's per capita income of $31,183 runs 6% below the national average, suggesting moderate economic challenge.

Rural county with sparse economic data

Kenedy County's per capita income of $31,183 falls slightly below the Texas state average of $33,197, indicating modest earnings relative to the state. The lack of detailed household income data reflects the county's very small, rural population and limited economic activity.

Comparison data unavailable for assessment

Complete income comparison with adjacent counties like Jim Wells and Willacy is difficult due to missing median household income data for Kenedy. Per capita income suggests economic conditions more challenged than wealthier Hill Country neighbors.

Housing affordability data incomplete

Without median household income and rent-to-income data, assessing Kenedy's housing affordability is difficult. Residents should seek local economic development resources to understand living costs and income adequacy in this rural coastal county.

Build financial stability in rural Kenedy

Per capita income of $31,183 suggests Kenedy residents benefit from conservative financial planning and focused savings strategies. Connect with local credit unions, nonprofit financial counseling services, or state resources to develop personalized wealth-building plans suited to the county's rural economy.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Kenedy County

via CrimeByCounty

Kenedy County Faces Unique Rural Challenges

Kenedy County reports a total crime rate of 2,586.2 per 100,000, which sits slightly above the national average of 2,385.5. Despite this, it maintains a respectable safety score of 95.9, reflecting its unique rural profile.

Data Context in a Single-Agency County

The county’s safety score is just below the state average of 96.8, though data comes from a single reporting agency. In low-population areas, centralized reporting can lead to higher per-capita figures that should be interpreted with caution.

Comparing Rural Trends to State Norms

While its total crime rate is higher than the Texas average of 2,052.5, Kenedy faces different challenges than its more populous neighbors. Small shifts in incident counts can significantly impact the per-100K statistics in this region.

Analyzing Violent and Property Crime Totals

Violent crime is reported at 862.1 per 100K, which is higher than the national average of 369.8. Conversely, property crime stands at 1,724.1, which remains lower than the national average of 2,015.7.

Prioritizing Remote Property Security

In areas with spread-out populations, home security systems with remote monitoring are essential for peace of mind. Consistent communication with the local sheriff's office helps maintain a secure environment for all residents.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Kenedy County

via HealthByCounty

Kenedy faces critical health crisis

Kenedy County reports a staggering 46.5% poor or fair health rate—nearly three times the U.S. average of 17.8%—indicating a population in distress. While life expectancy data isn't available, this health burden suggests Kenedy residents face serious barriers to wellness.

Texas's most challenged county

Kenedy's 46.5% poor/fair health rate and 37.7% uninsured rate far exceed Texas averages (uninsured: 19.8%), making it one of the state's most underserved counties. The absence of life expectancy data compounds uncertainty, but available indicators point to acute health crisis.

Isolated health crisis in region

Kenedy's 37.7% uninsured rate dwarfs nearby Kinney County (12.9%) and stands light-years apart from Kendall County (15.3%). Limited provider data and extremely high uninsured rates suggest Kenedy residents struggle to access care that neighboring counties take for granted.

Broken access, overwhelming need

More than one-third of Kenedy residents (37.7%) lack health insurance, and provider data isn't available—suggesting severe shortages or reporting gaps. The county's 46.5% poor/fair health rate reflects both lack of coverage and likely shortage of primary and mental health providers.

Urgent: Get covered now

If you live in Kenedy County, health insurance is not optional—37.7% uninsured is a crisis. Call 211 Texas or visit healthcare.gov immediately to explore Medicaid, marketplace plans, or community health center options before a medical emergency drains your family.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Kenedy County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Specialized Single-School District

Kenedy County features a unique, minimalist education system with just one public school serving the entire region. The Kenedy County Wide CSD supports a total enrollment of 98 students. This singular elementary school focuses on primary education for the county's small, tight-knit population.

High Per-Pupil Investment

Kenedy County invests $12,551 per pupil, which nearly matches the national average of $13,000 and far exceeds the Texas average of $7,498. While graduation data is not available due to the small student population and lack of a high school, the school score stands at 40.5. This high spending reflects the logistical costs of providing localized education in a sparsely populated area.

Sarita Elementary: The Heart of the County

The Kenedy County Wide CSD is the sole district, operating only Sarita Elementary. This school serves 98 students from Pre-K through 6th grade. There are no charter schools or alternative campuses within the county's jurisdiction.

The Ultimate Rural School Experience

Attending school in Kenedy County means being part of a 100% rural environment where every student knows their peers. Sarita Elementary is the only campus, offering a small-scale, personal atmosphere with just 98 total students. This creates a highly focused primary education experience unlike anywhere else in the state.

Quiet Living with Personalized Schooling

For those seeking a rural lifestyle and a school where no child is just a number, Kenedy County offers a singular opportunity. The high per-pupil investment ensures that Sarita Elementary remains a well-funded cornerstone of the community. Consider a home here if you value small-town connections and a direct path to primary education.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Kenedy County

via RiskByCounty

Kenedy ranks among lowest US risk counties

Kenedy County's composite score of 28.37 places it well below the national average, with a "Very Low" overall rating. However, hurricane risk of 73.09 creates a notable concentrated vulnerability that deserves serious attention.

Kenedy is one of Texas's safest counties

Scoring just 28.37 against the Texas state average of 49.00, Kenedy ranks among the state's lowest-risk counties. This safety advantage stems from its remote inland location, though coastal proximity brings hurricane exposure.

Kenedy vastly outpaces regional risk averages

With a score of 28.37, Kenedy is dramatically safer than Kerr County (77.16) and Kendall County (65.49) in the region. Its remote South Texas position creates exceptional insulation from most hazard types except hurricanes.

Hurricanes drive virtually all risk here

Hurricane risk of 73.09 dominates Kenedy's risk profile, while all other hazards score below 50. The county's proximity to the Gulf Coast makes tropical storm season the defining natural hazard threat.

Hurricane coverage is non-negotiable here

Homeowner's insurance with robust hurricane and wind coverage is essential; consider a separate windstorm policy from the Texas FAIR Plan if standard insurers balk. Secure outdoor items, maintain roof integrity, and establish an evacuation plan during hurricane season.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Kenedy County

via WeatherByCounty

Coastal heat and subtropical humidity

Kenedy County is a hot, coastal environment with an annual average of 72.7°F. This is nearly 18 degrees warmer than the national median, reflecting its deep South Texas location.

A leader in Texas heat rankings

The county's 72.7°F average temperature is significantly higher than the Texas state average of 65.5°F. It represents the extreme warm end of the state's climate spectrum.

Wet coastal heat vs inland plains

Kenedy is warmer and wetter than Jim Hogg County thanks to its Gulf proximity. It shares almost identical heat patterns with Jim Wells but enjoys a slightly more humid profile.

Five months of extreme heat

Kenedy endures 155 days of extreme heat over 90°F each year, with July averaging 84.3°F. Winters are almost non-existent, averaging a balmy 59.4°F with only 0.2 inches of snow.

Heat safety and coastal maintenance

With 155 days of extreme heat, hydration and sun protection are vital for any outdoor activity. Homeowners should use corrosion-resistant materials due to the salty coastal air and high humidity.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Lawn Care in Kenedy County

via LawnByCounty

Tough Conditions in Kenedy County

With a lawn difficulty score of 21.2, this county is much more challenging than the state average of 31.7. Maintaining a traditional green lawn here is roughly twice as hard as the national median.

Extreme Heat Dominates Climate

The county faces 155 days of heat above 90 degrees, pushing growing degree days to a staggering 8,379. While 29.2 inches of rain falls annually, it often evaporates quickly under the intense Texas sun.

Preparing Coastal Soils

Specific soil metrics are limited for this region, but coastal proximity often means managing high salinity. Focus on adding organic matter to help the soil retain moisture during the brutal summer months.

Widespread Severe Drought

Drought is a severe reality here, with 93.1% of the county currently in a severe state. After 30 weeks of drought last year, water-wise landscaping is the most practical choice for homeowners.

Choosing Salt-Tolerant Varieties

Select salt-tolerant, heat-loving grasses like Seashore Paspalum or Bermuda. The growing season starts early, as the last spring frost typically passes by February 22.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Kenedy County's county score?
Kenedy County, Texas has a composite county score of 33.7 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 Kenedy County rank among counties in Texas?
Kenedy County ranks #187 among all counties in Texas on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
Is Kenedy County, Texas a good place to live?
Kenedy County scores 33.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #187 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Kenedy 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 Kenedy 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.