countyscore
40.1
County Score
Income & Jobs 61.6Safety 55.9Schools 47.5

County Report Card

About Kerr County, Texas

Kerr Sits Below National Median

Kerr County's composite score of 40.1 falls short of the national median of 50.0. The score reflects a mix of strong individual incomes but high environmental and infrastructure risks.

Nearly Matches Texas State Performance

At 40.1, Kerr County is just below the Texas state average of 41.9. It remains a competitive option in the Hill Country, though it faces unique local challenges compared to its neighbors.

Solid Incomes and Community Safety

The county maintains a respectable income score of 61.6 and a safety score of 55.9. With a median household income of $67,927, residents find a balanced economic environment.

High Risk and Water Challenges

A water score of 7.8 and a risk score of 22.8 are the county's primary weaknesses. These figures point to vulnerability regarding natural disasters and significant long-term water management needs.

Good for Middle-Income Hill Country Living

Kerr County is a sensible choice for families seeking a safe, middle-income community with traditional Texas charm. It suits those who are prepared to navigate local environmental and water constraints.

Score breakdown

Tax31.6Cost31.9Safety55.9Health35.2Schools47.5Income61.6Risk22.8Water7.8Weather40.3
🏛31.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠31.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼61.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡55.9
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤35.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓47.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡22.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧7.8
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤40.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨45.6
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱29.8
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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Nearby counties

Real County
Texas
33.6
Bandera County
Texas
46.6
Gillespie County
Texas
45.5
Kimble County
Texas
57.6
Kendall County
Texas
41.3
Edwards County
Texas
40
Uvalde County
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25.6
Medina County
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36.8

Deep Dives

Kerr County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Kerr County

via TaxByCounty

Kerr County taxes below U.S. median

Kerr's effective tax rate of 1.093% exceeds the national median of 0.92%, but only by 19%, placing it in the lower-middle tier nationally. With a median home value of $285,100—close to the U.S. median—Kerr homeowners enjoy moderate tax pressure by American standards.

Kerr ranks well below Texas average

At 1.093%, Kerr's rate sits 14% beneath Texas's statewide average of 1.276%, making it one of the more affordable counties in the state. Roughly 60% of Texas counties tax property at or above Kerr's rate.

Kerr offers the lowest taxes in Hill Country

Kerr's 1.093% rate beats Kendall (1.202%) and Kimble (1.255%), and runs half that of Kaufman (1.732%), making it a tax haven among central Texas peers. Hill Country homebuyers often choose Kerr for its favorable tax climate.

Kerr homeowners pay $3,115 yearly

The median Kerr home valued at $285,100 carries a $3,115 annual property tax bill. With mortgage and bond obligations included, the total reaches $3,340—higher than the national median of $2,690 but lower than most Texas counties.

Appeal your assessment before the deadline

Kerr's popular vacation-home market sometimes leads to inflated appraisals; many owners overpay as a result. Filing a tax appeal is free and can recover hundreds of dollars annually if your property was assessed too high.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Kerr County

via CostByCounty

Kerr stretches incomes on housing

Kerr County residents spend 19.1% of their $67,927 income on rent—above the national burden level—despite earning below the national median. The county's $1,079 median rent reflects its appeal as a tourist and recreation destination, creating a housing-cost squeeze for local earners.

Worse affordability than Texas average

Kerr's 19.1% rent-to-income ratio exceeds Texas's 18.1% average, marking it as a less affordable county relative to state norms. Median rents of $1,079 run 12% above the state median despite below-average county incomes.

Pricier than western counterparts

Kerr's $1,079 rent and $891 owner costs exceed those of nearby Kimble ($795/$705) and Kinney ($771/$545) counties. The premium reflects Kerr's Hill Country appeal and tourism-driven real estate demand, pushing costs higher than comparable rural areas.

Nearly a third of income to housing

Kerr households allocate roughly 30% of income to combined housing costs ($1,970 monthly against $5,661 monthly income). For lower-income residents, this burden leaves limited flexibility for healthcare, education, and savings.

Kerr: beautiful but housing-tight

Kerr County's Hill Country location and outdoor recreation attract many relocators, but verify your income matches local wages before committing. If you're remote-employed or retiring with savings, Kerr's affordability challenge softens considerably.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Kerr County

via IncomeByCounty

Kerr's income trails national average

Kerr County's median household income of $67,927 runs 9% below the U.S. median of $74,755, placing it modestly below the national benchmark. This gap reflects the county's rural Hill Country character and economy anchored in ranching, tourism, and retirees.

Still above Texas state average

Despite falling short nationally, Kerr County's median household income of $67,927 exceeds the Texas state average of $64,737 by 5%. Per capita income of $39,822 notably surpasses the state average of $33,197, driven by affluent retirees and small business owners.

Mid-range earnings in Hill Country

Kerr's $67,927 median income ranks above Kimble ($65,703) and Kinney ($66,341) but trails Kendall ($110,498) and Kaufman ($88,606). Among scenic Hill Country counties, Kerr occupies the middle ground economically.

Housing costs edge toward pressure

Kerr residents spend 19.1% of household income on rent—acceptable but approaching the affordability threshold. With a median home value of $285,100, buyers need strong income stability and savings to comfortably purchase property.

Strategic planning essential in Kerr

With income slightly below national average but moderate housing costs, Kerr households should prioritize building emergency savings and tax-advantaged retirement accounts. A financial advisor can help optimize income, manage housing expenses strategically, and build wealth despite economic headwinds.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Kerr County

via CrimeByCounty

Kerr County Maintains High Security Standards

Kerr County is a safe community with a safety score of 98.4, well above the national norm. Its total crime rate of 1,007.4 per 100,000 is less than half of the national average of 2,385.5.

Outperforming State Averages in Texas

Kerr ranks highly within Texas, beating the state’s average safety score of 96.8. Eight different reporting agencies contribute to this data, ensuring a reliable and broad view of the county's public safety landscape.

Leading the Way in Hill Country Safety

The county's crime rate of 1,007.4 is roughly half of the Texas state average of 2,052.5. This makes Kerr a standout for safety compared to many of its peers in the Texas Hill Country.

Violent and Property Crimes Below Average

Violent crime occurs at a rate of 181.8 per 100K, far below the national average of 369.8. Property crime is also low at 825.6, compared to the national property crime rate of 2,015.7.

Invest in Community-Based Security

To maintain these excellent safety numbers, residents should focus on basic home security like deadbolts and alarm systems. High safety scores are often the result of both active law enforcement and a watchful community.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Kerr County

via HealthByCounty

Kerr balances length with quality

Kerr County residents live to 76.5 years, nearly two years longer than the U.S. average of 74.5 years. However, 21% report poor or fair health—above the national average of 17.8%—indicating extended life doesn't guarantee good health quality.

Above Texas average on longevity

Kerr's 76.5-year life expectancy tops Texas's 74.3-year average by more than two years, ranking it in the state's upper tier. The county's 19% uninsured rate roughly matches the state average of 19.8%, showing typical coverage levels for rural Texas.

Strong provider access, mixed outcomes

Kerr's 81 primary care providers per 100K rival Kendall's 86 and exceed Kaufman's 21, positioning it as a regional provider hub. Yet Kendall's superior life expectancy (79.8 vs. 76.5) suggests coverage or community health factors beyond provider density matter in health outcomes.

Robust providers, moderate barriers

Kerr offers 81 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and exceptional mental health access at 339 per 100K, among Texas's highest. Despite good infrastructure, 19% of residents remain uninsured, meaning some cannot afford to use these providers.

Use Kerr's providers—get insured

Kerr County boasts excellent healthcare infrastructure, but only if you're covered; nearly one-fifth of residents (19%) lack insurance. Explore marketplace plans or Medicaid at healthcare.gov to tap into the specialists and primary care physicians already available in your county.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Kerr County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Diverse Education Network

Kerr County provides a broad educational infrastructure with 19 public schools serving 6,995 students across five districts. The system includes 8 elementary, 4 middle, and 5 high schools, along with four alternative programs. Charter schools make up 10.5% of the county's offerings, with two dedicated campuses available to local families.

Strong Results with Efficient Funding

The county achieves a 93.0% graduation rate, surpassing both the Texas average of 91.6% and the national average of 87.0%. Kerr County maintains a school score of 53.4 while spending $6,220 per pupil. This indicates strong academic performance even with expenditures below the state average of $7,498.

Kerrville ISD Leads the Region

Kerrville ISD is the largest district, managing 9 schools and 4,878 students. Ingram ISD also plays a significant role with 1,240 students, followed by Center Point ISD with 549 students. These districts provide a variety of options for residents across different parts of the county.

Rural Charm Meets Larger Town Schools

The county features 11 rural schools and 8 town-based campuses, with an average school size of 389 students. Tivy High School is the largest campus with 1,468 students, providing a traditional large-school experience in Kerrville. In contrast, Peterson Middle and Ingram Elementary offer mid-sized environments for younger learners.

Settle in a Top-Performing Hill Country County

With a graduation rate well above the national average, Kerr County is an excellent choice for families prioritizing education. Whether you prefer the town life near Kerrville ISD or the rural quiet of Ingram, there are homes to fit every lifestyle. Start your search near some of the Hill Country's most consistent public schools.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Kerr County

via RiskByCounty

Kerr faces significantly elevated disaster risk

Kerr County's composite score of 77.16 ranks above the national average, carrying a "Relatively Low" rating that underestimates its concentrated vulnerabilities. Multiple hazard types—flood, wildfire, and tornado—all score in the upper ranges.

Kerr ranks among Texas's riskier counties

At 77.16 versus Texas's state average of 49.00, Kerr ranks in the upper tier of statewide risk exposure. The Hill Country terrain and seasonal storm patterns create compounding hazards across multiple categories.

Kerr is riskier than most surrounding counties

Kerr's score of 77.16 exceeds Kendall County (65.49), Kimble County (32.16), and Kinney County (2.19) significantly. Only Kaufman County (76.18) approaches Kerr's risk level, marking both as regional hotspots.

Floods, wildfires, and tornadoes converge

Kerr faces flood risk of 85.24, wildfire risk of 84.45, and tornado risk of 78.88—a triple threat among the highest in Texas. Hill Country geography amplifies flood danger during heavy rainfall, while dry seasons fuel wildfire conditions.

Comprehensive coverage across all major threats

Your homeowner's policy must include flood, wildfire, and hail coverage—standard homeowner's insurance excludes floods, so purchase a separate policy. Install gutters and drainage systems, clear defensible space around structures, and maintain roof integrity for maximum protection.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Kerr County

via WeatherByCounty

Kerr County's Hill Country Climate

Kerr County averages 64.3°F annually, placing it well above the national climate median. Its 30.6 inches of rainfall nearly matches the Texas state average of 31.9 inches.

Temperate for the Lone Star State

At 64.3°F, the county is just below the 65.5°F state average. It ranks among the more temperate regions in the Texas Hill Country.

Wetter than its Western Neighbors

Kerr is wetter than Kimble County, which sees only 23.0 inches of rain. While Kerr has 91 extreme heat days, Kimble endures a much higher 117.

Mild Extremes in the Hills

Residents enjoy a July average of 80.7°F and a mild January at 45.8°F. Snow is rare, with only 0.3 inches falling on average each year.

Cooling and Drainage Needs

With 91 days topping 90°F, efficient cooling is essential for summer comfort. The 30.6 inches of rain suggests checking drainage systems for occasional heavy Hill Country downpours.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Kerr County

via SoilByCounty

Balanced pH in Kerr County

Kerr County soil stays closer to neutral than its neighbors with a pH of 6.97. This nearly matches the state average of 7.09 and is only slightly above the 6.5 national median.

Tight Clay and Silt Texture

With 36.9% clay and 35.6% silt, the soil has a dense, heavy texture. Only 19.5% of the mix is sand, meaning the ground stays tight and holds onto moisture and nutrients very effectively.

Impressive Organic Richness

The organic matter content is 3.27%, which is nearly double the Texas average of 1.66%. Despite this richness, the available water capacity is 0.125 in/in, falling slightly below the state average of 0.133.

Slow Infiltration Challenges

High clay content places these soils in hydrologic group D, signaling very slow infiltration and high runoff potential. The soil stays wet for long periods after rain, which can stress plants not adapted to heavy moisture.

Native Success in Zone 8b

Hardiness Zone 8b provides a warm climate that complements the rich organic matter found here. Native Texas wildflowers flourish, especially if you provide slightly raised beds to manage the slow drainage.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Kerr County

via LawnByCounty

Kerr's Near-Average Difficulty

A lawn difficulty score of 29.8 puts Kerr County slightly below the Texas state average of 31.7. It remains more challenging than the national median of 50.0 due to Hill Country weather volatility.

Balanced Heat and Moisture

Annual precipitation of 30.6 inches just hits the ideal threshold for lawn health. The county experiences 91 days of extreme heat, which drives 5,776 growing degree days annually.

Ideal pH with Clay Challenges

The soil pH is nearly perfect at 6.97, resting right in the ideal 6.0-7.0 range. However, the 36.9% clay content means the soil can hold too much water if drainage isn't managed properly.

Extended Drought Recovery

The county endured 45 weeks of drought over the past year. While only 2.0% of the area is currently in severe drought, the entire county remains abnormally dry and requires careful water management.

Timing Your Zone 8b Lawn

Bermuda grass is a favorite here for its ability to bounce back from the 91 extreme heat days. Aim to start your lawn after the last spring frost on April 3.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Kerr County's county score?
Kerr County, Texas has a composite county score of 40.1 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 Kerr County rank among counties in Texas?
Kerr County ranks #138 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 Kerr County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Kerr County is $3,115, with an effective tax rate of 1.09%. This earns Kerr County a tax score of 31.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Kerr County?
The median household income in Kerr County, Texas is $67,927 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Kerr County earns an income score of 61.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Kerr County, Texas a good place to live?
Kerr County scores 40.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #138 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Kerr 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 Kerr 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.