countyscore
55.3
County Score
Safety 88.3Schools 74.3Disaster Risk 67.9

County Report Card

About Kimble County, Texas

Kimble Surpasses National Benchmarks

With a composite score of 57.6, Kimble County outperforms the national median of 50.0. It offers a higher quality of life than many counties across the United States.

Well Above the Texas Average

Kimble's score of 57.6 is significantly higher than the Texas state average of 41.9. It ranks as a premier rural destination for Texans seeking stability and strong public services.

High Safety and Strong Schools

The county shines with a safety score of 88.3 and a school score of 74.3. Affordable living also plays a role, with a cost score of 66.2 and a median rent of only $795.

Water and Tax Burdens

A low water score of 4.6 suggests significant infrastructure or supply issues. Additionally, the tax score of 22.9 indicates that while housing is cheap, the relative tax burden remains a factor for some.

Perfect for Rural Family Living

Kimble County is ideal for families who prioritize great schools and a safe, low-cost environment. It is a top-tier choice for those who value community security over proximity to urban centers.

2040608010020.355.888.336.674.360.667.94.631.6Tax20.3Cost55.8Safety88.3Health36.6Schools74.3Income60.6Risk67.9Water4.6Weather31.655.3/100
This county
National avg
3 above average4 below average

Kimble County DNA

Foverall

How Kimble County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Kimble County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Safety (88.3/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (4.6/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
20.3-31.7
Cost
55.8
Safety
88.3+33.3
Health
36.6-13.399999999999999
Schools
74.3+20.299999999999997
Income
60.6+9.600000000000001
Risk
67.9+20.900000000000006
Water
4.6-53.4
Weather
31.6-24.4
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Kimble County?

Many homeowners in Kimble County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$201,300

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$790/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$201,300/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$31,600/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.9x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $69,455/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Deep Dives

Kimble County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Kimble County

via TaxByCounty

Kimble County taxes above national median

Kimble's effective tax rate of 1.255% exceeds the national median of 0.92% by 36%, placing it in the top third of U.S. counties. At a median home value of $173,100—well below the U.S. median—Kimble residents bear a relatively high tax load on modest property values.

Kimble barely exceeds Texas average

Kimble's 1.255% rate sits just 2% below the Texas state average of 1.276%, making it nearly dead-center statewide. About half of Texas counties tax at or above Kimble's rate.

Kimble taxes harder than some Hill Country peers

Kimble's 1.255% rate exceeds Kerr County (1.093%) by about 15%, though it falls below Kaufman (1.732%) and Kendall (1.202%). In its neighborhood, Kimble represents a middle-ground tax position.

Median Kimble homeowner pays $2,173

On a median home valued at $173,100, Kimble residents owe $2,173 in annual property taxes. With mortgage obligations and bond debt included, the total reaches $2,740—slightly above the national median of $2,690.

Appeal deadlines are fast-approaching

Rural properties like those common in Kimble sometimes face outdated or inflated assessments. A formal appeal costs nothing and could save you $200–$500 per year if your home was overvalued.

Income & Jobs in Kimble County

via IncomeByCounty

Kimble's income lags national standard

Kimble County's median household income of $65,703 runs 12% below the U.S. median of $74,755, reflecting its position as a small, rural Hill Country community. Limited economic diversity and population size constrain earning potential in this scenic but economically challenged county.

Just barely exceeds Texas average

Kimble County's median household income of $65,703 marginally tops the Texas state average of $64,737 by less than 2%, offering little cushion above the statewide baseline. Per capita income of $37,812 also runs modestly above the state average of $33,197.

Among the region's lower-income counties

Kimble's $65,703 median income ranks among the lowest in this analysis, surpassed by Kent ($71,420), Kerr ($67,927), Kinney ($66,341), and all wealthier counties. Only sparsely populated peers in rural West Texas earn comparably.

Excellent affordability despite lower income

Kimble residents spend just 14.5% of household income on rent, well below the 30% threshold and nearly matching the best affordability in the state. At $173,100, median home values remain accessible for local incomes.

Build wealth on a modest income

Kimble's lower income is offset by exceptional housing affordability—residents can allocate substantial income to savings and investment. Focus on employer retirement plans, build an emergency fund, and explore side income opportunities to accelerate wealth building in this affordable county.

Safety in Kimble County

via CrimeByCounty

Kimble County is Exceptionally Quiet

Kimble County boasts an elite safety score of 99.6 and a total crime rate of just 254.8 per 100,000. This is nearly ten times lower than the national average crime rate of 2,385.5.

One of the Safest Jurisdictions in Texas

Outperforming the Texas safety score average of 96.8, Kimble is one of the most secure counties in the state. Two local agencies work together to keep the crime rate far below the state average of 2,052.5.

Surpassing Regional Safety Norms

Kimble’s safety profile is significantly stronger than the state average, offering residents a peaceful environment. Its crime metrics are consistently lower than those of more developed neighboring counties.

Minimal Crime Across All Categories

Violent crime is minimal at 46.3 per 100K, while property crime is also very low at 208.5. These numbers represent a fraction of the national averages, which stand at 369.8 and 2,015.7 respectively.

Secure Your Rural Assets

Even in very safe areas, securing outbuildings and ranch equipment is a wise precaution. Neighborhood awareness and basic security measures help ensure that Kimble County remains a leader in Texas safety.

Weather & Climate in Kimble County

via WeatherByCounty

Kimble County's Warm Dry Climate

Kimble County matches the Texas state average of 65.5°F, staying much warmer than the national median. This dry climate receives 23.0 inches of annual precipitation.

Meeting the State Average

The county sits exactly at the 65.5°F state annual average. It bridges the gap between the wetter eastern regions and the arid west.

Drier than the Hill Country

Kimble is significantly drier than Kerr County, receiving about 7.6 inches less rainfall annually. It also faces 117 heat days, compared to Kerr's 91.

Intense Summers and Low Snowfall

Summers are intense with an 81.9°F average and 117 days reaching 90°F or higher. Winters remain mild at 48.5°F, with negligible snowfall of just 0.3 inches.

Preparing for Triple Digit Days

High-efficiency air conditioning is a must to handle nearly four months of extreme heat. Ranchers and gardeners should account for the low 23.0-inch annual rainfall.

Soil Quality in Kimble County

via SoilByCounty

Fertile Mollisols of Kimble County

Kimble County is characterized by Mollisols, the dark soils often found in productive grasslands. These soils are alkaline, with a pH of 7.67 compared to the national median of 6.5.

The Challenge of Stony Loam

The dominant texture is stony loam, composed of 30.1% sand, 35.0% silt, and 33.6% clay. This even distribution helps with nutrient storage, though the stones can make mechanical tilling difficult.

Robust Organic Matter Levels

Organic matter is robust at 2.77%, outperforming both the state average of 1.66% and the national 2.0% mark. The available water capacity of 0.134 in/in is almost exactly on par with the Texas state average.

Well-Drained but High Runoff

While the soil is officially well-drained, its hydrologic group D classification suggests a high risk of runoff during heavy rains. The stony texture helps water move through the surface, but the underlying layers may restrict deep infiltration.

Orchard Potential in Zone 8a

Situated in Zone 8a, Kimble County is perfect for pecans and fruit trees that enjoy alkaline conditions. Get your garden started with raised beds to bypass the stones and take advantage of the high organic richness.

Lawn Care in Kimble County

via LawnByCounty

Kimble's Steep Gardening Curve

Kimble County earns a 25.0 lawn difficulty score, making it harder than the state average of 31.7. Homeowners in this Zone 8a region must contend with high heat and limited natural moisture.

High Heat and Low Precipitation

Only 23.0 inches of rain falls annually, which is significantly less than the 31.9-inch state average. This lack of rain is exacerbated by 117 days of extreme heat every year.

Well-Drained Stony Loam

The well-drained stony loam soil has a pH of 7.67 and contains 33.6% clay. While drainage is good, the alkaline nature of the soil may require sulfur to help acidify it for better grass growth.

Managing Dry Soil Conditions

Currently, 78.6% of the county is abnormally dry, and residents saw 20 weeks of drought last year. Using rain barrels or smart controllers can help maximize the impact of the limited rainfall.

Choosing Native Turf Options

Native grasses like Curly Mesquite or drought-hardy Bermuda are the best choices for Kimble County. The growing season officially kicks off once the last frost passes around April 8.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Kimble County's county score?
Kimble County, Texas has a composite county score of 55.3 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 Kimble County rank among counties in Texas?
Kimble County ranks #35 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 Kimble County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Kimble County is $2,559, with an effective tax rate of 1.27%. This earns Kimble County a tax score of 20.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Kimble County?
The median household income in Kimble County, Texas is $69,455 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Kimble County earns an income score of 60.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Kimble County, Texas a good place to live?
Kimble County scores 55.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #35 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Kimble 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 Kimble County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

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