57.6
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.

Score breakdown

Tax22.9Cost66.2Safety88.3Health36.6Schools74.3Income56.5Risk67.9Water4.6Weather31.6
🏛22.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠66.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼56.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡88.3
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty
36.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓74.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty
67.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧4.6
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty
🌤31.6
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty
🪨32.3
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty
🌱25
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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Deep Dives

Kimble County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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.

Cost of Living in Kimble County

via CostByCounty

Kimble balances affordability expertly

Kimble County achieves exceptional housing affordability with a 14.5% rent-to-income ratio, well below national norms. Median rents of just $795 against a $65,703 household income demonstrate that lower-income counties can still maintain manageable housing burdens.

Among Texas's most affordable counties

Kimble's 14.5% rent-to-income ratio ranks well below the Texas state average of 18.1%, placing it firmly in the affordable tier. At $795 median rent (17% below state median), Kimble offers genuine cost-of-living advantage for budget-conscious households.

Cheaper than Kerr, similar to Kinney

Kimble's $795 rent and $705 owner costs compare favorably to Kerr County ($1,079/$891) and align closely with nearby Kinney ($771/$545). The county sits in the Hill Country region's affordable tier, away from premium tourist corridors.

Tight but workable housing burden

Kimble households spend roughly 22% of income on combined housing costs ($1,500 monthly against $5,475 monthly income). The tight fit requires disciplined budgeting but remains manageable compared to higher-burden counties.

Kimble: rural charm at real prices

Budget-conscious relocators seeking small-town Texas living should explore Kimble's combination of low rents and modest home values. The county works well for remote workers or retirees whose income doesn't depend on local wages.

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.

Health in Kimble County

via HealthByCounty

Kimble outpaces nation on longevity

Kimble County residents live to 78.6 years, four years longer than the U.S. average of 74.5 years—a remarkable advantage. Yet 22.9% report poor or fair health, above the national average of 17.8%, showing that longer life spans don't guarantee healthier populations.

Well above Texas life expectancy

Kimble's 78.6-year life expectancy exceeds Texas's average of 74.3 years by more than four years, placing it among the state's longest-living counties. Its 21.6% uninsured rate slightly exceeds Texas's 19.8%, indicating room for improved coverage.

Life expectancy leader, coverage laggard

Kimble's 78.6-year life expectancy trails only Kendall (79.8) among nearby counties, but its 21.6% uninsured rate exceeds Kendall's 15.3% and Kerr's 19%. With 92 primary care and 90 mental health providers per 100K, Kimble has solid infrastructure but uneven coverage.

Good providers, insurance gaps remain

Kimble offers 92 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and balanced mental health access at 90 per 100K. However, one in five residents (21.6%) lacks health insurance, limiting their ability to use these available providers and forcing many to delay care.

Close the coverage gap

Kimble County has strong healthcare infrastructure, but 21.6% uninsured means thousands cannot access it affordably. Visit healthcare.gov or contact a local community health center today to secure coverage and join your neighbors in Kimble's long, healthy lives.

Schools in Kimble County

via SchoolsByCounty

Streamlined Schooling in Junction

Kimble County operates a small but efficient system of 3 public schools serving 619 total students. This includes one elementary, one middle, and one high school, all managed by a single district. There are no charter or alternative schools, ensuring a unified path for all local students.

Academic Excellence and Healthy Funding

The county's graduation rate of 95.0% is significantly higher than the national benchmark of 87.0%. Per-pupil expenditure stands at $7,903, which is above the Texas average of $7,498. This investment is reflected in a school score of 58.1, the highest in the immediate region.

The Impact of Junction ISD

Junction ISD is the sole educational provider in Kimble County, educating all 619 students. The district provides a clear pipeline from Junction Elementary to Junction High School. This single-district setup fosters a close-knit community where school events are major local milestones.

A Consistent Town-Based Experience

All three schools in the county are located in a town setting, offering a consistent environment as students progress through the grades. Junction Elementary is the largest campus with 303 students, while the average school size across the county is 206. This ensures small class sizes and personalized attention for every student.

Discover a Home with a Strong School Score

Kimble County is a standout for families seeking high academic scores and consistent graduation success. The centralized location of Junction ISD schools makes the town of Junction a convenient and smart place to buy a home. Explore local listings to join a community that values its students and invests in their future.

Disaster Risk in Kimble County

via RiskByCounty

Kimble ranks well below national risk average

Kimble County's score of 32.16 places it comfortably below the US average, earning a "Very Low" risk rating. However, modest but noticeable wildfire and flood risks deserve acknowledgment.

Kimble sits well below Texas averages

At 32.16 versus the Texas state average of 49.00, Kimble ranks in the safer half of Texas counties. Its remote Hill Country location provides protection from major hazard clusters.

Kimble is safer than most nearby counties

Kimble's score of 32.16 runs significantly lower than Kerr County (77.16) and Kendall County (65.49) but higher than Kinney County (2.19). Its position in the less-developed Hill Country insulates it from concentrated risk.

Wildfire and flood are secondary concerns

Wildfire risk reaches 75.83 and flood risk 55.41—above Kimble's overall score but still moderate statewide. Tornado risk of 24.90 remains well below average for Texas.

Standard coverage with wildfire focus

Ensure your homeowner's policy includes wildfire and flood protection; the latter typically requires a separate policy. Clear vegetation around structures and maintain roof condition to withstand seasonal storms.

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 57.6 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 #21 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 $2,173, with an effective tax rate of 1.26%. This earns Kimble County a tax score of 22.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Kimble County?
The median household income in Kimble County, Texas is $65,703 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Kimble County earns an income score of 56.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Kimble County, Texas a good place to live?
Kimble County scores 57.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #21 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.