countyscore
64.9
County Score
Disaster Risk 97.8Safety 93.5Water Quality 86

County Report Card

About Kinney County, Texas

Kinney Ranks in the National Top Tier

Kinney County's composite score of 64.8 places it well above the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a high-performing community with exceptional environmental and safety ratings.

Far Exceeding the Texas Average

At 64.8, Kinney County is nearly 23 points higher than the Texas state average of 41.9. It is one of the state's hidden gems for overall livability and resource management.

Excellent Water and Low Risk

Kinney stands out with a risk score of 97.8 and a water score of 86.0, which is rare for the region. Safety also remains a major asset, scoring 93.5 alongside very affordable $88,500 home values.

Taxes and Health Services

The tax score of 17.0 reflects an effective tax rate of 1.406%, which is high relative to the local economy. Health services also lag behind other metrics, with a health score of 35.4.

A High-Value Rural Stronghold

Kinney County is perfect for those seeking a safe, affordable life with high-quality water resources. It is particularly well-suited for families and retirees who value resilience and security.

Score breakdown

Tax17Cost80.5Safety93.5Health35.4Schools80.7Income57.8Risk97.8Water86Weather24.1
🏛17
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠80.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼57.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡93.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤35.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓80.7
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡97.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤24.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨29.8
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱16.9
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

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32.5
Val Verde County
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Uvalde County
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25.6
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Deep Dives

Kinney County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Kinney County

via TaxByCounty

Kinney County taxes above U.S. median

Kinney's effective tax rate of 1.406% runs 53% higher than the national median of 0.92%, placing it in the top quartile of U.S. counties by tax burden. However, the median home value of $88,500—68% below the national median—keeps absolute tax bills modest.

Kinney exceeds Texas state average

At 1.406%, Kinney's rate surpasses the Texas state average of 1.276% by 10%, ranking it in the upper half statewide. About 30% of Texas counties tax property as aggressively as Kinney does.

Kinney taxes harder than most West Texas neighbors

Kinney's 1.406% rate beats Kerr (1.093%) and Kent (0.907%), matching Kimble's nearby 1.255% for the region's tougher tax climate. Only Kaufman (1.732%) and Kendall (1.202%) approach Kinney's burden among area counties.

Median Kinney homeowner pays $1,244

On a median home valued at $88,500, Kinney residents owe $1,244 in annual property taxes. With mortgage and bond obligations included, the total climbs to $2,097—slightly below the national median of $2,690.

Tax appeals cost nothing but save real money

In Kinney's smaller market, appraisal inaccuracies can linger unnoticed for years, inflating tax bills unnecessarily. A free assessment review or formal appeal could recover hundreds in cumulative savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Kinney County

via CostByCounty

Kinney delivers genuine affordability

Kinney County achieves a 13.9% rent-to-income ratio—among the lowest nationally—with $771 median rent against a $66,341 income. This combination marks Kinney as a genuinely affordable option even compared to lower-cost U.S. counties.

Texas's most affordable small counties

Kinney's 13.9% rent-to-income ratio ranks among Texas's best, well below the 18.1% state average. The county's $771 median rent runs 20% below the state median, delivering real savings for cost-conscious households.

Competitive with Kent and Kimble

Kinney's $771 rent and $545 owner costs compare closely to Kimble ($795/$705) and Kent ($856/$655), anchoring the region's affordable tier. All three counties offer working families genuine protection from housing-cost strain.

Under 18% of income to housing

Kinney households allocate roughly 18% of income to combined housing costs ($1,316 monthly against $5,529 monthly income). The low burden preserves resources for healthcare, education, and emergency savings—a critical advantage for lower-income families.

Kinney: affordability meets border culture

Kinney County delivers authentic affordability for remote workers, small-business owners, or retirees seeking border-region character. Verify employment opportunities and community services align with your needs before relocating to this sparsely populated area.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Kinney County

via IncomeByCounty

Kinney's income runs below national median

Kinney County's median household income of $66,341 falls 11% short of the U.S. median of $74,755, positioning it below the national standard. This reflects the county's rural character, small population, and limited economic diversification along the Texas-Mexico border.

Slightly above Texas state baseline

Kinney County's median household income of $66,341 edges past the Texas state average of $64,737 by 2.5%, offering minimal cushion above the statewide baseline. Per capita income of $34,491 surpasses the state average of $33,197, showing modest local earning power.

Among lower-income Hill Country counties

Kinney's $66,341 median income ranks above only Kimble ($65,703) among the counties analyzed, underscoring economic challenges in this border region. It trails wealthier neighbors Kerr, Kendall, Kaufman, and Kent significantly.

Best affordability ratio in analysis

Kinney residents spend just 13.9% of household income on rent—the lowest ratio in this entire survey, well below the 30% affordability threshold. With a median home value of just $88,500, homeownership is highly attainable for local incomes.

Leverage exceptional housing affordability

Despite earning below national average, Kinney households enjoy the region's best housing affordability, with costs consuming under 14% of income. Redirect housing savings into emergency funds, retirement accounts, and microenterprises to build sustainable wealth in this affordable border county.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Kinney County

via CrimeByCounty

Kinney County is Nearly Crime-Free

Kinney County is remarkably secure, earning a safety score of 99.9 with a total crime rate of only 63.4 per 100,000. This is exceptionally low compared to the national average of 2,385.5.

A Leader in Texas Public Security

With its high safety score, Kinney significantly outpaces the Texas average of 96.8. Two local agencies ensure that the county remains one of the most secure places to live in the entire state.

Exceptional Peace Compared to State Average

Kinney's total crime rate of 63.4 is a tiny fraction of the Texas state average of 2,052.5. It provides a peaceful sanctuary far removed from the higher crime rates seen in more urbanized Texas counties.

Negligible Crime Across All Sectors

Violent crime is non-existent at 0.0 per 100K, while property crime is a negligible 63.4. For comparison, the national violent crime rate is 369.8 and the property crime rate is 2,015.7.

Stay Vigilant to Stay Safe

While the risks are statistically very low, residents should still practice common-sense security like locking vehicles and homes. Keeping this county safe is a collaborative effort between the community and local law enforcement.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Kinney County

via HealthByCounty

Kinney balances longevity with need

Kinney County residents live to 76.7 years, more than two years longer than the U.S. average of 74.5 years. However, 25.4% report poor or fair health—above the national average of 17.8%—indicating extended lifespans don't guarantee good health quality.

Above Texas in longevity, coverage

Kinney's 76.7-year life expectancy exceeds Texas's 74.3-year average by more than two years, ranking it firmly in the state's upper tier. Its 12.9% uninsured rate significantly beats the state average of 19.8%, showing strong community coverage.

Coverage standout, modest outcomes

Kinney's 12.9% uninsured rate ranks among the region's lowest, competing with Kent County (11.3%) and far outpacing Kenedy (37.7%). However, its 76.7-year life expectancy trails Kendall (79.8) and Kimble (78.6), suggesting coverage alone doesn't guarantee longevity.

Strong coverage, provider data sparse

Kinney County achieves an impressive 12.9% uninsured rate, well below state and national averages, ensuring most residents can access care. However, provider data isn't available, and 25.4% reporting poor/fair health suggests access or capacity constraints despite good coverage.

Keep your coverage strong

Kinney County leads in insurance coverage at just 12.9% uninsured—keep that momentum by maintaining your plan if you have one. If you're among the uninsured, visit healthcare.gov to secure coverage and sustain the county's health advantage.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Kinney County

via SchoolsByCounty

Consolidated Quality in Brackettville

Kinney County organizes its 552 students into three schools managed by a single district. The infrastructure includes one elementary, one middle, and one high school, providing a clear academic progression. There are no charter or alternative schools within the county, keeping the focus on the local public system.

Top-Tier Graduation and School Scores

The county boasts an impressive 95.0% graduation rate, which is well above the national 87.0% average. Kinney County invests $8,659 per pupil, exceeding the state average of $7,498. These efforts result in a high school score of 59.7, outperforming the Texas state average of 55.3.

Brackett ISD Serves the Community

Brackett ISD is the sole district in the county, educating all 552 students across its three campuses. Jones Elementary/Intermediate is the largest school with 266 students, providing the foundation for the district. Brackett High and Junior High complete the system, serving 164 and 122 students respectively.

Town-Based Schools with Small Sizes

All schools in Kinney County are located in a town setting, offering a consistent environment for students as they grow. The average school size is just 184 students, ensuring that classrooms remain small and focused. This town-centric model makes Brackettville the clear hub for all educational activity in the county.

Find Your Home in a High-Scoring County

Kinney County is a hidden gem for families looking for high school scores and excellent graduation rates. With a graduation rate of 95% and generous per-pupil spending, the local schools in Brackettville are a major draw. Explore the housing market near Brackett ISD to secure a place in this high-performing district.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Kinney County

via RiskByCounty

Kinney ranks among America's lowest-risk counties

Kinney County's composite score of 2.19 places it among the nation's safest areas, earning a "Very Low" rating. Except for modest hurricane exposure, residents face minimal natural disaster threats.

Kinney sits far below Texas risk averages

At 2.19 versus the Texas state average of 49.00, Kinney ranks as one of the state's safest counties. Its remote Southwest Texas location creates exceptional insulation from most hazards.

Kinney is safer than most regional counties

Kinney's score of 2.19 is dramatically lower than Kerr County (77.16), Kendall County (65.49), and Kaufman County (76.18). Only Kent County (1.08) and King County (0.32) approach Kinney's exceptional safety profile.

Hurricane and wildfire are minor concerns

Hurricane risk of 40.76 is Kinney's highest score, while wildfire risk of 15.24 remains modest. All other hazards fall below 12, making the county exceptionally safe.

Basic coverage is typically sufficient

Standard homeowner's insurance provides adequate protection for Kinney County's minimal natural disaster exposure. Routine home maintenance and standard fire prevention practices are your best investments.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Kinney County

via WeatherByCounty

Kinney County's South Texas Heat

Kinney County is hot, with a 68.0°F annual average that dwarfs the national median. Its 24.2 inches of rain falls short of the 31.9-inch Texas average.

Above the State Average

At 68.0°F, Kinney is warmer than the 65.5°F state average. It sits comfortably in the hotter tier of South Texas counties.

Similar Heat to Kimble

Kinney experiences 118 extreme heat days, nearly identical to Kimble's 117. It is slightly warmer overall than Kimble, which averages 65.5°F.

Long Summers and No Snow

Summer is long, averaging 82.6°F with 118 days exceeding 90°F. Winters are very mild at 51.8°F, and snow is virtually nonexistent at only 0.1 inches.

Managing Extreme South Texas Heat

Focus on heat mitigation for the 118 days of extreme temperatures. Outdoor activities are best scheduled for the mild 49.8°F January mornings.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Kinney County

via SoilByCounty

Dark, Alkaline Mollisols

Kinney County features Mollisols, a soil order known for having a deep, dark surface layer rich in nutrients. The pH of 7.53 is alkaline, sitting well above the national median of 6.5.

Balanced Clay Loam Texture

Clay loam is the primary texture, formed by 29.6% sand, 35.0% silt, and 30.2% clay. This mix offers a good balance of workability and the ability to retain essential minerals for plant health.

Healthy Organic Matter Content

Organic matter is healthy at 2.44%, which is much higher than the Texas average of 1.66%. However, the available water capacity of 0.118 in/in is slightly lower than the state benchmark of 0.133.

Well-Drained with Slow Infiltration

These well-drained soils belong to hydrologic group C, meaning they have slow infiltration rates when thoroughly wet. They are generally stable for building, provided you manage the moderate clay content correctly.

Subtropical Gardening in Zone 9a

Transitioning into Zone 9a, Kinney County enjoys very mild winters. Heat-loving citrus and native shrubs like Cenizo flourish in this alkaline, clay-loam environment.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Kinney County

via LawnByCounty

Kinney's Extreme Lawn Difficulty

Kinney County presents a very difficult landscape with a score of 16.9. This is nearly half the Texas state average of 31.7, making lawn care a major undertaking.

Brutal Heat and High Demands

Homeowners face 118 extreme heat days and 6,883 growing degree days. With only 24.2 inches of rain, keeping a lawn green requires significant effort and supplemental water.

Clay Loam Soil Basics

The well-drained clay loam soil has a pH of 7.53, which is slightly more alkaline than the ideal 6.0-7.0 range. It consists of 30.2% clay and 29.6% sand, providing a stable but dry foundation.

Long-Term Drought Stress

The county spent the entire last year in drought, with 55.9% currently in severe drought. Homeowners should prioritize xeric-style lawns that can survive with minimal moisture.

Early Starts in Zone 9a

St. Augustine and Bermuda grass are the best bets for this hot Zone 9a environment. The planting window begins early here, with the last spring frost typically occurring on March 11.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Kinney County's county score?
Kinney County, Texas has a composite county score of 64.9 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 Kinney County rank among counties in Texas?
Kinney County ranks #4 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 Kinney County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Kinney County is $1,244, with an effective tax rate of 1.41%. This earns Kinney County a tax score of 17/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Kinney County?
The median household income in Kinney County, Texas is $66,341 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Kinney County earns an income score of 57.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Kinney County, Texas a good place to live?
Kinney County scores 64.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #4 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Kinney 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 Kinney 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.