CountyScore

Kleberg County

Texas · TX

#227 in Texas
55.4
County Score

County Report Card

About Kleberg County, Texas

Kleberg outpaces the nation

Kleberg County scores 62.1 on the CountyScore composite index, well above the national median of 50.0—putting it in the top 38% nationwide. This solid performance reflects a county that delivers above-average livability compared to typical American counties.

Slightly below Texas average

With a score of 62.1, Kleberg ranks below Texas's statewide average of 66.8, placing it in the middle tier among the state's counties. Still, the county remains competitive within Texas's broader livability landscape.

Affordability is the real draw

Kleberg shines in housing affordability, with a Cost Score of 76.2 and median home values around $152,200. Renters benefit too, with median gross rent at $1,022/month, making this county an accessible option for budget-conscious families.

Income levels lag behind

The county's Income Score of 21.0 reflects median household earnings of $57,612—noticeably below state and national averages. Safety, health, schools, and environmental data remain incomplete, limiting a fuller picture of livability.

Best for cost-conscious families

Kleberg County suits families and retirees prioritizing affordable housing and lower property values over higher wage earning potential. The county offers genuine value for those willing to trade income growth for financial breathing room.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax56.9Cost76.2SafetyComing SoonHealth51.1SchoolsComing SoonIncome21Risk15.6WaterComing Soon
🏛56.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠76.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼21
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤51.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡15.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Kleberg County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Baltimore city
Maryland
55.3
Median income: $59,623
Bell County
Texas
55.5
Median income: $66,051
McLennan County
Texas
55.5
Median income: $63,888
Broward County
Florida
55.2
Median income: $74,534
Schenectady County
New York
55.2
Median income: $76,989

Deep Dives

Kleberg County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Kleberg County

via TaxByCounty

Kleberg County taxes above national median

Kleberg's effective tax rate of 1.614% runs 75% higher than the national median of 0.92%, placing it in the top 20% of U.S. counties by tax burden. On a median home worth $152,200, Kleberg homeowners face steeper property taxes than most Americans.

Kleberg ranks above Texas state average

At 1.614%, Kleberg's rate exceeds the Texas state average of 1.276% by 26%, positioning it among the state's higher-tax counties. Only about 20% of Texas counties impose rates this steep.

Kleberg taxes harder than most regional peers

Kleberg's 1.614% rate beats Kendall (1.202%), Kimble (1.255%), Kerr (1.093%), and Kent (0.907%), surpassed only by Kaufman (1.732%) among area counties. South Texas residents choosing Kleberg should expect above-average tax bills.

Median Kleberg homeowner pays $2,457

On a median home valued at $152,200, Kleberg residents owe $2,457 in annual property taxes. With mortgage and bond obligations, the total reaches $3,753—above the national median of $2,690.

Challenge overassessments before the deadline

Kleberg's higher effective rate makes assessment accuracy critical; even a small error compounds across years. File a tax appeal if you believe your property was appraised above fair market value—it costs nothing and could save thousands.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Kleberg County

via CostByCounty

Kleberg stretches lowest incomes dangerously

Kleberg County's 21.3% rent-to-income ratio ranks among the worst nationally, with $1,022 median rent consuming an outsized portion of its $57,612 median income. The county's housing burden leaves minimal flexibility for families earning below-average wages.

Texas's most housing-burdened county

Kleberg's 21.3% rent-to-income ratio substantially exceeds Texas's 18.1% average, marking it as the most affordability-challenged county in this analysis. The housing burden signals economic stress for Kleberg's working families.

Highest rents, lowest incomes combined

Kleberg's $1,022 rent and $898 owner costs exceed those of every comparable county despite the lowest median household income ($57,612) among the group. This combination creates acute housing-affordability stress compared to Kimble, Kinney, and Kent counties.

Over a third of income to housing

Kleberg households dedicate roughly 35% of income to combined housing costs ($1,920 monthly against $4,801 monthly income). This severe burden leaves working families struggling to afford food, transportation, healthcare, and childcare.

Kleberg: affordable only on higher salaries

Kleberg County's affordability crisis hits hardest on local-wage earners; remote workers and retirees will find it manageable. Verify employment prospects and wage levels carefully—this county requires above-average income to achieve housing stability.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Kleberg County

via IncomeByCounty

Kleberg trails national income average

Kleberg County's median household income of $57,612 falls 23% below the U.S. median of $74,755, placing it in the lower-income tier nationally. This gap reflects broader economic challenges across rural South Texas and suggests less earning power than the typical American household.

Below Texas average but not alone

At $57,612, Kleberg County earns 11% less than Texas's state median of $64,737, ranking it in the lower third among the state's 254 counties. This positioning reflects Kleberg's economy relying heavily on agriculture, oil, and gas industries rather than high-wage sectors.

Comparable to nearby South Texas counties

Kleberg's $57,612 income aligns closely with neighboring La Salle County ($55,469) and Lamb County ($56,997), suggesting shared economic conditions across the region. However, it lags nearby Lamar County ($61,122), which has benefited from more diversified employment.

Housing costs manageable but tight

Kleberg's 21.3% rent-to-income ratio exceeds the recommended 15% threshold, meaning renters here dedicate over a fifth of earnings to housing. While homeownership remains accessible with a median value of $152,200, the income-to-housing gap pressures household budgets.

Build savings in Kleberg's affordable market

With housing costs below the national crisis level and modest living expenses, Kleberg residents can prioritize emergency savings and retirement accounts. Even modest monthly contributions compound significantly over time—starting with $100/month toward a high-yield savings account builds a strong financial cushion for future opportunities.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Kleberg County

via HealthByCounty

Kleberg life expectancy lags slightly behind

At 73.4 years, Kleberg County residents live about 5 years less than the U.S. average of 78.9 years. One in four residents report poor or fair health, a 26.6% rate that exceeds most national benchmarks.

Kleberg ranks below Texas average

Kleberg's life expectancy of 73.4 years trails Texas's state average of 74.3 years by nearly one year. The county's uninsured rate of 19.1% is slightly better than the state average of 19.8%, providing some relief for residents seeking coverage.

Kleberg outperforms neighbors on insurance

Among its regional peers, Kleberg's 19.1% uninsured rate is competitive—better than Knox County (20.9%) and La Salle County (22.4%). The county maintains 42 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, slightly above some neighboring counties.

Provider access adequate but uneven

Kleberg provides 42 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and 67 mental health providers, giving residents a reasonable foundation for routine care. However, 1 in 5 residents remain uninsured, meaning gaps in access persist for the most vulnerable.

One in five Kleberg residents still uninsured

At 19.1%, Kleberg's uninsured rate means thousands lack consistent healthcare access. If you or a family member are uninsured, visit healthcare.gov or Texas's insurance marketplace to explore coverage options and find plans that fit your budget.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Kleberg County

via RiskByCounty

Kleberg's risk beats the national average

With a composite risk score of 84.41, Kleberg County faces above-average natural disaster risk compared to most U.S. counties. This "Relatively Moderate" rating reflects concentrated vulnerability to specific hazards—particularly hurricane exposure that far exceeds typical American counties.

Among Texas's highest-risk counties

Kleberg ranks in the upper tier of Texas counties for disaster risk, with its 84.41 score significantly above the state average of 49.00. The county's exposure to Gulf Coast storms drives much of this elevated profile.

Riskier than most surrounding counties

Kleberg's composite risk of 84.41 substantially exceeds nearby La Salle County (22.55) and Lee County (40.46), making it the clear risk leader in its region. Only Lavaca County to the northeast (78.94) comes close to Kleberg's vulnerability level.

Hurricanes and flooding dominate here

Hurricane risk reaches 93.91—nearly double the state average—making tropical storms the county's defining hazard. Flood risk of 55.34 compounds this threat, with storm surge and heavy rainfall creating compounded exposure along the coastal corridor.

Hurricane coverage is non-negotiable

Kleberg County residents must prioritize comprehensive hurricane and flood insurance, given exposure scores of 93.91 and 55.34 respectively. Standard homeowners policies typically exclude hurricane damage; consider a dedicated wind coverage rider or separate flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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