countyscore
19.2
County Score
Cost of Living 33.5Income & Jobs 32Schools 24.5

County Report Card

About Kleberg County, Texas

A Challenging Position in the National Ranking

Kleberg County earns a composite score of 19.1, placing it significantly below the national median of 50.0. This score indicates that the county faces substantial headwind compared to most U.S. jurisdictions across our eight livability dimensions.

Falling Behind the Texas State Average

While the average Texas county scores a 41.9, Kleberg County trails behind with its 19.1 overall rating. This gap highlights a lower level of relative livability within the Lone Star State.

Stronger Performers in Cost and Income

The county's most competitive scores are in affordability and income, with a Cost Score of 33.5 and an Income Score of 32.0. Median home values remain accessible at $152,200, providing a lower barrier to entry for homeowners.

Critical Gaps in Safety and Taxes

The county struggles with a Tax Score of 9.1 and a Safety Score of 10.6, driven by an effective tax rate of 1.614%. Health and risk metrics also remain low, scoring 14.9 and 15.6 respectively.

Suited for Budget-Conscious Homeowners

Kleberg County best serves residents who prioritize low-cost housing and can navigate higher tax burdens. Its profile suggests a trade-off between home affordability and community infrastructure like health and safety.

204060801009.133.510.614.924.53215.617.710.3Tax9.1Cost33.5Safety10.6Health14.9Schools24.5Income32Risk15.6Water17.7Weather10.319.2/100
This county
National avg
9 below average

Kleberg County DNA

Foverall

How Kleberg County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Kleberg County falls below the national average in most categories. The biggest gap is in Weather & Climate (10.3/100), though Cost of Living (33.5/100) remains a relative bright spot.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
9.1-42.9
Cost
33.5-14.5
Safety
10.6-44.4
Health
14.9-35.1
Schools
24.5-29.5
Income
32-19
Risk
15.6-31.4
Water
17.7-40.3
Weather
10.3-45.7
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Think property taxes are too high in Kleberg County?

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

Check My Assessment

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$152,200

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,022/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$152,200/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$40,880/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.6x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $57,612/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

49.0

per 100K

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

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Nearby counties

Kenedy County
Texas
33.7
Nueces County
Texas
18.5
Jim Wells County
Texas
25.8
San Patricio County
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31.4
Brooks County
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53.8
Duval County
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43.3
Aransas County
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Jim Hogg County
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38.4

Deep Dives

Kleberg County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 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

Safety in Kleberg County

via CrimeByCounty

Above National Crime Averages

Kleberg County reports a total crime rate of 2,722.0 per 100K, which sits above the national average of 2,385.5. Despite this, the county maintains a solid safety score of 95.7.

Below the Texas Safety Benchmark

The county's safety score of 95.7 is slightly lower than the Texas state average of 96.8. Law enforcement agencies manage a crime volume that exceeds the statewide average of 2,052.5 per 100K.

Higher Property Crime Than Peers

Three reporting agencies track local safety trends where property crime is more prevalent than in many neighboring rural counties. The total crime rate of 2,722.0 reflects a more active law enforcement environment.

Property Crime Dominates Local Reports

Property crimes make up the bulk of incidents at 2,449.8 per 100K, while violent crime remains low at 272.2. This violent crime rate is notably safer than the national average of 369.8.

Prioritize Your Property Security

Since property crime is the primary concern, residents should invest in smart locks and security cameras. Simple deterrents effectively lower the risk of becoming a statistic in these high-traffic areas.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Kleberg County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Growing Network of Local Schools

Kleberg County operates a network of 13 public schools across four specialized districts, serving 5,000 total students. The infrastructure includes six elementary, three middle, and three high schools. This system provides a clear educational path from primary grades through graduation.

Closing the Gap in Academic Achievement

The county's 83.1% graduation rate currently trails both the Texas state average of 91.6% and the national benchmark of 87%. Per-pupil expenditure sits at $6,747, which is lower than the $7,498 state average. With a composite school score of 49.3, the county remains slightly below the national median of 50.

Kingsville ISD Leads the County

Kingsville ISD is the region's largest provider, educating 2,694 students across five different campuses. One charter school operates within the county, representing 7.7% of the total school inventory. Ricardo ISD and Riviera ISD also play vital roles, serving over 1,100 students combined.

Town and Rural Learning Environments

Education here is evenly split between town and rural locales, with seven schools in town settings and six in rural areas. Schools maintain an average size of 385 students, though H M King High School stands out as the largest with 892 students. This mix offers families a choice between larger campus environments and smaller community settings.

Put Down Roots Near Local Classrooms

Families moving to Kingsville or the surrounding areas often prioritize access to established districts like Santa Gertrudis ISD. High-performing local schools remain a top consideration for home buyers looking for long-term value. Start your home search today to find a property in your preferred school zone.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Water Quality in Kleberg County

via WaterByCounty

Kleberg County Faces Significant Compliance Challenges

Kleberg County earns an F grade with 51 drinking water health violations recorded over the last five years. Despite the low grade, its violation rate of 156.4 per 100,000 people remains below the Texas average of 581.9.

Watershed Assessments Currently Unavailable

The water bodies in this county have not yet been assessed under federal Clean Water Act §303(d) standards. No official impairment data is available for this reporting cycle, leaving local watershed health unclassified.

Moderate Monitoring Activity with Over 5,000 Records

Monitoring density is moderate, with 22 sites recording 5,173 measurements over the past five years. Data collection focuses primarily on physical, nutrient, and microbiological characteristic groups.

Low Flow at Tranquitas Creek

At the Tranquitas Creek gauge in Kingsville, current discharge is 0 cfs. This represents only 9% of the long-term mean, indicating significantly drier than normal conditions for the local drainage area.

Vigilance Required Amid Low Flow and Violations

Given the F grade and 51 violations, residents should stay informed about specific contaminants in their drinking water. The extremely low streamflow may also impact the concentration of local pollutants.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Kleberg County

via WeatherByCounty

Kleberg County's Coastal Warmth

Kleberg County is subtropical, averaging 73.3°F, which is nearly 20 degrees warmer than the national median. Rainfall is moderate at 27.0 inches per year.

One of Texas' Warmest Counties

It is significantly hotter than the 65.5°F state average. Kleberg ranks as one of the warmest counties in the coastal bend region.

Hotter than Inland Neighbors

Kleberg’s 148 heat days far exceed the 118 seen in Kinney County. Its proximity to the coast keeps winters warmer at 59.7°F compared to Kinney's 51.8°F.

Constant Heat and Mild Winters

Summer is dominated by 148 days over 90°F and a July average of 85.7°F. Winters are exceptionally mild at 59.7°F, though local snowfall records are currently unavailable.

Cooling and Coastal Maintenance

Prepare for nearly five months of extreme heat with high-capacity HVAC systems. Use humidity-resistant materials for homes to combat the damp coastal air and 27.0 inches of rain.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Kleberg County

via SoilByCounty

Coastal Soils of Kleberg County

Specific soil chemistry data is currently unavailable for Kleberg County. Most coastal Texas counties lean toward alkaline levels, often exceeding the 6.5 national pH median and the 7.09 state average.

Texture Near the Gulf Coast

While exact percentages aren't listed, coastal locations often result in sandy or loamy textures. These soils typically allow for quick drainage but may struggle to hold onto nutrients over time.

Regional Fertility Standards

Texas soils average 1.66% organic matter, and Kleberg likely follows this modest trend typical of warmer climates. Adding organic material is a standard practice for local gardeners to improve crop yields.

Inland and Coastal Hydrology

Official drainage classifications are missing, but coastal proximity often suggests a high water table. Growers should check for salinity and drainage speed before investing in sensitive landscape plants.

Subtropical Paradise in Zone 9b

Located in Zone 9b, Kleberg County is a subtropical environment where citrus, palms, and bougainvillea thrive. Start your coastal garden with salt-tolerant species and plenty of mulch.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Kleberg County

via LawnByCounty

Kleberg County's High-Stakes Lawn Care

Maintaining a lawn in Kleberg County is a serious challenge, reflected in a low lawn difficulty score of 14.9. This is significantly harder than the Texas state average of 31.7 and far below the national median of 50.0. In hardiness zone 9b, homeowners face relentless heat that tests the limits of traditional turf.

Intense Heat and Moderate Rainfall

The county endures 148 extreme heat days per year, which is 43% higher than the Texas state average of 105 days. Annual precipitation of 27.0 inches falls below the 30-50 inch ideal range for healthy lawns. With a high count of 8,603 growing degree days, grass grows rapidly when moisture is available but risks scorching quickly.

Adapting to Local Ground Conditions

While specific soil texture and pH data are unavailable for this area, coastal Texas counties typically deal with variable salinity and heavy clay. Local homeowners should conduct a soil test to determine specific nutrient needs and drainage capacity. Adding organic matter can help compensate for unknown soil deficiencies and improve moisture retention.

Navigating Persistent Drought Challenges

Kleberg County spent 40 weeks in drought over the past year, with 90% of the area currently facing severe conditions. Water conservation is mandatory, as 100% of the county is at least abnormally dry. Implementing deep, infrequent watering early in the morning helps grass survive these long dry spells.

Selecting Heat-Tolerant Turf for Zone 9b

St. Augustine and Bermuda grass are the best performers for this zone because they withstand the 148 annual heat days. Since the last spring frost typically occurs early on February 3, you can begin sodding or seeding much earlier than in northern counties. Start your lawn projects in late February to establish roots before the summer peak.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Kleberg County's county score?
Kleberg County, Texas has a composite county score of 19.2 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 Kleberg County rank among counties in Texas?
Kleberg County ranks #252 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 Kleberg County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Kleberg County is $2,457, with an effective tax rate of 1.61%. This earns Kleberg County a tax score of 9.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Kleberg County?
The median household income in Kleberg County, Texas is $57,612 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Kleberg County earns an income score of 32/100 on CountyScore.
Is Kleberg County, Texas a good place to live?
Kleberg County scores 19.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #252 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Kleberg 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 Kleberg County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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