countyscore
55.2
County Score
Water Quality 86Safety 72.9Schools 70

County Report Card

About Lavaca County, Texas

Performing Above the National Median

Lavaca County earns a strong composite score of 55.2, comfortably exceeding the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a high overall quality of life across several key dimensions.

A Top-Performing Texas County

Lavaca County's 55.2 score significantly outpaces the Texas state average of 41.9. It ranks among the more desirable locations in the state for those seeking balanced livability.

Elite Water Quality and Public Safety

The county is defined by its Water Score of 86.0 and a Safety Score of 72.9. These strengths are complemented by a robust School Score of 70.0 and a low effective tax rate of 0.957%.

Environmental Risks and Health Access

Environmental risk is the primary concern with a score of 21.1, suggesting vulnerability to certain natural events. Tax and Health scores also sit in the lower 40s, indicating room for moderate improvement.

A High-Quality Option for Everyone

Lavaca County is a rare find that offers excellent water, safety, and schools in a single package. It is an ideal home for anyone prioritizing community health and safety in a lower-tax environment.

Score breakdown

Tax41.3Cost57.9Safety72.9Health41.8Schools70Income44.5Risk21.1Water86Weather14.7
🏛41.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠57.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼44.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡72.9
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤41.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓70
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡21.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤14.7
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨42.1
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱40.8
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

Lavaca County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Lavaca County

via TaxByCounty

Lavaca County taxes run below U.S. average

Lavaca County's effective tax rate of 0.957% sits slightly above the national median of 0.84%, placing it in the lower-moderate range nationally. Its median annual tax of $2,113 remains well below the national median of $2,690, benefiting from a favorable rate applied to a reasonably valued median home of $220,900.

Below Texas's typical tax burden

Lavaca County's 0.957% effective rate falls notably below the Texas state average of 1.276%, making it one of the more tax-friendly counties in the state. Its median annual tax of $2,113 trails the state median of $2,193, combining favorable rates with moderate property values.

One of the lowest-taxing in the region

Lavaca County's 0.957% rate rivals Lamar County (0.951%) and Lee County (0.969%) as among the lowest in this comparison, substantially undercutting Knox County (1.862%) and La Salle County (1.561%). This positions Lavaca as genuinely tax-competitive regionally.

Annual Lavaca County property taxes

On Lavaca County's median home value of $220,900, expect annual property taxes of approximately $2,113. Adding mortgage escrow raises the total to roughly $2,791 per year.

Verify your assessment annually

Lavaca County's favorable rates make it an attractive place to live, but homeowners should still confirm their assessments align with fair market value. A routine appraisal review takes little time and ensures you're not subsidizing others through overassessment.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Lavaca County

via CostByCounty

Lavaca County keeps rents reasonable

Lavaca County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.1% falls well below the 30% affordability threshold and underperforms the national average. With median rent of $879 and median household income of $61,768, renters here allocate less than a fifth of income to housing costs.

Better than Texas average affordability

At 17.1%, Lavaca County's rent-to-income ratio beats Texas's state average of 18.1%, ranking it among the state's more affordable rental markets. Its $879 monthly rent runs 9% below the state average of $963, reflecting genuinely accessible housing costs for renters.

Mid-range costs with solid values

Lavaca County's $879 rent positions it between budget-friendly Knox ($661) and pricier Lee County ($1,050), offering balanced affordability. Its $220,900 median home value puts it above Lee County's high-end properties but remains accessible compared to the region's overall wealth indicators.

Renters and owners both comfortable

Lavaca County residents earning $61,768 spend $879 monthly on rent (17.1% of income) or $691 on mortgage payments (13.4% of income). Both figures suggest healthy affordability, with homeowners enjoying particularly favorable financial positions.

Lavaca blends affordability and value

Lavaca County offers solid housing affordability alongside meaningful home equity potential, with its $220,900 median value and 13.4% owner-cost ratio. Compare it against neighboring Lee County ($1,050 rent) and Leon County ($798 rent) to find the best match for your relocation goals.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Lavaca County

via IncomeByCounty

Lavaca County modestly below national median

Lavaca County's median household income of $61,768 is 17% below the U.S. median of $74,755, though it performs better than most rural Texas counties in this comparison. This position reflects a mix of agricultural and small industrial employment.

Slightly below Texas average

At $61,768, Lavaca County earns 5% less than the Texas state median of $64,737, positioning it near the middle of the state's income distribution. The per capita income of $35,549 exceeds the state average of $33,197, suggesting more equitable wealth distribution.

Upper-mid-range within regional cohort

Lavaca County's $61,768 income exceeds most South and West Texas peers, matching Lamar County ($61,122) and trailing only Lampasas ($76,919) and Lee ($66,000). This strength reflects Lavaca's agricultural productivity and diversified local economy.

Excellent housing affordability profile

Lavaca County's 17.1% rent-to-income ratio is reasonable, and the median home value of $220,900 aligns well with median household income levels. This balance enables homeowners to build equity without overextending, supporting long-term financial stability.

Balanced income and housing fuel investing

Lavaca County's solid income and moderate housing costs create sustainable conditions for wealth accumulation. Residents can confidently invest in retirement accounts, education savings, and even secondary properties—building generational wealth without excessive financial strain.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Lavaca County

via CrimeByCounty

Top-Tier National Safety Results

Lavaca County is exceptionally safe, boasting a safety score of 99.0. Its total crime rate of 647.7 per 100K is nearly four times lower than the national average.

Surpassing State Safety Norms

The county ranks well above the Texas state average safety score of 96.8. Seven reporting agencies coordinate to keep crime levels significantly below the 2,052.5 state average.

Peaceful Regional Profile

Lavaca's violent crime rate of 157.0 is less than half the Texas average, outshining many nearby jurisdictions. The high number of reporting agencies ensures thorough coverage across the county.

Very Low Property Crime Rates

Property crime sits at just 490.7 per 100K, which is remarkably low compared to the 2,015.7 national average. Most law enforcement efforts focus on maintaining this high standard of public safety.

Preserve Your Local Safety

Even in very safe areas, home security remains a valuable asset for protecting your property. Simple deterrents help preserve the county's reputation as a secure place to live.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Lavaca County

via HealthByCounty

Lavaca life expectancy exceeds national average

At 77.3 years, Lavaca County's life expectancy surpasses the U.S. average of 78.9 years and significantly outpaces most of its regional peers. Just 20.8% of residents report poor or fair health, indicating strong population health outcomes overall.

Lavaca among Texas's healthiest counties

Lavaca's 77.3-year life expectancy ranks among the highest in Texas, nearly 3 years above the state average of 74.3 years. At 14.9% uninsured, Lavaca has the lowest uninsured rate among all eight counties, well below the state average.

Lavaca dominates on health and coverage

Lavaca leads the region with the highest life expectancy (77.3 years) and lowest uninsured rate (14.9%), outperforming all peers. Its 20.8% poor or fair health rate ties for the lowest in the group, reflecting superior population health.

Robust primary care, strong health security

Lavaca provides the region's highest primary care capacity at 58 providers per 100,000 residents, ensuring accessible routine care. With only 14.9% uninsured, residents have the strongest health coverage in the eight-county comparison.

Lavaca's health advantage—maintain momentum

Lavaca County achieves the best health outcomes in this group, thanks partly to its 14.9% uninsured rate—the lowest among eight counties. Keep this advantage by reviewing your coverage at healthcare.gov and helping neighbors explore their insurance options.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Lavaca County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Distributed Network of Six Districts

Lavaca County’s 2,570 students are served by 10 public schools across six different districts. The landscape is composed of five elementary schools, one middle school, and three high schools. This diverse district structure allows for localized control across the county’s various communities.

Strong Results Across the Board

The county's graduation rate of 96.1% far exceeds the national average of 87%. Educational investment stands at $7,319 per pupil, which is nearly on par with the Texas state average. A composite school score of 57.4 indicates that Lavaca County consistently outperforms state benchmarks.

Hallettsville and Shiner Lead the Way

Hallettsville ISD is the largest district with 1,172 students, followed by the highly-regarded Shiner ISD with 724 students. These districts provide traditional public education, as there are no charter schools currently in the county. Smaller districts like Moulton ISD also contribute to the county's educational fabric.

The Essence of Rural Education

Every single school in Lavaca County is classified as rural, offering students a consistent and quiet learning environment. The average school size is 257 students, ensuring that no child gets lost in the crowd. Hallettsville Elementary is the largest campus in the county with 440 students.

Peaceful Living Near Great Schools

Lavaca County is a premier choice for those seeking high graduation rates in a purely rural setting. Homes in the Shiner or Hallettsville districts are particularly popular for families focusing on school quality. View current properties to find your place in this high-achieving community.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Lavaca County

via RiskByCounty

Lavaca faces significant national risk

Lavaca County's composite risk score of 78.94 substantially exceeds the national average, earning a "Relatively Low" rating that reflects Gulf Coast vulnerability. The county's coastal geography exposes it to hurricane and flood hazards above most U.S. counties.

High-risk among Texas counties

Scoring 78.94 versus Texas's state average of 49.00, Lavaca County ranks in the elevated-risk tier statewide. The 61% increase above state average reflects its coastal position and exposure to Atlantic hurricane season.

Comparable to other coastal counties

Lavaca County's risk score of 78.94 nearly matches Kleberg County (84.41) and significantly exceeds inland counties like Lee County (40.46). The county stands out as a regional risk hub.

Floods and hurricanes dominate exposure

Flood risk reaches 85.75 and hurricane risk 84.73—among Texas's highest—making water-related disasters Lavaca's defining threats. The combination of coastal storm surge and inland river flooding creates compounded vulnerability.

Flood and hurricane insurance critical

Lavaca County residents must secure comprehensive flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program and ensure homeowners policies include hurricane coverage with wind protection. Elevation, storm shutters, and roof reinforcement provide additional protection against the county's 84.73 hurricane risk score.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Lavaca County

via WeatherByCounty

Significant Warmth Near the Gulf

Lavaca County is exceptionally warm, with an annual average temperature of 71.7°F that far exceeds national norms. This placement in the coastal plains ensures a very long growing season and high humidity.

Warmer Than the Texas Standard

With an average of 71.7°F, Lavaca is much hotter than the state average of 65.5°F. It is also wetter than the state average, receiving 40.4 inches of rain annually compared to 31.9 inches.

Intense Heat in the Coastal Region

Lavaca County experiences 117 days of extreme heat annually, more than many of its northern neighbors. This persistent warmth is paired with a generous 40.4 inches of rainfall.

Sweltering Summers and Brief Winters

July averages 85.8°F, and the county endures nearly four months of temperatures over 90°F. Winters are among the mildest in the state, with an average temperature of 57.0°F and only 0.1 inches of snow.

Protecting Against Heat and Humidity

Residents must plan for 117 days of extreme heat by ensuring HVAC systems are robust and staying hydrated during the 85.2°F summer average. With 40.4 inches of rain, moisture control and mold prevention are key for home maintenance.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Lavaca County

via SoilByCounty

Near Neutral Soils in Lavaca County

The average pH here is 6.66, which is nearly perfect when compared to the national median of 6.5. This neutral balance contributes to an impressive soil score of 42.1, far exceeding the state average.

A Sandy Mix with Moderate Clay

The soil contains 52.3% sand and 23.7% clay, providing a versatile texture for agriculture. This combination allows for decent aeration while still retaining enough moisture for crops.

Consistent Organic Matter and Water Storage

Organic matter levels hit 1.70%, slightly outpacing the state average of 1.66%. The available water capacity is 0.132 in/in, which is right in line with the Texas state benchmark.

Managing High Runoff in Group D

Despite the sandy surface, the county falls into hydrologic group D, suggesting limited drainage deep in the profile. Users should watch for standing water after heavy rain events.

A Gardener's Dream in Zone 9a

Zone 9a offers a warm climate that, when paired with such neutral soil, is perfect for tomatoes and citrus. You have some of the best soil in the state, so get planting!

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Lavaca County

via LawnByCounty

Strong Growing Potential in Lavaca

Lavaca County boasts a lawn difficulty score of 40.8, making it one of the easier places in Texas to maintain a lawn. It significantly outperforms the state average of 31.7 and moves closer to the national median of 50.0. The climate and soil in zone 9a provide a solid foundation for home gardeners.

High Rainfall and Extended Growing Season

Annual precipitation of 40.4 inches is well within the ideal range for lush turf, providing a natural boost to growth. The county experiences 117 extreme heat days, which is slightly above the state average but tempered by the high moisture. An impressive 8,090 growing degree days ensure a very long and productive season for your lawn.

Ideal pH and Sandy Soil Mix

The soil pH of 6.66 is nearly perfect, falling right in the middle of the 6.0-7.0 ideal range for most grass types. With 52.3% sand and 23.7% clay, the soil offers excellent drainage and is easy to work with. These conditions allow for superior root penetration and nutrient uptake compared to most of the state.

Persistent Drought Despite Good Rain

Despite its high annual rainfall, Lavaca County has spent 44 weeks in drought recently, with 100% of the area currently in severe drought. This shows that even 'easy' counties face significant periods of water stress in Texas. Using rain barrels during the 40-inch rain years can provide a vital backup for these dry months.

Taking Advantage of Perfect Soil

St. Augustine grass thrives in this county's ideal pH and high-moisture environment. With the last spring frost occurring early on February 17, you can start your spring maintenance well before other parts of the state. Plant in late February to take full advantage of the 40.4 inches of annual rainfall.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lavaca County's county score?
Lavaca County, Texas has a composite county score of 55.2 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 Lavaca County rank among counties in Texas?
Lavaca County ranks #36 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 Lavaca County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Lavaca County is $2,113, with an effective tax rate of 0.96%. This earns Lavaca County a tax score of 41.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Lavaca County?
The median household income in Lavaca County, Texas is $61,768 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Lavaca County earns an income score of 44.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Lavaca County, Texas a good place to live?
Lavaca County scores 55.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #36 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Lavaca 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 Lavaca 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.