countyscore
57.8
County Score
Safety 85.9Schools 77.3Disaster Risk 66.3

County Report Card

About Live Oak County, Texas

Significantly Above the National Median

Live Oak County carries an impressive composite score of 57.8, well above the national median of 50.0. This places it in the upper tier of American counties for overall livability.

A Leading County in Texas

The county outperforms the Texas average of 41.9 by nearly 16 points. It is one of the more desirable places to live in the state based on its balanced dimension scores.

Safe Communities and Top Schools

Strong scores in Safety (85.9) and Schools (77.3) define the local experience. Residents also enjoy a low effective tax rate of 0.882%, making it a fiscally attractive area.

Lower Local Income Growth

Despite high safety, the Income Score is low at 22.5, with a median household income of $53,869. Health services also lag behind, with a score of 26.4 indicating limited local medical infrastructure.

A Haven for Young Families

This county is a premier choice for families who prioritize safety and education for their children. It offers a high quality of life for those whose careers allow them to thrive on a $53,869 median income.

Score breakdown

Tax46.5Cost61.2Safety85.9Health26.4Schools77.3Income22.5Risk66.3Water53.4Weather16.3
🏛46.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠61.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼22.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡85.9
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤26.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓77.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡66.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧53.4
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤16.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨31.4
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱17.6
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

Bee County
Texas
28.1
McMullen County
Texas
53.7
Karnes County
Texas
41.7
Jim Wells County
Texas
25.8
San Patricio County
Texas
31.4
Goliad County
Texas
51.4
Atascosa County
Texas
32.5
Duval County
Texas
43.3

Deep Dives

Live Oak County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Live Oak County

via TaxByCounty

Live Oak offers some of nation's lowest taxes

At 0.882% effective rate, Live Oak County ranks among the lowest property tax counties nationwide, roughly one-third below the national median rate. The median annual tax of $1,255 is less than half the national median of $2,690.

Bottom tier among Texas counties

Live Oak County's 0.882% rate is the lowest among counties reviewed here and significantly undercuts Texas's state average of 1.276%. At $1,255 median annually, it costs roughly $938 less than the Texas median of $2,193.

Lowest taxes across South Texas

Live Oak County's 0.882% rate runs far below Liberty County (1.251%) and all other regional peers in this dataset. It represents one of the most tax-friendly counties in the broader region.

What Live Oak County homeowners pay yearly

On a median home valued at $142,300, Live Oak County residents pay approximately $1,255 in annual property taxes. With mortgage taxes included, the annual bill rises to roughly $1,951.

Even low-tax counties benefit from appeals

Despite already favorable rates, overassessment still occurs in Live Oak County—some homeowners may be paying more than warranted. A quick comparison with recent sales of similar properties can reveal whether an appeal would save money.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Live Oak County

via CostByCounty

Live Oak squeezes renters hardest

Live Oak County renters spend 21.1% of household income on housing, exceeding the national average and sitting among the nation's most affordability-challenged counties. Median income of just $53,869 paired with $949/month rents creates a notably tight housing squeeze.

Well above Texas average affordability pressure

Live Oak's 21.1% rent-to-income ratio significantly exceeds Texas's 18.1% state average, ranking it among the state's least affordable counties. Renters here face measurably more housing stress than typical Texans, despite rents running just $14 above the state median.

Worst affordability in this cluster

Live Oak's 21.1% rent burden nearly doubles Lipscomb's 13.6% and significantly exceeds Liberty (19.2%), Limestone (17.2%), and Llano (18.2%). The combination of low incomes and moderate-to-high rents makes this county the region's affordability outlier.

Homeownership offers meaningful relief

Live Oak homeowners with median home value of $142,300 pay $568/month—a stunning $381 less than renters monthly. This 40% savings gap means mortgage holders capture significantly more breathing room than renters in the same county.

Live Oak demands careful income planning

If you're considering Live Oak, prioritize homeownership over renting; the mortgage advantage is substantial and necessary given the county's lower income base. Remote workers and retirees with outside income will find better value here than traditional job seekers.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Live Oak County

via IncomeByCounty

Live Oak faces income headwinds

Live Oak County's median household income of $53,869 trails the national median of $74,755 by 28%, representing the lowest earner among the eight counties studied. The $20,886 annual gap reflects significant economic stress in South Texas.

Lowest income in Texas study

Live Oak's $53,869 median income sits 17% below Texas's state average of $64,737 and ranks among the state's lowest-earning counties. Per capita income of $27,757 also lags the state average by nearly $5,500 per person.

Struggling in its peer group

Live Oak earns less than all seven comparable counties, with the nearest peer being Limestone County at $58,109. The county faces the steepest income challenge among its regional cluster.

Housing costs consume income

Live Oak's rent-to-income ratio of 21.1% is the highest in the group, consuming more than one-fifth of household income on housing. With median home values at $142,300 and low median income, residents face tight budgets with minimal discretionary spending.

Prioritize emergency funds first

Live Oak residents should establish a 3–6 month emergency fund before investing, given income volatility and tight margins. Once stable, explore free or low-cost financial counseling through nonprofits and tap employer retirement plans to build long-term security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Live Oak County

via CrimeByCounty

Live Oak County Safety Excellence

Live Oak County enjoys a nearly perfect safety score of 99.5. Its total crime rate of 316.5 per 100,000 residents is 86% lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

A Safety Leader in Texas

The county's safety score of 99.5 is significantly higher than the Texas average of 96.8. Its low crime rate of 316.5 places it among the state's safest communities.

Outperforming Regional Averages

Live Oak County's crime rate of 316.5 per 100,000 people is much lower than the state average of 2,052.5. It remains a tranquil and highly secure area compared to neighboring counties.

Rare Violent Incidents in Live Oak

Violent crime is almost non-existent at 26.4 per 100,000, while property crime is also low at 290.1. Residents here experience a very high degree of personal and physical security.

Lock Up to Stay Safe

Even in very safe areas, most crimes are crimes of opportunity. Continue to lock your vehicles and homes to ensure Live Oak County maintains its stellar safety reputation.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Live Oak County

via HealthByCounty

Live Oak County exceeds U.S. longevity

Life expectancy in Live Oak County reaches 76.5 years, substantially outpacing the U.S. average of 78.9 years. One in four residents report poor or fair health, marginally above the national average of 18%, indicating relatively strong population health.

Above-average health across Texas

Live Oak County's 76.5-year life expectancy exceeds the Texas average of 74.3 years by 2.2 years. The 25.4% poor/fair health rate sits above state norms but represents solid performance relative to many Texas peers.

Among region's longest-living counties

Live Oak's 76.5-year life expectancy ranks among the highest in its area, matching Llano County's 76.2 years. The 21.3% uninsured rate falls between Llano (19.6%) and Lipscomb (21.7%), suggesting moderate healthcare access disparities.

Strong longevity, limited mental health capacity

Live Oak County supports its population with notably high life expectancy, yet mental health provider availability is limited at 17 per 100,000 residents. Primary care provider data is unavailable, leaving questions about the full scope of medical accessibility in the county.

Keep your insurance up to date

Live Oak County's strong health outcomes show what's possible with access to care—ensure your family maintains coverage. If uninsured, visit your county health office or healthcare.gov to explore available options.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Live Oak County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Concentrated and Effective School System

Live Oak County maintains six public schools organized into two distinct districts, serving 1,668 students. The system is perfectly balanced with two elementary, two middle, and two high schools.

Exceptional Graduation Rates and Strong Scores

Education is a highlight here, with a stellar 96.2% graduation rate that far outpaces both state and national averages. The county's school score of 58.7 is significantly higher than the Texas average of 55.3, supported by a per-pupil spend of $7,894.

George West and Three Rivers Divide the Map

George West ISD is the primary district, managing four schools and 1,083 students. Three Rivers ISD serves the remainder of the county with two schools and 585 students, ensuring local oversight without charter school presence.

Traditional Rural Learning Environments

The county is entirely rural, with all six schools situated in countryside locales and an average school size of 278 students. George West Primary is the largest campus with 396 students, while Three Rivers Junior/Senior High offers a close-knit feel with 267 students.

Invest in a High-Performing School District

Families prioritizing academic excellence should consider the George West area for its high composite school scores. With some of the best graduation rates in the region, Live Oak County is a premier destination for educational stability.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Live Oak County

via RiskByCounty

Live Oak County: Very Low Risk

Live Oak County scores 33.75 on the composite risk scale, earning a Very Low rating and sitting 31% below the Texas state average of 49.00. The county enjoys one of the lowest overall disaster exposures in the state, though coastal proximity brings some hurricane risk.

Live Oak's Low-Risk Ranking

Live Oak County's composite risk of 33.75 places it among Texas's lowest-risk counties statewide, with minimal exposure to floods, tornadoes, earthquakes, and wildfires. The county benefits from inland location and relatively stable weather patterns.

Live Oak Among South Texas

Live Oak County (33.75) is substantially safer than Leon County (58.30), Limestone County (59.26), and Llano County (70.39) to the north and west. It sits only slightly higher than Lipscomb County (27.89) and remains well below Liberty County (79.52) and Lubbock County (96.25).

Live Oak's Hurricane Exposure

Hurricane risk (79.43) stands as Live Oak County's dominant hazard, reflecting Gulf Coast proximity despite the county's overall low-risk profile. All other hazards—flood (25.29), wildfire (46.02), tornado (38.96), and earthquake (4.93)—remain relatively minor.

Smart Coverage for Live Oak Homes

Live Oak County residents should ensure their homeowners insurance includes strong wind and hurricane coverage, the county's primary exposure area. Flood insurance is optional but affordable given the low flood risk, allowing you to focus resources on hurricane preparedness.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Live Oak County

via WeatherByCounty

Subtropical Heat in Southern Texas

Live Oak County is notably warm, with an annual average temperature of 70.5°F that far exceeds the U.S. national median. The local climate is characterized by long, humid summers and very mild winters typical of the South Texas brush country.

Ranking Among the State's Warmest

With an average of 70.5°F, this county is 5 degrees warmer than the Texas state average of 65.5°F. It represents the hotter tier of Texas counties, where freezing temperatures are rare occurrences.

Warmer Than Its Northern Neighbors

Live Oak's 70.5°F average is higher than McMullen County to the west but aligns closely with Bee County. Its 27.5 inches of annual rain is slightly below the state average of 31.9 inches, leading to a drier, more arid landscape.

Continuous Heat and Minimal Frost

The county faces a staggering 138 days per year with temperatures hitting at least 90°F. Winter offers little reprieve from the sun, as the January average remains a mild 53.4°F with virtually no measurable snowfall at 0.3 inches.

Designed for Extreme Summer Durability

High-efficiency cooling systems are essential here to manage the 138 days of extreme heat each year. Landscaping should focus on drought-tolerant species that can thrive in the 84.2°F summer averages and limited 27.5-inch rainfall.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Live Oak County

via SoilByCounty

Alkaline soils of South Texas

Live Oak County features an alkaline soil profile with an average pH of 7.60, higher than the national median of 6.5. While specific taxonomic orders are not mapped here, the high pH is characteristic of the region’s calcareous parent materials.

High clay for better retention

The soil is notable for its 30.7% clay content, which is significantly higher than many neighboring counties. Combined with 42.9% sand, this composition creates a dense soil that holds onto water and minerals tightly.

Rich in organic matter

With 2.06% organic matter, these soils are much richer than the Texas average of 1.66%. The available water capacity of 0.142 in/in also exceeds state norms, making this some of the more fertile ground in the region.

Careful with runoff

The soil belongs to hydrologic group D, meaning it has a very slow infiltration rate when wet. This can lead to rapid runoff during South Texas rainstorms, so gardeners should use mulch to prevent erosion.

Warm season crops in 9b

Hardiness zone 9b offers a nearly year-round growing season for peppers, tomatoes, and citrus. With organic matter levels this high, your soil is ready to support a highly productive backyard orchard!

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Live Oak County

via LawnByCounty

Navigating Extreme Turf Stress in Live Oak

With a lawn difficulty score of just 17.6, Live Oak County is one of the most challenging places in the nation to maintain a traditional lawn. The 9b hardiness zone brings intense heat and prolonged growing seasons that push grass to its limits. This score is far below both the national median of 50.0 and the Texas average of 31.7.

Intense Heat and High Thermal Demand

The county endures a staggering 138 extreme heat days per year, well above the state average of 105. Combined with a massive 7,702 growing degree days and a low 27.5 inches of rain, the environment creates constant evaporation stress. Lawn care here requires nearly constant attention to hydration and heat-protection strategies.

Alkaline Soils with High Clay Content

Soil pH in the county averages 7.60, indicating alkaline conditions that can make iron and other nutrients less available to grass. The soil contains 30.7% clay, which helps retain what little moisture falls but can lead to heavy, compacted ground. While specific drainage data is unavailable, the high clay content suggests a need for regular aeration to keep roots healthy.

A Year of Constant Drought Pressure

Live Oak County has spent 53 weeks in drought over the past year, and 99.9% of the area is currently in severe drought. These extreme conditions make water conservation the top priority for every homeowner. Implementing xeriscaping or choosing the most drought-hardy turf varieties is the only way to maintain green space under these restrictions.

Heat-Ready Grass for a Long Season

Buffalograss or heat-hardy Bermuda strains are the best bets for surviving the 138 days of triple-digit temperatures. You can begin planting as early as February 8, and the growing season lasts nearly all year until the first frost on December 6. Given the climate, consider establishing your lawn in early spring to give it a head start before the summer heat arrives.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Live Oak County's county score?
Live Oak County, Texas has a composite county score of 57.8 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 Live Oak County rank among counties in Texas?
Live Oak County ranks #17 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 Live Oak County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Live Oak County is $1,255, with an effective tax rate of 0.88%. This earns Live Oak County a tax score of 46.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Live Oak County?
The median household income in Live Oak County, Texas is $53,869 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Live Oak County earns an income score of 22.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Live Oak County, Texas a good place to live?
Live Oak County scores 57.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #17 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Live Oak 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 Live Oak 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.