Live Oak County's composite score of 72.7 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 45%, demonstrating above-average livability performance. This substantial margin places the county ahead of the majority of U.S. counties in measured livability.
2 / 5
Above-average standing in Texas
Live Oak County scores 72.7, meaningfully above the Texas state average of 66.8, earning recognition as a better-performing Texas county. The county ranks in the upper quartile of livability among Texas's 254 counties.
3 / 5
Low taxes and remarkable housing affordability
Live Oak County excels with a tax score of 77.5 backed by the lowest effective tax rate (0.882%) in this group, and a cost score of 82.6 with median home values of just $142,300 and rent at $949 per month. This combination maximizes household financial flexibility.
4 / 5
Weak income profile limits wealth-building potential
The income score of 18.6 reflects a median household income of $53,869, the lowest in this analysis and substantially below county peers and state norms. Limited data on safety, health, schools, and environment prevents a fuller livability assessment.
5 / 5
Ideal for cost-conscious retirees and fixed incomes
Live Oak County is perfectly suited for retirees, Social Security beneficiaries, and anyone prioritizing minimal expenses over high earnings. The combination of lowest taxes and exceptional housing affordability maximizes purchasing power for those on modest incomes.
Live Oak County's composite score of 72.7 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 45%, demonstrating above-average livability performance. This substantial margin places the county ahead of the majority of U.S. counties in measured livability.
Above-average standing in Texas
Live Oak County scores 72.7, meaningfully above the Texas state average of 66.8, earning recognition as a better-performing Texas county. The county ranks in the upper quartile of livability among Texas's 254 counties.
Low taxes and remarkable housing affordability
Live Oak County excels with a tax score of 77.5 backed by the lowest effective tax rate (0.882%) in this group, and a cost score of 82.6 with median home values of just $142,300 and rent at $949 per month. This combination maximizes household financial flexibility.
Weak income profile limits wealth-building potential
The income score of 18.6 reflects a median household income of $53,869, the lowest in this analysis and substantially below county peers and state norms. Limited data on safety, health, schools, and environment prevents a fuller livability assessment.
Ideal for cost-conscious retirees and fixed incomes
Live Oak County is perfectly suited for retirees, Social Security beneficiaries, and anyone prioritizing minimal expenses over high earnings. The combination of lowest taxes and exceptional housing affordability maximizes purchasing power for those on modest incomes.
Score breakdown
5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.
🏛77.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.