47.2
County Score
Schools 69.8Income & Jobs 56.3Safety 54.9

County Report Card

About Llano County, Texas

Llano County Meets the National Mark

With a composite score of 47.2, Llano County sits slightly below the national median of 50.0. It offers a quality of life that is competitive with many established counties nationwide.

Stronger than the Texas Average

The county's score of 47.2 comfortably exceeds the Texas state average of 41.9. It provides a more robust livability profile than many of its Central Texas neighbors.

Strong Schools and Solid Incomes

A School Score of 69.8 and an Income Score of 56.3 are the county's primary drivers. The median household income of $65,636 supports a stable and relatively affluent local economy.

Housing Costs and Environmental Risks

Affordability is a challenge, with a Cost Score of 31.3 and median home values reaching $322,300. Additionally, the Risk Score of 29.6 suggests vulnerability to natural hazards in the region.

A Choice for Upscale Professionals

Llano County is best suited for established professionals or retirees who can afford a $322,300 home. It rewards those who value education and local income potential over housing bargains.

Score breakdown

Tax53Cost31.3Safety54.9Health39.9Schools69.8Income56.3Risk29.6Water24.7Weather26.8
🏛53
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠31.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼56.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡54.9
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty
39.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓69.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty
29.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧24.7
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty
🌤26.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty
🪨42.5
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty
🌱32.9
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

Llano County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Llano County

via TaxByCounty

Llano County offers lowest effective tax rate

At 0.803% effective rate, Llano County has the lowest tax burden among all counties in this analysis and ranks among the nation's least-taxing jurisdictions. The median annual tax of $2,587 actually exceeds the national median of $2,690, but only because Llano homes are significantly more valuable.

Lowest rate in Texas among these counties

Llano County's 0.803% effective rate is the lowest reviewed and trails Texas's state average of 1.276% by a wide margin. At $2,587 median annually, it sits above the state median of $2,193—a result of the county's higher median home value of $322,300.

Rock-bottom taxes in Hill Country

Llano County's 0.803% rate is the lowest among all regional peers, nearly 0.4 percentage points below Live Oak County (0.882%), the second-lowest in this group. Buyers seeking affordable property taxes should take notice of Llano's steep discount.

What Llano County homeowners pay yearly

On a median home valued at $322,300, Llano County residents pay approximately $2,587 in annual property taxes. Adding mortgage taxes brings the annual total to roughly $2,875.

Higher-value homes warrant careful assessment reviews

In counties with larger home values, even small assessment errors can mean substantial overpayment. Request a detailed breakdown of your home's valuation and compare it against recent comparable sales in your neighborhood before the appraisal deadline.

Cost of Living in Llano County

via CostByCounty

Llano matches national affordability norms

Llano County renters spend 18.2% of household income on housing, tracking nearly even with national averages and representing moderate affordability. At $995/month rent with a $65,636 median income, Llano offers balanced housing costs compared to most U.S. counties.

Slightly above Texas average pressure

Llano's 18.2% rent-to-income ratio sits just above Texas's 18.1% state average, placing it in the middle tier of state affordability. Rents run $32 above the state median, indicating moderate housing demand without the extreme pressures seen in larger metro areas.

Middle ground among regional counties

Llano's 18.2% ratio sits between affordability leaders Lipscomb (13.6%) and Limestone (17.2%), while beating pressured Live Oak (21.1%) and Liberty (19.2%). With median income above most county peers, Llano residents earn their way to moderate affordability.

Homeownership comes with premium pricing

Llano homeowners with median home value of $322,300 pay $970/month, nearly matching renters' $995/month despite dramatically higher home values. This county's elevated home prices suggest appreciation potential or lifestyle premium, but ownership requires serious financial commitment.

Llano suits balanced-budget seekers

If you want national-average affordability with slightly elevated home values suggesting strong appreciation potential, Llano delivers. Plan your move here with reliable income near or exceeding the county median—this is prime country for semi-retirement or lifestyle relocation.

Income & Jobs in Llano County

via IncomeByCounty

Llano approaches national income norm

Llano County's median household income of $65,636 runs 12% below the national median of $74,755, but sits closer to the national standard than most rural Texas counties. The $9,119 gap reflects moderate earning power in the Hill Country region.

Exceeds Texas state average

Llano's $65,636 median income surpasses Texas's state average of $64,737 by roughly $900, placing it in the upper-middle tier of Texas counties. Per capita income of $52,514 vastly exceeds the state average of $33,197, reflecting significant wealth concentration.

Strong earner with disparity

Llano households outpace Leon County ($59,975), Limestone County ($58,109), Live Oak County ($53,869), and Liberty County ($64,773), but lag Lipscomb County ($71,442). The county's notably high per capita income ($52,514) suggests wealth inequality—some residents are quite affluent while others earn less.

Premium housing pulls on incomes

Llano's rent-to-income ratio of 18.2% remains manageable, but median home values of $322,300—the highest in the group—indicate a desirable Hill Country location. The above-average homes require significant income commitment, leaving middle-income households stretched.

Leverage Hill Country appreciation

Llano's high home values and diverse income levels suggest opportunity for real estate-focused wealth building. Consider leveraging home equity through refinancing or investment properties, and maximize retirement contributions to complement property appreciation.

Safety in Llano County

via CrimeByCounty

Llano County's Strong Safety Profile

Llano County holds a high safety score of 98.4, far exceeding many national counterparts. The total crime rate of 1,026.0 per 100,000 is less than half of the national average of 2,385.5.

Exceeding Texas Safety Standards

With a safety score of 98.4, Llano County outperforms the Texas state average of 96.8. Its total crime rate of 1,026.0 is about half of the state average of 2,052.5.

A Secure Choice in the Hill Country

Llano County's 1,026.0 crime rate is significantly more favorable than the state average of 2,052.5. It stands out as a particularly safe pocket within the central Texas region.

The Property and Violent Crime Split

Property crime sits at 896.6 per 100,000, while violent crime is low at 129.4 per 100,000. This data shows that property theft is the primary concern for law enforcement in the area.

Protecting Your Hill Country Home

Since property crime is the most common issue, consider basic deterrents like perimeter lighting and secure gates. Keeping your home well-lit and monitored helps preserve Llano County's safe environment.

Health in Llano County

via HealthByCounty

Llano County leads on health outcomes

Llano County residents live to an average of 76.2 years, exceeding the U.S. average of 78.9 years. Only 18.4% report poor or fair health, matching the national benchmark and indicating excellent population health.

Best-performing county in broader region

Llano County's 76.2-year life expectancy outpaces the Texas average of 74.3 years by 1.9 years. Its 18.4% poor/fair health rate stands well below the state trend, making Llano among Texas's healthiest communities.

Regional health leader by wide margin

Llano's 76.2-year life expectancy leads neighboring Liberty (72.8 years) by 3.4 years and Leon (73.3 years) by 2.9 years. The 19.6% uninsured rate is the lowest among neighbors, reflecting stronger healthcare access across the community.

Strong providers, excellent insurance coverage

Llano County has 68 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and an impressive 61 mental health providers per 100,000—among the highest in the region. A 19.6% uninsured rate, just below the state average, underscores accessible healthcare infrastructure.

Protect your family's health gains

Llano County's exceptional health outcomes stem partly from strong healthcare access—keep that advantage going by maintaining continuous coverage. If uninsured, contact Llano County Health Services to explore local options today.

Schools in Llano County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Unified School District for the Hill Country

Llano County operates five public schools serving a total of 2,055 students. The landscape is primarily managed by a single school district, providing a streamlined educational path from elementary through high school.

Elite Graduation Rates for Local Students

The county achieves a remarkable 97.0% graduation rate, one of the highest in the region compared to the national 87.0% benchmark. This success comes with a school score of 57.6 and efficient spending of $7,162 per student.

Llano ISD and Local Charter Options

Llano ISD dominates the landscape, serving 1,937 students across four schools. The county also hosts Kingsland School, a charter institution under Orenda Charter School that represents 20% of the county's total campuses.

A Mix of Town Hubs and Rural Outposts

The county features three schools in town settings and two in rural areas, with an average enrollment of 411 students. Packsaddle Elementary is the largest campus with 596 students, while the Kingsland charter school offers a smaller alternative with 118 students.

Find Your Home in the Heart of Llano

Families can find high-quality education in both the town of Llano and the surrounding scenic rural areas. The near-perfect graduation rate makes this county a top choice for buyers looking for long-term academic success.

Disaster Risk in Llano County

via RiskByCounty

Llano County: Above-Average Risk

Llano County scores 70.39 on the composite risk scale, earning a Relatively Low rating but exceeding the Texas state average of 49.00 by 44%. This makes Llano a notably higher-risk county, driven by significant flood and wildfire exposure in Central Texas.

Llano's Upper-Tier Risk Standing

Llano County's composite risk score of 70.39 places it in the higher-risk tier of Texas counties, reflecting substantial exposure to floods, wildfires, and tornadoes. The county ranks considerably higher than the state average across multiple hazard types.

Llano Among Central Texas Peers

Llano County (70.39) carries higher risk than Leon County (58.30) and Limestone County (59.26) to the east, but lower than Liberty County (79.52) to the southeast. It shares elevated risk with Lubbock County (96.25) to the west, though the hazard types differ by region.

Llano's Dual Flood-Wildfire Threat

Flood risk (82.51) and wildfire risk (80.25) dominate Llano County's hazard landscape, reflecting both hill country topography and dry vegetation patterns. Tornado risk (67.59) adds a third concern, making Llano a multi-hazard zone where seasonal preparedness is essential.

Essential Insurance for Llano Homes

Llano County residents must secure flood insurance given the county's 82.51 flood risk score, particularly if near waterways or in drainage areas. Ensure your homeowners policy covers wildfire and tornado damage, and review coverage limits before each storm season.

Weather & Climate in Llano County

via WeatherByCounty

Heart of the Hill Country Heat

Llano County maintains an annual average temperature of 67.1°F, placing it well above the national average for warmth. The local climate features a mix of humid subtropical influences and semi-arid conditions.

Exceeding the Texas Average

The county's 67.1°F average temperature sits nearly 2 degrees higher than the Texas state average of 65.5°F. It experiences more intense summer heat than the state median, despite its central location.

A Local Hot Spot

Llano's July average of 84.5°F makes it slightly warmer during the summer than neighboring Gillespie County. Its annual precipitation of 29.1 inches is close to the state average of 31.9 inches, supporting the local granite-and-scrub ecosystem.

Scorching Summers and Brief Winters

The area endures 120 days of temperatures at or above 90°F, concentrated mostly during the 83.6°F summer season. Winters are mild and dry, with a January average of 47.9°F and only 0.2 inches of annual snowfall.

Prepare for High UV and Heat

Outdoor activities should be planned for early morning to avoid the 120 annual days of extreme heat. Residents should also invest in reflective roofing or shade structures to mitigate the intense 84.5°F July sun.

Soil Quality in Llano County

via SoilByCounty

Balanced Alfisols in the Hill Country

Llano County is defined by its Alfisols, which are known for being productive for both agriculture and forestry. The average pH of 6.62 is nearly ideal, resting right at the national median of 6.5.

Versatile loamy texture

A sandy loam profile of 46.3% sand and 23.7% silt makes the ground easy to work and aerate. The 18.0% clay content provides enough structure to retain essential nutrients without becoming too heavy.

High organic matter content

Organic matter is a strong point here at 2.01%, well above the state average of 1.66%. However, the available water capacity of 0.105 in/in is lower than the Texas average, suggesting that supplemental irrigation may be needed during dry spells.

Manage for poor drainage

The soil is classified as somewhat poorly drained and falls into hydrologic group C. These conditions require careful plant selection to avoid 'wet feet' and may require raised beds for optimal gardening success.

Peaches and pecans in 8b

Hardiness zone 8b is famous for Texas peaches and pecans, both of which love this loamy soil. Dig in and start a garden that benefits from your county's superior organic fertility!

Lawn Care in Llano County

via LawnByCounty

Moderate Challenges in the Hill Country

Llano County's lawn difficulty score of 32.9 closely aligns with the Texas state average of 31.7. While it is more difficult than the national average of 50.0, it represents a standard experience for central Texas gardeners in Zone 8b. Success here depends on balancing water needs with the local heat and soil characteristics.

High Heat Days with Lean Rainfall

The county sees 120 extreme heat days annually, significantly higher than the Texas average of 105. Annual precipitation is 29.1 inches, just shy of the ideal 30-inch minimum for low-maintenance lawns. With 6,680 growing degree days, the grass stays active for a long period, requiring diligent mowing and supplemental irrigation.

Ideal pH but Slower Soil Drainage

The soil pH is a very favorable 6.62, which is ideal for the nutrient uptake of most common turfgrasses. However, the loamy soil is classified as somewhat poorly drained, despite having a 46.3% sand content. This means homeowners must be careful not to overwater, as saturated soil can lead to fungal issues and root rot.

Managing Sustained Drought in Central Texas

The county has faced 37 weeks of drought over the past year, and while only 10.5% is currently in severe drought, the entire area is abnormally dry. Consistent drought cycles mean that deep-rooting practices are essential for lawn survival. Focus on watering in the early morning to minimize evaporation loss during the 120 days of intense heat.

Plan for Success in Zone 8b

Bermuda and Zoysia thrive in Llano's ideal pH and can handle the Hill Country's intense summer sun. The growing window opens after the last frost on March 20 and lasts until the first frost on November 10. Start your spring fertilization once you see the first signs of green-up to capitalize on the long growing season.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Llano County's county score?
Llano County, Texas has a composite county score of 47.2 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 Llano County rank among counties in Texas?
Llano County ranks #88 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 Llano County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Llano County is $2,587, with an effective tax rate of 0.80%. This earns Llano County a tax score of 53/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Llano County?
The median household income in Llano County, Texas is $65,636 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Llano County earns an income score of 56.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Llano County, Texas a good place to live?
Llano County scores 47.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #88 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Llano 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 Llano County with other counties side by side.