CountyScore

Mason County

Texas · TX

#15 in Texas
71.1
County Score

County Report Card

About Mason County, Texas

Mason County ranks among nation's best

Mason County's composite score of 75.1 significantly surpasses the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top 20% of American counties. This 50% advantage reflects exceptional overall livability.

Texas's highest-ranked county here

Mason County scores 75.1 compared to the Texas state average of 66.8, making it the strongest performer among these eight counties. Its consistent strength across tracked dimensions elevates it above most state peers.

Excellent tax rates and housing balance

Mason County delivers a tax score of 79.3 with an effective rate of 0.815% alongside a cost score of 83.6 and $751 monthly rent. The combination creates exceptional affordability while supporting a median household income of $68,750.

Home values run significantly higher

Median home values reach $274,600 in Mason County, substantially higher than peer counties despite excellent affordability metrics. Critical dimensions including safety, health, schools, and environmental quality lack available data for complete evaluation.

Ideal for affluent buyers seeking value

Mason County appeals to established families and retirees with substantial assets seeking low-tax living and reasonable rental options. The county's appeal grows for those comfortable with higher property values but wanting tax-efficient, livable rural Texas communities.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax79.3Cost83.6SafetyComing SoonHealth54.6SchoolsComing SoonIncome28.3Risk89.1WaterComing Soon
🏛79.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠83.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼28.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤54.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡89.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Mason County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Autauga County
Alabama
71.1
Median income: $69,841
Lawrence County
Alabama
71.1
Median income: $60,040
Limestone County
Alabama
71.1
Median income: $83,534
Lowndes County
Alabama
71.1
Median income: $35,160
North Slope Borough
Alaska
71.1
Median income: $86,313

Deep Dives

Mason County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Mason County

via TaxByCounty

Mason's rate sits well below U.S. median

Mason County's effective tax rate of 0.815% puts it in the bottom 20% nationally, with median taxes of $2,239 trailing the national median of $2,690. Despite slightly higher home values, Mason homeowners still benefit from a below-average tax burden.

Mason ranks 36% below Texas average

At 0.815%, Mason's effective rate falls significantly below the Texas state average of 1.276%, making it one of the state's most tax-friendly counties. The median tax of $2,239 closely approaches the state median of $2,193 due to Mason's higher median home values of $274,600.

Mason balances rates and home values

Mason's 0.815% rate places it among the region's lowest, behind Marion (0.787%) but ahead of Martin (0.884%). With the region's highest median home value at $274,600, Mason residents pay competitive taxes despite their more valuable properties.

Median Mason homeowner pays $2,239 yearly

On Mason's median home value of $274,600, residents pay about $2,239 in annual property taxes—approximately $187 per month. Including mortgage and other taxes, the total annual obligation rises to $3,757.

Mason homeowners can challenge high assessments

Even in lower-tax counties, overassessment is common and worth investigating. Mason County residents have the right to protest their property values during the appraisal review period, potentially reducing their already-reasonable tax bills.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Mason County

via CostByCounty

Mason offers exceptional rental affordability

Mason County renters spend just 13.1% of their income on housing—the lowest ratio among all profiled counties and well below both the Texas average (18.1%) and national norms. With a median household income of $68,750 and median rent of $751, Mason delivers genuine affordability for working families.

Among Texas's most affordable markets

Mason County's 13.1% rent-to-income ratio places it in the top tier of Texas affordability, beating roughly 85% of counties statewide. The combination of modest rents and solid incomes makes Mason a standout for renters seeking housing security.

Lowest rents in the regional cluster

Mason's $751 median rent is the cheapest among its peers—22% below Madison County and 28% below Martin County—while maintaining a respectable median income. However, homeownership carries a premium here: the median home value of $274,600 is the highest in the region, driven by the county's Hill Country appeal.

Renters thrive; buyers face sticker shock

A typical Mason renter earning $68,750 annually spends about $901 on housing, consuming just 16% of gross income and leaving ample room for savings. Prospective homeowners should note that the $274,600 median value translates to roughly $748 monthly costs—a relatively high ownership burden compared to the rental advantage.

Ideal for renters seeking affordability

Mason County is an exceptional choice for renters prioritizing housing affordability; the 13.1% rent-to-income ratio beats nearly every other Texas county. If you're considering buying, however, compare Mason's premium home values against neighboring markets like Madison before deciding.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Mason County

via IncomeByCounty

Mason County approaches national income parity

At $68,750, Mason County's median household income sits 8% below the national median of $74,755, positioning it firmly in the American middle class. The county exceeds the national median in per capita income at $36,189, indicating relatively equitable wealth distribution.

Exceeds Texas average by 6%

Mason County earns $68,750 versus the state average of $64,737, placing it in the upper-middle tier of Texas counties. The per capita income of $36,189 surpasses state average by 9%, suggesting strong individual earning potential across occupations.

Second-highest income in region

Mason County ($68,750) ranks second only to Martin County ($77,083) among the eight comparison counties, well ahead of Madison ($67,128) and Lynn ($57,411). This prosperity appears tied to both diversified local economy and reasonable cost of living.

Best housing affordability in group

At 13.1%, Mason County's rent-to-income ratio ranks lowest among all counties—well below healthy thresholds—meaning housing costs are exceptionally affordable. However, the median home value of $274,600 represents the highest in the group, suggesting wealth concentration in real estate rather than broad affordability.

Leverage strong income and low costs

Mason County's combination of solid income and minimal housing burden creates prime conditions for aggressive wealth building. Residents should direct 20%+ of earnings toward retirement accounts, investment property, and diversified portfolios to compound long-term prosperity.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Mason County

via HealthByCounty

Mason County outperforms national averages

Mason County residents live to 75.3 years—1.3 years above the U.S. average of 74.0 years. With just 19.3% reporting poor or fair health, the county beats the national benchmark of 17%, indicating a healthier population and stronger disease management overall.

Above Texas average on longevity

Mason County's 75.3-year life expectancy exceeds Texas's 74.3-year state average by a full year. However, its 24.0% uninsured rate exceeds the state average of 19.8%, suggesting that while health outcomes are strong, affordability barriers still affect significant portions of the population.

Exceptional mental health infrastructure

Mason County leads its region with 76 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—the highest in this county group and reflecting strong behavioral health support. Primary care provider data is unavailable, but the mental health capacity suggests robust healthcare infrastructure overall.

Strongest health outcomes in the group

Mason County residents enjoy the longest life expectancy and lowest poor/fair health rate among these eight counties, likely reflecting access to mental health services and community health initiatives. The 76% insured rate provides a solid foundation for preventive and chronic disease management.

Maintain momentum with full coverage

Mason County's health success reflects strong community support and provider networks; ensuring that remaining uninsured residents (24%) gain coverage will further improve population health. Check healthcare.gov to close coverage gaps and sustain these county-leading outcomes.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Mason County

via RiskByCounty

Mason County is among America's safest places

Mason County's composite risk score of 10.97 places it in the lowest tier of U.S. counties for natural disaster exposure, earning a "Very Low" rating. The county sits far below the national average across nearly all hazard categories. This exceptional safety profile makes Mason County one of the most secure locations in the nation for property and life safety.

Second-safest county in all of Texas

Mason County ranks among the lowest-risk counties in Texas with a score of 10.97, far below the state average of 49.00. The county is one of only a handful of Texas counties with such minimal composite disaster risk. This position reflects Mason County's favorable geography relative to hurricanes, tornadoes, and other major Texas hazards.

Safest of the West Texas comparison group

Mason County (10.97) ranks alongside McCulloch County (10.05) as the two safest counties in the broader West Texas region. The county's Hill Country location avoids both coastal hurricane paths and the wildfire-prone terrain of higher elevations. Martin County (19.97) and Lynn County (23.00) follow as the next-safest regional options.

Wildfire dominates; other hazards are minimal

Wildfire risk (70.13) is Mason County's only notable natural hazard, driven by Hill Country brush and grasslands. All other hazards measure well below state and national averages: tornado (20.58), hurricane (41.51), flood (25.45), and earthquake (2.61). This concentrated and modest risk profile greatly simplifies disaster preparedness.

Wildfire prep is your main priority

Homeowners should maintain defensible space around structures with cleared brush and fire-resistant landscaping, addressing Mason County's 70.13 wildfire risk. Standard homeowners insurance is more than adequate for the county's minimal tornado, hurricane, and flood threats. Flood and earthquake insurance are unnecessary for nearly all Mason County properties.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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