countyscore
64.5
County Score
Safety 93.3Disaster Risk 89.1Schools 78

County Report Card

About Mason County, Texas

Mason County Is a National Standout

Mason County boasts an impressive composite score of 64.5, far exceeding the national median of 50.0. This places it among the top-tier counties for overall quality of life across the United States.

A Leader in Texas Livability

Mason County easily clears the Texas state average of 41.9 with its 64.5 score. It is one of the premier living destinations in the state, offering a superior balance of safety and education.

Top-Tier Safety and Resilience

The county features an elite safety score of 93.3 and a risk score of 89.1. Excellent local schools further enhance the appeal, earning a high score of 78.0.

Room for Water and Health Growth

Despite its overall excellence, the county’s water score of 2.1 is a notable weak point. Health services also lag behind other categories with a score of 32.7.

The Gold Standard for Families

Mason County is the ideal choice for families and retirees who prioritize peace of mind and high-quality education. It offers a secure, high-performing environment that is rare to find.

Score breakdown

Tax51.9Cost68.7Safety93.3Health32.7Schools78Income63.7Risk89.1Water2.1Weather30.6
🏛51.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠68.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼63.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡93.3
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤32.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓78
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡89.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧2.1
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤30.6
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨30.9
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱37.1
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

Kimble County
Texas
57.6
Gillespie County
Texas
45.5
Menard County
Texas
53.1
McCulloch County
Texas
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Llano County
Texas
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San Saba County
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Kerr County
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Concho County
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Deep Dives

Mason County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

Safety in Mason County

via CrimeByCounty

Mason County Ranks Among the Nation's Safest

With a safety score of 99.9, Mason County is virtually unparalleled in its level of security. The total crime rate is a mere 75.8 per 100,000, dwarfing the national average of 2,385.5.

Setting the Standard for Texas Public Safety

Mason County far exceeds the Texas average safety score of 96.8. However, because data comes from a single reporting agency, these near-perfect numbers should be interpreted with some caution.

A Calm Exception in the Hill Country

The county's crime rate is roughly 96% lower than the Texas state average of 2,052.5. This makes Mason County one of the quietest and least crime-affected jurisdictions in the entire state.

Almost No Violent Crime Reported

Violent crime is recorded at 0.0 per 100,000, an extraordinary figure for any American county. The only reported incidents involve property crime, which also remains exceptionally low at 75.8.

Stay Mindful Despite High Safety

While Mason County is incredibly safe, basic security habits remain important for preventing opportunistic theft. Simple measures like locking vehicles and sheds can help maintain this nearly crime-free environment.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

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

Schools in Mason County

via SchoolsByCounty

Simplified Excellence in Mason County

Mason County maintains a focused educational landscape with three schools all belonging to a single district. This setup serves 709 students through one elementary, one middle, and one high school campus.

Stellar Graduation and School Scores

The county excels with a 97.0% graduation rate, far surpassing the national average of 87.0%. Despite spending $7,809 per pupil—less than the national $13,000 average—the county maintains a strong 59.0 school score.

Unified Education Under Mason ISD

Mason ISD provides all public education for the county, managing the 709-student population without any charter school competition. This unified district approach ensures a consistent curriculum across all grade levels.

A Traditional Rural Campus Feeling

Every school in the county is situated in a rural locale, reflecting the area's open and traditional character. Campus sizes are small and intimate, ranging from 291 students at Mason Elementary down to 204 students at Mason Junior High.

Small-Town Charm with Elite Outcomes

If you are looking for a small-town feel with elite graduation rates, Mason County is a premier choice. Start your home search here to join a community that clearly values educational outcomes.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Weather & Climate in Mason County

via WeatherByCounty

Warmer than the national average

Mason County averages 66.0°F annually, placing it significantly higher than the national median temperature. This semi-arid climate defines the Hill Country experience with plenty of sunshine and dry heat.

Tracking with the Texas average

The county's 66.0°F average sits just above the Texas state average of 65.5°F. It represents the standard warm profile found in the central part of the state.

A wetter alternative to western neighbors

With 28.9 inches of annual precipitation, Mason is wetter than neighbor Menard County, which sees only 24.4 inches. However, Mason endures 113 extreme heat days, more than McCulloch's 107.

Mild winters and long, hot summers

Summer temperatures average 82.2°F, contributing to 113 days per year that exceed 90°F. Winters are mild with an average of 49.3°F, and though snowfall data is limited, significant accumulation is rare.

Prepare for the Hill Country heat

High-efficiency HVAC systems are a necessity for the nearly four months of temperatures over 90°F. Residents should also invest in drought-resistant landscaping to accommodate the moderate 28.9 inches of annual rain.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Mason County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Pockets in the Hill Country

Mason County features an average pH of 6.17, making it more acidic than both the national median (6.5) and the Texas average (7.09). This acidity is somewhat unique for the region and reflects the granite-rich geology of the Llano Uplift. While many Texas soils are alkaline, these soils are naturally suited for acid-loving plants.

A Gritty, Sandy Matrix

The composition is dominated by 48.7% sand, followed by 21.5% silt and 18.2% clay. This high sand fraction allows for rapid drainage but reduces the soil's ability to store nutrients. The balance suggests a soil that is easy to till but requires frequent monitoring of soil health.

Lower Water Capacity and Organic Matter

The county's organic matter stands at 1.49%, slightly below the state average of 1.66%. Available water capacity is also low at 0.100 in/in, significantly trailing the state average of 0.133. This means the soil dries out quickly and may require more intensive irrigation strategies.

Fast Runoff and Group D Soils

Mason County is dominated by hydrologic group D, which indicates very slow infiltration and high runoff potential when the ground is saturated. This often occurs when shallow soils sit over impermeable granite or limestone layers. Gardeners should focus on raised beds to manage moisture effectively.

Perfect for Pecans in Zone 8b

The 8b hardiness zone and acidic soil make Mason County famous for its high-quality pecans and diverse wildflowers. Native grasses and fruit trees thrive here when given enough supplemental water during summer dry spells. Plant some bluebells or fruit trees today to enjoy the unique local chemistry.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Mason County

via LawnByCounty

Above Average Texas Turf Potential

Mason County scores a 37.1 on the lawn difficulty scale, outperforming the Texas average of 31.7. While still below the national median of 50.0, this Zone 8b county offers better prospects than many neighboring areas. Homeowners can expect a moderate level of maintenance to keep lawns thriving.

High Heat and Moderate Rain

The area experiences 113 days above 90°F, surpassing the state average of 105 heat days. Annual precipitation of 28.9 inches is slightly below the state average and the 30-50 inch ideal range. Lawns will rely on regular watering to compensate for the high evapotranspiration during the long growing season.

Ideal Soil pH for Success

At 6.17, the soil pH falls perfectly within the 6.0-7.0 range preferred by most turfgrass species. The soil composition is 48.7% sand and 18.2% clay, offering a manageable texture for root penetration. This balanced chemistry provides a strong head start, reducing the need for aggressive chemical corrections.

Favorable Drought Recovery

The county spent 22 weeks in drought over the last year, but currently has 0% of its area in severe (D2+) drought levels. While 100% of the county remains abnormally dry, the absence of severe conditions is a positive sign for recovery. Maintaining a tall mowing height will help shade the soil and retain what moisture is available.

Targeting the Late Spring Start

With a last frost date of March 18 and a first frost of November 13, the growing window is wide and productive. Bermudagrass and Zoysia are excellent choices for the local Zone 8b climate and acidic soil. Start your seeding projects in late spring once soil temperatures consistently stay above 65°F.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Mason County's county score?
Mason County, Texas has a composite county score of 64.5 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 Mason County rank among counties in Texas?
Mason County ranks #5 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 Mason County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Mason County is $2,239, with an effective tax rate of 0.82%. This earns Mason County a tax score of 51.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Mason County?
The median household income in Mason County, Texas is $68,750 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Mason County earns an income score of 63.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Mason County, Texas a good place to live?
Mason County scores 64.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #5 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Mason 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 Mason 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.