countyscore
26.1
County Score
Schools 51.5Cost of Living 47.1Soil Quality 47

County Report Card

About Matagorda County, Texas

Matagorda County Faces Livability Challenges

Matagorda County earns a composite score of 27.7, trailing significantly behind the national median of 50.0. The score reflects high environmental and safety risks that impact daily life.

Struggling to Match Texas Benchmarks

The county’s 27.7 score is well below the Texas state average of 41.9. It ranks among the more challenged counties in the state, particularly regarding public safety and disaster readiness.

Stable Schools and Affordable Housing

Education is a relative strength with a school score of 51.5. Housing remains accessible for many, with a cost score of 51.6 and a median home value of $162,200.

High Risk and Safety Concerns

A low safety score of 6.0 and a risk score of 19.7 are the county's most pressing issues. These numbers suggest a high vulnerability to crime and natural environmental hazards.

Suited for Industry-Focused Residents

Matagorda County is best for those with established ties to local industry who value affordable homeownership. Residents should be comfortable managing the risks associated with its coastal location.

2040608010016.847.1613.551.529.619.75.127.6Tax16.8Cost47.1Safety6Health13.5Schools51.5Income29.6Risk19.7Water5.1Weather27.626.1/100
This county
National avg
7 below average

Matagorda County DNA

Foverall

How Matagorda County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Matagorda County falls below the national average in most categories. The biggest gap is in Water Quality (5.1/100), though Cost of Living (47.1/100) remains a relative bright spot.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
16.8-35.2
Cost
47.1
Safety
6-49
Health
13.5-36.5
Schools
51.5
Income
29.6-21.4
Risk
19.7-27.3
Water
5.1-52.9
Weather
27.6-28.4
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Matagorda County?

Many homeowners in Matagorda County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

Check My Assessment

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$172,900

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$999/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$172,900/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$39,960/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.9x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $58,628/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

19.3

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Nearby counties

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44.3
Wharton County
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Brazoria County
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28.9
Calhoun County
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Fort Bend County
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Lavaca County
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Deep Dives

Matagorda County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Matagorda County

via TaxByCounty

Matagorda's taxes nearly match national median

At 1.255%, Matagorda's effective tax rate sits just slightly below the national median of 1.276%, making it a fairly typical American county for property tax burden. The median tax of $2,035 is roughly 76% of the national median of $2,690.

Matagorda aligns closely with Texas average

Matagorda's 1.255% effective rate nearly mirrors the Texas state average of 1.276%, placing it firmly in the middle of the state's tax landscape. At $2,035, the median property tax falls just below the state median of $2,193.

Matagorda sits in the regional middle tier

Matagorda's 1.255% rate exceeds the lightest taxed counties like Marion (0.787%), Mason (0.815%), and Martin (0.884%), but trails heavier-taxing areas like McLennan (1.527%) and McMullen (1.992%). It represents a middle-ground option in Southeast Texas.

Median Matagorda homeowner pays $2,035 yearly

On Matagorda's median home value of $162,200, residents pay approximately $2,035 in annual property taxes—about $170 per month. With mortgage and other obligations included, the total reaches $2,761 per year.

Matagorda homeowners should verify their valuations

Overassessment affects properties in every county, regardless of local tax rates, and Matagorda is no exception. If you believe your assessment is inflated, the appraisal protest process is your right—and can yield immediate savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in Matagorda County

via IncomeByCounty

Matagorda County lags national income median

At $55,174, Matagorda County's median household income trails the national median of $74,755 by 26%, reflecting economic challenges common to coastal agricultural regions. The county ranks below most U.S. counties in income performance.

Below Texas average by 15%

Matagorda County earns $55,174 versus the state average of $64,737, placing it in the lower third of Texas counties. The per capita income of $30,189 falls below state average, indicating limited individual earning capacity and concentrated employment challenges.

Lower-income among regional peers

Matagorda County ($55,174) ranks sixth among the eight counties, above only Marion ($47,447) and Maverick ($51,270). The county sits $3,000 below Lynn County ($57,411), highlighting economic stress across this coastal belt.

Housing costs exceed comfort zone

At 21.7%, Matagorda County's rent-to-income ratio exceeds healthy thresholds, meaning housing consumes more than one-fifth of median earnings. A median home value of $162,200 represents a significant stretch for households earning the county median, limiting disposable income.

Focus on financial stability first

Matagorda County residents should prioritize building 3-6 months emergency savings before investing, given tight housing costs. Once stabilized, even $25-50 monthly contributions to retirement accounts compound substantially over 20-30 years.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Matagorda County

via CrimeByCounty

Higher Crime Rates Along the Gulf Coast

Matagorda County has a safety score of 94.9, which falls below the national average. Its total crime rate of 3,244.0 per 100,000 is significantly higher than the U.S. mark of 2,385.5.

Trailing the Texas Average for Safety

With a safety score of 94.9, the county is less secure than the average Texas county, which scores 96.8. Ten different reporting agencies are active here, managing a crime rate that exceeds the state average by over 1,000 points.

Facing Greater Security Challenges Than Neighbors

Matagorda's crime rate of 3,244.0 is over 50% higher than the Texas state average of 2,052.5. This suggests that residents face more frequent public safety issues than those in neighboring inland counties.

Property Crime Dominates Local Incidents

Property crime is a major factor at 2,645.4 per 100,000, well above the national average. Violent crime is also elevated, sitting at 598.6 compared to the national rate of 369.8.

Take Active Steps to Protect Your Property

Given the higher rates of property crime, homeowners should prioritize burglar alarms and heavy-duty locks. Neighborhood watch programs can also be effective tools in reducing crime in these coastal communities.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Matagorda County

via WeatherByCounty

A humid subtropical coastal climate

Matagorda County averages a warm 69.9°F, far exceeding the national median temperature. Its coastal location provides a humid environment with high annual rainfall.

Warmer than the Texas norm

At 69.9°F, the county is 4.4 degrees warmer than the Texas state average of 65.5°F. It ranks as one of the consistently warmer coastal counties in the state.

The wettest in the region

The county receives a substantial 45.5 inches of rain annually, far outpacing neighbor Medina County's 29.8 inches. Despite the warmth, it only sees 72 days over 90°F, fewer than its inland neighbors due to Gulf breezes.

Stable temperatures and rare snow

Winters are very mild with a January average of 53.8°F and just 0.3 inches of annual snow. Summers are humid with an average of 82.7°F, but the heat is tempered by the nearby ocean.

Manage humidity and rainfall

Dehumidifiers are essential here to manage the humid air and 45.5 inches of annual rain. Residents should prioritize storm preparation and corrosion-resistant materials for outdoor structures near the coast.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Matagorda County

via SoilByCounty

Balanced Soils on the Gulf Coast

Matagorda County boasts a near-neutral average pH of 6.80, closely aligning with the national median of 6.5. This balanced pH makes the soil extremely versatile for a wide range of agricultural activities. It is significantly more balanced than the more alkaline soils found further inland.

Heavier Textures for Nutrient Storage

The soil is a heavy mix of 31.6% clay and 31.4% silt, with 37.0% sand rounding out the profile. This high clay and silt content provides excellent nutrient retention and creates a fertile base for intensive farming. However, these heavier soils can become difficult to work when they are overly wet.

Rich Organic Matter and High Potential

The organic matter content is an impressive 2.71%, far exceeding the Texas state average of 1.66%. The available water capacity is 0.131 in/in, which is nearly identical to the state average. This combination makes Matagorda one of the more naturally fertile counties in the state.

Managing Water in Group D Soils

Classified as hydrologic group D, these soils have a very slow infiltration rate and high runoff potential. This is common in low-lying coastal areas where heavy clays and a high water table dominate the landscape. Farmers often use drainage ditches and raised rows to prevent waterlogging.

Bountiful Gardens in Zone 9b

With a tropical-leaning hardiness zone of 9b, Matagorda County is ideal for citrus, rice, and year-round vegetable gardening. The high organic matter supports vigorous growth for almost anything you plant. Try your hand at growing lemons or lush tropical ornamentals in this coastal haven.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Matagorda County

via LawnByCounty

Coastal Advantage for Texas Lawns

Matagorda County features a lawn difficulty score of 41.0, making it one of the more favorable regions in the state. This Zone 9b location benefits from coastal moisture and avoids the extreme scores of inland Texas. While easier than the state average of 31.7, it remains slightly more challenging than the national median of 50.0.

Moderate Heat and Solid Rain

With 45.5 inches of annual rain, the county hits the target for ideal lawn moisture. Residents enjoy only 72 days of extreme heat, which is significantly lower than the Texas average of 105 days. An impressive 7,441 growing degree days ensure a very long active season for tropical and warm-season grasses.

Balanced pH and Heavy Clay

The soil pH is a near-perfect 6.80, sitting comfortably in the 6.0-7.0 ideal range. However, a high clay content of 31.6% can lead to compaction and slower drainage compared to sandy neighbors. Regular aeration is recommended to ensure oxygen reaches the roots in this dense soil profile.

Managing Coastal Drought Cycles

Despite good rain totals, 31 weeks of drought last year have left 65.1% of the county in severe conditions. Lawns here must be resilient to manage the 100% abnormally dry status currently affecting the region. Utilizing rain barrels can help capture heavy coastal downpours for use during these dry stretches.

A Long, Warm Growing Window

In Zone 9b, the frost-free period stretches from February 5 all the way to mid-December. St. Augustine and Seashore Paspalum are fantastic choices that handle the coastal humidity and salt air well. The extremely long growing season allows for multiple opportunities to overseed or repair turf.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Matagorda County's county score?
Matagorda County, Texas has a composite county score of 26.1 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 Matagorda County rank among counties in Texas?
Matagorda County ranks #234 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 Matagorda County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Matagorda County is $2,328, with an effective tax rate of 1.35%. This earns Matagorda County a tax score of 16.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Matagorda County?
The median household income in Matagorda County, Texas is $58,628 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Matagorda County earns an income score of 29.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Matagorda County, Texas a good place to live?
Matagorda County scores 26.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #234 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Matagorda 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 Matagorda County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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