CountyScore

Matagorda County

Texas · TX

#188 in Texas
58.7
County Score

County Report Card

About Matagorda County, Texas

Matagorda County above national baseline

Matagorda County's composite score of 67.7 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 35%, placing it solidly in the top half of American counties. This reflects above-average livability fundamentals relative to national standards.

Just slightly above Texas average

Matagorda County scores 67.7 versus the Texas average of 66.8, placing it marginally above the middle tier of state counties. While competitive, it ranks lower than several other performers in this group.

Strong affordability with low rents

Matagorda County achieves a cost score of 80.2 with homes valued at $162,200 and the lowest median rent of $998 among these eight counties. This affordability benefits renters and homeowners with modest budgets.

Income and tax burdens lag peers

The county's income score of 19.4 reflects a median household income of $55,174, among the lowest in this group, combined with a 1.255% effective tax rate above most peers. Safety, health, schools, and environmental quality data remain unavailable.

Suits budget-conscious renters primarily

Matagorda County works best for renters and those with lower incomes seeking affordable coastal living in South Texas. The moderate overall score and income constraints suggest it appeals most to those prioritizing rental affordability over property ownership.

Score breakdown

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

Tax67Cost80.2SafetyComing SoonHealth47.9SchoolsComing SoonIncome19.4Risk19.7WaterComing Soon
🏛67
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠80.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼19.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤47.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡19.7
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 Matagorda County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Kern County
California
58.7
Median income: $67,660
Sacramento County
California
58.7
Median income: $88,724
Adams County
Colorado
58.7
Median income: $91,387
Sarpy County
Nebraska
58.7
Median income: $101,402
Hamilton County
Ohio
58.7
Median income: $70,816

Deep Dives

Matagorda County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

Cost of Living in Matagorda County

via CostByCounty

Matagorda rents strain limited incomes

Matagorda County renters spend 21.7% of their income on housing—20% above the Texas state average and significantly above national comfort levels. The median household income of $55,174 combined with $998 median rent creates real affordability challenges for working families in this Gulf Coast county.

Among Texas's most strained renters

Matagorda County's 21.7% rent-to-income ratio ranks in the bottom tier statewide, making it one of Texas's most difficult markets for renters. Only a handful of Texas counties face comparable affordability pressure.

High rents on low-income foundation

Matagorda's $998 median rent is above the Texas average and highest among its regional peers, while the median income of $55,174 is among the lowest in the group. Homeownership offers relief: the median monthly cost of $666 and home value of $162,200 make buying substantially cheaper than renting.

Housing squeezes Matagorda budgets hard

A typical Matagorda renter earning $55,174 annually devotes roughly $1,198 to housing, consuming 26% of gross income—a burden that leaves little for savings or emergencies. Homeowners fare dramatically better, with $666 monthly costs representing just 14% of income, making ownership the clear affordability advantage.

Matagorda buyers have the advantage

If relocating to Matagorda, prioritize homeownership: renting consumes nearly 22% of income while buying costs just 14%, offering substantial monthly savings. Renters considering Matagorda should seriously evaluate comparable markets like Marion County before committing.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

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

Health in Matagorda County

via HealthByCounty

Matagorda County moderately below U.S. average

Matagorda County residents live to 73.6 years—0.4 years below the U.S. average of 74.0 years. With 27.7% reporting poor or fair health compared to the national 17% benchmark, the county reflects a significant burden of chronic disease and wellness challenges.

Slightly below state average on life span

Matagorda County's 73.6-year life expectancy falls 0.7 years short of Texas's 74.3-year average, while its 21.6% uninsured rate exceeds the state average of 19.8%. Both indicators suggest persistent healthcare access and affordability pressures across the population.

Moderate primary care, strong mental health

Matagorda County has 36 primary care providers and 55 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—mid-range for this county group and suggesting more robust infrastructure than the most rural neighbors. Mental health capacity, in particular, provides meaningful behavioral health support to residents.

Chronic disease burden requires engagement

The 27.7% poor/fair health rate is the second-highest in this county group, suggesting widespread chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and obesity. Provider availability is moderate but may not fully address the magnitude of disease burden; community health programs and preventive care are critical.

Insurance opens doors to preventive care

Matagorda County residents should enroll in Medicaid, CHIP, or marketplace plans at healthcare.gov to secure preventive services and chronic disease management. With nearly one in five uninsured, coverage expansion would strengthen access to the primary and mental health care infrastructure already in place.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Matagorda County

via RiskByCounty

Matagorda County faces above-average national risk

Matagorda County's composite risk score of 80.34 significantly exceeds the national average, earning a "Relatively Low" rating despite substantial exposure to multiple hazards. The county's Gulf Coast location creates exceptional vulnerability to hurricanes (95.62) and coastal flooding (68.00). This above-average risk profile demands serious insurance and preparedness planning from all residents.

Faces significantly higher risk than most Texas counties

Matagorda County's score of 80.34 substantially exceeds Texas' state average of 49.00, placing it among the higher-risk counties in the state. The county's coastal geography creates hazard exposure that few inland Texas counties experience. Only a handful of other Texas coastal counties rival Matagorda's risk profile.

Highest-risk among nearby Gulf Coast counties

Matagorda County (80.34) faces notably higher composite risk than nearby Maverick County (64.15), which also registers substantial risk. The county's direct Gulf exposure far exceeds inland East Texas options like Madison (34.89) and Marion (29.17). Among coastal counties, Matagorda represents one of Texas' most hazard-exposed locations.

Hurricane threat dominates all other hazards combined

Hurricane risk reaches 95.62 in Matagorda County—the highest possible exposure and a critical concern for all residents and property owners. Flooding (68.00) and wildfire (73.70) represent secondary but still substantial threats driven by coastal geography and warm-season conditions. Tornado risk (59.70) also deserves preparedness attention, though it trails hurricane concerns significantly.

Hurricane insurance and storm hardening are essential

Matagorda County residents must secure comprehensive homeowners insurance with explicit windstorm and flood coverage, as standard policies often exclude these critical protections in coastal areas. Storm-resistant roof installation, elevated mechanical systems, and impact-resistant windows should be prioritized renovations. Flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or private carriers is essential given the 68.00 flood risk score.

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.