32.5
County Score
Cost of Living 65.5Water Quality 61.7Schools 53.2

County Report Card

About Maverick County, Texas

Maverick County Needs Infrastructure Growth

Maverick County scores 32.5 on the composite index, sitting below the national median of 50.0. This reflects a need for greater investment in healthcare and economic diversification.

Ranking Below the Texas Average

The county’s 32.5 score falls short of the Texas state average of 41.9. It struggles to provide the same level of economic opportunity found in many other parts of the state.

Reliable Water and Low Rents

The county excels in water reliability with a score of 61.7, which is a significant asset in its region. A cost score of 65.5 and median rent of $789 make it one of the more affordable options.

Economic and Health Disparities

Low health and income scores of 8.4 and 17.3, respectively, point to significant quality-of-life hurdles. A safety score of 14.4 also indicates that security is a primary concern for the community.

A Choice for Budget-Minded Locals

Maverick County suits those who prioritize low housing costs and stable water access. It is best for individuals who have local job security and can navigate the area's economic challenges.

Score breakdown

Tax17.5Cost65.5Safety14.4Health8.4Schools53.2Income17.3Risk35.9Water61.7Weather16.8
🏛17.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠65.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼17.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡14.4
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty
8.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓53.2
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty
35.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧61.7
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty
🌤16.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty
🪨17
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty
🌱8.6
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

Maverick County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Maverick County

via TaxByCounty

Maverick's rate exceeds national and state norms

At 1.394%, Maverick County's effective tax rate ranks above the national median of 1.276%, putting it in the nation's higher-tax quartile. The median tax of $2,112 falls short of the national median of $2,690 only due to lower home values.

Maverick runs 9% above Texas average

Maverick's 1.394% effective rate exceeds the Texas state average of 1.276% by about 109 basis points, ranking it among the state's higher-tax counties. The median tax of $2,112 sits below the state median of $2,193, reflecting the county's lower median home value of $151,500.

Maverick carries the region's steepest burden

Maverick's 1.394% rate is the second-highest in this county group, trailing only McMullen's 1.992%, and significantly outpaces neighbors like Marion (0.787%), Mason (0.815%), and Martin (0.884%). Within South Texas, Maverick homeowners face considerably heavier tax obligations.

Median Maverick homeowner pays $2,112 yearly

On Maverick's median home value of $151,500, residents pay roughly $2,112 in annual property taxes—about $176 per month. When mortgage payments and other taxes are factored in, the total annual obligation climbs to $3,181.

Maverick residents should challenge overassessments

With higher-than-average tax rates, Maverick homeowners benefit especially from verifying their property valuations. Filing a formal appraisal protest could meaningfully reduce your tax burden and is free to pursue.

Cost of Living in Maverick County

via CostByCounty

Maverick's rents slightly above state norm

Maverick County renters spend 18.5% of their income on housing—marginally above the Texas state average of 18.1% despite earning $51,270, well below the national median. The $789 median rent is moderate, but the county's lower income base creates meaningful affordability pressure.

Moderate affordability challenge statewide

Maverick County's 18.5% rent-to-income ratio sits just above the Texas average, placing it in the middle range of county affordability. The county's proximity to the state average masks underlying income constraints that affect housing security for many residents.

Low rents offset by lower incomes

Maverick's $789 rent is competitive—cheaper than Marion County ($854) and significantly below Martin County ($1,175)—but the median income of $51,270 is the lowest in the regional cluster. Homeownership is similarly priced to Marion County, with a median cost of $728 and home value of $151,500, offering viable alternatives to renting.

Maverick's tight housing-income balance

A typical Maverick household earning $51,270 annually spends about $947 on housing, consuming 22% of gross income. Homeowners face comparable burdens, with $728 monthly costs consuming 17% of income, suggesting both renting and buying present affordability challenges for this lower-income county.

Modest costs; budget carefully either way

Maverick County offers relatively low housing costs, but the county's lower median income means housing will consume a meaningful share of your budget regardless of renting or buying. Compare Maverick's 18.5% ratio against Mason County (13.1%) or Madison County (14.9%) to assess your true affordability options.

Income & Jobs in Maverick County

via IncomeByCounty

Maverick County significantly below national median

At $51,270, Maverick County's median household income falls 31% short of the national median of $74,755, placing it among America's lowest-income counties. This reflects border region economic challenges and limited wage growth across industries.

Texas's lowest income counties

Maverick County earns just $51,270 against the state average of $64,737—a 21% gap placing it near the bottom of Texas counties. The per capita income of $21,952 is the lowest among all eight counties studied, indicating severe individual earning constraints.

Second-lowest income in region

Maverick County ($51,270) ranks second-lowest among the eight counties, above only Marion County ($47,447) by $3,800. The county trails even struggling Matagorda ($55,174), reflecting intense economic pressure in border and rural Texas.

Housing costs consume significant income

At 18.5%, Maverick County's rent-to-income ratio approaches the upper affordability limit, while the median home value of $151,500 represents a substantial burden for households earning the county median. This mismatch limits households' ability to save and invest.

Seek community financial resources

Maverick County residents should explore nonprofit credit counseling and state assistance programs designed for lower-income communities. Small savings goals—even $10-20 weekly—matter significantly; combined with employer matches on retirement accounts, modest contributions create meaningful long-term security.

Safety in Maverick County

via CrimeByCounty

Maverick County Closely Tracks National Trends

Maverick County holds a safety score of 96.2, indicating moderate security levels. Its total crime rate of 2,435.8 per 100,000 is nearly identical to the national average of 2,385.5.

Slightly Below the Texas Safety Average

The county's safety score of 96.2 is just under the Texas state average of 96.8. With two agencies reporting data, the total crime rate of 2,435.8 is roughly 18% higher than the statewide average.

Typical Crime Rates for the Region

Maverick County experiences a crime rate that is slightly higher than the state average of 2,052.5. This reflects common public safety challenges found in many active border and commerce corridors.

A Focus on Property Theft Issues

Violent crime in Maverick County is relatively low at 269.9 per 100,000, beating the national average. However, property crime is more prevalent at 2,165.9, which is slightly above the national norm.

Focus on Deterring Property Crime

Because non-violent property theft is the primary issue, residents should focus on securing valuables and using outdoor lighting. High-visibility security measures are often enough to discourage opportunistic property crimes.

Health in Maverick County

via HealthByCounty

Maverick County faces severe health crisis

Maverick County residents live to 72.7 years—1.3 years below the U.S. average of 74.0 years. With 35.9% reporting poor or fair health—nearly double the national 17% benchmark—the county faces the most acute health emergency among these eight counties, driven by poverty, chronic disease, and limited access.

Highest health burden in state comparison

Maverick County's 72.7-year life expectancy trails Texas's 74.3-year average, and its 26.3% uninsured rate is the highest in this group—far exceeding the state average of 19.8%. This combination of poor insurance coverage and the county's highest poor/fair health rate signals severe health disparities and systemic healthcare failures.

Limited provider capacity for high need

Maverick County has 24 primary care and 36 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—modest capacity for a county where over one-third report poor or fair health. The provider-to-need ratio is dangerously low, creating long waits and barriers to timely care.

Uninsured crisis compounds health emergency

Over one in four Maverick County residents lack insurance, and the provider shortage means that even insured residents face severe access barriers. The 35.9% poor/fair health rate reflects a population in crisis: limited preventive care, delayed diagnoses, and a cycle of deteriorating health outcomes.

Urgent action required for coverage

Maverick County residents must prioritize enrollment in Medicaid and marketplace plans immediately at healthcare.gov or by calling 1-800-318-2596. Every covered resident gains access to preventive and chronic disease services; county and state officials should simultaneously expand provider recruitment and telehealth access to address this health emergency.

Schools in Maverick County

via SchoolsByCounty

Large-Scale Education in Maverick

Maverick County’s education is centralized through 24 public schools, all operating under a single massive district. This system serves a large population of 13,935 students, primarily through its 19 elementary campuses.

Strong Success with Efficient Spending

Students here achieve a high 95.0% graduation rate, beating the state average by over three points. The county accomplishes this with a per-pupil expenditure of $6,217, which is lower than the $7,498 state average.

Eagle Pass ISD's Massive Reach

Eagle Pass ISD manages the entire county’s public enrollment of 13,935 students across 24 campuses. There are currently no charter schools in the county, making this district the sole pillar of local public education.

Lively Town-Based School Settings

The educational feel is primarily town-based, with 20 schools in town locales and 4 in rural settings. Eagle Pass High School is the largest campus by far with 2,369 students, while the average school size across the county is 581.

A Unified System for New Families

Maverick County offers a high-performing, unified school system that is a major draw for local homebuyers. Explore residential options in Eagle Pass to be near these large, successful secondary schools.

Disaster Risk in Maverick County

via RiskByCounty

Maverick County's risk notably exceeds national average

Maverick County's composite risk score of 64.15 places it above the national average, earning a "Relatively Low" rating but signaling meaningful exposure to multiple hazards. The county's South Texas location creates exposure patterns distinct from both coastal and interior regions. This above-average risk profile requires residents to maintain appropriate insurance coverage and preparedness planning.

Higher-risk county in Texas context

Maverick County's score of 64.15 exceeds Texas' state average of 49.00, placing it in the higher-risk tier of Texas counties. The county's position near the Rio Grande and in South Texas creates hazard exposure that inland and northern counties avoid. Maverick ranks among the higher-risk counties statewide despite its "Relatively Low" national rating.

Highest-risk in immediate South Texas region

Maverick County (64.15) faces substantially higher risk than most interior South Texas counties, comparable to Gulf Coast counties like Matagorda (80.34). The county's exposure profile reflects tornado risk (67.40) and flood risk (73.06) that exceed those of inland West Texas options. Its South Texas position creates vulnerability to Mexico's tropical weather systems and occasional hurricane impacts.

Flooding and tornadoes are primary concerns

Flood risk reaches 73.06 in Maverick County, driven by summer monsoon patterns and occasional tropical systems affecting the Rio Grande valley. Tornado risk (67.40) follows closely, reflecting South Texas' exposure to rotating storms and spring severe weather. Hurricane (65.83) and wildfire (48.47) risks represent tertiary but still meaningful threats.

Prioritize flood coverage and storm preparation

Maverick County homeowners must secure flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program or private carriers, given the exceptional 73.06 flood risk score. Comprehensive windstorm coverage is essential for tornado and occasional hurricane protection, particularly for roofs and exterior structures. Stormwater management around properties—cleared gutters, proper grading, and elevation—should be maintained to mitigate flood damage risk.

Weather & Climate in Maverick County

via WeatherByCounty

Exceptional heat on the border

Maverick County is one of the hottest areas in the country with an annual average of 70.2°F. This exceeds the national median by nearly 15 degrees, defining it as a true hot semi-arid climate.

Well above the Texas average

The county's 70.2°F average temperature is nearly five degrees higher than the Texas state average of 65.5°F. It consistently ranks among the top tier of hottest counties in the state.

Drier and hotter than neighbors

Maverick receives only 20.8 inches of rain, making it much drier than McLennan County's 37.4 inches. It also records a staggering 151 days over 90°F, surpassing McMullen's 149 days.

Intense summers and snowless winters

Summer averages hit 85.3°F, and the county records zero inches of annual snowfall. Extreme heat is the norm here, with 151 days per year reaching at least 90°F.

Extreme heat protection is vital

Energy budgets must account for heavy air conditioning usage during the 151 days of extreme heat. Professional roof insulation and window tinting are smart investments for this intense sun exposure.

Soil Quality in Maverick County

via SoilByCounty

Alkaline Aridisols of the Border

Maverick County’s landscape is dominated by Aridisols with a high average pH of 8.05. This is much more alkaline than the national median of 6.5 and reflects the dry, desert-like conditions of the Rio Grande plain. These soils often contain high levels of calcium carbonate.

Loamy Texture with Desert Drainage

The soil is a balanced loam consisting of 36.2% sand, 36.4% silt, and 27.4% clay. This nearly equal split provides a good mix of drainage and moisture retention for native scrub and irrigated crops. The loamy texture makes the soil relatively easy to manage compared to heavy coastal clays.

High Water Capacity Despite Low Organic Matter

Organic matter is low at 1.37%, below the state average of 1.66%, which is typical for arid environments. However, the available water capacity is surprisingly high at 0.150 in/in, beating the state average of 0.133. This means that when it does rain, the soil is very efficient at holding that moisture for plants.

Well-Drained Land with Runoff Risks

The county’s soils are classified as well-drained but fall into hydrologic group D due to their tendency for high runoff during heavy storms. This classification suggests that while the soil profile can move water, the surface often resists rapid infiltration. Proper irrigation management is key to preventing surface erosion.

Warm Weather Wonders in Zone 9a

Residing in hardiness zone 9a, Maverick County supports citrus, olives, and heat-loving vegetables. The high pH means you should select plants that tolerate alkaline conditions or use sulfur to lower the pH in small garden beds. Start a drought-tolerant landscape to make the most of this sun-soaked climate.

Lawn Care in Maverick County

via LawnByCounty

Extreme Difficulty on the Border

Maverick County presents one of the toughest lawn environments in the nation with a score of just 8.6. This is dramatically lower than the Texas average of 31.7 and the national median of 50.0. Growing a traditional green lawn here requires extraordinary effort and constant intervention.

Relentless Heat and Limited Water

The county endures 151 days of extreme heat per year, nearly 50% more than the Texas average of 105. Combined with low annual rainfall of 20.8 inches, the climate creates a high-evaporation environment that is brutal on turf. A staggering 7,604 growing degree days means lawns are under constant heat stress for most of the year.

Alkaline Loam and Slow Drainage

The soil pH is very high at 8.05, well outside the preferred 6.0-7.0 range for most grass. While the loam texture and well-drained classification are helpful, the 27.4% clay content can still lead to crusting in the intense sun. Heavy applications of organic matter and acidifying fertilizers are necessary to support plant health.

Constant Year-Round Drought

The county has spent all 53 of the past weeks in drought, with 100.0% of the area currently in severe conditions. This extreme level of water stress makes traditional lawn maintenance almost impossible without heavy irrigation. Sustainable landscaping with native, non-turf species is highly recommended to conserve precious local water.

Short Winter and Tough Choices

In Zone 9a, the growing season is nearly year-round, with the last frost on February 19 and the first not until December 1. Only the most heat-tolerant grasses, like hybrid Bermudagrass, have a chance at survival if planted early. Success depends entirely on choosing species that can withstand triple-digit temperatures for months at a time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Maverick County's county score?
Maverick County, Texas has a composite county score of 32.5 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 Maverick County rank among counties in Texas?
Maverick County ranks #199 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 Maverick County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Maverick County is $2,112, with an effective tax rate of 1.39%. This earns Maverick County a tax score of 17.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Maverick County?
The median household income in Maverick County, Texas is $51,270 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Maverick County earns an income score of 17.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Maverick County, Texas a good place to live?
Maverick County scores 32.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #199 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Maverick 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 Maverick County with other counties side by side.