Maverick County

Texas · TX

#214 in Texas
56.8
County Score

County Report Card

About Maverick County, Texas

Maverick County exceeds national median

Maverick County's composite score of 67.4 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 35%, placing it in the top half of U.S. counties. This solid performance indicates above-average livability for an American county.

Competitive with Texas average

Maverick County scores 67.4 against the Texas state average of 66.8, placing it slightly above the state median. This positions it in the middle-to-upper tier among Texas counties.

Outstanding housing affordability

Maverick County excels with a cost score of 83.2, the second-highest among these eight counties, featuring $789 monthly rent and homes at $151,500. This exceptional affordability extends to renters and homeowners alike.

Lower incomes and higher tax rates

The county's income score of 16.9 reflects a median household income of $51,270, the second-lowest in this group, combined with a 1.394% effective tax rate—the highest here. Safety, health, schools, and environmental data remain unavailable.

Best for very cost-conscious families

Maverick County suits low-income families and individuals seeking extreme housing affordability in South Texas. The outstanding rent and home prices appeal most to those with limited budgets who can navigate the lower income levels and higher tax burden.

Score breakdown

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

Tax63.1Cost83.2SafetyComing SoonHealth35.6SchoolsComing SoonIncome16.9Risk35.9WaterComing Soon
🏛63.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠83.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼16.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
35.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
35.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Deep Dives

Maverick County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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.

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.

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.

ByCounty Network

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