countyscore
40.1
County Score
Disaster Risk 90Schools 74.2Cost of Living 60.1

County Report Card

About McCulloch County, Texas

McCulloch County Offers Rural Stability

McCulloch County earns a composite score of 40.1, placing it under the national median of 50.0. It provides a traditional rural lifestyle with specific strengths in disaster resilience.

Competitive with the Texas Average

At 40.1, the county sits just below the Texas state average of 41.9. It holds its own against many rural peers by offering high safety from natural disasters and solid schools.

Exceptional Resilience and Strong Schools

A risk score of 90.0 indicates that McCulloch is highly resistant to natural disasters. The county also supports its youth with a respectable school score of 74.2.

Critical Water and Health Gaps

The water score of 0.1 is among the lowest in the state, signaling an urgent need for infrastructure work. The county also faces a low health score of 10.5 and a tax score of 18.2.

Safe Haven for Small-Town Lovers

This county is a great match for families seeking a secure environment with reliable schools. It appeals most to those who value a low-risk setting and can overlook local infrastructure limitations.

Score breakdown

Tax18.2Cost60.1Safety35.7Health10.5Schools74.2Income18.4Risk90Water0.1Weather33.3
🏛18.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠60.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼18.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡35.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤10.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓74.2
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡90
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧0.1
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤33.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨31.1
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱29.9
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

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47.8
Coleman County
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53.1
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Deep Dives

McCulloch County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in McCulloch County

via TaxByCounty

McCulloch's rate exceeds national and state medians

At 1.375%, McCulloch's effective tax rate ranks above the national median of 1.276%, placing it in the nation's higher-tax tier. The median tax of $1,435 reflects lower-than-average home values, offsetting the county's elevated rate.

McCulloch ranks 8% above Texas average

McCulloch's 1.375% effective rate surpasses the Texas state average of 1.276%, situating it among the state's higher-taxed counties. The median property tax of $1,435 falls below the state median of $2,193 due to McCulloch's modest median home value of $104,400.

McCulloch ties for elevated regional rates

McCulloch's 1.375% rate matches Maverick's burden and trails only McMullen (1.992%), making it one of the region's steeper tax environments. It significantly outpaces the lighter-taxed counties of Marion, Mason, and Martin.

Median McCulloch homeowner pays $1,435 yearly

On McCulloch's median home value of $104,400, residents pay roughly $1,435 in annual property taxes—approximately $120 per month. Including mortgage and other tax obligations, the total reaches $1,703 per year.

McCulloch homeowners should review assessments annually

Higher tax rates make assessment accuracy even more important—a small overvaluation compounds quickly. McCulloch residents can appeal their property values to the appraisal district and should do so if they suspect inflated assessments.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in McCulloch County

via CostByCounty

McCulloch rents squeeze modest incomes

McCulloch County renters spend 19.4% of their income on housing—above the Texas state average of 18.1%—while earning $51,919, well below the national median. The $838 median rent is moderate, but the county's limited income base creates genuine affordability strain.

Below-average affordability statewide

McCulloch County's 19.4% rent-to-income ratio ranks in the lower-affordability half of Texas counties, signaling moderate but persistent housing cost challenges. The county's below-average incomes are the primary driver of this affordability pressure.

Mid-range rents on limited incomes

McCulloch's $838 median rent falls between Madison County ($832) and Marion County ($854), but the income base of $51,919 is among the lowest in the region. Homeownership carries lower relative costs, with a median monthly payment of $716 and an affordable median home value of $104,400—the cheapest homes among its peers.

Housing claims nearly one-fifth of income

A typical McCulloch household earning $51,919 annually devotes roughly $1,005 to housing, consuming 23% of gross income. Homeowners shoulder similar burdens, with $716 monthly costs representing 16% of income, making both renting and buying challenging for lower-wage workers.

McCulloch offers cheapest homes, tight budgets

If buying, McCulloch's $104,400 median home value is the region's most affordable, though your budget will still feel tight at 16% of income. Renters should compare McCulloch's 19.4% rent-to-income ratio against Madison County (14.9%) to understand the true cost difference.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in McCulloch County

via IncomeByCounty

McCulloch County below national income average

At $51,919, McCulloch County's median household income trails the national median of $74,755 by 30%, placing it among lower-income U.S. counties. This reflects rural Texas economic patterns of limited diversification and stagnant wage growth.

Significantly below Texas average

McCulloch County earns $51,919 versus the state average of $64,737, a 20% shortfall positioning it in the lower half of Texas counties. The per capita income of $30,468 trails state average, indicating constrained earning potential across occupations.

Lower-income tier of region

McCulloch County ($51,919) ranks seventh among eight counties, above only Maverick ($51,270) and Marion ($47,447). The county's $5,500 gap versus Lynn County ($57,411) underscores struggling rural Central Texas economy.

Housing costs manageable but tight

McCulloch County's 19.4% rent-to-income ratio sits near the upper affordability threshold, with housing costs consuming nearly one-fifth of median earnings. The median home value of $104,400 is relatively affordable, but leaves limited room in household budgets for other priorities.

Build wealth through modest discipline

McCulloch County residents should establish automatic transfers of even $30-50 monthly into dedicated savings accounts to build financial discipline. Exploring employer 401(k) matches and IRA options provides tax advantages that amplify modest contributions over time.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in McCulloch County

via CrimeByCounty

McCulloch County Offers Strong Public Safety

McCulloch County boasts a safety score of 97.6, making it safer than the majority of U.S. counties. Its total crime rate of 1,492.5 per 100,000 is significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

A Top Performer in Central Texas

The county's safety score of 97.6 beats the state average of 96.8. Two reporting agencies maintain a crime rate that is approximately 27% lower than the Texas state average of 2,052.5.

Safer Than the Average Texas Community

With 1,492.5 crimes per 100,000, McCulloch County provides a more secure environment than many of its regional peers. This data suggests a stable community with lower-than-average criminal activity.

Low Violent Crime Rates Defined

Violent crime is exceptionally low at 170.2 per 100,000, which is less than half the national average. Property crime makes up the bulk of incidents at 1,322.3, though this also remains well below national benchmarks.

Smart Security for a Peaceful County

While McCulloch County is very safe, residents can further reduce property crime by securing outbuildings and garages. Maintaining a visible presence and good lighting helps keep these low crime rates consistent year after year.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in McCulloch County

via HealthByCounty

McCulloch County below U.S. health benchmark

McCulloch County residents live to 71.1 years—2.9 years below the U.S. average of 74.0 years. With 24.1% reporting poor or fair health compared to the national 17% benchmark, the county reflects above-average chronic disease burden and limited wellness resources.

Significantly below Texas average lifespan

McCulloch County's 71.1-year life expectancy falls 3.2 years short of Texas's 74.3-year average, while its 22.3% uninsured rate exceeds the state average of 19.8%. Both metrics indicate entrenched healthcare access and affordability challenges in this rural community.

Modest primary care, sparse mental health

McCulloch County has 40 primary care providers and 27 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—moderate capacity for primary care but limited behavioral health support. The mental health provider gap is particularly concerning given the elevated poor/fair health rate.

Insurance gaps coincide with disease burden

With 77.7% of residents insured, coverage is relatively stable, yet the 24.1% poor/fair health rate and low life expectancy suggest that available providers are overwhelmed or that residents lack transportation and health literacy support. Mental health services are particularly undersupplied relative to community need.

Close gaps, strengthen mental health access

McCulloch County residents should enroll uninsured family members at healthcare.gov, then advocate for expanded mental health services through county health commissioners and state legislators. Even with moderate insurance coverage, expanding behavioral health capacity is urgent to address the poor health outcomes.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in McCulloch County

via SchoolsByCounty

Resourceful Schooling in McCulloch

McCulloch County provides five public schools across three districts, serving a total enrollment of 1,298 students. The system includes a mix of traditional grade-level schools and two specialized multi-grade facilities.

Above-Average Results and Funding

The county shows strong results with a 94.2% graduation rate and a school score of 58.1, both exceeding state averages. Per-pupil spending of $8,106 is significantly higher than the Texas average of $7,498.

Local Pride in Brady and Rochelle

Brady ISD is the largest district, educating 956 students across three campuses. Rochelle ISD and Lohn ISD serve the remaining population with 211 and 131 students respectively, and no charter schools are present.

Deeply Rural and Highly Personal

All five schools are located in rural settings, offering a quiet and personalized learning environment. Brady Elementary is the largest campus with 476 students, while Lohn School provides an intimate PK-12 experience for just 131 students.

Discover Rural Living with Great Schools

Higher-than-average spending and graduation rates make McCulloch County a hidden gem for families. Consider a home near Brady or Rochelle to take advantage of these well-funded rural schools.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in McCulloch County

via RiskByCounty

McCulloch County ranks among nation's safest

McCulloch County's composite risk score of 10.05 places it among the lowest-risk counties in the United States, well below the national average. The county's "Very Low" rating reflects exceptional safety across most natural hazard categories. This extraordinary favorable profile makes McCulloch County one of America's most secure locations for residents and property owners.

Texas' safest or near-safest county overall

McCulloch County ranks as one of Texas' lowest-risk counties with a score of 10.05, dramatically below the state average of 49.00. The county's position in the Hill Country avoids Atlantic hurricane paths, tornado corridors, and major seismic zones that threaten other Texas regions. This geographic advantage creates unparalleled disaster safety within the state.

Tied with Mason County as safest in region

McCulloch County (10.05) ranks alongside Mason County (10.97) as the two safest counties in West Texas and the Hill Country region. Martin County (19.97) follows as the next-safest option, with Lynn County (23.00) completing the low-risk quartet. McCulloch's exceptional safety stands in stark contrast to higher-risk South Texas and coastal counties.

Wildfire is the only meaningful hazard

Wildfire risk (69.34) is McCulloch County's sole significant natural hazard concern, driven by Hill Country brush and grasslands. All other hazards measure exceptionally low: tornado (29.48), hurricane (30.62), flood (16.83), and earthquake (6.04). This narrow risk profile greatly simplifies disaster preparedness compared to multi-hazard counties.

Wildfire defense is your main insurance need

Homeowners should implement wildfire-defensible space with cleared brush, fire-resistant landscaping, and hardened roofing, addressing the 69.34 wildfire risk. Standard homeowners insurance covering basic wind and weather is more than adequate for the county's minimal tornado and hurricane threats. Flood and earthquake insurance are unnecessary for nearly all McCulloch County properties given their exceptionally low risk scores.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in McCulloch County

via WeatherByCounty

Typical Texas warmth

McCulloch County averages 65.4°F, which is significantly warmer than the national median. It sits in a transitional climate zone that experiences both dry spells and seasonal storms.

The benchmark for Texas weather

At 65.4°F, the county is almost identical to the Texas state average of 65.5°F. It serves as a near-perfect statistical representative of the state's overall temperature profile.

Moderate heat compared to Mason

The county experiences 107 days over 90°F, which is slightly lower than neighbor Mason County's 113 days. It receives 27.4 inches of rain, keeping it within the typical range for Central Texas.

Variable seasons with trace snow

July averages reach 82.5°F, while January dips to a chilly 46.9°F. The county sees just 0.3 inches of snow annually, making winter precipitation a rare event.

Prepare for temperature swings

With a wide gap between winter lows of 46.9°F and 107 days of extreme heat, versatile HVAC systems are key. Rain barrels can help capture some of the 27.4 inches of annual precipitation for dry spells.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in McCulloch County

via SoilByCounty

The Alkaline Heart of Texas

McCulloch County features an average pH of 7.53, which is notably higher than the national median of 6.5. This alkaline profile is typical for the geographic center of Texas, where limestone parent materials dominate. Plants that prefer acidic soil may require amendments to thrive here.

A Versatile Loamy Mix

The soil composition includes 39.5% sand, 31.6% silt, and 28.9% clay. This balanced distribution provides a solid foundation for both drainage and nutrient storage. It lacks the extreme workability issues of pure clay while retaining more water than pure sand.

Above Average Organic Riches

Organic matter content is 2.11%, which is significantly higher than the Texas state average of 1.66%. The available water capacity is also strong at 0.135 in/in, slightly exceeding the state benchmark. These factors give McCulloch County a higher-than-average potential for sustainable agriculture.

Slow Infiltration and Surface Runoff

Most soils here belong to hydrologic group D, indicating slow infiltration and a high potential for runoff during heavy Texas rainstorms. This is often due to dense subsoil layers that restrict downward water movement. Landowners should plan for erosion control and water harvesting to manage this runoff.

Resilient Ranching in Zone 8b

In USDA hardiness zone 8b, this county is perfect for native grasses, pecans, and hardy vegetables like squash and okra. The strong organic matter supports a healthy soil food web for your garden. Get your seeds in the ground early to beat the intense summer heat.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in McCulloch County

via LawnByCounty

Central Texas Lawn Challenges

McCulloch County has a lawn difficulty score of 29.9, placing it slightly below the state average of 31.7. While it is more difficult than the national average of 50.0, it is typical for the heart of Texas. Homeowners should expect a standard set of regional challenges related to heat and moisture.

Average State Heat and Low Rainfall

The county sees 107 extreme heat days, mirroring the state average of 105. However, annual precipitation of 27.4 inches is lower than the state's 31.9-inch average and the ideal 30-50 inch range. This gap makes supplemental irrigation necessary to keep grass active through the 6,188 growing degree days.

Alkaline Soil and Heavy Clay

The soil pH of 7.53 is alkaline, sitting above the ideal 6.0-7.0 range for common turfgrasses. With 28.9% clay and 39.5% sand, the soil can hold moisture but may suffer from poor aeration when wet. Amending the soil with compost can help balance the texture and improve nutrient availability.

Moderate Drought Exposure

Over the past year, the county spent 20 weeks in drought, but currently reports 0% of its area in severe levels. Approximately 70.8% of the county is still abnormally dry, requiring careful attention to watering schedules. Focused irrigation during the morning hours will help mitigate the impact of the 107 high-heat days.

Planting for the Zone 8b Season

The frost-free window runs from mid-March to mid-November, providing a long period for lawn establishment. Heat-hardy varieties like Bermudagrass are best for these alkaline soils and Zone 8b winters. Plan your main fertilizing and seeding efforts for late March after the final spring frost.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is McCulloch County's county score?
McCulloch County, Texas has a composite county score of 40.1 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 McCulloch County rank among counties in Texas?
McCulloch County ranks #139 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 McCulloch County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in McCulloch County is $1,435, with an effective tax rate of 1.37%. This earns McCulloch County a tax score of 18.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in McCulloch County?
The median household income in McCulloch County, Texas is $51,919 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. McCulloch County earns an income score of 18.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is McCulloch County, Texas a good place to live?
McCulloch County scores 40.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #139 in Texas. The best way to evaluate McCulloch 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 McCulloch County with other counties side by side.

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🏛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.