countyscore
22.6
County Score
Income & Jobs 50.5Lawn Care 44.7Schools 41.7

County Report Card

About McLennan County, Texas

Falling Behind National Averages

McLennan County earns a composite score of 22.6, placing it well below the national median of 50.0. This score reflects significant challenges in infrastructure and community safety compared to the rest of the United States.

Trailing Texas State Standards

The county lags behind the Texas state average composite score of 41.9 by nearly 20 points. Its overall ranking suggests that residents face a tougher environment for livability than many of their Texas neighbors.

Economic Stability and Education Roots

Income serves as a primary strength with a score of 50.5 and a median household income of $63,888. The school system also provides a relatively solid foundation, earning a score of 41.7 for the region.

Safety and Environmental Risk Hurdles

Low scores in safety (9.5) and environmental risk (8.8) indicate significant areas for community improvement. Additionally, a tax score of 11.7 reflects a higher effective tax rate of 1.527% for local property owners.

A Choice for Economic Strivers

This county is best suited for working professionals who prioritize local job markets and steady income over environmental resilience. Families should weigh the adequate school scores against the high safety and tax concerns.

Score breakdown

Tax11.7Cost21.4Safety9.5Health27.1Schools41.7Income50.5Risk8.8Water19.2Weather30.1
🏛11.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠21.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼50.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡9.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤27.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓41.7
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡8.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧19.2
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤30.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨35.5
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱44.7
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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Hill County
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Bosque County
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Coryell County
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Deep Dives

McLennan County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in McLennan County

via TaxByCounty

McLennan's rate ranks significantly above national norm

At 1.527%, McLennan County's effective tax rate exceeds the national median of 1.276% by 251 basis points, placing it in the nation's top quartile for tax burden. The median tax of $3,347 substantially surpasses the national median of $2,690.

McLennan ranks 20% above Texas state average

McLennan's 1.527% effective rate ranks among the state's highest, exceeding the Texas average of 1.276% by about 20%. The median tax of $3,347 is 53% higher than the state median of $2,193, reflecting both elevated rates and above-average home values.

McLennan carries one of region's steepest rates

McLennan's 1.527% rate ranks third-highest in this eight-county group, trailing only McMullen (1.992%) and significantly above lighter-taxed neighbors. Residents bear a considerably heavier tax load than Marion, Mason, Martin, or Matagorda residents.

Median McLennan homeowner pays $3,347 yearly

On McLennan's median home value of $219,200, residents pay approximately $3,347 in annual property taxes—roughly $279 per month. When mortgage and additional tax obligations are included, the total climbs to $3,999 per year.

McLennan homeowners should prioritize appraisal reviews

With McLennan's higher-than-average rate, overassessment takes a particularly significant financial toll. Every homeowner should review their appraisal district valuation and file a protest if they believe their property is overvalued.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in McLennan County

via CostByCounty

McLennan renters face elevated housing costs

McLennan County renters spend 20.8% of their income on housing—substantially above the Texas state average of 18.1%—while earning $63,888, slightly below the national median. The $1,106 median rent is the second-highest among profiled counties, creating measurable affordability pressure.

Below-average affordability for Texas

McLennan County's 20.8% rent-to-income ratio places it in the lower-affordability tier statewide, driven primarily by above-average rents relative to local incomes. The county's rental market is notably less affordable than the Texas average.

Premium rents, premium ownership costs

McLennan's $1,106 median rent is second only to Martin County ($1,175) among its peers, while the median income of $63,888 is mid-range for the region. Homeownership is equally pricey: the $1,121 monthly cost and $219,200 median home value represent the region's steepest ownership burdens.

McLennan's housing dominates household budgets

A typical McLennan renter earning $63,888 annually devotes roughly $1,327 to housing, consuming 25% of gross income and severely limiting savings capacity. Homeowners face an even tighter squeeze, with $1,121 monthly costs representing 21% of income—the highest ownership burden among all profiled counties.

McLennan's affordability challenges run deep

McLennan County presents one of the region's most challenging housing markets for both renters and buyers; expect to allocate 20%+ of your income to housing regardless of tenure. Compare McLennan's 20.8% rent ratio against Mason County (13.1%) or Madison County (14.9%) to see the substantial savings available in more affordable markets.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in McLennan County

via IncomeByCounty

McLennan Trails National Income Average

McLennan County's median household income of $63,888 sits 14.5% below the U.S. median of $74,755. While the county underperforms nationally, it ranks competitively within Texas's income spectrum and reflects the economic diversity of Central Texas communities.

Slightly Below Texas Average

At $63,888, McLennan's median household income falls just 1.3% below Texas's state average of $64,737. The county's per capita income of $33,019 is virtually aligned with the state average of $33,197, suggesting balanced earning potential across residents.

Middle Ground in Central Texas

McLennan outpaces nearby Milam County ($59,076) and Mitchell County ($56,033) but trails Medina County ($73,462) and significantly lags Midland County's $93,984. The county's income positioning reflects its role as a mid-sized regional hub anchored by Waco.

Rent Remains Manageable for Most

McLennan's rent-to-income ratio of 20.8% indicates that renters spend roughly one-fifth of earnings on housing—within the broadly accepted 30% affordability threshold. Median home values of $219,200 remain accessible for households earning the county median, though homeownership requires careful financial planning.

Build Long-Term Financial Security

With a median household income of $63,888, McLennan households have room to prioritize emergency savings, retirement contributions, and wealth-building investments. Starting early with automatic transfers to savings and low-cost index funds can help local families bridge the gap toward long-term prosperity.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in McLennan County

via CrimeByCounty

McLennan County's Crime vs National Trends

McLennan County reports a total crime rate of 2,823.9 per 100,000 residents, which is roughly 18% higher than the national average. Despite this, the county maintains a safety score of 95.5 out of 100.

Comparing Safety Within the Lone Star State

The county's safety score trails the Texas state average of 96.8. With 24 reporting agencies, the data provides a comprehensive and transparent look at regional law enforcement activity.

Local Comparisons in Central Texas

Compared to nearby Bell County, McLennan sees higher activity, particularly within its urban centers. The rate reflects the county's role as a major regional hub for commerce and education.

Property vs Violent Crime Breakdown

Property crime accounts for the bulk of incidents at 2,376.2 per 100,000 people. Violent crime, at 447.7, also exceeds the national average of 369.8, indicating higher-than-average local risks.

Prioritizing Your Home Security

High property crime rates make home security awareness essential for local residents. Simple measures like smart locks and outdoor lighting help deter common theft and keep families safe.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in McLennan County

via HealthByCounty

McLennan outlives the nation

At 75.3 years, McLennan County residents live nearly a year longer than the U.S. average of 74.5 years. The county's 22.8% poor/fair health rate trails the national average of 18%, indicating room for improvement despite the longevity advantage. This mixed picture suggests McLennan residents are aging relatively well but managing chronic conditions at higher rates.

Top performer across Texas

McLennan's 75.3-year life expectancy ranks well above Texas's 74.3-year average, placing the county in the upper tier statewide. With an uninsured rate of 18.5%, McLennan performs better than Texas's 19.8% state average, meaning fewer residents skip care due to cost. The county's health advantage reflects both better access and slightly lower poverty rates than the state norm.

McLennan shines among peers

McLennan's 75.3-year life expectancy beats nearby Mitchell County (73.3) and Menard County (74.8), showing stronger health outcomes in the region. The county's 18.5% uninsured rate is lower than Menard's 25.8%, giving more residents financial protection against medical emergencies. This advantage in both longevity and coverage reflects McLennan's relative economic stability in Central Texas.

Decent care access, uneven distribution

McLennan offers 77 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—a solid figure for rural Texas—but that doesn't tell the full story of who can actually reach them. Mental health services are abundant at 215 providers per 100,000, suggesting the county prioritizes behavioral health alongside physical care. Still, 18.5% of residents lack insurance, meaning one in five may delay or skip vital preventive visits.

Explore your health insurance options

Nearly 3,000 McLennan County residents could benefit from checking whether they qualify for Medicaid, CHIP, or marketplace subsidies during open enrollment. Even insured residents should review their plans annually—coverage gaps, deductibles, and provider networks can shift, leaving you vulnerable to surprise medical bills. Visit healthcare.gov or contact a local navigator to explore options that fit your family's budget.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in McLennan County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Vast and Diverse Education Network

McLennan County boasts a massive network of 113 public schools across 20 districts, serving nearly 46,000 students. The infrastructure includes 49 elementary schools, 33 high schools, and a significant number of charter and alternative options.

Extensive Variety and Regional Results

The county's 90.7% graduation rate sits just below the Texas state average of 91.6%. While per-pupil spending of $6,578 is lower than the state benchmark, the county maintains a diverse array of 13 charter campuses and 20 alternative schools.

Major Districts in Waco and Midway

Waco ISD is the largest district with 13,824 students, followed by Midway ISD with 8,739 students. Charter schools make up 11.5% of the total school count, offering significant educational choice for local families.

From City Centers to Rural Plains

This county features the most diverse locales, with 46 city schools, 18 suburban schools, and 45 rural campuses. Midway High School is the largest campus with 2,648 students, which is significantly larger than the county average of 407.

A Neighborhood for Every School Preference

With 20 districts to choose from, McLennan County offers a home for every educational preference, from urban charters to suburban powerhouses. Research school zones carefully as you browse the vibrant Waco and Woodway real estate markets.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in McLennan County

via RiskByCounty

McLennan faces well-above-average risk

With a composite risk score of 91.22, McLennan County ranks in the elevated tier compared to the national average of roughly 50. The county's rating of Relatively Moderate reflects genuine exposure to multiple serious hazards that residents should actively monitor and prepare for.

Among Texas's most vulnerable counties

McLennan's score of 91.22 far exceeds Texas's state average of 49.00, placing it in the higher-risk segment of the state's 254 counties. This makes McLennan one of Texas's genuine disaster-risk hotspots, requiring heightened preparedness.

Riskier than surrounding counties

McLennan's composite score of 91.22 stands well above nearby Milam County (58.08) and Mills County (5.60), reflecting its unique vulnerability profile. The county's exposure to multiple hazard types distinguishes it from less-threatened neighbors in Central Texas.

Tornado and wildfire top the list

Tornado risk scores 98.82 in McLennan—exceptionally high—while wildfire risk reaches 90.01, both well above state norms. Residents should maintain a tornado safety plan and keep evacuation routes clear during dry seasons.

Bundle comprehensive disaster coverage

Standard homeowners insurance doesn't cover tornado or flood damage; McLennan residents should add separate windstorm and flood policies immediately. Review coverage annually and confirm your deductibles align with your home's replacement cost.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in McLennan County

via WeatherByCounty

Warm and humid subtropical

McLennan County averages 66.4°F annually, well above the national median temperature. It experiences the classic humid subtropical climate typical of the Interstate 35 corridor.

Slightly warmer than state average

The county's average of 66.4°F is nearly a full degree warmer than the Texas state average of 65.5°F. This makes it a consistently warm hub in Central Texas.

Wetter than the western plains

With 37.4 inches of annual rain, McLennan is much wetter than McCulloch's 27.4 inches. It sees 106 days of extreme heat, very similar to McCulloch's 107 days.

Hot summers and crisp winters

Summers are intense with an average of 83.5°F and 106 days over 90°F. Winters are mild but can be chilly, averaging 48.8°F with only 0.3 inches of snowfall.

Beat the humidity and heat

Excellent home insulation helps manage both the 106 days of heat and the 37.4 inches of rain. High-performance cooling and moisture-control systems are recommended for local residents.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in McLennan County

via SoilByCounty

Neutral Soils in the Blackland Prairie

McLennan County's average soil pH is 7.18, sitting just slightly above the national 6.5 median and the state 7.09 average. This near-neutrality is a primary reason the region became an agricultural powerhouse. Most garden plants and field crops find this pH range very hospitable.

Balanced Textures for Every Need

The soil is remarkably balanced with 30.5% sand, 30.9% silt, and 31.1% clay. This 'loamy' characteristic offers a rare combination of easy workability, good drainage, and high nutrient retention. It represents some of the most versatile soil architecture in the state.

Strong Water Capacity and Fertility

The organic matter content is 1.85%, which is comfortably above the Texas average of 1.66%. Available water capacity is also high at 0.136 in/in, beating the state average of 0.133. This means the soil is well-equipped to sustain crops through dry spells.

Managing the Risks of Group D

The county is dominated by hydrologic group D, which indicates slow water infiltration and a tendency for runoff. In the Waco area, this often manifests as 'shrink-swell' clay behavior that can impact building foundations. Gardeners should ensure good surface drainage to keep plant roots from suffocating.

Central Texas Gardening in Zone 8b

With a hardiness zone of 8b, McLennan County is a prime spot for corn, wheat, and diverse vegetable gardens. The balanced soil and favorable pH provide a forgiving environment for beginners and experts alike. Start your spring garden in March to take full advantage of the fertile prairie.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in McLennan County

via LawnByCounty

McLennan's manageable lawn landscape

McLennan County earns a lawn difficulty score of 44.7, making it significantly easier to maintain than the Texas average of 31.7. While it sits just below the national median score of 50.0, the region’s Hardiness Zone 8b offers a relatively hospitable environment for southern turf. You will find more success here than in most neighboring counties to the west.

Ample rain meets intense Texas heat

With 37.4 inches of annual precipitation, the county falls squarely within the 30-50 inch ideal range for healthy lawns. However, growers must manage 106 extreme heat days where temperatures exceed 90°F, requiring strategic irrigation. The growing season remains robust with 6,477 growing degree days helping grass establish quickly after the last spring frost on March 15.

Balanced soil with neutral pH levels

The local soil features a nearly ideal pH of 7.18, sitting just slightly above the preferred 6.0-7.0 range for most turfgrasses. With a balanced mix of 31.1% clay and 30.5% sand, the ground holds moisture well while resisting the extreme compaction seen in other parts of the state. You likely won't need heavy lime applications to correct acidity here.

Preparing for inevitable dry spells

Despite having 100% of the county classified as abnormally dry, residents only faced 17 weeks of active drought over the past year. This is a much milder record than the state's more arid regions, allowing for more consistent watering schedules. To conserve water, homeowners should focus on deep, infrequent irrigation to encourage deep root growth during these dry periods.

Planting for success in Central Texas

Bermuda and Zoysia are the top choices for this 8b zone, offering the best resilience against the local heat and summer dry spells. Aim to seed or sod in late March once the frost risk passes to give roots time to establish before the 100-plus days of summer heat arrive. Your lawn has a strong head start compared to much of the Lone Star State.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is McLennan County's county score?
McLennan County, Texas has a composite county score of 22.6 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 McLennan County rank among counties in Texas?
McLennan County ranks #246 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 McLennan County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in McLennan County is $3,347, with an effective tax rate of 1.53%. This earns McLennan County a tax score of 11.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in McLennan County?
The median household income in McLennan County, Texas is $63,888 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. McLennan County earns an income score of 50.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is McLennan County, Texas a good place to live?
McLennan County scores 22.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #246 in Texas. The best way to evaluate McLennan 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 McLennan County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛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.