countyscore
67.8
County Score
Disaster Risk 99.5Safety 97.5Property Tax 92.4

County Report Card

About McMullen County, Texas

Beating the National Median

McMullen County achieves a composite score of 53.7, outperforming the national median of 50.0. This performance suggests a higher overall quality of life than the average American county.

Leading the Texas Average

The county's 53.7 score stands significantly higher than the Texas state average of 41.9. It ranks as a top-tier rural destination within the state for those seeking specific community advantages.

Maximum Safety and Low Risk

The county excels in safety and environmental resilience, posting near-perfect scores of 97.5 and 99.5 respectively. Affordability is also exceptional, with a cost score of 82.8 and a median home value of just $108,800.

Healthcare and Income Gaps

Economic opportunities remain scarce with an income score of 8.1 and a median household income of $45,833. Residents also navigate a low health score of 8.3 and a high property tax burden of 1.992%.

A Haven for Secure Retirees

This county is ideal for retirees or remote workers who prioritize physical safety and low-cost housing above all else. It offers unparalleled peace of mind for those who do not rely on local high-wage employment.

2040608010092.487.597.58.3724.899.510.114.3Tax92.4Cost87.5Safety97.5Health8.3Schools72Income4.8Risk99.5Water10.1Weather14.367.8/100
This county
National avg
5 above average4 below average

McMullen County DNA

C-overall

How McMullen County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

McMullen County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Disaster Risk (99.5/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (10.1/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
92.4+40.400000000000006
Cost
87.5+39.5
Safety
97.5+42.5
Health
8.3-41.7
Schools
72+18
Income
4.8-46.2
Risk
99.5+52.5
Water
10.1-47.9
Weather
14.3-41.7
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Whether buying or refinancing in McMullen County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$97,100

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$758/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$97,100/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$30,320/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.2x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $43,875/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Nearby counties

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Texas
57.1
Atascosa County
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31.6
La Salle County
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53.1
Frio County
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Duval County
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Deep Dives

McMullen County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in McMullen County

via TaxByCounty

McMullen ranks among nation's highest-tax counties

At 1.992%, McMullen County's effective tax rate ranks in the nation's top 10% for tax burden, far exceeding the national median of 1.276%. The median property tax of $2,167 approaches the national median of $2,690 despite significantly lower home values.

McMullen's rate is 56% above Texas average

McMullen's 1.992% effective rate stands among the state's highest, exceeding the Texas average of 1.276% by more than half. This makes McMullen one of the most heavily taxed counties in the entire state.

McMullen carries the region's steepest tax burden

McMullen's 1.992% rate substantially exceeds all comparable counties in this group—nearly 2.5 times Marion's rate and 60% higher than McLennan's. Only McMullen residents face such an outsized effective tax burden.

Median McMullen homeowner pays $2,167 yearly

On McMullen's median home value of $108,800, residents pay approximately $2,167 in annual property taxes—about $181 per month. With mortgage and other obligations factored in, the total reaches $2,179 per year.

McMullen homeowners must challenge overassessments

With McMullen's exceptionally high rate, verification of property valuations is critical. Any overassessment will cost significantly more in this county—make the appraisal protest a priority if you suspect your home is valued above market rate.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in McMullen County

via IncomeByCounty

McMullen Significantly Below National Median

McMullen County's median household income of $45,833 is 38.7% below the national median of $74,755, placing it among Texas's lower-income counties. The gap reflects McMullen's rural character and limited economic diversification in South Texas.

One of Texas's Lower-Income Counties

McMullen's median household income of $45,833 trails Texas's state average by 29.2%, ranking it in the lower quartile statewide. Per capita income of $23,859 is also significantly below the state average of $33,197, indicating limited individual earning power.

Lower Income Than Regional Peers

McMullen's $45,833 median income falls well below neighboring Medina County ($73,462) and significantly trails Midland County ($93,984). The county faces steeper economic challenges than most surrounding areas, requiring targeted workforce development and economic investment.

Limited Housing Data, Tight Affordability

While rent-to-income data is unavailable for McMullen, the median home value of $108,800 is among the lowest in the region, suggesting housing remains relatively affordable. However, the low median income means families have limited flexibility for savings and unexpected expenses.

Prioritize Financial Stability Now

McMullen households earning the county median of $45,833 should focus first on building emergency funds and minimizing debt before investing. Community resources, financial literacy programs, and low-cost savings tools can help residents gradually strengthen their financial foundation.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in McMullen County

via CrimeByCounty

Extreme Safety in McMullen County

McMullen County reports a perfect safety score of 100.0 with a total crime rate of 0.0 per 100,000 residents. This far outperforms the national average of 2,385.5 incidents per 100,000.

A Top-Ranking Texas County

The county ranks significantly higher than the Texas state safety average of 96.8. This statistical record places it among the quietest and most secure regions in the state.

Quiet Neighbors in South Texas

While neighboring areas see varied activity, McMullen’s data reflects a very low-volume environment. Local law enforcement maintains a small but effective presence in this sparsely populated area.

Zero Reported Crimes in 2022

With zero reported violent or property crimes, the local risk profile remains extremely low. Residents should note that this data comes from a single reporting agency, which may reflect low volume.

Maintaining a Safe Environment

Even in areas with no reported crime, maintaining home safety habits is a smart precaution. Staying vigilant and keeping property secure preserves the community's quiet character.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in McMullen County

via WeatherByCounty

One of the nation's warmest

McMullen County averages a hot 71.5°F annually, which is far above the national median. This South Texas climate is defined by long, intense summers and very short winters.

High ranking heat in Texas

The average temperature of 71.5°F is a significant 6 degrees warmer than the Texas state average of 65.5°F. It is one of the most heat-intensive counties in the entire state.

Challenging the border heat

McMullen records 149 extreme heat days, nearly matching neighbor Maverick County's 151 days. It is slightly wetter than Maverick, receiving 25.0 inches of annual precipitation.

Perpetual summer and trace snow

The county averages 149 days over 90°F, with summer temperatures reaching 85.4°F. Winter is essentially a mild spring, with a February average of 56.2°F and only 0.4 inches of snow.

Serious cooling and sun safety

Outdoor workers and residents must plan for nearly five months of temperatures over 90°F. Industrial-grade cooling systems and sun-protective gear are essential for local life.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in McMullen County

via SoilByCounty

Alkaline Terrain of the Brush Country

McMullen County features an average pH of 7.48, making it more alkaline than the national 6.5 median. The dominant surface classification in this dataset is 'water,' highlighting the importance of the Frio River and local reservoirs on the landscape. The terrestrial soils are typically basic and rich in minerals.

High Sand and Clay Content

The soil composition is a mix of 44.0% sand and 28.8% clay, with silt making up the remaining 23.7%. This combination can create a 'heavy' feel that holds water well but may become compacted under pressure. The relatively high sand content helps provide some necessary aeration for plant roots.

Solid Fertility and Water Storage

Organic matter stands at 1.82%, which is higher than the Texas average of 1.66%. The available water capacity is also strong at 0.134 in/in, sitting just above the state benchmark. These levels support the dense brush and ranch land that the county is famous for.

Runoff Challenges in Group D

Most soils in this county fall into hydrologic group D, which means they have a high runoff potential and slow infiltration. This makes the landscape prone to flash flooding during rare but heavy rain events. Land management here requires careful attention to erosion and water catchment.

Tough and Tropical in Zone 9b

Located in the warm 9b hardiness zone, McMullen County can support citrus and other semi-tropical plants if irrigated. Native species like mesquite and prickly pear thrive in this alkaline, high-runoff environment. Focus on drought-tolerant landscaping to create a beautiful and sustainable outdoor space.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in McMullen County

via LawnByCounty

A grueling climb for McMullen lawns

McMullen County presents a significant challenge with a lawn difficulty score of just 17.7, far below the national average of 50.0. Located in Hardiness Zone 9b, the extreme climate and persistent dryness make traditional turf maintenance a high-effort endeavor. You are working with one of the most demanding lawn environments in the state.

Triple-digit heat and limited rainfall

The county endures 149 days of extreme heat annually, which is 44 days more than the Texas average. Annual precipitation of 25 inches falls below the ideal lawn minimum, meaning your grass will rely heavily on supplemental watering. With a massive 8,007 growing degree days, the heat is constant and intense throughout the year.

Alkaline ground and sandy textures

Soil here is noticeably alkaline with a pH of 7.48, which can occasionally lock out essential nutrients for common grasses. The high sand content of 44.0% means water drains away quickly, which can be problematic during the long, hot summers. Regular organic matter additions are necessary to improve water retention in this sandy landscape.

Battling a year of severe drought

The county has spent all 53 of the last weeks in drought, with 100% of the area currently under severe drought conditions. This persistent water stress makes strict conservation essential, as local resources remain under heavy pressure. Consider xeriscaping or ultra-drought-tolerant species to survive these harsh, ongoing cycles.

Focus on heat-hardy southern species

St. Augustine and Buffalo grass are your best bets for surviving the Zone 9b heat, though even these will struggle without significant irrigation. With the last frost usually occurring by February 13, the growing window is long but fraught with heat stress. Success requires early spring planting and a focus on soil moisture management.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is McMullen County's county score?
McMullen County, Texas has a composite county score of 67.8 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 McMullen County rank among counties in Texas?
McMullen County ranks #4 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 McMullen County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in McMullen County is $400, with an effective tax rate of 0.41%. This earns McMullen County a tax score of 92.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in McMullen County?
The median household income in McMullen County, Texas is $43,875 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. McMullen County earns an income score of 4.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is McMullen County, Texas a good place to live?
McMullen County scores 67.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #4 in Texas. The best way to evaluate McMullen 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 McMullen County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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