countyscore
53.7
County Score
Disaster Risk 99.5Safety 97.5Cost of Living 82.8

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.

Score breakdown

Tax3.2Cost82.8Safety97.5Health8.3Schools72Income8.1Risk99.5Water10.1Weather14.3
🏛3.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠82.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼8.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡97.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤8.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓72
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡99.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧10.1
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤14.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨29.6
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱17.7
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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Deep Dives

McMullen County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

Cost of Living in McMullen County

via CostByCounty

McMullen's affordability challenge

While McMullen County's median household income of $45,833 falls 39% below the national average of $74,755, rental data is limited in this rural area. Homeownership here is exceptionally affordable—median monthly owner costs of just $604 are well below typical Texas burdens—but the income-to-housing ratio reveals a tighter squeeze for renters and those without established equity.

Among Texas's least expensive

McMullen ranks among Texas's most affordable counties for homeownership, with a median home value of $108,800 that's less than half the state average. The lack of rental market data suggests a county where homeownership dominates and rental stock is minimal, shifting the affordability equation away from renters.

Comparison with nearby counties

Neighboring Medina County offers higher incomes ($73,462 vs. $45,833) but steeper housing costs, while Menard County has similar income levels but slightly lower homeownership expenses. McMullen stands out as the least populated option, meaning housing affordability comes with trade-offs in amenities and services.

Where your money goes

Homeowners in McMullen spend approximately 16% of their median income on monthly ownership costs—remarkably sustainable. Renters face an unknown burden due to missing rental data, but the county's low overall income suggests housing of any type competes heavily with other expenses.

Is McMullen right for you?

If you're seeking rock-bottom homeownership costs and rural living appeals to you, McMullen delivers exceptional affordability. Renters and remote workers should research the limited rental market carefully before committing to this sparse, remote county.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

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

Health in McMullen County

via HealthByCounty

McMullen's health data is incomplete

While McMullen County's life expectancy is not available in current datasets, the county's 28.4% poor/fair health rate significantly exceeds the national average of 18%, signaling substantial chronic disease burden. This gap suggests McMullen residents face notable health challenges that deserve closer attention and resource investment. Incomplete data limits our ability to measure progress, highlighting the need for better health surveillance in small Texas counties.

Higher illness burden than Texas average

McMullen's 28.4% poor/fair health rate ranks well above Texas's typical performance and suggests worse-than-average health status among residents. The county's 15.9% uninsured rate is actually better than Texas's 19.8% average, meaning coverage is not the primary barrier—access and quality care may be. Without life expectancy data, we cannot fully assess McMullen's standing, but the health perception gap warrants investigation.

McMullen struggles among region peers

McMullen's 28.4% poor/fair health rate is the worst in its peer group, trailing Mitchell County (26.9%) and significantly outpacing healthier neighbors like Medina County (22.0%). The county's uninsured rate of 15.9% is actually competitive, suggesting that poor health outcomes stem from factors beyond insurance coverage. Limited provider data makes it unclear whether McMullen residents face real access barriers or other social determinants of health.

Access data gaps mask real struggles

McMullen County's primary care provider count is not currently available, making it difficult to assess whether residents can find a family doctor without traveling far. Mental health services, at 176 providers per 100,000, exist but may not reach those most in need, especially in rural areas of this sparsely populated county. The combination of high illness burden and incomplete access data points to a county that needs better health infrastructure visibility.

Confirm your health coverage today

Even though McMullen's uninsured rate is lower than state average, 15.9% of residents still lack coverage—a real risk in a county where health challenges are pronounced. Marketplace plans, Medicaid, and CHIP may offer affordable options if you qualify; use healthcare.gov to check before 2024 open enrollment ends. A health plan can be a lifeline when chronic illness or emergency strikes.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in McMullen County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Unified Rural Education Infrastructure

McMullen County operates a highly centralized education system consisting of a single PK-12 campus. This lone school district manages a total enrollment of 282 students, creating a tight-knit academic environment.

Strong Results and Efficient Investment

The county earns a 63.1 school score, notably higher than the Texas state average of 55.3. While its 90% graduation rate is slightly below the state mark, it exceeds the national average of 87% with a per-pupil spend of $11,431.

Centered Around McMullen County ISD

The entire student population attends McMullen County ISD, which maintains a single school for all grade levels. There are no charter schools in the area, ensuring all public resources focus on this traditional district model.

A Truly Rural Learning Environment

Education here is entirely rural, with the McMullen County School serving as the sole hub for 282 students. Attending school here means being part of a single PK-12 community where every student shares the same campus.

Invest in a Community-Focused Education

For families seeking a small-town atmosphere with high academic scores, McMullen County offers a unique single-school experience. Explore local homes to secure a place in this high-performing, close-knit rural district.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in McMullen County

via RiskByCounty

McMullen enjoys the lowest risk profile

McMullen County's composite risk score of just 0.57 places it in the Very Low category, far below the national baseline of roughly 50. This South Texas county represents one of the safest natural disaster risk zones in the United States.

Texas's safest county for disasters

McMullen's score of 0.57 is dramatically lower than Texas's state average of 49.00, making it by far the lowest-risk county in the state. Residents enjoy substantial protection from most major natural hazard types.

Significantly safer than nearby counties

McMullen's score of 0.57 is orders of magnitude lower than neighboring Medina County (68.70) and Midland County (81.20). The county's isolation and geography create a uniquely protective natural disaster environment in South Texas.

Hurricane risk stands out locally

While McMullen's overall risk is very low, hurricane exposure at 54.57 is its highest single hazard, reflecting its coastal proximity. All other hazard categories—flood, wildfire, tornado—remain well below regional and national norms.

Standard homeowners coverage typically sufficient

McMullen's exceptionally low risk profile means most residents can rely on basic homeowners insurance without specialized add-ons. Consider only hurricane coverage if you're within coastal storm surge zones, but most county residents face minimal year-round exposure.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

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 53.7 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 #42 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 $2,167, with an effective tax rate of 1.99%. This earns McMullen County a tax score of 3.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in McMullen County?
The median household income in McMullen County, Texas is $45,833 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. McMullen County earns an income score of 8.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is McMullen County, Texas a good place to live?
McMullen County scores 53.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #42 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.

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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.