countyscore
36.8
County Score
Income & Jobs 74.8Schools 58.9Water Quality 49.4

County Report Card

About Medina County, Texas

Below National Living Standards

Medina County sits below the national median with a composite score of 36.8. While it offers some high-performing sectors, its overall ranking reflects a need for broader community improvements.

Struggling to Match State Peers

At 36.8, Medina County trails the Texas state average of 41.9. It faces stiff competition from neighboring counties that offer better tax or cost-of-living balances.

Strong Incomes and Better Schools

The county shines in income with a score of 74.8, bolstered by a strong median household income of $73,462. Education quality is another bright spot, earning a school score of 58.9.

High Costs and Tax Pressures

Housing affordability is a concern, as evidenced by a cost score of 27.7 and a median rent of $1,091. The tax score of 20.5 indicates a property tax burden that pinches many resident budgets.

Best for Education-Focused Families

This county suits established families who value quality schools and high household earnings. Prospective residents should prepare for higher housing costs relative to the state's more affordable rural options.

Score breakdown

Tax20.5Cost27.7Safety35.4Health35.1Schools58.9Income74.8Risk31.3Water49.4Weather18.2
🏛20.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠27.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼74.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡35.4
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤35.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓58.9
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡31.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧49.4
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤18.2
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨34.8
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱22.8
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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46.6
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41.3
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Uvalde County
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Atascosa County
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Deep Dives

Medina County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Medina County

via TaxByCounty

Medina's tax rate tops national median

Medina County's effective tax rate of 1.310% sits above the national median of 1.048%, placing it in the upper half of U.S. counties. The median property tax here is $2,881, slightly above the national median of $2,690, reflecting both the local rate and median home values of $220,000.

Above average for Texas

Medina County ranks above the Texas state average effective rate of 1.276%, paying median taxes of $2,881 compared to the state median of $2,193. This positions the county among higher-tax areas within Texas, though still moderate by national standards.

Regional tax comparison

Medina County's 1.310% rate exceeds several nearby counties, including Milam County (1.059%) and Mills County (0.880%). It sits between Menard County (1.659%) to the north and the state average, making it a moderate-tax area for south-central Texas.

What homeowners pay yearly

On a typical $220,000 home in Medina County, annual property taxes run about $2,881 before mortgage deductions. With mortgage debt included, the estimated annual obligation climbs to $3,565 due to homestead exemption calculations.

Appeal if your assessment seems high

Medina County homeowners should know that many properties are overassessed relative to actual market value, and formal appeals can reduce tax obligations. County tax assessors use varying methods, making it worthwhile to request a property value review if you believe your assessment is inflated.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Medina County

via CostByCounty

Medina stays slightly below national norm

Medina County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.8% sits slightly below the state average of 18.1% and comfortably within the sustainable range, despite a median household income of $73,462 that's just 2% below the national average. At $1,091 per month, median rent is 13% above the state average, but higher incomes keep the burden manageable.

Middle of the pack in Texas

Medina County ranks as moderately affordable among Texas counties, with a median home value of $220,000 that reflects steady growth in the Hill Country region. The rent-to-income ratio of 17.8% puts it in the healthier half of Texas markets, with balanced housing demand and supply.

Hill Country affordability advantage

Compared to rapidly growing Blanco and Hays counties, Medina offers lower home values ($220,000 vs. $350,000+) while maintaining similar incomes and livability. Nearby Bexar County's sprawl drives higher prices, making Medina an attractive alternative for Austin-San Antonio commuters seeking affordability.

Balanced housing costs here

Renters spend about 17.8% of income on rent, while homeowners allocate roughly 16% to monthly ownership costs of $963. The two housing modes track closely in affordability, offering flexibility for both renters and buyers planning relocation.

Sweet spot for Hill Country living

Medina County appeals to families and remote workers seeking Hill Country character without the premium prices of nearby Blanco or Hays. Your income will stretch comfortably here, and proximity to Austin and San Antonio jobs keeps career options open.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Medina County

via IncomeByCounty

Medina Nearly Matches National Income

Medina County's median household income of $73,462 is just 1.7% below the U.S. median of $74,755, placing it solidly in the middle-income range nationally. The county demonstrates economic strength relative to most Texas peers and comparable rural-suburban markets.

Above-Average Income for Texas

Medina's median household income of $73,462 exceeds Texas's state average of $64,737 by 13.5%, ranking the county in the upper half statewide. Per capita income of $32,091 is slightly below state average, reflecting a community where household earnings are strong but individual incomes vary.

Economic Leader in South-Central Region

Medina's $73,462 income significantly outpaces McMullen County ($45,833) and Menard County ($48,191), ranking second only to Midland County ($93,984) among the peer group. The county's proximity to San Antonio and diverse economic base support above-average household earnings.

Housing Well-Aligned with Earnings

Medina's rent-to-income ratio of 17.8% is well below the 30% affordability threshold, indicating housing costs are highly manageable for renters. Median home values of $220,000 align closely with county income levels, making homeownership realistic for median-earning households.

Strong Position for Wealth Building

With a median household income of $73,462 and affordable housing, Medina households are well-positioned to prioritize investments, college savings, and retirement planning. The combination of solid earnings and low housing burden creates ideal conditions for long-term wealth accumulation.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Medina County

via CrimeByCounty

Medina County's Strong Safety Profile

Medina County maintains a safety score of 97.6, which is well above the national norm. Its total crime rate of 1,501.0 per 100,000 is significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Leading the Texas Average

The county outperforms the Texas state safety average of 96.8. Six reporting agencies coordinate to keep incident rates low across the county's growing communities.

Safer Than Urban Neighbors

Compared to neighboring Bexar County to the east, Medina offers a much lower crime environment. It serves as a more peaceful residential alternative for those working in the San Antonio region.

Low Rates Across All Categories

Violent crime in Medina is low at 192.5 per 100,000, while property crime stands at 1,308.5. Both metrics remain comfortably below national averages of 369.8 and 2,015.7 respectively.

Securing Your Suburban Home

Low crime rates provide peace of mind, but basic property protection remains the best defense. Installing motion-sensor lights and alarm systems helps keep your household secure.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Medina County

via HealthByCounty

Medina residents live longer than average

At 76.7 years, Medina County's life expectancy exceeds the U.S. average of 74.5 years by more than two years—a significant health advantage. The county's 22.0% poor/fair health rate still trails the national average of 18%, showing that while Medina residents live longer, they manage more chronic conditions. This suggests Medina offers good preventive care and medical management, extending lives despite higher disease burden.

Top longevity in Texas

Medina's 76.7-year life expectancy ranks among the best in Texas, exceeding the state average of 74.3 years by more than two years. The county's 16.7% uninsured rate is well below Texas's 19.8%, meaning fewer residents face cost barriers to care—a key factor in health outcomes. Medina's combination of strong life expectancy and broad insurance coverage suggests effective health investment across the county.

Medina leads the region in longevity

Medina's 76.7-year life expectancy outpaces nearby McLennan (75.3), Mills (75.4), and significantly outperforms Mitchell County (73.3). With a 16.7% uninsured rate, Medina ties Mitchell for the lowest uninsured rate in its peer group, while achieving superior health outcomes. The county's strong performance across both metrics—coverage and longevity—reflects a healthier regional position.

Limited primary care, strong prevention

Medina's 29 primary care providers per 100,000 residents is relatively low compared to McLennan (77), raising questions about access to routine care in this growing South Texas county. Mental health services are sparse at 58 providers per 100,000, suggesting behavioral health may be underserved despite the county's strong life expectancy. The disconnect suggests Medina residents may rely heavily on urgent care or travel for specialists, a pattern typical of rural areas with good insurance coverage.

Maintain your health coverage advantage

Medina's low uninsured rate is a community asset—16.7% of residents still lack coverage, and open enrollment is the time to change that. If you're uninsured or underinsured, visit healthcare.gov to explore 2024 marketplace plans and subsidies based on your income. Keeping coverage continuous prevents gaps that can lead to medical debt and delayed care.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Medina County

via SchoolsByCounty

Diverse School Options Across Five Districts

Medina County supports 12,319 students across 23 public schools, including nine elementary and seven high schools. Five distinct districts manage this expansive infrastructure, blending town and rural settings.

Exceptional Graduation Rates Lead the Way

Local schools achieve a 97.3% graduation rate, significantly outperforming both the state average of 91.6% and the national average of 87%. The county maintains a school score of 55.7 while operating on a lean per-pupil budget of $6,206.

Medina Valley ISD Leads in Size

Medina Valley ISD is the largest provider, serving 7,823 students across eight different campuses. Devine ISD and Hondo ISD also provide significant coverage, supporting 2,007 and 1,772 students respectively.

A Mix of Towns and Rural Acreage

The landscape is split between 12 rural and 11 town-based schools, with an average school size of 536 students. Medina Valley High School is the largest campus with 2,147 students, offering a large-school experience within a growing county.

High Graduation Rates for Local Families

With some of the highest graduation rates in the region, Medina County is an attractive destination for education-focused buyers. Search for homes near Medina Valley ISD to benefit from the county's largest and most diverse academic network.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Medina County

via RiskByCounty

Medina's risk runs moderately above average

Medina County's composite risk score of 68.70 exceeds the national average of roughly 50, earning a Relatively Low rating overall. The county faces meaningful but manageable exposure to several disaster types, primarily from weather-related hazards.

Middle-of-the-road within Texas

At 68.70, Medina's score sits above Texas's state average of 49.00, placing it in the moderate-risk zone among the state's counties. The county is notably less vulnerable than high-risk neighbors like Midland but more exposed than its safest peers.

Riskier than some, safer than McLennan

Medina's score of 68.70 exceeds nearby Milam County (58.08) and Mills County (5.60) but remains well below McLennan County (91.22). Its balanced risk profile reflects a mix of flood, wildfire, and tornado exposure typical of South-Central Texas.

Wildfire and flood pose top threats

Wildfire risk in Medina reaches 85.24, and flood risk scores 77.23—both substantially elevated compared to state norms. Tornado risk at 60.88 adds a third dimension to the county's weather vulnerability.

Prioritize flood and windstorm protection

Medina residents should secure flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program before it's needed—standard policies exclude flood damage. Add windstorm coverage for wildfire-related wind exposure and maintain defensible space around your property.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Medina County

via WeatherByCounty

Warm climate on the Edwards Plateau

Medina County averages 69.9°F, placing it well above the national median temperature. It sits at the junction of the Hill Country and South Texas brushlands.

Far warmer than the state average

With an annual average of 69.9°F, Medina is 4.4 degrees warmer than the Texas state average of 65.5°F. It experiences more consistent heat than counties just to its north.

Dryer than the coastal plains

Medina receives 29.8 inches of rain, much less than coastal Matagorda's 45.5 inches despite having the same average temperature. It endures 124 heat days, significantly more than McLennan's 106.

Extended heat and minimal snow

The county faces 124 days per year over 90°F, with a summer average of 84.0°F. Winters are very mild with a January average of 52.8°F and just 0.1 inches of snow.

Plan for long-term cooling

Maintenance for air conditioning units should be scheduled twice yearly to handle 124 days of heat. Water conservation is also important given the 29.8 inches of rainfall and high evaporation rates.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Medina County

via SoilByCounty

Alkaline Soils in the Medina Valley

Medina County features an average pH of 7.33, placing it notably higher than the national median of 6.5. While taxonomic data is currently unavailable for this specific region, the alkaline nature suggests a presence of calcium-rich materials. This basic environment influences how plants absorb essential nutrients from the ground.

A Balanced Mix of Sand and Clay

The soil composition is a diverse blend of 42.5% sand, 28.6% clay, and 26.8% silt. This moderate mix creates a surface that is easier to work than pure clay but retains more moisture than pure sand. It offers a stable foundation for varied agricultural activities across the county's landscape.

High Organic Matter Boosts Growth

At 2.22%, the organic matter content exceeds both the state average of 1.66% and the national average of 2.0%. The available water capacity stands at 0.132 in/in, which is nearly identical to the Texas state average. These factors combine to provide a fertile environment for local producers.

Managing High Runoff Potential

The county falls into Hydrologic Group D, indicating soils with very low infiltration rates when thoroughly wetted. While specific drainage class data is missing, this group typically presents a high risk for surface runoff during heavy Texas rainstorms. Builders and farmers must plan for significant water movement across the terrain.

Thriving in Hardiness Zone 9a

The warm climate of Zone 9a allows for long growing seasons and mild winters. Mediterranean herbs, citrus, and heat-tolerant vegetables like okra flourish in this alkaline, organic-rich soil. Local gardeners should embrace the long summers and start planting early to beat the peak heat.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Medina County

via LawnByCounty

Medina’s tough transition zone challenges

Medina County scores a 22.8 on the lawn difficulty scale, trailing behind the state average and the national benchmark of 50.0. The Hardiness Zone 9a environment requires a specific set of skills to manage both the heat and the recurring dry spells. Growing a lush lawn here takes more dedication than in the cooler, wetter counties to the east.

Extended heat and moderate rainfall

Lawns must survive 124 days of temperatures above 90°F, well above the state average of 105 heat days. While 29.8 inches of annual rain is nearly in the ideal range, the high evaporation rate during the long summer makes irrigation critical. The growing season is lengthy, supported by 7,471 growing degree days and a final frost that typically occurs in late February.

Sandy soil with alkaline leanings

The soil pH sits at 7.33, requiring careful monitoring to ensure turf doesn't suffer from iron chlorosis in the alkaline conditions. With a sand content of 42.5%, the ground offers decent drainage but struggles to hold onto moisture during the peak of summer. Mixing in compost can help buffer the pH and keep your lawn hydrated longer.

Surviving a full year of drought

Medina County has endured 53 weeks of drought over the past year, with the entire county currently facing severe drought levels. This persistent lack of rain makes water conservation the top priority for any local homeowner. Using mulching mowers and keeping grass heights tall can help shade the soil and reduce water loss.

Best turf choices for the heat

Zoysia and Bermuda are the most resilient choices for Medina’s 9a climate, offering better drought recovery than other southern grasses. Plan to install new sod in early March to take advantage of the spring rain before the summer heat intensifies. With the right species, a beautiful lawn is possible despite the local climate hurdles.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Medina County's county score?
Medina County, Texas has a composite county score of 36.8 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 Medina County rank among counties in Texas?
Medina County ranks #170 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 Medina County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Medina County is $2,881, with an effective tax rate of 1.31%. This earns Medina County a tax score of 20.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Medina County?
The median household income in Medina County, Texas is $73,462 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Medina County earns an income score of 74.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Medina County, Texas a good place to live?
Medina County scores 36.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #170 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Medina 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 Medina 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.