Medina County

Texas · TX

#163 in Texas
61.2
County Score

County Report Card

About Medina County, Texas

Medina exceeds national average

Medina County's composite score of 65.4 surpasses the national median of 50.0 by 15.4 points. The county ranks in the top 68th percentile nationally, marking it as a above-average livable destination.

At Texas's middle tier

Medina scores 65.4, just slightly below Texas's state average of 66.8, positioning it solidly in the middle of Texas counties. The narrow gap reflects solid, mainstream livability for the state.

Tax advantage and decent income

Medina's Tax Score of 65.4 reflects an effective tax rate of just 1.310%, the lowest in this county set. The Income Score of 31.3 and median household income of $73,462 add stability for middle-class households.

Limited complete livability data

Safety, health, schools, environmental risk, and water quality data are currently unavailable, leaving important livability dimensions unmeasured. The Cost Score of 73.9 shows moderate affordability but not exceptional value.

Suits middle-income tax seekers

Medina appeals to middle-class families and professionals wanting low taxes and reasonable incomes without sacrificing affordability. The county offers a balanced lifestyle with above-average composite livability.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax65.4Cost73.9SafetyComing SoonHealth60.1SchoolsComing SoonIncome31.3Risk31.3WaterComing Soon
🏛65.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠73.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼31.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
60.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
31.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Deep Dives

Medina County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

ByCounty Network

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