countyscore
53.1
County Score
Safety 97.5Disaster Risk 97Cost of Living 66.3

County Report Card

About Menard County, Texas

Stronger Than the National Average

Menard County posts a composite score of 53.0, which is higher than the national median of 50.0. This makes it a competitive location on the national stage for overall livability.

Outpacing the Texas Average

The county's score of 53.0 is significantly higher than the Texas state average of 41.9. Residents enjoy a quality of life that exceeds state norms in several critical categories.

Elite Safety and Affordability

Safety and environmental risk scores are outstanding at 97.5 and 97.0, respectively. Housing is also very affordable, with a cost score of 66.3 and a median monthly rent of only $810.

Income and Healthcare Limitations

The local economy is small, leading to a low income score of 11.4 and a median household income of $48,191. Residents also face a health score of 24.8, suggesting limited access to nearby medical services.

Perfect for Quiet Rural Living

This county is a top pick for those seeking a safe, low-cost rural lifestyle away from urban hazards. It is particularly well-suited for people with mobile incomes who don't depend on the local job market.

Score breakdown

Tax8.1Cost66.3Safety97.5Health24.8Schools59Income11.4Risk97Water29.9Weather38.8
🏛8.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠66.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼11.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡97.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤24.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓59
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡97
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧29.9
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤38.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨26.9
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱24.6
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

Kimble County
Texas
57.6
Concho County
Texas
47.8
McCulloch County
Texas
40.1
Mason County
Texas
64.5
Schleicher County
Texas
55.4
Coleman County
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46.9
Sutton County
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Gillespie County
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Deep Dives

Menard County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Menard County

via TaxByCounty

Menard ranks among highest in nation

Menard County's effective tax rate of 1.659% significantly exceeds the national median of 1.048%, placing it in the top tier of U.S. counties by rate. The median property tax of $1,747 is below the national median of $2,690, reflecting the county's lower median home value of $105,300.

Texas's steepest tax rate

Menard County's 1.659% effective rate is the highest among the eight counties analyzed and well above Texas's state average of 1.276%. Despite lower home values, the aggressive tax rate means residents pay a higher percentage of property value annually.

Significantly higher than peers

Menard County's 1.659% rate dwarfs neighboring Medina County (1.310%) and Mills County (0.880%), making it the most tax-heavy jurisdiction in the region. Only Mitchell County (1.960%) exceeds Menard's burden in this county group.

Steep rate on modest homes

A typical $105,300 home in Menard County triggers annual property taxes of roughly $1,747 at the current rate. This relatively high percentage burden on lower-valued properties makes tax liability a significant cost concern for rural homeowners.

Challenge your assessment

Given Menard County's steep effective rate, homeowners should strongly consider appealing property assessments to ensure values reflect true market conditions. Many rural properties may be overvalued on the tax rolls, offering potential savings through the formal appeal process.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Menard County

via CostByCounty

Menard struggles with affordability

Menard County's median household income of $48,191 is 36% below the national average, yet its rent-to-income ratio of 20.2% exceeds the state average of 18.1%, signaling real affordability strain. At just $810 monthly, rent is 16% cheaper than the state median, but limited incomes make even low rents burdensome.

Below-average income, above-average burden

Menard ranks among Texas's least affordable counties relative to income, despite modest absolute housing costs. The 20.2% rent-to-income ratio flags this rural county as a place where housing consumes a larger share of household budgets than most Texans experience.

Pricier than Mitchell, tighter than Medina

Menard's $810 rent sits between Mitchell County's bargain $481 and Medina's $1,091, but its lower incomes mean the burden feels heaviest here. McMullen County offers comparable homeownership costs but even less rental market activity, making direct comparison difficult.

Housing takes a bigger bite

Renters devote 20.2% of income to housing—above the sustainable 15-20% range—while homeowners spend roughly 17% on $680 monthly ownership costs. This imbalance reflects a county where renters face tighter constraints than homeowners, pressuring local retention.

Consider if income aligns

Menard's low housing costs attract budget-conscious movers, but only if your income is stable or portable. Remote work or business ownership would strengthen your financial footing in this rural, income-challenged region.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Menard County

via IncomeByCounty

Menard Well Below National Average

Menard County's median household income of $48,191 is 35.5% below the U.S. median of $74,755, reflecting the economic constraints of a small, rural Texas community. The county faces significant income disparities compared to national and state benchmarks.

Lower-Income Than Texas State Average

Menard's median household income of $48,191 falls 25.6% below Texas's state average of $64,737, placing it in the lower-income tier statewide. Per capita income of $32,986 aligns with state average, suggesting more balanced individual earnings despite lower household totals.

Faces Similar Challenges as Peers

Menard's $48,191 income is comparable to McMullen County ($45,833) but trails most other regional neighbors, including Mitchell County ($56,033). The county's rural character and limited diversification mirror economic patterns seen across Texas's sparsest regions.

Housing Costs Manageable Relative to Income

Menard's rent-to-income ratio of 20.2% keeps housing costs within reasonable bounds, with renters spending about one-fifth of earnings on rent. Median home values of $105,300 are among the lowest in the region, making homeownership more accessible than in wealthier counties.

Start Small, Think Long-Term

Menard households earning the county median of $48,191 should prioritize emergency savings and debt reduction before pursuing investments. Even small, consistent contributions to savings accounts and employer retirement plans can build meaningful wealth over time in a low-cost-of-living environment.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Menard County

via CrimeByCounty

Menard County Reports Zero Crime

Menard County achieves a perfect 100.0 safety score with a reported crime rate of 0.0 per 100,000 residents. This stands in sharp contrast to the national average of 2,385.5 incidents.

Outperforming the State Average

Menard's perfect score far exceeds the Texas state average of 96.8. As a single-agency county, the data reflects a highly peaceful environment with no major incidents reported.

Quiet Rural Comparisons

While neighboring Tom Green County sees more urban activity, Menard remains an exceptionally quiet rural enclave. The local sheriff's office manages a low-incident territory.

Statistical Breakdown of Safety

With zero reported violent or property crimes in 2022, the statistical risk to residents is minimal. This low volume is typical for small, tight-knit communities with stable populations.

Smart Safety for Rural Homes

Low local crime makes the county safe, but rural residents should still secure their property. Fencing and gated drives are excellent ways to define and protect your home boundary.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Menard County

via HealthByCounty

Menard matches U.S. life expectancy trend

At 74.8 years, Menard County's life expectancy slightly exceeds the U.S. average of 74.5, but the county's 22.0% poor/fair health rate surpasses the national average of 18%. This pattern suggests Menard residents live roughly as long as Americans overall but manage more chronic disease while doing so. The county's health profile reflects the trade-off many rural areas face: adequate longevity but higher disease burden.

Slightly above Texas average on longevity

Menard's 74.8-year life expectancy edges out Texas's 74.3-year average, though the margin is slim. However, the county's 25.8% uninsured rate is significantly higher than Texas's 19.8% average, meaning one in four Menard residents lack health coverage—a real barrier to preventive care. This coverage gap may explain why Menard's slight longevity advantage doesn't translate to better overall health outcomes.

Menard struggles with coverage disparity

Menard's 74.8-year life expectancy trails McLennan (75.3) and Medina (76.7), but the county's defining challenge is its 25.8% uninsured rate—the highest among peers and more than 9 percentage points above Medina County. With 51 primary care providers per 100,000, Menard offers moderate access, but cost remains a barrier for uninsured residents seeking routine care. The high uninsured rate is Menard's most urgent health equity issue.

Coverage crisis threatens health outcomes

Menard's 25.8% uninsured rate means approximately 1,300 residents go without health coverage—nearly triple the national average for uninsured rates in some metrics. The county's 51 primary care providers per 100,000 offer moderate access, but without insurance, many residents delay or skip preventive visits, relying on emergency care instead. Mental health provider data is unavailable, but the coverage gap suggests behavioral health services may also be inaccessible for many.

Find affordable coverage now

One in four Menard residents lacks health insurance—if you're among them, open enrollment is your chance to access affordable coverage through healthcare.gov. Depending on your income, you may qualify for Medicaid expansion, CHIP, or marketplace subsidies that could reduce your monthly premium to near zero. Don't let cost concerns keep you uninsured; a health plan protects you from bankruptcy if illness or injury strikes.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Menard County

via SchoolsByCounty

Traditional Rural Schooling in Menard

Menard County provides education through two public schools serving a total of 288 students. The system is managed by one school district, offering a streamlined path from elementary through high school.

Exceeding National Graduation Benchmarks

The county reports a 90% graduation rate, which sits comfortably above the national average of 87%. With a per-pupil expenditure of $8,179, the county invests more per student than the Texas state average of $7,498.

Menard ISD Serves the Community

Menard ISD manages the entire local student body with no charter school alternatives. The district is composed of Menard Elementary/JH and Menard High School, ensuring a consistent educational journey for all residents.

Small-Scale Learning in Rural Texas

Both campuses are classified as rural, featuring an average school size of just 144 students. Menard High School is particularly intimate, serving only 93 students in grades 9 through 12.

Discover Quiet, Focused Schooling

Families looking for a setting where teachers know every student by name will find Menard County ideal. Explore available properties to join this small, dedicated rural school district.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Menard County

via RiskByCounty

Menard ranks among the nation's safest

Menard County's composite risk score of just 3.05 places it in the Very Low category, dramatically below the national average of roughly 50. This West Texas county enjoys exceptional protection from major natural disaster hazards.

One of Texas's safest counties

Menard's score of 3.05 is far below Texas's state average of 49.00, ranking among the state's lowest-risk counties. The county's rural character and geographic position create a naturally resilient disaster environment.

Safer than nearly all nearby peers

Menard's score of 3.05 significantly undercuts neighboring Midland County (81.20) and Medina County (68.70), making it one of the region's safest zones. Only Mills County (5.60) and Mitchell County (19.75) rival Menard's low-risk profile.

Wildfire remains the local concern

Wildfire risk of 59.99 is Menard's highest hazard exposure, though still moderate in absolute terms. All other risks—flood, tornado, earthquake, hurricane—remain very low throughout the county.

Basic insurance meets your needs

Standard homeowners insurance provides ample coverage for Menard's minimal disaster risk profile. Focus your preparedness efforts on routine wildfire prevention like roof maintenance and property clearing rather than specialized insurance.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Menard County

via WeatherByCounty

Cooler than most of Texas

Menard County averages 64.1°F, which is still warmer than the national median but cooler than its neighbors. It features a drier, high-sunlight environment typical of the western Hill Country.

Below the Texas average

The county's 64.1°F average is 1.4 degrees cooler than the Texas state average of 65.5°F. It represents a slightly more temperate pocket within the state's warmer central region.

A drier Hill Country neighbor

Menard is the driest in this group, receiving only 24.4 inches of rain compared to Mason's 28.9 inches. It records 105 extreme heat days, slightly fewer than McCulloch's 107.

Hot days and cold winter nights

Summers average 80.6°F with 105 days over 90°F, while winters are among the coolest in the region with an average of 46.8°F. Snowfall data is limited, but the area primarily sees dry winters.

Insulation and water management

Homeowners should prioritize good insulation to stay warm during the 44.9°F January lows and cool during the 105 days of heat. Drought-tolerant gardening is a must with only 24.4 inches of rain.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Menard County

via SoilByCounty

Rich Mollisols Define the Menard Landscape

Menard County is dominated by Mollisols, which are typically fertile, dark-colored soils. The average pH reaches 7.76, making it significantly more alkaline than the national median of 6.5. This high pH level reflects the limestone-heavy geology characteristic of the Edwards Plateau.

The Consistency of Clay Loam

The soil is remarkably balanced with 32.7% sand, 32.3% clay, and 32.0% silt, creating a classic clay loam texture. This composition provides excellent nutrient retention and good structural stability for roots. However, the high clay content means it can become heavy and difficult to work when wet.

Superior Organic Richness for Growers

Organic matter in Menard sits at 2.27%, which is much higher than the Texas average of 1.66%. With an available water capacity of 0.134 in/in, the soil holds slightly more moisture than the state benchmark. These metrics suggest a high natural productivity for native grasses and crops.

Reliable Drainage in Group C

The soil is classified as well-drained, which prevents waterlogging during typical rain events. It belongs to Hydrologic Group C, meaning it has a slow infiltration rate and moderate runoff potential. This combination is generally favorable for both building foundations and livestock grazing.

Gardening in Hardiness Zone 8a

Zone 8a supports a wide range of hardy perennials and traditional Texas crops like pecans and peaches. The alkaline clay loam is perfect for native wildflowers and drought-resistant shrubs that prefer mineral-rich environments. Residents are encouraged to use mulch to preserve that high organic matter during dry spells.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Menard County

via LawnByCounty

Menard’s high-altitude lawn struggles

Menard County faces a challenging lawn environment with a difficulty score of 24.6, placing it below the Texas average of 31.7. In Hardiness Zone 8a, growers must contend with a shorter growing window and more arid conditions than coastal counties. Maintaining a green space here requires a focus on soil health and water management.

Dry air and a late spring frost

Annual precipitation is low at 24.4 inches, nearly six inches shy of the ideal range for most turf. The county matches the state average of 105 extreme heat days, but the late spring frost on April 7 limits the early season growth. You will need to be patient with your lawn, as the 5,811 growing degree days start accumulating later than in South Texas.

Alkaline clay loam requires care

The soil pH of 7.76 is significantly higher than the ideal 6.0-7.0 range, which can lead to nutrient deficiencies in traditional grasses. This well-drained clay loam features a balanced 32.3% clay and 32.7% sand, providing a stable foundation if you can manage the alkalinity. Sulfur amendments may be necessary to lower the pH for more sensitive turf varieties.

Managing moderate drought cycles

The county has seen 21 weeks of drought over the past year, though current conditions show only 15.9% of the area is abnormally dry. This provides a temporary reprieve from the severe conditions seen in neighboring counties, but the low overall rainfall remains a constant factor. Implementing rainwater harvesting can help bridge the gap during the drier months.

Hardy species for Menard landscapes

Buffalo grass and Bermuda are excellent choices for this 8a zone, as they handle the alkaline soil and limited water better than most. Wait until mid-April to seed, ensuring the ground is warm enough after the late frost date. Proper species selection is the most important step for a sustainable lawn in this region.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Menard County's county score?
Menard County, Texas has a composite county score of 53.1 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 Menard County rank among counties in Texas?
Menard County ranks #46 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 Menard County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Menard County is $1,747, with an effective tax rate of 1.66%. This earns Menard County a tax score of 8.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Menard County?
The median household income in Menard County, Texas is $48,191 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Menard County earns an income score of 11.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Menard County, Texas a good place to live?
Menard County scores 53.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #46 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Menard 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 Menard 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.