countyscore
53.8
County Score
Safety 97.5Disaster Risk 97Cost of Living 72.4

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.

204060801003.272.497.524.85917.59729.938.8Tax3.2Cost72.4Safety97.5Health24.8Schools59Income17.5Risk97Water29.9Weather38.853.8/100
This county
National avg
3 above average5 below average

Menard County DNA

Foverall

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

Menard County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Disaster Risk (97/100) but notably weak in Property Tax (3.2/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
3.2-48.8
Cost
72.4+24.400000000000006
Safety
97.5+42.5
Health
24.8-25.2
Schools
59
Income
17.5-33.5
Risk
97+50
Water
29.9-28.1
Weather
38.8-17.200000000000003
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Think property taxes are too high in Menard County?

Many homeowners in Menard County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$108,500

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$729/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$108,500/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$29,160/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.0x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $53,043/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

50.9

per 100K

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

Kimble County
Texas
55.3
Concho County
Texas
52.7
McCulloch County
Texas
43.8
Mason County
Texas
62.3
Schleicher County
Texas
56.9
Coleman County
Texas
46.7
Sutton County
Texas
56
Gillespie County
Texas
46

Deep Dives

Menard County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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

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

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 53.8 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 Menard County rank among counties in Texas?
Menard 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 Menard County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Menard County is $2,111, with an effective tax rate of 1.95%. This earns Menard County a tax score of 3.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Menard County?
The median household income in Menard County, Texas is $53,043 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Menard County earns an income score of 17.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Menard County, Texas a good place to live?
Menard County scores 53.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #42 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.
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.