countyscore
41.8
County Score
Safety 52.7Cost of Living 50.4Schools 47

County Report Card

About Milam County, Texas

Moderate National Performance

Milam County earns a composite score of 41.8, trailing the national median of 50.0. It offers a mid-range lifestyle that aligns with many typical rural American counties.

Mirroring the Texas Average

The county's score of 41.8 is almost identical to the Texas state average of 41.9. It represents a very typical Texas experience across most livability metrics.

Balanced Safety and Housing Costs

The county offers balanced strengths in safety (52.7) and cost (50.4), making it relatively affordable. Property taxes are a standout feature, with a low 1.059% effective tax rate.

Water and Health Access Gaps

Water quality and availability score poorly at 16.0, presenting a potential concern for residents. Healthcare access also lags with a score of 28.2, which is below many state peers.

Reliable Mid-Range Texas Living

Milam County is a solid choice for those seeking a standard, affordable Texas lifestyle with reasonable tax rates. It suits families who want a balance of safety and school quality without extreme costs.

Score breakdown

Tax33.8Cost50.4Safety52.7Health28.2Schools47Income36Risk41.9Water16Weather28.6
🏛33.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠50.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼36
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡52.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤28.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓47
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡41.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧16
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤28.6
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨36.7
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱38.1
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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Counties with similar scores

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Warren County
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Nearby counties

Robertson County
Texas
51.1
Falls County
Texas
46.4
Burleson County
Texas
49.2
Lee County
Texas
42.6
Bell County
Texas
25.6
Brazos County
Texas
22.8
Williamson County
Texas
43.5
Bastrop County
Texas
29.9

Deep Dives

Milam County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Milam County

via TaxByCounty

Milam offers below-average national taxes

Milam County's effective tax rate of 1.059% nearly matches the national median of 1.048%, making it one of the most affordable tax jurisdictions nationally. The median property tax of $1,789 falls well below the national median of $2,690, reflecting the county's lower median home value of $168,900.

Below Texas state average

Milam County's 1.059% effective rate ranks below the Texas state average of 1.276%, offering tax savings compared to most Texas counties. With a median property tax of $1,789 versus the state median of $2,193, residents enjoy genuinely lower tax burdens.

Most affordable in the region

Milam County's 1.059% rate stands among the lowest of the eight counties, outpacing Medina County (1.310%) and Menard County (1.659%). Only Mills County (0.880%) and Montague County (0.951%) offer lower rates in this regional grouping.

Modest homes, modest taxes

A typical $168,900 home in Milam County generates annual property taxes of around $1,789 before mortgage deductions. The effective rate keeps the tax burden manageable for working families and retirees on fixed incomes.

Even modest assessments warrant review

Milam County homeowners can benefit from periodic property value assessments, as even lower-valued homes may carry inflated tax basis figures. Filing an appeal is a straightforward process that can yield meaningful savings, particularly for properties assessed above recent comparable sales.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Milam County

via CostByCounty

Milam balances modest income with fair rents

Milam County's median household income of $59,076 trails the national average by 21%, yet its rent-to-income ratio of 19.3% exceeds the state average by just 1.2 percentage points. At $948 monthly rent—nearly matching the state median of $963—Milam offers accessible housing in a lower-income context.

Below-average income, average burden

Milam ranks in the lower half of Texas counties by income but maintains near-average housing burden ratios, suggesting stabilized local markets. The median home value of $168,900 reflects steady property values without rapid speculation or decline.

Affordable relative to central Texas

Milam's $948 rent is 20% cheaper than Montague County's $957 and significantly lower than rapidly growing central Texas counties like Williamson or Travis. Its income level ($59,076) sits between rural counties like Menard and more prosperous commuter communities, offering middle-ground housing economics.

Balanced dual housing market

Renters spend 19.3% of income on $948 rent, while homeowners allocate roughly 15% to $723 monthly ownership costs, creating strong homeownership incentives. This gap suggests renters might accelerate toward ownership, or that the rental market lags homeowner affordability.

Solid ground for Austin proximity

Milam County offers affordability while remaining within commutable distance of Austin's job market, making it ideal for cost-conscious workers seeking central Texas opportunity. Homeownership here builds equity faster than renting, given the favorable ownership-to-rent cost ratio.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Milam County

via IncomeByCounty

Milam Below National Income Mark

Milam County's median household income of $59,076 is 21.0% below the U.S. median of $74,755, reflecting economic patterns typical of rural Central Texas. The county's income level suggests moderate earning potential but below-average national prosperity.

Trails Texas State Average

Milam's median household income of $59,076 falls 8.8% below Texas's state average of $64,737, placing it in the lower-middle tier statewide. Per capita income of $33,760 slightly exceeds state average at $33,197, suggesting more balanced individual earning power.

Middle Income Among Peer Counties

Milam's $59,076 income exceeds McMullen County ($45,833) and Menard County ($48,191) but falls short of McLennan County ($63,888) and Mills County ($64,494). The county's income positioning reflects its place as a small, agricultural-industrial community in Central Texas.

Rent Affordable, Homeownership Possible

Milam's rent-to-income ratio of 19.3% indicates renters spend roughly one-fifth of earnings on housing, well within affordability guidelines. Median home values of $168,900 are moderately priced, making homeownership achievable for households at or above the county median.

Build Savings with Consistent Effort

Milam households earning the county median of $59,076 can establish meaningful savings by automating transfers to emergency funds and retirement accounts. Even modest monthly investments compound significantly over time, offering pathways to homeownership and financial independence.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Milam County

via CrimeByCounty

Milam County Beats National Averages

Milam County maintains a safety score of 98.3, notably higher than the national norm. Its total crime rate of 1,064.6 per 100,000 is less than half the national average of 2,385.5.

Exceeding the State Safety Average

With a safety score higher than the state average of 96.8, Milam ranks as a secure alternative to urban Texas. Seven local agencies contribute data to ensure a transparent view of public safety.

A Peaceful Alternative to Nearby Hubs

Compared to nearby McLennan County, Milam offers a much quieter environment with lower incident rates. This makes it one of the more peaceful rural stretches in Central Texas.

Analyzing Local Crime Rates

Property crime is the primary concern at 813.4 per 100,000 residents, while violent crime remains low at 251.2. Both figures are well below national benchmarks for safety.

Defending Your Home and Land

While rates are low, basic property protection remains the best defense against opportunistic theft. Installing motion-sensor lights can effectively discourage potential trespassers.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Milam County

via HealthByCounty

Milam keeps pace with America

At 74.7 years, Milam County's life expectancy matches the U.S. average of 74.5 years almost exactly, while the county's 20.9% poor/fair health rate is slightly higher than the national average of 18%. This suggests Milam residents live roughly as long as Americans overall but carry a modestly higher disease burden. The pattern is typical of rural Texas counties with limited specialist availability.

Nearly average across Texas metrics

Milam's 74.7-year life expectancy slightly exceeds Texas's 74.3-year average, and its 19.3% uninsured rate is remarkably close to the state's 19.8%, indicating Milam performs near Texas norms. The county is neither a clear winner nor a laggard—it reflects typical Texas health outcomes. This middle-of-the-road performance masks real challenges in primary care access that affect daily care quality.

Milam struggles on provider access

Milam's 74.7-year life expectancy is competitive with peers, but the county's 4 primary care providers per 100,000 residents is drastically low compared to McLennan (77), Menard (51), or even Mills (22). This severe shortage means Milam residents travel far for routine care or rely on emergency departments for non-urgent needs—a reality that drives up costs and worsens health outcomes. The gap reflects Milam's rural isolation and economic constraints.

Critical shortage of primary care doctors

Milam County's 4 primary care providers per 100,000 residents represents a healthcare crisis—there are likely fewer than 10 primary care doctors serving a county of nearly 25,000 people. Mental health services are equally scarce at 23 providers per 100,000, leaving residents with few options for behavioral care. While 19.3% uninsured rate is manageable, the real barrier for Milam residents is finding a doctor who can see them.

Get covered, but know access is tough

If you're uninsured in Milam, marketplace plans and Medicaid are available through healthcare.gov—but having insurance won't solve the county's provider shortage. Open enrollment is still critical; coverage ensures you're protected if you travel to nearby larger towns for specialized care or hospitalization. Consider connecting with a community health center, which often has more availability than private practices.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Milam County

via SchoolsByCounty

Rural Schools Spanning Six Districts

Milam County's 4,387 students are distributed among 17 public schools and six different districts. The landscape is primarily rural, featuring seven elementary schools and four high schools.

Solid Graduation and Consistent Quality

The graduation rate stands at 90.9%, beating the national average of 87%. The county’s school score of 53.9 reflects a stable academic environment supported by $6,962 in per-pupil spending.

Cameron and Rockdale Lead the Way

Cameron ISD and Rockdale ISD are the largest districts, serving 1,554 and 1,488 students respectively. A single charter school operates in the county, providing a small alternative to the traditional district model.

A Mix of Small Town and Rural Life

With 13 of 17 schools in rural locales, the average enrollment is a manageable 258 students. Cameron Yoe High School is the largest campus with 474 students, while Milano ISD offers even smaller, more intimate settings.

Make Your Home in Milam County

Milam County offers a balanced educational profile with multiple district options and a strong graduation record. Look for homes in Cameron or Rockdale to be near the county's largest and most established schools.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Milam County

via RiskByCounty

Milam's risk moderately exceeds national baseline

Milam County's composite risk score of 58.08 surpasses the national average of roughly 50, placing it in the Relatively Low category. The county faces meaningful but manageable exposure to weather-driven hazards across multiple threat types.

Slightly above Texas's average risk

At 58.08, Milam's score edges above Texas's state average of 49.00, reflecting moderate vulnerability within the state's county distribution. The county occupies the middle ground of Texas disaster risk—neither especially high nor particularly low.

Balanced between safer and riskier peers

Milam's score of 58.08 sits between safer counties like Mills (5.60) and higher-risk neighbors like Medina (68.70) and McLennan (91.22). Its Central Texas location exposes it to balanced tornado, flood, and hurricane threats.

Tornado and hurricane drive exposure

Tornado risk of 81.68 and hurricane risk of 77.76 are Milam's two highest hazard scores, both well above state norms. Flood risk at 51.69 adds a third dimension to the county's weather vulnerability profile.

Add flood and windstorm riders promptly

Milam residents should secure flood insurance and windstorm coverage to supplement standard homeowners policies before disaster season arrives. Establish a tornado safe room in your home and keep emergency supplies accessible year-round.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Milam County

via WeatherByCounty

High Humidity and Above-Average Warmth

Milam's average annual temperature of 68.0°F is well above the 53°F national median. This region receives 37.5 inches of annual precipitation, making it wetter than many parts of the country.

Warmer and Wetter than the State Average

The county is warmer than the 65.5°F Texas average and receives about 5.6 inches more rain than the state mean. It ranks as a typically humid and warm Central Texas location.

Higher Rainfall than Nearby Mills County

Milam receives 37.5 inches of rain, making it significantly wetter than Mills County's 31.8 inches. Both counties experience roughly 90 days of extreme heat each year.

Long Summers and Snow-Free Winters

The county averages 88 days of extreme heat per year with a summer average of 82.8°F. Winters are very mild at 52.2°F and typically feature zero inches of snowfall.

Preparing for Humidity and Heat

Dehumidifiers and robust HVAC systems are essential for the muggy 88 days of extreme heat. Gardeners can take advantage of the generous 37.5 inches of annual rain.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Milam County

via SoilByCounty

Neutral Mollisols in Milam County

Milam County sits on a foundation of Mollisols with a near-perfect pH of 7.01. This is very close to the national median of 6.5, making it less alkaline than many of its Texas neighbors. Such neutral conditions allow for the maximum availability of many essential plant nutrients.

Gravelly Clay Loam Texture

The soil contains 41.5% sand, 27.6% clay, and 28.5% silt, classified as a gravelly clay loam. This texture provides a sturdy structure that holds moisture well while the gravelly components improve aeration. It strikes a functional balance between drainage and nutrient storage.

Superior Water Retention Capabilities

The available water capacity is a robust 0.142 in/in, which significantly exceeds the state average of 0.133. While organic matter is slightly below the state average at 1.56%, the high water capacity provides a safety net during dry periods. This makes the county highly suitable for sustained agricultural production.

Well Drained with Slow Infiltration

Soils here are well-drained but fall into Hydrologic Group C, which features slow infiltration rates when saturated. This means that while the soil manages water well under normal conditions, heavy rains can lead to moderate runoff. It is an ideal environment for farming provided erosion control measures are in place.

Diverse Potential in Zone 9a

Zone 9a provides a long, warm growing season for Milam County residents. The neutral pH and high water capacity are excellent for vegetables, fruit trees, and native grasses. It is a fantastic place to start a backyard orchard or a productive kitchen garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Milam County

via LawnByCounty

Milam County’s favorable lawn conditions

Milam County offers a relatively friendly environment for lawn care with a score of 38.1, outperforming the Texas average. Situated in Hardiness Zone 9a, it provides a long growing season and more manageable heat than its southern neighbors. While not as easy as the national average of 50.0, it is a prime spot for Texas turf.

Ideal rain with manageable summer heat

The county receives 37.5 inches of rain per year, placing it perfectly within the ideal range for lush lawn growth. With only 88 extreme heat days, it is cooler than the state average, reducing the stress on your grass during July and August. The 6,901 growing degree days ensure plenty of warmth for southern grasses to flourish.

Perfectly balanced soil for turf

The soil pH is an ideal 7.01, requiring almost no chemical adjustment for most grass varieties. This well-drained gravelly clay loam provides the structural support and aeration that roots need to grow deep. It is one of the better soil foundations found in the region, supporting a wide variety of landscaping options.

Severe drought despite good rainfall

While annual rain is good, 90.2% of the county is currently in severe drought after 37 weeks of dry conditions over the past year. This mismatch between average rainfall and current conditions means you must remain vigilant with irrigation. Prioritize watering in the early morning to minimize evaporation and help your lawn survive these temporary extremes.

A wide variety of planting options

St. Augustine, Zoysia, and Bermuda all thrive in Milam's Zone 9a and high-quality soil. With the last frost typically passing by March 6, you can start your spring lawn care routine earlier than most Texans. Take advantage of the favorable pH and start seeding or sodding in early spring for the best results.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Milam County's county score?
Milam County, Texas has a composite county score of 41.8 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 Milam County rank among counties in Texas?
Milam County ranks #122 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 Milam County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Milam County is $1,789, with an effective tax rate of 1.06%. This earns Milam County a tax score of 33.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Milam County?
The median household income in Milam County, Texas is $59,076 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Milam County earns an income score of 36/100 on CountyScore.
Is Milam County, Texas a good place to live?
Milam County scores 41.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #122 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Milam 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 Milam 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.