countyscore
61.7
County Score
Disaster Risk 94.4Safety 80.3Cost of Living 76.9

County Report Card

About Mills County, Texas

Well Above National Median

Mills County is a standout with a composite score of 61.7, significantly exceeding the national median of 50.0. This places it in an elite tier for overall county livability across the U.S.

Among the Best in Texas

With a 61.7 score, Mills County far outpaces the Texas state average of 41.9. It offers a superior quality of life compared to the majority of counties in the state.

Elite Stability and Low Taxes

The county excels in environmental risk (94.4), safety (80.3), and cost (76.9). Residents benefit from a very low 0.880% effective tax rate and a median rent of just $713.

Limited Water and Healthcare Resources

Water resources present the biggest challenge with a low score of 11.4. Additionally, the healthcare score of 33.8 suggests that residents may need to travel for specialized medical needs.

Top-Tier Choice for Security

This county is perfect for anyone seeking a safe, stable, and low-tax lifestyle in rural Texas. Its high school and safety scores make it an exceptional environment for raising a family.

2040608010046.776.980.333.868.552.194.411.439Tax46.7Cost76.9Safety80.3Health33.8Schools68.5Income52.1Risk94.4Water11.4Weather3961.7/100
This county
National avg
4 above average3 below average

Mills County DNA

Doverall

How Mills County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Mills County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Disaster Risk (94.4/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (11.4/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
46.7
Cost
76.9+28.900000000000006
Safety
80.3+25.299999999999997
Health
33.8-16.200000000000003
Schools
68.5+14.5
Income
52.1
Risk
94.4+47.400000000000006
Water
11.4-46.6
Weather
39-17
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Many homeowners in Mills County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

Check My Assessment

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$200,200

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$713/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$200,200/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$28,520/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.1x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $64,494/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

111.1

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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Counties with similar scores

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Jackson County
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Carroll County
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Emmet County
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Hancock County
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Median income: $70,212
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Nearby counties

San Saba County
Texas
54.1
Brown County
Texas
36.6
Lampasas County
Texas
41.6
Comanche County
Texas
38.8
Hamilton County
Texas
47.4
McCulloch County
Texas
40.1
Coryell County
Texas
32.7
Coleman County
Texas
46.9

Deep Dives

Mills County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Mills County

via TaxByCounty

Mills offers the nation's best tax rates

Mills County's effective tax rate of 0.880% ranks well below the national median of 1.048%, placing it among the most tax-friendly counties in America. The median property tax of $1,762 is far below the national median of $2,690, making Mills County exceptionally affordable for homeowners.

Texas's most tax-friendly county

Mills County's 0.880% effective rate is the lowest among all eight counties analyzed and stands significantly below the Texas state average of 1.276%. Residents pay a median property tax of $1,762, roughly 20% less than the state median of $2,193.

Best rates in central Texas

Mills County's 0.880% rate substantially undercuts neighboring Milam County (1.059%), Montague County (0.951%), and all other regional peers. Only among this county grouping, it stands alone as the most attractive for tax-conscious homebuyers.

Keep more money in your pocket

On a typical $200,200 home in Mills County, annual property taxes run approximately $1,762—the lowest burden in this county group. This rate structure allows residents to allocate resources to schools, services, and savings rather than inflated tax obligations.

Verify your assessment accuracy

Mills County's favorable tax climate makes it essential to ensure your property isn't overassessed compared to similar homes locally. Even in low-rate counties, tax appeals can catch administrative errors or outdated valuations that inflate your obligations.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Mills County

via CostByCounty

Mills County's surprising affordability

Mills County's rent-to-income ratio of 13.3% ranks among Texas's best, significantly below both the state average of 18.1% and the sustainable national benchmark. With $713 monthly rent against a $64,494 median income, Mills residents enjoy the most relaxed housing burden in this eight-county comparison.

Top-tier Texas affordability

Mills ranks in the upper echelon of Texas counties for housing affordability, combining modest rents with moderate incomes to produce exceptionally sustainable ratios. The median home value of $200,200 reflects stable property markets without speculation or crisis.

Best rent-to-income in the region

Mills's 13.3% rent-to-income ratio beats all comparable counties—Mitchell at 10.3% is exceptional but reflects extreme poverty, while Medina at 17.8% and Montague at 18.3% carry heavier burdens. Mills achieves the best balance of sustainable income and realistic housing costs.

Renters and owners both win

Renters spend only 13.3% of income on $713 rent, while homeowners allocate roughly 13% to $694 monthly ownership costs. This rare near-parity suggests a county where rental and ownership markets remain aligned and affordable, with flexibility for both paths.

Hidden gem for affordable living

Mills County offers the sweet spot: genuine affordability without desperate poverty, allowing residents to build savings alongside stable housing. For remote workers or retirees, Mills delivers Hill Country proximity with urban-level financial breathing room.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Mills County

via IncomeByCounty

Mills Close to National Median

Mills County's median household income of $64,494 is 13.8% below the U.S. median of $74,755 but within striking distance of national norms. The county demonstrates moderate earning capacity relative to the broader American economic landscape.

Slightly Below Texas Average

Mills's median household income of $64,494 is virtually aligned with Texas's state average of $64,737, tracking just 0.4% below statewide norms. Per capita income of $36,334 exceeds state average of $33,197 by 9.4%, indicating robust individual earning potential.

Upper-Middle Income in Regional Context

Mills's $64,494 income ranks fourth among the peer group, exceeding McLennan County ($63,888) and Milam County ($59,076), but trailing Medina County ($73,462) and far behind Midland County ($93,984). The county represents solid economic footing for rural Texas.

Excellent Housing Affordability

Mills County's rent-to-income ratio of 13.3% is the lowest among all peer counties, indicating exceptional rental affordability with renters spending just over one-eighth of earnings on housing. Median home values of $200,200 align well with county income, supporting accessible homeownership.

Leverage Low Housing Costs for Growth

With a median household income of $64,494 and exceptionally low housing burden (13.3% rent ratio), Mills households have notable capacity to build wealth through investments and savings. The combination of solid earnings and minimal housing pressure creates strong conditions for long-term financial growth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Mills County

via CrimeByCounty

Mills County's High Safety Score

Mills County earns a safety score of 99.3, reflecting a very secure local environment. The total crime rate of 466.6 per 100,000 residents is significantly lower than the U.S. average.

Quiet Living in the Hill Country

The county's safety score exceeds the Texas average of 96.8, positioning it as a peaceful enclave. Data from the single reporting agency suggests a low-volume law enforcement environment.

Safer Than Adjacent Counties

Compared to neighboring Brown or Lampasas counties, Mills presents a very calm statistical profile. It serves as a quiet transition point between Central Texas and the Hill Country.

Low Risk for Violent Crime

Violent crime is reported at 88.9 per 100,000, while property crime accounts for 377.7 incidents. These numbers remain well below national averages, indicating a low risk for most residents.

Vigilance for Rural Properties

In areas with limited law enforcement agencies, personal home security is a valuable investment. Outdoor cameras can help monitor rural properties where neighbors live far apart.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Mills County

via SchoolsByCounty

High Investment in Rural Education

Mills County supports 807 students across six public schools and four districts. This infrastructure includes a mix of traditional campuses and a significant charter presence for the region.

Top-Tier School Scores and Spending

The county earns an impressive school score of 63.7, well above the state average of 55.3. Investment is high at $12,017 per pupil, fueling a graduation rate of 88.7% that exceeds the national average.

Goldthwaite ISD and Charter Options

Goldthwaite ISD is the primary traditional district with 537 students, while Orenda Charter School serves 1,878 students across its broader network. Mullin ISD also provides a unique local option with 193 students.

Exclusively Rural and Highly Intimate

All six schools are located in rural settings, maintaining an average size of only 135 students. The largest campus, Goldthwaite Elementary, serves just 242 students, ensuring a personalized educational experience.

A Premium Rural Education Experience

With school scores among the best in the state, Mills County is a hidden gem for families. Explore local real estate to give your children the benefit of high per-pupil spending and small class sizes.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Mills County

via RiskByCounty

Mills enjoys exceptional disaster safety

Mills County's composite risk score of just 5.60 places it firmly in the Very Low category, far below the national average of roughly 50. This Central Texas county represents one of the nation's safest zones for natural disaster exposure.

Among Texas's lowest-risk counties

Mills's score of 5.60 is just a fraction of Texas's state average of 49.00, ranking it among the state's safest counties. The county's geographic position and population density create an inherently protective disaster environment.

Safer than all but Menard nearby

Mills's score of 5.60 significantly undercuts nearby Medina County (68.70) and McLennan County (91.22), placing it among the region's safest zones. Only Menard County (3.05) rivals Mills's exceptionally low exposure.

Wildfire represents the main exposure

Wildfire risk at 76.46 is Mills's highest hazard metric, though still moderate in the broader county context. All other disaster types—flood, tornado, earthquake, hurricane—remain very low throughout the county.

Standard coverage handles your risk

Mills residents can rely on basic homeowners insurance without specialized hazard add-ons for most disaster exposure. Focus on wildfire prevention through property maintenance and vegetation management rather than expensive insurance riders.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Mills County

via WaterByCounty

Mills County Compliance Grade F

Mills County is rated F for water quality compliance with six health violations over the last five years. Its violation rate of 283.8 per 100,000 people is nearly half of the Texas state average of 581.9. While better than the state norm, the grade indicates persistent health-related issues in the system.

Watershed Assessments Currently Unavailable

Water bodies in Mills County have not yet been evaluated under the Clean Water Act §303(d) federal reporting. This means that an impairment percentage for the county's streams is not currently available in the ATTAINS database. Local monitoring serves as the primary gauge of stream health for now.

Limited Monitoring at Single Site

The county has one active monitoring site which has recorded 345 measurements in the last five years. Most measurements track physical attributes and nutrients, providing a narrow but essential window into water quality. This limited footprint suggests a need for more extensive environmental data collection.

Pecan Bayou Flow Nearly Ceases

The Pecan Bayou near Mullin is flowing at just 5 cfs, which is only 3% of its historical mean of 158 cfs. This drastic reduction in flow indicates severe hydrological drought for the local area. Such low water levels can lead to higher temperatures and lower oxygen levels in the water.

Drought and Grade F Alert

The extreme low flow of Pecan Bayou coupled with a Grade F compliance rating suggests potential quality risks. Residents should be cautious of concentrated contaminants and consider using filters that target nutrients and inorganics. Staying informed on health violation notices is critical during these low-flow periods.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Mills County

via WeatherByCounty

A Classic Central Texas Climate

Mills County averages 64.7°F annually, which is nearly 12 degrees warmer than the national median. It maintains a moderate precipitation level of 31.8 inches per year.

A Near-Perfect Match for Texas Averages

With an average temperature of 64.7°F and 31.8 inches of rain, Mills mirrors the Texas averages of 65.5°F and 31.9 inches. It serves as a representative sample of the state's climate.

Cooler and Drier than Milam County

Mills is slightly cooler than Milam County to the southeast and receives nearly 6 inches less rainfall. Snowfall remains rare here, averaging just 0.1 inches annually.

Hot Summers with Rare Winter Snow

July averages 81.8°F, contributing to a total of 89 extreme heat days each year. Winters are cool but mild, with an average temperature of 47.5°F and virtually no snow.

Insulation and Cooling are Key

Homeowners should prioritize attic insulation to combat the 89 days of extreme summer heat. Minimal winter prep is required as snowfall is negligible at 0.1 inches.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Mills County

via SoilByCounty

A Landscape Awaiting Detailed Study

Mills County currently has limited data regarding its specific soil taxonomic order and average pH levels. While many neighbors are alkaline, local testing is required to determine if it mirrors the state average of 7.09. Understanding your specific plot is the first step toward successful management.

Localized Soil Diversity

Specific percentages for sand, silt, and clay are not currently mapped for this county's aggregate profile. However, the region typically features a mix of rocky uplands and loamy valleys common to the northern Edwards Plateau. Localized soil testing can reveal the unique drainage and workability of your specific land.

Exploring Local Fertility Potential

Data on organic matter and available water capacity are currently unavailable for Mills County. To gauge growing potential, residents can compare their land to the Texas state average soil score of 28.8. Adding compost and organic amendments is a safe bet for improving any unknown soil profile.

Navigating Unknown Hydrology

Specific drainage classes and hydrologic groups are not listed in the current data set for the county. Observing how water moves on your property after a rainstorm is the best way to assess runoff risk. Proper site evaluation is essential before starting any new construction or large-scale irrigation.

Reliable Growth in Zone 8b

Mills County resides in Hardiness Zone 8b, supporting heat-loving crops and moderate winter temperatures. Despite the data gaps, the region is known for producing quality wool, mohair, and pecans. Dig in and experiment with native Texas plants that are proven to thrive in the local climate.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Mills County

via LawnByCounty

Central Texas challenges in Mills County

Mills County holds a lawn difficulty score of 30.5, nearly matching the Texas state average of 31.7. As part of Hardiness Zone 8b, the region offers a standard set of challenges for the Central Texas grower. It is a middle-of-the-road environment that rewards consistent maintenance and proper grass selection.

Moderate heat and sufficient moisture

The county enjoys 31.8 inches of annual precipitation, which is just enough to meet the 30-inch ideal threshold for healthy turf. Lawns here face 89 extreme heat days, which is notably lower than the state average of 105. This slightly milder summer profile helps prevent the total dormancy often seen in hotter Texas counties.

Limited data on local soil profiles

Specific soil data for Mills County is currently unavailable in the central database, necessitating a DIY home soil test. Understanding your local pH and texture is critical before applying any fertilizers or amendments. Local growers typically encounter the rocky or clay-heavy soils common to the Edwards Plateau region.

Monitoring conditions after dry spells

The county has experienced 25 weeks of drought over the past year, and 100% of the area currently remains abnormally dry. While it lacks the severe drought ratings of its neighbors, the trend suggests a need for careful water management. Aerating your lawn can help the soil better absorb what rainfall and irrigation it does receive.

Reliable grasses for the 8b zone

Bermuda grass is the standard choice here due to its drought tolerance and ability to handle the 5,974 growing degree days. The risk of frost ends around March 23, making early April the perfect time to begin your lawn projects. With its moderate heat profile, Mills County is well-suited for a resilient, well-maintained lawn.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Mills County's county score?
Mills County, Texas has a composite county score of 61.7 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 Mills County rank among counties in Texas?
Mills County ranks #9 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 Mills County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Mills County is $1,762, with an effective tax rate of 0.88%. This earns Mills County a tax score of 46.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Mills County?
The median household income in Mills County, Texas is $64,494 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Mills County earns an income score of 52.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Mills County, Texas a good place to live?
Mills County scores 61.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #9 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Mills 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 Mills County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & 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.