countyscore
18.5
County Score
Income & Jobs 56.9Water Quality 55.5Schools 36.4

County Report Card

About Nueces County, Texas

Significant gaps compared to national averages

Nueces County posts a composite score of 18.5, which is less than half of the national median of 50.0. High environmental risks and safety concerns weigh down its overall standing in the national landscape.

Well below the Texas state average

At 18.5, the county's composite score is far lower than the Texas state average of 41.9. Despite its coastal appeal, it ranks near the bottom for overall livability among large Texas counties.

Moderate incomes and water quality

Nueces excels in income potential with a score of 56.9, supported by a median household income of $66,021. The county also maintains a decent water score of 55.5, ensuring reliable utility quality.

Safety and coastal risk concerns

The county struggles with a safety score of 3.9 and a risk score of 3.4, indicating high crime and vulnerability to natural disasters. Additionally, the tax score of 7.7 reflects a high effective tax rate of 1.679%.

Suited for resilient urban professionals

This county is best for professionals who value coastal access and solid income potential but are prepared to manage higher taxes and environmental risks. It suits those comfortable with an active, urban coastal lifestyle despite livability trade-offs.

204060801007.716.93.917.836.456.93.455.513.4Tax7.7Cost16.9Safety3.9Health17.8Schools36.4Income56.9Risk3.4Water55.5Weather13.418.5/100
This county
National avg
7 below average

Nueces County DNA

Foverall

How Nueces County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Nueces County falls below the national average in most categories. The biggest gap is in Safety (3.9/100), though Income (56.9/100) remains a relative bright spot.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
7.7-44.3
Cost
16.9-31.1
Safety
3.9-51.1
Health
17.8-32.2
Schools
36.4-17.6
Income
56.9
Risk
3.4-43.6
Water
55.5
Weather
13.4-42.6
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Think property taxes are too high in Nueces County?

Many homeowners in Nueces 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

$194,700

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,224/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$194,700/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$48,960/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.9x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $66,021/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

17.9

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

San Patricio County
Texas
31.4
Aransas County
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26.9
Kleberg County
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19.2
Refugio County
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Jim Wells County
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Bee County
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Live Oak County
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Goliad County
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Deep Dives

Nueces County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Nueces County

via TaxByCounty

Nueces County leads in property tax burden

At 1.679%, Nueces County's effective tax rate is 31% above the national median of 1.276%, ranking it in the highest tier nationally. The Corpus Christi area homeowners face one of America's heaviest property tax loads.

Texas's highest-tax county in this group

Nueces County's 1.679% rate exceeds Texas's state average of 1.276% by 0.403 percentage points, the largest gap among these eight counties. Nueces ranks among Texas's highest-taxing counties.

Nueces significantly outpaces all regional peers

At 1.679%, Nueces far exceeds Moore (1.526%), Nolan (1.511%), Morris (1.178%), Motley (1.097%), Nacogdoches (0.925%), and Newton (1.030%). Nueces carries the heaviest property tax burden in its broader region.

Median annual tax bill reaches $3,268

With a median home value of $194,700, Nueces County homeowners pay approximately $3,268 annually in property taxes. This is $578 above the national median tax bill, despite comparable home values.

Assessment appeals can yield substantial savings

Nueces County homeowners should verify their assessed values match market reality, as overassessment is common in high-tax areas. A successful appeal could save hundreds of dollars per year.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Nueces County

via CostByCounty

Nueces renters stretch further than nation

Nueces County renters spend 22.3% of income on housing, above the national norm. That's roughly 3 percentage points higher than the typical American household, signaling tighter affordability for renters in this coastal Texas county.

Among the pricier Texas counties

Nueces County's rent-to-income ratio of 22.3% ranks it among Texas's least affordable counties, well above the state average of 18.1%. Median rent here is $1,224 monthly—27% higher than Texas's median of $963.

Costlier than most Gulf Coast peers

Renters in Orange County next door pay just $1,018 monthly versus Nueces's $1,224, and face a lower 16.6% rent-to-income burden. Nueces sits in a tighter housing market relative to its immediate neighbors.

Housing claims over 1/5 of income

The median Nueces household earns $66,021 yearly but dedicates $14,688 annually to rent alone—22.3% of income. Homeowners fare slightly better, spending $1,170 monthly on ownership costs, though that still represents 21.2% of gross income.

Relocate for better housing balance?

If housing costs are squeezing your budget, Orange County and Parmer County both offer notably lower rent-to-income ratios around 17-18%. Exploring inland Texas alternatives could free up thousands annually while keeping you in the state.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Nueces County

via IncomeByCounty

Nueces County trails national median income

Nueces County's median household income of $66,021 sits 12% below the U.S. median of $74,755, reflecting a mixed regional economy anchored by port activity and energy. The county performs better than many rural Texas areas but lags more affluent urban centers.

Slightly above Texas average

Nueces County exceeds Texas's median household income average of $64,737 by $1,284, placing it in the middle tier of state counties. This positioning reflects the county's economic diversity and role as a regional commercial hub.

Competitive within the broader region

Nueces County's $66,021 median edges out Panola County ($62,593) but trails Orange County ($73,372) and Oldham County ($76,402). Income variation across neighboring counties underscores regional economic differences driven by industry mix and population trends.

Housing costs are manageable

Nueces County's rent-to-income ratio of 22.3% sits comfortably below the 30% affordability threshold, indicating sustainable housing costs for most households. The median home value of $194,700 remains accessible for workers earning the county median.

Leverage regional growth opportunities

Nueces County residents should explore employer 401(k) matching and tax-advantaged savings as the county's port and energy sectors create stable career paths. Real estate appreciation in the region rewards early homebuyers and long-term investors.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Nueces County

via CrimeByCounty

Nueces County Faces Heightened Safety Challenges

Nueces County reports a total crime rate of 3,792.3 per 100,000 residents, which is considerably higher than the national average of 2,385.5. Consequently, the county carries a safety score of 94.0, trailing the national safety curve.

Safety Levels Compared to State Benchmarks

The county’s safety score of 94.0 falls below the Texas state average of 96.8. Local crime figures also exceed the state's average total crime rate by approximately 84%.

Coastal Safety Comparisons

Compared to Orange County along the coast, Nueces County sees more than double the total crime rate. While urban density contributes to these figures, the gap highlights significant regional variations in public safety.

High Rates of Property and Violent Crime

The county records 3,033.6 property crimes and 758.7 violent crimes per 100,000 residents. Both figures are more than double the national averages, indicating frequent activity across all crime categories.

Strengthening Your Home Defenses

High property crime rates suggest that active surveillance and alarm systems are essential for local residents. Visible security measures can significantly reduce the risk of burglary in high-traffic coastal areas.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Nueces County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Coastal Education Infrastructure

Nueces County operates a robust network of 115 public schools, including 61 elementary and 27 high schools, across 15 different districts. This infrastructure serves a total of 60,073 students throughout the Corpus Christi region.

Consistent Outcomes with Efficient Spending

The county maintains a 90.4% graduation rate, which beats the national average of 87.0% but trails the Texas state average of 91.6%. Districts achieve these results with a per-pupil expenditure of $6,183, which is notably lower than the state's $7,498 average and the $13,000 national benchmark.

Urban Hubs and Charter Options

Corpus Christi ISD is the clear leader in the area, managing 57 schools and 33,387 students. The county also offers 10 charter schools, like the SST Corpus Christi which serves 2,215 students, representing roughly 9% of the total school landscape.

City Classrooms and Coastal Class Sizes

With 87 schools in city locales and 20 in rural areas, the county offers a diverse range of learning environments with an average school size of 527 students. Large campuses like Flour Bluff High School serve nearly 2,000 students, providing a high-energy, comprehensive high school experience.

Find a Home in Nueces County

Whether you are looking for an urban neighborhood near Corpus Christi ISD or a quieter setting in Flour Bluff, school quality remains a top priority for local home buyers. Explore current listings to find the right fit for your family's educational needs.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Nueces County

via RiskByCounty

Nueces faces near-highest national risk

At 96.63, Nueces County's composite risk score ranks among the nation's most hazardous counties, earning a Relatively High rating. This score is nearly double the Texas state average of 49.00, reflecting extraordinary exposure across multiple disaster types.

Among Texas's riskiest counties

Nueces ranks in the top tier of risk statewide, driven by extreme hurricane, tornado, and flood exposure. The county's 96.63 score places it in the most vulnerable category across Texas, making disaster preparedness and insurance critical for residents.

Higher risk than coastal Texas peers

Nueces (96.63) significantly outpaces Orange County (85.91) and most inland neighbors in overall risk. Its unique position on the Gulf Coast drives hurricane risk to 98.58—among the highest in the nation—making it a true outlier in the region.

Hurricane and tornado dominate the forecast

Hurricane risk soars to 98.58, while tornado risk reaches 96.12, making these dual threats existential for Nueces County property owners. Flood risk also sits dangerously high at 93.29, creating a triple threat that affects virtually every corner of the county every storm season.

Hurricane and flood coverage are essential

Standard homeowners insurance does not cover hurricane or flood damage—purchase these as separate policies immediately. For Nueces County, robust hurricane coverage with strong wind deductibles and a separate flood insurance policy through the National Flood Insurance Program are non-negotiable investments in your family's security.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Nueces County

via WaterByCounty

Nueces County Maintains a Grade C

Nueces County reported 37 health violations over five years, earning a moderate C grade for drinking water. Its violation rate of 10.0 per 100K is exceptionally low compared to the Texas state average of 581.9. Despite the sheer volume of violations, the county performs well on a per-capita basis.

Surface Waters Pending EPA Assessment

Nueces County’s local water bodies are not currently covered in the federal §303(d) assessment cycle. Consequently, there is no official data regarding the percentage of impaired watersheds or top contaminants for this region. We await future ATTAINS reporting cycles for detailed watershed health insights.

Robust Monitoring with 84 Local Sites

Nueces County boasts a dense monitoring network with 84 active sites recording 26,894 measurements over five years. The data primarily tracks microbiological and physical characteristics, providing a high-resolution view of local water quality. This extensive footprint exceeds that of many neighboring Texas counties.

Nueces River at Calallen Stalls Completely

The primary USGS gauge on the Nueces River at Calallen currently reports 0 cfs, which is 0% of its long-term mean of 359 cfs. This complete lack of flow indicates severe dry conditions in the lower basin. Such stagnant conditions can impact local source water availability and increase salinity.

Conservation is Key During Low Flow

With the Nueces River currently at a standstill, water conservation is vital to protect limited supplies. Residents should also be aware of the 37 recorded health violations and consider using high-quality filters for drinking water. High monitoring density for microbiological data suggests checking local reports for any bacteria spikes.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Nueces County

via WeatherByCounty

Coastal Heat Far Above National Average

Nueces County is exceptionally warm, with an annual average temperature of 72.7°F. This is nearly 20 degrees higher than the national median, reflecting its southern coastal location.

One of the Warmest in Texas

Nueces County stays 7 degrees warmer than the Texas average of 65.5°F. Its rainfall of 32.2 inches almost perfectly aligns with the state average of 31.9 inches.

Tropical Influences Near the Gulf

While it shares the state's average rainfall, the proximity to the Gulf of Mexico creates much higher humidity than inland counties. Winters here are significantly warmer than those in North Texas.

Perpetual Summer and Rare Cold

The county endures 108 days of extreme heat annually, with a summer average of 84.5°F. Winters are incredibly mild, with a January average of 57.2°F and virtually no snow.

Light Clothes and Efficient Cooling

With 108 days over 90°F, high-efficiency air conditioning is the most important home investment. Heavy winter gear is rarely needed as January temperatures stay in the high 50s.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Nueces County

via SoilByCounty

Neutral soils along the Gulf Coast

Nueces County features a neutral soil pH of 6.91, which is very close to the Texas average of 7.09. This balance makes it a versatile environment for many different plant species.

Moderate sand and clay balance

The soil contains 48.8% sand and 22.9% clay. This mixture provides a stable base that is not as heavy as pure clay but still holds more moisture than pure sand.

Lower organic matter and water retention

Organic matter is 1.38%, trailing the state average of 1.66%. The available water capacity of 0.111 in/in is also below the Texas benchmark, so regular irrigation is often necessary.

Slow infiltration near the coast

The soil is part of hydrologic group D, indicating a low rate of water transmission. This can cause drainage issues during tropical storms or heavy coastal rain events.

Subtropical gardening in zone 10a

As one of the warmest zones in Texas, 10a allows for year-round gardening and tropical fruit cultivation. Start your coastal garden today and enjoy a frost-free growing environment.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Nueces County

via LawnByCounty

Tropical Growth on the Gulf Coast

Nueces County scores a 31.4 for lawn difficulty, landing right near the Texas state average of 31.7. Being in hardiness zone 10a, your lawn experiences a nearly year-round growing season that requires consistent maintenance.

Extreme Heat and High Energy

With a massive 8,390 growing degree days and 108 days over 90°F, grass grows aggressively but faces intense thermal stress. Annual precipitation of 32.2 inches meets the lower end of the ideal lawn requirements, but the heat quickly evaporates that moisture.

Nearly Perfect Soil pH Levels

The soil pH here is 6.91, which is almost perfect for turfgrass compared to the ideal 6.0-7.0 range. The composition is 48.8% sand and 22.9% clay, providing a balanced texture that supports healthy root development if properly managed.

Severe Droughts Strain Water Supplies

The county endured 41 weeks of drought last year, and currently, over 83% of the area faces severe drought conditions. Use moisture sensors and mulch-clippings to retain every drop of water possible during these critical dry periods.

Warm-Season Turf Thrives Here

St. Augustine and Zoysia are top performers in zone 10a, handling the coastal humidity and heat with ease. With a very early last frost date of January 28, you can start your lawn projects much sooner than the rest of the country.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Nueces County's county score?
Nueces County, Texas has a composite county score of 18.5 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 Nueces County rank among counties in Texas?
Nueces County ranks #253 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 Nueces County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Nueces County is $3,268, with an effective tax rate of 1.68%. This earns Nueces County a tax score of 7.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Nueces County?
The median household income in Nueces County, Texas is $66,021 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Nueces County earns an income score of 56.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Nueces County, Texas a good place to live?
Nueces County scores 18.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #253 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Nueces 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 Nueces 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.