countyscore
33.6
County Score
Cost of Living 71.7Disaster Risk 57.4Schools 36.8

County Report Card

About Real County, Texas

Falling Behind National Averages

Real County earns a composite score of 33.6, placing it well below the national median of 50.0. This score indicates that the county faces significant headwinds across several quality-of-life categories compared to the rest of the country.

Struggling to Match State Trends

The county's overall score trails the Texas state average of 41.9 by more than eight points. It ranks among the lower-performing counties in Texas for overall livability, despite some specific pockets of affordability.

A Haven for Low-Cost Living

Housing affordability is a major bright spot, with a cost score of 71.7 and median gross rent at just $877. The county also provides a stable physical environment with a risk score of 57.4, indicating relatively low exposure to natural disasters.

Significant Infrastructure and Health Gaps

Access to high-quality water is a critical concern, reflected in a near-bottom score of 1.8. The local economy also struggles with a very low income score of 7.7, as median household income sits at $45,417.

Remote Living for the Budget-Conscious

Real County is best suited for individuals or retirees who prioritize low housing costs and can manage without high-paying local jobs. However, newcomers must be prepared for significant challenges in healthcare and infrastructure.

Score breakdown

TaxComing SoonCost71.7Safety17.9Health9.2Schools36.8Income7.7Risk57.4Water1.8Weather34.9
🏛
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠71.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼7.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡17.9
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤9.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓36.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡57.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧1.8
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤34.9
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱17.6
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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Explore this county

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Counties with similar scores

Chatham County
Georgia
Median income: $69,575
33.6
Lee County
Mississippi
Median income: $67,144
33.6
Hudson County
New Jersey
Median income: $90,032
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Pitt County
North Carolina
Median income: $58,851
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Waller County
Texas
Median income: $76,135
33.6
Imperial County
California
Median income: $56,393
33.7
San Bernardino County
California
Median income: $82,184
33.7
Baldwin County
Georgia
Median income: $55,413
33.5

Nearby counties

Edwards County
Texas
40
Kerr County
Texas
40.1
Uvalde County
Texas
25.6
Bandera County
Texas
46.6
Kimble County
Texas
57.6
Medina County
Texas
36.8
Gillespie County
Texas
45.5
Kinney County
Texas
64.9

Deep Dives

Real County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Real County

via TaxByCounty

Real County's tax data remains limited

Real County's effective tax rate data is unavailable, but the median property tax of $1,213 runs 55% below the national median of $2,690. This suggests a small, rural county with modest property values and lower overall tax burdens.

Real County offers low tax bills

With a median property tax of $1,213, Real County residents pay well below the Texas state average of $2,193, positioning it among the most affordable counties in the state. The specific effective rate is unavailable, but the low median tax suggests rates below statewide norms.

Lowest taxes in the Hill Country region

Real County's $1,213 median property tax undercuts neighboring Presidio, Reagan, and Brewster counties, making it one of the cheapest places to own property in far West Texas. The limited data suggests a sparsely populated, rural community.

Real County's tax burden remains low

The median Real County property owner pays just $1,213 per year in property taxes, though home values are not available in this dataset. With mortgage exemptions, that figure rises to $4,846—suggesting complex assessment patterns in this small county.

Request a property tax appraisal review

Real County homeowners should request their property tax appraisal details from the county assessor to verify accuracy, especially given limited data availability. A free appeal can clarify your assessment and potentially uncover errors.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Real County

via CostByCounty

Real County's affordability paradox

Real County's 23.2% rent-to-income ratio ranks among the highest in this eight-county comparison, driven by low median income of $45,417—nearly 40% below the national median of $74,755. At $877 monthly rent, the burden falls heavily despite modest absolute costs.

Struggling for affordability in Texas

Real County ranks among Texas's least affordable counties for renters when income is considered, despite appearing inexpensive on absolute rental prices. The county's economic constraints limit household financial flexibility despite low housing nominal costs.

Modest rent, minimal income challenge

Real County's $877 rent sits above the state average of $963 while income at $45,417 sits below most peer counties, creating affordability stress. The county offers neither the lowest rents nor the strongest incomes in this comparison.

Owning appears cheaper but risky

Homeowners pay only $449 monthly—far cheaper than renters' $877—but median home value data is unavailable, making ownership assessment difficult. With median income at $45,417, even the $449 monthly ownership cost represents significant household burden without clear equity-building benefits.

Real County requires careful planning

Real County's affordability challenge stems from low incomes rather than high rents, so relocation here works only with secure, above-county-average employment. Before committing, verify that your income will exceed the county median—otherwise, housing stress will likely persist.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Real County

via IncomeByCounty

Real County lags far behind national income

Real County's median household income of $45,417 trails the U.S. median of $74,755 by nearly $29,000, placing it in the bottom 15% nationally. This gap reflects limited economic diversification in a rural Texas county where wages haven't kept pace with national growth.

Bottom third among Texas counties

At $45,417, Real County's median household income falls significantly below Texas's county average of $64,737, ranking it among the lowest-earning counties statewide. The per capita income of $23,000 is also 31% below the state's $33,197 average.

Real County's income ranks lowest in region

Real County earns less than all nearby counties in this comparison, with Red River at $46,912 and Reeves at $56,056 both ahead. This suggests Real County faces steeper economic challenges than its immediate neighbors.

Housing remains affordable despite low income

With a rent-to-income ratio of 23.2%, Real County residents spend about a quarter of household income on rent—above the ideal 20% threshold but manageable compared to high-cost metros. Limited median home value data makes full affordability assessment difficult, but rental costs appear sustainable for most households.

Building wealth in Real County requires planning

At $45,417 median income, households should prioritize employer retirement plans and automatic savings programs to build long-term wealth. Even small monthly investments compound significantly over time—consider working with a local financial advisor to map out realistic savings goals.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Real County

via CrimeByCounty

Safety in Real County vs the Nation

Real County maintains a safety score of 96.5, indicating a high level of security despite a total crime rate of 2,190.8 per 100K residents. This rate sits slightly below the national average of 2,385.5 per 100K. Most incidents reported here fall within the property crime category.

Ranking Against Texas Averages

The county's total crime rate of 2,190.8 is slightly higher than the Texas state average of 2,052.5 per 100K. Its safety score of 96.5 is nearly identical to the state average of 96.8. This reflects a typical safety profile for a rural Texas environment.

Local Comparisons and Reporting Context

Real County reports its data through a single agency, which suggests residents should interpret these figures as a specific local snapshot. Compared to more urbanized neighbors, the crime rate remains moderate. It aligns closely with regional trends for the Hill Country area.

Violent versus Property Crime Risks

Violent crime is notably low at 141.3 per 100K, far below the national average of 369.8. However, the property crime rate of 2,049.5 per 100K exceeds the national average of 2,015.7. This indicates that local safety efforts should focus primarily on theft prevention.

Securing Your Property

Since property crime represents the vast majority of local incidents, home security is a priority for residents. Motion-activated lighting and secure entry points can significantly deter opportunistic theft. Staying vigilant helps maintain the county’s overall high safety score.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Real County

via HealthByCounty

Life expectancy gap in Real County

Real County residents live an average of 71.2 years, roughly 6 years shorter than the U.S. average of 77.0 years. The county's poor or fair health rate of 25.6% exceeds national benchmarks, signaling higher chronic disease burdens across the population.

Real County trails Texas average

At 71.2 years, Real County's life expectancy falls 3.1 years below Texas's state average of 74.3 years. This gap places Real County among lower-performing counties in the state's health rankings.

Healthcare access varies widely nearby

Real County has 71 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—stronger than neighboring Red River County's 26 per 100K but lower than Rockwall County's 66 per 100K. Mental health access at 35 per 100K keeps pace with regional averages.

One in five residents uninsured

Real County's uninsured rate of 20.7% exceeds the state average of 19.8%, leaving more than 1 in 5 residents without health coverage. This coverage gap likely contributes to delayed care and worse health outcomes.

Explore your coverage options now

If you're among the uninsured in Real County, the Health Insurance Marketplace and state programs may offer affordable plans. Visit Healthcare.gov or contact your county health department to learn about subsidies and enrollment deadlines.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Real County

via SchoolsByCounty

Rural Choice and Charter Options

Real County's education landscape is unique, featuring three public schools serving a total of 640 students. The infrastructure is entirely rural and includes one elementary school and two campuses classified as "other" for their mixed-grade levels. Three different districts operate here, providing surprisingly diverse options for such a small student population.

Challenging Gains on a Solid Budget

The graduation rate in Real County stands at 79.8%, which is currently lower than the Texas state average of 91.6% and the national benchmark of 87.0%. The county spends a respectable $8,000 per pupil, slightly exceeding the state average of $7,498. The composite school score of 50.3 suggests there is room for growth as the county works to improve its graduation outcomes.

A Strong Charter School Presence

Uniquely for a rural county, 33.3% of the schools are charter-operated, led by Big Springs Charter School which enrolls 135 students. Leakey ISD is the largest individual school provider, serving 361 students at the Leakey School. This mix of traditional and charter districts gives local parents more choices than typically found in rural Texas.

The Ultimate Small-School Experience

With an average size of only 213 students, Real County offers one of the most intimate educational settings in the state. The Leakey School is the largest campus with 361 students, while the Big Springs Charter School provides a specialized environment for 135. Every campus is situated in a rural locale, offering students a quiet, nature-focused backdrop for their studies.

Settle in the Scenic Real County Hills

Real County is perfect for families who value small class sizes and the flexibility of charter school options in a rural setting. Choosing a home near Leakey or Nueces Canyon means joining a community where schools are small and personal. Explore local listings to find your ideal home in this beautiful part of the Texas Hill Country.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Real County

via RiskByCounty

Real County's risk sits well below average

With a composite risk score of 42.59, Real County ranks as Very Low risk—notably safer than the national average. This score reflects a county where natural disasters pose limited threat to most residents and infrastructure.

Well protected compared to Texas peers

Real County's 42.59 score falls well below Texas's 49.00 state average, placing it among the safer counties statewide. This favorable standing means residents face fewer compound hazard exposures than most Texans.

Safer than surrounding Hill Country region

Real County's Very Low rating outperforms neighboring Kerr and Gillespie counties, which face higher wildfire and tornado risks. Its geographic isolation and lower population density contribute to a more favorable risk profile than nearby urban-adjacent counties.

Wildfire and flood demand attention here

Wildfire risk scores 72.14 in Real County, making it the dominant natural hazard concern despite the county's overall low composite score. Flood risk at 68.54 ranks second, reflecting the Hill Country's steep terrain and seasonal water patterns.

Homeowners should prioritize wildfire coverage

Real County residents should ensure their homeowners policies explicitly cover wildfire damage, as standard policies often exclude it. Consider also reviewing flood coverage if your property sits near creeks, draws, or flood-prone low-lying areas.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Real County

via WeatherByCounty

Canyonlands Climate Above National Median

Real County averages 65.5°F annually, placing it firmly in the warm subtropical zone of the southern U.S. This is significantly warmer than the national median temperature of 53°F.

The Statistical Heart of Texas Weather

Real County perfectly matches the Texas state average temperature of 65.5°F. Its annual precipitation of 28.5 inches is also very close to the state average of 31.9 inches, making it a weather bellwether for the region.

Hill Country Balance and Mild Breezes

Located in the Edwards Plateau, Real County is wetter than the desert to the west but drier than the coastal plains. Its July average of 81.4°F is tempered slightly by the local rugged topography.

Hot Summers and Very Rare Snow

The county experiences 94 extreme heat days annually with a summer average of 80.8°F. Winter is mild at 49.2°F, and snow is virtually non-existent, averaging only 0.2 inches per year.

Outdoor Planning for Hill Country Heat

With 94 days over 90°F, residents should plan outdoor activities for early morning or late evening. Since snow is so rare (0.2 inches), focus home maintenance on cooling efficiency rather than heavy winter prep.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Real County

via SoilByCounty

Hidden traits of the Hill Country

Taxonomic and pH data for Real County are not currently included in the available dataset. Most soils in the state are more alkaline than the national median of 6.5, averaging around 7.09.

Structure depends on local samples

The specific percentages of sand, silt, and clay for this region remain unmapped in the current records. These factors are essential for understanding if your soil is prone to compaction or quick drying.

Building better soil at home

While county-specific organic matter and water capacity data are missing, the state averages 1.66% and 0.133 in/in. Local gardeners can supplement with compost to ensure healthy and vigorous plant growth.

Understand your local topography

There is no recorded data for drainage classification or hydrologic groups in this county. Paying attention to your local elevation and slopes is key to managing water runoff on your property.

Vibrant gardening in Zone 8b

In Zone 8b, the growing season is long and provides ample opportunity for diverse planting. Residents can successfully grow a wide variety of herbs and hardy vegetables with proper soil preparation.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Real County

via LawnByCounty

Overcoming Hardship in Real County

Maintaining a lawn here is significantly harder than the national median, with a difficulty score of 17.6 compared to the U.S. average of 50.0. While the county sits in Hardiness Zone 8b, homeowners must battle conditions that are nearly twice as challenging as the Texas state average of 31.7.

Managing Heat and Limited Rainfall

The local climate features 94 extreme heat days per year and just 28.5 inches of annual precipitation, which falls below the 30-50 inches required for an ideal lawn. With 6,112 growing degree days, grass grows rapidly when water is available, requiring a strict mowing schedule during the long warm season.

Adapting to Local Ground Conditions

While specific soil data is limited for this region, local growers typically encounter the rocky, thin soils characteristic of the Edwards Plateau. We recommend a professional soil test to determine if your pH levels deviate from the ideal 6.0 to 7.0 range before investing in major landscaping.

Surviving a Persistent Dry Spell

Real County has endured 44 weeks of drought over the past year, and 100% of the area currently remains abnormally dry. To preserve your turf, focus on deep, infrequent watering during the early morning hours to minimize evaporation loss.

Selecting Your Zone 8b Turf

Heat-tolerant species like Bermuda or Zoysia are your best bets for this climate given the April 5th average last frost. Start your seeding or sodding in late spring once soil temperatures consistently rise to ensure the roots establish before the July heat peaks.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Real County's county score?
Real County, Texas has a composite county score of 33.6 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 Real County rank among counties in Texas?
Real County ranks #188 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 Real County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Real County is $1,213.
What is the median household income in Real County?
The median household income in Real County, Texas is $45,417 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Real County earns an income score of 7.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Real County, Texas a good place to live?
Real County scores 33.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #188 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Real 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 Real 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.