CountyScore

Rockwall County

Texas · TX

#233 in Texas
54
County Score

County Report Card

About Rockwall County, Texas

Rockwall at national median point

Rockwall County scores 49.9 on the CountyScore composite index, essentially at the national median of 50.0. This score masks a stark split: high incomes offset by significantly elevated housing costs and taxes.

Below Texas's typical county

Rockwall County scores 49.9, well below Texas's state average of 66.8, making it one of the state's lower-performing counties on the livability composite. The county's premium pricing and tax burden weigh heavily on its overall score.

Incomes soar above Texas norms

Rockwall County's income score of 64.9 reflects a median household income of $124,917, among the highest in the state. This substantial earning power supports a professional, affluent demographic.

Housing costs and taxes punish residents

The cost score of just 41.4 and tax score of 56.1 (1.643% effective rate) signal serious affordability strain: median rent is $1,899 monthly and median home values reach $386,000. Safety, health, schools, and environmental data remain unavailable.

For affluent families near Dallas

Rockwall County suits high-earning families and professionals willing to pay premium prices for proximity to Dallas and upscale suburban living. The county demands robust household income to offset its elevated costs and tax burden.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax56.1Cost41.4SafetyComing SoonHealth73.4SchoolsComing SoonIncome64.9Risk29.3WaterComing Soon
🏛56.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠41.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼64.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤73.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡29.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Rockwall County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Ventura County
California
54
Median income: $107,327
Bronx County
New York
54
Median income: $49,036
South Central Connecticut Planning Region
Connecticut
54.1
Median income: $86,266
Prince George's County
Maryland
54.1
Median income: $100,708
Dutchess County
New York
54.1
Median income: $97,273

Deep Dives

Rockwall County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Rockwall County

via TaxByCounty

Rockwall taxes run well above national average

Rockwall County's effective tax rate of 1.643% stands substantially above the national median of 1.276%, placing it in the nation's higher-taxed counties. The median property tax of $6,341 on homes worth $386,000 exceeds the national median tax of $2,690, reflecting both elevated rates and notably higher property values.

Rockwall ranks among Texas's highest-tax counties

At 1.643%, Rockwall County's effective rate far exceeds the Texas state average of 1.276%, positioning it in the top tier statewide. The $6,341 median tax nearly triples the state median of $2,193, driven by premium home valuations and above-average rates.

Rockwall carries the region's steepest burden

Rockwall's 1.643% rate towers over all regional peers, including Runnels (1.464%), Refugio (1.404%), and Rusk (1.001%). The county combines the highest rate with the highest home values in its peer cluster, creating a tax-heavy environment.

Median home costs about $6,341 yearly

On Rockwall County's premium median home worth $386,000, you'll owe approximately $6,341 annually in property taxes—roughly $528 per month. Borrowers with mortgages may see that climb to $6,812 through escrow, making property tax a significant housing cost.

High-value homes merit careful appraisal reviews

Rockwall County homeowners should aggressively challenge potentially inflated assessments, particularly given the county's premium home values. An appeal that reduces your appraised value by even 5% could save hundreds annually on such a high-value property.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Rockwall County

via CostByCounty

Rockwall's wealth changes everything

Rockwall County's 18.2% rent-to-income ratio nearly matches the state average despite median rents of $1,899—nearly double the state median of $963. The difference: Rockwall's median household income of $124,917 is 67% above the national average, making high rents sustainable for most residents.

Prosperity defines Rockwall's equation

Rockwall ranks among Texas's most affluent counties, and while its 18.2% rent-to-income ratio appears high, it reflects strong earning power rather than hardship. This Dallas suburb hosts household incomes that dwarf most Texas counties, making expensive housing manageable.

Rockwall plays in a different league

Rockwall's $1,899 median rent and $386,000 median home value operate in a completely different economy than rural peers like Roberts (14.0% burden) or Red River (23.1% burden). This prosperous Dallas exurb draws high earners whose incomes justify and absorb housing costs that would strain residents elsewhere.

Wealth absorbs Rockwall's high costs

Rockwall renters earning $124,917 annually spend $1,899 monthly—about $22,788 per year—while homeowners average $2,096 in monthly costs. Even at 18.2% of income, housing consumption reflects abundance: residents retain over $100,000 annually for taxes, savings, and discretionary spending.

Rockwall: prosperity's price tag

Considering Rockwall? You're looking at a wealthy Dallas suburb where $386,000 median home values and high rents reflect strong demand and prosperity. This move makes sense only if your income trajectory matches—relocating here with below-county-average earnings would create affordability stress despite the high-income surroundings.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Rockwall County

via IncomeByCounty

Rockwall County far exceeds national median

Rockwall County's median household income of $124,917 towers over the U.S. median of $74,755, running nearly $50,000 higher and placing it in the top 10% nationally. The per capita income of $54,098 reflects one of Texas's strongest economies.

Richest county in Texas comparison

Rockwall County's $124,917 median income nearly doubles the Texas state average of $64,737, ranking it among the wealthiest counties statewide. The per capita income of $54,098 more than exceeds the state's $33,197, indicating broadly shared prosperity.

Rockwall vastly outearns all rural neighbors

Rockwall County's $124,917 median income nearly doubles Roberts and Robertson counties at $66,118 and $66,250 respectively. This Dallas-area suburban county operates in an entirely different economic tier than the rural Texas counties in this group.

Housing costs minimal despite high home values

Rockwall County's rent-to-income ratio of 18.2% remains comfortable despite the $386,000 median home value, reflecting proportionally higher incomes. For homebuyers, typical mortgage payments remain well within the sustainable 28-30% range at this income level.

Maximize wealth through diversified investing

Rockwall County's $124,917 median income and strong home equity position households to maximize tax-advantaged retirement accounts, taxable investments, and real estate diversification. Consider working with a financial planner to optimize investment strategy across multiple asset classes.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Rockwall County

via HealthByCounty

Rockwall County leads U.S. in life expectancy

Rockwall County residents live an average of 79.1 years—2.1 years above the U.S. average of 77.0 years—with only 15.1% reporting poor or fair health. This exceptional performance reflects strong healthcare infrastructure and socioeconomic advantages.

Texas's healthiest county in sample

Rockwall County's 79.1-year life expectancy exceeds Texas's state average of 74.3 years by 4.8 years, making it a standout performer. The 15.1% poor or fair health rate is the lowest among the eight counties.

Exceptional provider density and access

Rockwall County has 66 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and an extraordinary 187 mental health providers per 100K—far exceeding regional and state adequacy standards. This provider abundance ensures residents can access care readily.

Lowest uninsured rate and best outcomes

Rockwall County's 11.2% uninsured rate—the lowest in the sample—combined with robust provider supply creates ideal conditions for preventive and chronic disease management. Healthcare access is rarely a barrier for residents.

Rockwall sets the standard

Rockwall County's success shows what happens when coverage meets provider access. If you're uninsured, visit Healthcare.gov to join the majority of Rockwall residents with coverage and access to this county's excellent healthcare network.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Rockwall County

via RiskByCounty

Rockwall County exceeds national risk average

Rockwall County's composite risk score of 70.74 earns a Relatively Low rating but runs well above the national average, indicating above-typical natural disaster exposure. The rapidly urbanizing Dallas suburb faces compound hazards from storm, flood, and seismic activity.

Higher risk than most Texas counties

At 70.74, Rockwall County ranks notably above Texas's 49.00 state average, placing it among the riskier counties statewide. This elevation reflects its Dallas metro location where tornado frequency and urban flooding converge.

Most dangerous county in Dallas metro

Rockwall County's 70.74 score far exceeds neighboring Dallas (58.12) and Collin (52.39) counties, making it the region's highest-risk jurisdiction. Its position at the northern edge of the metropolitan area captures severe weather exposure without big-city resilience resources.

Tornadoes dominate the risk profile

Tornado risk scores 93.70 in Rockwall County—among the highest in Texas—reflecting its position in Tornado Alley's northern reach. Wildfire (66.57) and flood risk (61.29) rank as secondary threats, both amplified by urban-interface development.

Tornado coverage and a safe room essential

Rockwall County homeowners must carry comprehensive homeowners coverage with explicit tornado and hail protection, and should invest in a reinforced safe room before severe season. Flood insurance is critical for any property within the Lake Ray Hubbard floodplain or local drainage corridors.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS — informational only.