CountyScore

Runnels County

Texas · TX

#102 in Texas
64
County Score

County Report Card

About Runnels County, Texas

Runnels exceeds national benchmark

Runnels County scores 67.0 on the CountyScore composite index, above the national median of 50.0. Its livability profile emphasizes affordability and modest household incomes over premium taxes.

Marginally above Texas average

Runnels County's composite score of 67.0 slightly surpasses Texas's state average of 66.8, placing it in the middle tier of Texas counties. Its housing affordability drives this competitive positioning.

Affordable housing and modest income

Runnels County scores 81.9 on cost and 24.8 on income, with median rent at $894 monthly, median home value $103,700, and median household income $63,490. These figures reflect genuine affordability for working families.

Taxes are higher than peers

The tax score of 61.1 (1.464% effective rate) is among Runnels's lowest dimensions, indicating a heavier tax burden than comparable rural counties. Safety, health, schools, environmental, and risk metrics remain unmeasured.

Good fit for practical workers

Runnels County suits working families and semi-retirees prioritizing housing affordability and modest incomes in a small-town setting. The higher tax burden warrants financial review before relocating.

Score breakdown

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

Tax61.1Cost81.9SafetyComing SoonHealth53.1SchoolsComing SoonIncome24.8Risk73.5WaterComing Soon
🏛61.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠81.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼24.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤53.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡73.5
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 Runnels County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Apache County
Arizona
64
Median income: $40,338
Yuma County
Arizona
64
Median income: $60,417
Larimer County
Colorado
64
Median income: $91,364
Brooks County
Georgia
64
Median income: $47,656
Crisp County
Georgia
64
Median income: $42,745

Deep Dives

Runnels County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Runnels County

via TaxByCounty

Runnels taxes exceed national median noticeably

Runnels County's effective tax rate of 1.464% surpasses the national median of 1.276%, placing it among higher-taxed U.S. counties. The median annual tax of $1,518 on homes worth $103,700 falls well below the national median tax of $2,690, offset by substantially lower home values than the $281,900 national average.

Runnels ranks well above Texas average

At 1.464%, Runnels County's effective rate exceeds the Texas state average of 1.276%, placing it in the upper third of state counties. The $1,518 median tax trails the state median of $2,193, reflecting higher rates applied to lower-valued homes.

Runnels carries second-highest regional rate

Only Refugio County (1.404%) comes close to Runnels's 1.464% rate among regional peers; Robertson (0.917%) and Rusk (1.001%) tax far more lightly. Runnels residents face a notably steeper burden than most nearby counties despite modest home values.

Median home costs about $1,518 yearly

On Runnels County's median home valued at $103,700, you'll pay roughly $1,518 annually in property taxes—approximately $126 per month. With a mortgage, lenders may collect closer to $2,184 through escrow arrangements.

Challenge assessments in higher-tax environment

Runnels County's above-average rates make assessment reviews especially worthwhile; any reduction directly cuts a heavier-than-normal burden. Homeowners should investigate whether their appraised values match recent comparable sales in the county.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Runnels County

via CostByCounty

Runnels maintains solid affordability

Runnels County's 16.9% rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably below Texas's 18.1% state average and well below national norms. With median household income of $63,490 and median rent of $894, Runnels achieves reliable housing affordability for a rural Texas county.

Runnels ranks above median

Runnels County places in the top 40% of Texas counties for rental affordability, with a 16.9% ratio that beats roughly 60% of the state's counties. This central Texas community delivers better-than-average housing balance within its state context.

Runnels outperforms most peers

Runnels's 16.9% rent burden beats Red River (23.1%), Reeves (21.1%), and Refugio (17.4%), though it trails Roberts and Robertson (both 14.0%). The county's combination of decent income and moderate rents creates a stable affordability profile.

Runnels's sustainable housing balance

Runnels households earning $63,490 annually spend $894 monthly in rent—approximately $10,728 per year—while homeowners average $682 in monthly costs. Housing takes roughly 17% of gross income, leaving 83% for taxes, utilities, food, and savings.

Solid value in central Texas

Runnels County offers above-average affordability with median home values of $103,700 and reliable income-to-housing ratios. The central Texas location provides reasonable access to larger employment markets, making it attractive for remote workers or those seeking small-town life without extreme isolation.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Runnels County

via IncomeByCounty

Runnels County trails national income modestly

Runnels County's median household income of $63,490 runs about $11,265 below the U.S. median of $74,755, placing it in the lower-middle tier nationally. The per capita income of $31,419 approaches the national average, suggesting reasonably solid earning power.

Near Texas state average for income

Runnels County's $63,490 median income sits just $1,247 below the Texas county average of $64,737, ranking it squarely in the middle of the state's counties. The per capita income of $31,419 closely matches the state's $33,197, indicating fairly even income distribution.

Runnels ranks middle among rural counties

Runnels County's $63,490 sits between the lower-income rural counties (Real, Red River, Reeves) and the higher earners (Roberts, Robertson). It outpaces most truly rural Texas counties while trailing Rockwall's suburban prosperity.

Housing costs support comfortable living

Runnels County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.9% is well below the 30% concern threshold, leaving households substantial budget flexibility. The median home value of $103,700 is highly affordable, making homeownership realistic for families earning the county median.

Balance homeownership with retirement savings

With $63,490 income and a 16.9% rent ratio, Runnels County households should prioritize both home equity building and retirement savings accounts. The affordable $103,700 median home value means owning positions you to build substantial wealth over 20-30 years.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Runnels County

via HealthByCounty

Runnels County near national health benchmark

Runnels County residents live an average of 72.8 years—4.2 years below the U.S. average of 77.0 years. The 22.0% poor or fair health rate is moderate, reflecting manageable chronic disease burden.

Below Texas state average, room for improvement

At 72.8 years, Runnels County's life expectancy is 1.5 years below Texas's state average of 74.3 years. The county ranks in the lower half of Texas health outcomes.

Strong primary care, adequate mental health access

Runnels County has 70 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and 51 mental health providers per 100K—both solid figures that support accessible healthcare. These provider levels compare favorably to Real County and exceed many regional peers.

Insurance gaps persist despite provider supply

Runnels County's 20.7% uninsured rate exceeds the state average of 19.8%, meaning coverage gaps undermine the benefits of available providers. One in five residents delay or skip care due to cost.

Don't waste Runnels's healthcare assets

With strong provider access, Runnels County's uninsured residents are missing a real opportunity. Visit Healthcare.gov to find affordable plans and start using the doctors and mental health providers your county has available.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Runnels County

via RiskByCounty

Runnels County's risk stays safely below average

Runnels County scores 26.49 for composite disaster risk, earning a Very Low rating and sitting well below the national average. The county's remote West Central Texas location insulates it from most major hazard zones.

Below-average risk for Texas profile

At 26.49, Runnels County runs substantially below Texas's 49.00 state average, placing it among the safer counties statewide. This favorable standing reflects distance from coast, major rivers, and population centers.

Safer than surrounding Central Texas counties

Runnels County's Very Low rating outperforms neighboring Coleman (41.58) and Concho (54.73) counties, benefiting from less dramatic terrain and lower severe weather frequency. Its position away from major river systems reduces flood exposure relative to surrounding areas.

Wildfire and tornado create dual hazard

Wildfire risk scores 72.49 in Runnels County, making it the county's primary natural disaster concern tied to grassland fuel and seasonal drought. Tornado risk at 42.11 ranks second, reflecting typical Central Texas spring severe weather patterns.

Homeowners should prioritize wildfire coverage

Runnels County residents should verify that wildfire damage is explicitly covered in their homeowners policies, as coverage gaps are common in rural Texas. Standard homeowners policies typically cover tornado damage, but hail protection should be confirmed during policy review.

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.