countyscore
43.7
County Score
Disaster Risk 73.5Schools 69.7Cost of Living 66

County Report Card

About Runnels County, Texas

Competitive Rural Profile

Runnels County earns a composite score of 42.2, trailing the national median of 50.0. While lower than the national mark, it maintains stability through strong community institutions.

Mirroring the Texas Average

With a score of 42.2, the county is almost exactly aligned with the Texas state average of 41.9. It provides a standard Texas rural experience with a focus on education and low environmental risk.

Stability and Quality Schools

The county excels in environmental safety with a risk score of 73.5 and in local education with a school score of 69.7. Income levels are also respectable for the region, scoring 49.5.

Water and Tax Hurdles

Water quality is a significant issue, scoring a very low 3.4. Additionally, the tax score of 14.7 indicates a higher-than-average tax burden relative to the available local services.

Stable Home for Working Families

Runnels County is a solid choice for families looking for a low-risk environment and dependable schools. It suits those who appreciate a predictable, small-town lifestyle and have access to private water solutions.

2040608010015.96642.918.969.741.673.53.438.7Tax15.9Cost66Safety42.9Health18.9Schools69.7Income41.6Risk73.5Water3.4Weather38.743.7/100
This county
National avg
3 above average5 below average

Runnels County DNA

Foverall

How Runnels County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Runnels County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Disaster Risk (73.5/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (3.4/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
15.9-36.1
Cost
66+18
Safety
42.9-12.100000000000001
Health
18.9-31.1
Schools
69.7+15.700000000000003
Income
41.6-9.399999999999999
Risk
73.5+26.5
Water
3.4-54.6
Weather
38.7-17.299999999999997
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Many homeowners in Runnels 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

$109,300

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$847/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$109,300/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$33,880/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum1.7x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $62,632/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

20.2

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

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48
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Deep Dives

Runnels County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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

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

Safety in Runnels County

via CrimeByCounty

Runnels County Safety Overview

Runnels County maintains a solid safety score of 98.0, reflecting a secure environment for its residents. The total crime rate of 1,288.3 per 100K is significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5. These statistics highlight a county that is safer than much of the United States.

Safe and Sound in Central Texas

The county's safety score of 98.0 is higher than the Texas state average of 96.8. With a total crime rate of 1,288.3, it also performs much better than the state average of 2,052.5 per 100K. Four local agencies provide consistent reporting for the area.

Regional Comparisons in the Heart of Texas

Runnels County exhibits lower crime rates than several of its more populous neighboring counties. Law enforcement across four agencies ensures a comprehensive approach to community safety. It remains a stable and secure region compared to neighboring trade hubs.

Understanding Local Crime Trends

The violent crime rate is 202.9 per 100K, which is well below the national average of 369.8. Property crime is also lower than the national norm, at 1,085.4 per 100K versus 2,015.7. Most reported incidents involve property rather than personal safety.

Keeping Your Property Secure

To deter property-related crimes, residents should ensure that all home and vehicle locks are in good working order. Simple additions like motion sensors can provide an extra layer of protection. Staying connected with neighbors is a proven way to keep the community safe.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Runnels County

via WeatherByCounty

Sunny and Semi-Arid

Runnels County has an annual average temperature of 64.0°F, placing it well above the national median. It sits just below the Texas state average of 65.5°F, reflecting its position in the drier central plains.

Drier Than the State Average

Runnels averages 24.2 inches of rain, which is nearly 8 inches less than the Texas average of 31.9 inches. Its 64.0°F annual temperature makes it slightly cooler than the deep southern counties of the state.

A Transition Zone Climate

Similar to neighboring Taylor and Tom Green counties, Runnels experiences high heat and low moisture. It receives only 1.0 inch of snow annually, typical for this part of West-Central Texas.

Over 100 Days of Heat

The county faces 110 days of extreme heat over 90°F, leading to a scorching July average of 82.6°F. Winters remain relatively mild with a January average of 43.8°F.

Plan for Intense Summer Heat

With 110 extreme heat days, residents must prioritize sun protection and efficient air conditioning. The dry 24.2 inches of annual rain means water conservation is a practical necessity for local landscaping.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Runnels County

via SoilByCounty

Alkaline Earths of Central Texas

Runnels County features a pH of 7.63, which is more alkaline than the state average of 7.09 and the national median of 6.5. This level is common for the rolling plains and affects which micronutrients are available to plants.

A Firm Clay-Silt Foundation

The soil mix contains 40.1% sand, 29.5% silt, and 29.8% clay. This relatively high clay content provides good structural support for deep-rooted crops but can be difficult to plow when dry.

Above Average Fertility Levels

At 1.97%, the organic matter content is significantly higher than the state average of 1.66%. The available water capacity of 0.139 in/in also beats the state average, providing a better buffer against drought.

Slow Infiltration and Group D

The soil is classified under Hydrologic Group D, meaning it has high runoff potential and slow water movement. This makes it crucial to manage erosion on sloped fields and plan for drainage in gardens.

Productive Seasons in Zone 8a

Hardiness Zone 8a offers a long season for cotton, sorghum, and home vegetable gardens. The high organic matter means your plants have a head start on nutrition in this productive central county.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Runnels County

via LawnByCounty

Tough Conditions in Runnels County

Lawn care in Runnels County is a challenge, with a difficulty score of 22.0 that falls well below the Texas state average of 31.7. Homeowners in this Zone 8a region must work harder than most to maintain a green space.

High Heat and Low Precipitation

The county faces 110 extreme heat days annually and receives only 24.2 inches of rain, which is below the 30-inch ideal minimum. These factors, combined with 5,842 growing degree days, create a climate that favors only the most heat-hardy grass varieties.

Managing Alkaline Clay Soils

The soil pH of 7.63 is alkaline, which can sometimes lock out essential nutrients like iron. With nearly 30% clay content, the ground can become very hard when dry, making regular aeration vital for water penetration.

Staying Green Through 28 Dry Weeks

Runnels County has endured 28 weeks of drought in the past year, and the entire area is currently classified as abnormally dry. Implementing a cycle-and-soak watering method will help moisture penetrate the heavy clay soil without running off.

Selecting Hardy Grass Varieties

Bermudagrass is the most resilient choice for these conditions once the risk of frost passes on April 3rd. Aim to have your lawn established by early May to ensure it has deep roots before the 110 days of extreme summer heat arrive.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Runnels County's county score?
Runnels County, Texas has a composite county score of 43.7 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 Runnels County rank among counties in Texas?
Runnels County ranks #116 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 Runnels County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Runnels County is $1,498, with an effective tax rate of 1.37%. This earns Runnels County a tax score of 15.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Runnels County?
The median household income in Runnels County, Texas is $62,632 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Runnels County earns an income score of 41.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Runnels County, Texas a good place to live?
Runnels County scores 43.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #116 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Runnels 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 Runnels County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, 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.