countyscore
31.4
County Score
Income & Jobs 60.3Schools 57.9Safety 45.2

County Report Card

About San Patricio County, Texas

Significant Livability Challenges Nationally

With a composite score of 31.4, San Patricio County ranks well below the national median of 50.0. It faces several structural headwinds that affect its overall ranking.

Trailing the Texas Average

The county falls short of the Texas average score of 41.9. High costs and environmental risks contribute to its lower standing among its state peers.

Healthy Incomes and Decent Schools

Income is a major asset with a score of 60.3 and a median household income of $67,512. The local schools also perform reasonably well, earning a score of 57.9.

High Taxes and Environmental Risks

The tax score of 11.7 is a result of a high 1.527% effective tax rate. This is compounded by a low risk score of 14.6, suggesting higher vulnerability to natural disasters or environmental hazards.

Best for High-Earning Coastal Professionals

This county is best suited for workers in the local industrial or coastal sectors who can leverage high local incomes. It appeals to those willing to trade higher taxes and environmental risks for career opportunities.

Score breakdown

Tax11.7Cost23.6Safety45.2Health15.9Schools57.9Income60.3Risk14.6Water23.6Weather16.4
🏛11.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠23.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼60.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡45.2
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤15.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓57.9
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡14.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧23.6
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤16.4
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱23.3
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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Deep Dives

San Patricio County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in San Patricio County

via TaxByCounty

San Patricio taxes notably above national median

San Patricio County's effective tax rate of 1.527% ranks among Texas's higher-taxing counties, with median property taxes of $2,754 exceeding the national median of $2,690. Though the median home value of $180,400 is below the national average, homeowners here face above-average tax rates compared to the rest of America.

Above-average taxes for Texas

San Patricio County's effective tax rate of 1.527% significantly exceeds the Texas state average of 1.276%. The county's median property tax of $2,754 ranks above the state median of $2,193, placing it in the higher tier of Texas counties for tax burden.

Highest taxes in its region

San Patricio County leads its neighbors in effective tax rates—San Jacinto runs 1.139% and San Augustine just 0.816%. At 1.527%, San Patricio homeowners pay noticeably more in property taxes than those in surrounding counties.

Median home costs $2,754 yearly in taxes

A homeowner with a median-valued property of $180,400 in San Patricio County pays approximately $2,754 annually in property taxes. Including mortgage and debt service, that figure climbs to $3,563, making it one of the higher annual tax burdens in the region.

Challenge your assessment to cut costs

Given San Patricio's higher tax rates, verifying your property's assessed value is especially important—even modest assessment reductions yield meaningful savings. Many homeowners successfully appeal overvalued properties; the process is straightforward and can reduce your annual tax bill substantially.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in San Patricio County

via CostByCounty

San Patricio's rent burden exceeds norms

San Patricio County's 22.0% rent-to-income ratio ranks among the least affordable in Texas, well above the national benchmark and the state average of 18.1%. Renters pay $1,239 monthly—29% above the state median—while earning a median household income of $67,512.

One of Texas's least affordable counties

San Patricio lands near the bottom of Texas's affordability rankings, with the state's highest rent-to-income ratio among these eight counties. The 22.0% burden reflects a rare combination: above-average rents paired with below-average incomes relative to cost.

Highest rents in the regional peer group

San Patricio's $1,239 median rent leads all nearby counties, exceeding San Jacinto ($1,018), San Saba ($894), and Sabine ($738) by substantial margins. Home values ($180,400) also rank among the region's highest, creating affordability pressure across both rental and purchase markets.

One-in-five dollars goes to rent

San Patricio renters spend 22.0% of their $67,512 median income on monthly rent—an uncommonly high proportion that squeezes other household budgets. Homeowners allocate 17.2% to monthly owner costs ($971), reflecting elevated home values and limited equity-building efficiency.

Reconsider unless income is strong

San Patricio's elevated rents and home values make it the least affordable option in this county comparison. Relocators should explore Sabine, San Saba, or Schleicher if housing costs are a priority—you'll find meaningful savings nearby.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in San Patricio County

via IncomeByCounty

San Patricio matches Rusk's income standing

San Patricio County's median household income of $67,512 falls $7,243 short of the national median of $74,755, a 9.7% gap that mirrors Rusk County's position. This near-identical performance reflects comparable regional economic structures and employment opportunities. Nationally, San Patricio ranks modestly but remains above the lower quartile of counties.

San Patricio exceeds Texas state average

At $67,512, San Patricio County exceeds Texas's state average of $64,737 by $2,775, placing it in the upper half of the state's 254 counties. The county's per capita income of $31,692 falls slightly below the state average of $33,197, suggesting household size or wage diversity factors. Overall, San Patricio demonstrates solid economic footing within Texas.

San Patricio ties Rusk for regional income lead

San Patricio County ($67,512) virtually matches Rusk County ($67,506), creating a two-county income leadership tier in this comparison. Both substantially outpace San Jacinto County ($59,526) and Sabine County ($59,924). This pairing suggests that coastal and east-central Texas counties with more diverse economic bases maintain higher earnings than their interior neighbors.

High rent-to-income ratio signals housing stress

San Patricio County's rent-to-income ratio of 22.0% is the highest in this group, meaning renters allocate roughly $14,900 annually to housing from the median income of $67,512. This elevated ratio exceeds the healthy 30% threshold recommendation and suggests a tight housing market or rapid property cost growth. Renters face meaningful affordability pressure despite solid median incomes.

Invest despite housing cost challenges

San Patricio's elevated housing costs demand strategic wealth-building planning, but your above-average income provides leverage other counties lack. Negotiate housing costs through shared housing or relocation to lower-cost areas within the county, then direct savings into a Roth IRA or employer 401(k). Even $3,000 annually invested consistently compounds significantly over a working lifetime.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in San Patricio County

via CrimeByCounty

San Patricio Maintains Strong Safety Score

San Patricio County earns a safety score of 98.1, with a total crime rate of 1222.8 per 100K. This rate is nearly 50% lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Leading the Way in South Texas Safety

The county's total crime rate of 1222.8 per 100K is significantly better than the Texas average of 2052.5. Ten reporting agencies work together to keep the safety score above the state average of 96.8.

Competing Well with Coastal Neighbors

San Patricio remains safer than many higher-density neighbors, keeping crime well below the state average. Its score of 98.1 indicates a stable and secure environment for residents.

Property Crime is the Main Focus

Property crime sits at 1067.6 per 100K, while violent crime is remarkably low at 155.2. This means violent incidents are less than half as frequent as the national average of 369.8.

Protect Your Coastal Home Property

Since property crime accounts for most local activity, residents should invest in outdoor lighting and secure fencing. These simple measures are highly effective in areas with low violent crime rates.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in San Patricio County

via HealthByCounty

San Patricio below U.S. health average

San Patricio County's 73.2-year life expectancy trails the U.S. average of 76.4 years by 3.2 years. One in four residents report poor or fair health, a concerning share that reflects both chronic disease and possible healthcare access gaps.

Below Texas average with strong mental health

San Patricio County's 73.2-year life expectancy falls 1.1 years short of Texas's 74.3 average. However, the county boasts 50 mental health providers per 100,000—well above state norms—and an uninsured rate of 18.9%, the lowest in this group.

Strong mental health infrastructure

San Patricio County's 50 mental health providers per 100,000 far outpace peers like Rusk (30), Sabine (30), and San Augustine (26), signaling investment in behavioral health. Life expectancy at 73.2 years falls between Scurry (72.9) and Rusk (73.6).

Good primary care, exceptional mental health access

San Patricio County offers 23 primary care providers and 50 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—the latter among the best statewide. With only 18.9% uninsured, the county's lower insurance gap and robust mental health networks support broader health resilience.

Build on existing mental health strength

San Patricio County leads in mental health resources, and nearly 81% of residents have health insurance—stronger than most Texas counties. If you're among the remaining uninsured, visit healthcare.gov or local health centers to complete coverage and maximize the county's excellent behavioral health services.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in San Patricio County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Robust Coastal Education Network

San Patricio County features a diverse educational landscape with 31 public schools serving nearly 14,000 students. The infrastructure is well-rounded, offering 15 elementary, seven middle, and nine high schools across seven districts.

Matching State Performance Standards

The county achieves a strong 94.1% graduation rate, surpassing the national average of 87%. With a school score of 55.3, the county perfectly mirrors the Texas state average while spending $6,820 per pupil.

Gregory-Portland ISD Leads Growth

Gregory-Portland ISD is the county's largest district, educating 4,937 students across six campuses. Sinton ISD and Aransas Pass ISD also serve significant populations, while a single charter school provides an alternative for about 3% of the student body.

Diverse Town and Suburban Locales

The county offers a mix of settings, with 24 schools in town locales and four in suburban areas. Gregory-Portland High School is the largest campus with 1,464 students, creating a more traditional, large-scale high school experience.

Find Diverse Living Near Coastal Schools

With a variety of town and suburban school settings, San Patricio County is ideal for families seeking diverse educational environments. Browse homes near Gregory-Portland or Sinton to take advantage of these established districts.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in San Patricio County

via RiskByCounty

San Patricio among highest-risk counties

San Patricio County's composite risk score of 85.40 earns a "Relatively Moderate" rating, nearly doubling the national average of 44.0. The county ranks among the most hazard-exposed in the United States, driven by its coastal location.

Highest risk in this Texas cluster

At 85.40, San Patricio County scores 36 points above Texas's 49.00 state average, placing it in the highest-risk tier statewide. The county consistently ranks among the state's most vulnerable areas to major hazards.

Far more exposed than inland neighbors

San Patricio County (85.40) vastly exceeds the risk profiles of inland neighbors like San Saba County (7.28), Schleicher County (3.75), and Scurry County (29.99). Its coastal proximity creates cumulative exposure unmatched by surrounding inland counties.

Hurricane is dominant, tornado significant

Hurricane risk reaches an extreme 95.04—among the highest in Texas—reflecting the county's location on the Gulf Coast where tropical systems directly strike. Tornado risk scores 80.06, and flood risk reaches 73.82, creating a triple threat from tropical systems.

Maximum protection essential for coastlines

San Patricio County residents must prioritize comprehensive wind, flood, and debris coverage in their insurance policies given the extreme hurricane risk. Consider elevated construction if building, maintain hurricane straps and reinforced garage doors, and have an evacuation plan ready during storm season.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in San Patricio County

via WeatherByCounty

A Subtropical Climate on the Gulf Coast

San Patricio County averages 71.0°F annually, significantly higher than the national median of approximately 55°F. This coastal region experiences a much warmer baseline temperature than most of the United States.

Warmer than the Texas State Average

The county's 71.0°F annual temperature sits 5.5 degrees above the Texas state average of 65.5°F. Its proximity to the Gulf of Mexico maintains high humidity and elevated year-round heat.

Wet and Warm Compared to Neighbors

At 34.7 inches of annual precipitation, the county is wetter than the state average of 31.9 inches. It shares a humid profile with its coastal neighbors but endures a high count of 113 extreme heat days.

Intense Summers and Non-Existent Winters

Summer temperatures average 83.5°F with 113 days reaching 90°F or higher. Winters are exceptionally mild at 57.2°F, and snowfall is rare, averaging only 0.2 inches annually.

Preparing for Coastal Heat and Humidity

Residents should invest in high-efficiency cooling systems to manage the frequent 90°F days. Outdoor activities are most comfortable during the mild winter months when temperatures average 57.2°F.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in San Patricio County

via SoilByCounty

Coastal Earth and Saline Influence

San Patricio's specific soil taxonomic and pH data are currently omitted from the federal summary. Proximity to the coast often creates unique chemical profiles compared to the 6.5 national median pH.

Mapping the Coastal Texture

The precise percentages of sand, silt, and clay are not available for San Patricio at this time. These ratios determine everything from field workability to how quickly the ground dries after a Gulf storm.

Cultivating Organic Richness

Specific organic matter and water capacity data are missing for this county. Local farmers frequently monitor their fields to ensure they keep pace with the state's 0.133 in/in average available water capacity.

Managing Coastal Drainage

Hydrologic group and drainage class data for San Patricio are currently unavailable. Because the area is low-lying, understanding how water moves across the landscape is essential for any construction or large-scale farming.

A Long Season in Zone 9b

San Patricio sits in Zone 9b, meaning frost is rare and the growing season is nearly year-round. Peppers and tomatoes thrive here, so don't wait to plant your first coastal garden bed.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in San Patricio County

via LawnByCounty

Extreme Challenges on the Gulf Coast

San Patricio County is a difficult place for lawns, scoring just 23.3 on the difficulty scale compared to the 31.7 state average. Situated in Zone 9b, the environment is defined by relentless heat and an exceptionally long growing season. Only the most dedicated gardeners can maintain a traditional green lawn in these conditions.

Relentless Heat and Limited Rainfall

This county endures 113 extreme heat days a year, far exceeding the state average of 105. With 7,817 growing degree days and only 34.7 inches of rain, your grass is under constant thermal stress. Mowing must be done carefully to avoid further stressing the turf during the hottest months.

Preparing Ground for Heat Resistance

Specific soil metrics are unavailable for the county, but coastal areas often deal with high salinity and alkaline conditions. Improving organic matter content is essential to help the soil retain moisture during the 113 days of triple-digit heat. A professional soil test is highly recommended to manage the unique chemistry of this coastal region.

A Year-Long Battle with Dryness

The county has spent a staggering 51 out of the last 52 weeks in some level of drought. While only 9.3% is currently in severe drought, 100% of the area remains abnormally dry. Xeriscaping or using native coastal grasses is the best way to handle this near-constant lack of rainfall.

Early Starts in the Long 9b Season

Seashore Paspalum or Bermuda grass are the best bets for surviving the high heat and potential salt spray in Zone 9b. You can start planting as early as February 24, as the risk of frost vanishes much earlier than in the rest of the state. With a first frost not expected until December 17, you have a massive window to establish your lawn.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is San Patricio County's county score?
San Patricio County, Texas has a composite county score of 31.4 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 San Patricio County rank among counties in Texas?
San Patricio County ranks #206 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 San Patricio County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in San Patricio County is $2,754, with an effective tax rate of 1.53%. This earns San Patricio County a tax score of 11.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in San Patricio County?
The median household income in San Patricio County, Texas is $67,512 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. San Patricio County earns an income score of 60.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is San Patricio County, Texas a good place to live?
San Patricio County scores 31.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #206 in Texas. The best way to evaluate San Patricio 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 San Patricio County with other counties side by side.

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