San Patricio County

Texas · TX

#228 in Texas
55.1
County Score

County Report Card

About San Patricio County, Texas

San Patricio rises 22% above national baseline

San Patricio County's composite score of 61.2 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 22%, signaling above-average livability despite some headwinds. However, it represents the weakest performer among the eight counties profiled here.

Below-average Texas county

With a score of 61.2, San Patricio County falls below the Texas state average of 66.8, indicating it lags peers in overall livability. This places it in the lower-middle tier of Texas county performance.

Income levels provide some support

San Patricio County's income score of 27.5 and median household income of $67,512 represent relative strengths, matching Rusk County's earning profile. This income stability provides residents with moderate purchasing power.

Taxes and housing costs weigh heavily

San Patricio struggles with a tax score of just 59.3 (1.527% effective rate—the highest in this group) and cost score of 71.0 (median home $180,400, rent $1,239 monthly). These combined burdens significantly reduce overall economic advantage.

Better for established workers with equity

San Patricio County suits established residents with existing home equity and stable, above-average incomes who can absorb higher tax and housing costs. It appeals to those with deep community ties or employment reasons for staying despite less favorable economics.

Score breakdown

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

Tax59.3Cost71SafetyComing SoonHealth52.4SchoolsComing SoonIncome27.5Risk14.6WaterComing Soon
🏛59.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠71
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼27.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
52.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
14.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Deep Dives

San Patricio County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

ByCounty Network

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