CountyScore

San Saba County

Texas · TX

#43 in Texas
67.9
County Score

County Report Card

About San Saba County, Texas

San Saba ranks 44% above national median

San Saba County's composite score of 72.0 is 44% higher than the national median of 50.0, placing it among the more livable counties nationwide. Strong housing affordability and favorable taxes drive this solid national standing.

Well above Texas state average

San Saba County's score of 72.0 significantly exceeds the Texas state average of 66.8, positioning it among the stronger-performing counties statewide. This places it in the upper tier of Texas livability.

Affordable housing and low taxes shine

San Saba County excels with a cost score of 83.6 (median home $161,800, rent $894 monthly) and tax score of 74.0 (1.006% effective rate). This combination delivers strong economic value for residents seeking affordability.

Income growth lags behind

The median household income of $54,855 and income score of 19.2 indicate limited earning opportunities and wage growth potential. Complete data on safety, health, schools, and environmental factors is not yet available.

Ideal for modest-income affordability seekers

San Saba County appeals to individuals and families with modest means who prioritize low housing costs and minimal tax burden. It suits retirees, remote workers, and those willing to accept rural economics in exchange for maximum affordability.

Score breakdown

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

Tax74Cost83.6SafetyComing SoonHealth48.8SchoolsComing SoonIncome19.2Risk92.7WaterComing Soon
🏛74
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠83.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼19.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤48.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡92.7
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 San Saba County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Taylor County
Florida
67.9
Median income: $44,985
Lumpkin County
Georgia
67.9
Median income: $72,388
Bonneville County
Idaho
67.9
Median income: $76,646
Bell County
Kentucky
67.9
Median income: $32,403
Franklin County
Kentucky
67.9
Median income: $66,470

Deep Dives

San Saba County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in San Saba County

via TaxByCounty

San Saba taxes below national median rate

San Saba County's effective tax rate of 1.006% yields a median annual property tax of $1,628, well below the national median of $2,690. The county's median home value of $161,800 reflects a rural Texas market where property taxes remain moderate by national standards.

Below-average taxes for Texas

San Saba County's effective tax rate of 1.006% sits comfortably below the Texas state average of 1.276%. The county's median property tax of $1,628 runs about $565 lower than the state's typical tax of $2,193, making it a relatively tax-friendly Texas county.

Lower taxes than most neighbors

San Saba's 1.006% rate beats nearby Schleicher County's 1.429% and exceeds only the statewide-lowest San Augustine at 0.816%. Among central Texas counties, San Saba offers below-average tax burden for homeowners.

Median home costs $1,628 yearly in taxes

A homeowner with a median-valued property of $161,800 in San Saba County pays approximately $1,628 annually in property taxes. With mortgage and debt service included, that amount rises to $2,161, which remains moderate compared to national and state averages.

Verify assessments to keep taxes down

San Saba homeowners should periodically review their property's assessed value to ensure accuracy, as overassessments can inflate tax bills unnecessarily. Filing an appeal is a straightforward process in Texas and can result in tax savings if your property is valued too high.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in San Saba County

via CostByCounty

San Saba keeps rent burden reasonable

San Saba County's 19.6% rent-to-income ratio sits just above Texas's 18.1% state average but remains manageable relative to national standards. Renters here pay $894 monthly—7% above the state average—on a median household income of $54,855.

Mid-pack affordability among Texas counties

San Saba ranks in the middle tier of Texas county affordability, with a rent burden slightly elevated from the state average but well below the least-affordable counties. The 19.6% ratio reflects a balanced, if somewhat tight, rental market.

Moderate rents, moderate income trade-off

San Saba's $894 median rent falls between Sabine ($738) and San Jacinto ($1,018), positioning it as a regional middle ground. Home values ($161,800) and incomes ($54,855) similarly occupy the mid-range, making this county an accessible compromise.

Nearly one-fifth goes to rent

San Saba renters spend 19.6% of their $54,855 median income on monthly rent, leaving reasonable room for other expenses. Homeowners allocate only 12.4% to monthly owner costs ($570), suggesting home purchases offer better value than rentals in this county.

Balanced option for budget-conscious movers

San Saba offers a middle-ground choice for relocators—rents are moderate, homes are reasonably priced, and the rent burden sits close to the state average. If you want to avoid San Patricio's expense or San Augustine's income limitations, San Saba deserves consideration.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in San Saba County

via IncomeByCounty

San Saba lags national income benchmarks

San Saba County's median household income of $54,855 trails the national median of $74,755 by $19,900—a 26.6% gap that reflects rural economic pressures across Central Texas. This shortfall places the county in the lower third nationally by income. However, San Saba's income level remains viable in its regional context and lower-cost community.

San Saba falls below Texas state average

At $54,855, San Saba County ranks in the lower half of Texas's 254 counties, trailing the state average of $64,737 by $9,882. The per capita income of $29,823 sits notably below Texas's average of $33,197, suggesting workforce participation or age demographic challenges. San Saba faces structural economic headwinds common to rural Central Texas.

San Saba occupies the regional middle ground

San Saba County ($54,855) falls between high-income Rusk and San Patricio counties ($67,500+) and low-income San Augustine County ($46,338), reflecting moderate regional economic conditions. The county trails Sabine and San Jacinto ($59,500+) by about $4,500 each. This middle positioning suggests neither significant advantage nor severe disadvantage compared to immediate peers.

Housing affordability requires careful budgeting

San Saba County's rent-to-income ratio of 19.6% approaches the affordability danger zone, with typical renters allocating roughly $10,700 annually to housing from median income of $54,855. This ratio leaves constrained resources for healthcare, childcare, and savings despite reasonably priced homes. Homeownership becomes a strategic wealth-building tool for San Saba households.

Leverage rural affordability for homeownership

San Saba's median home value of $161,800 combined with income of $54,855 creates favorable conditions for first-time buyers compared to urban Texas. A 15-20% down payment ($24,000-$32,000) and mortgage payments under $900 monthly become achievable goals. Building home equity transforms housing from a consumption expense into a wealth-accumulation vehicle.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in San Saba County

via HealthByCounty

San Saba's longevity slightly exceeds U.S. norms

San Saba County's 74.7-year life expectancy slightly exceeds the U.S. average of 76.4 years by 1.7 years—a modest but positive sign. However, 21.9% of residents report poor or fair health, suggesting underlying chronic conditions despite the life expectancy edge.

Life expectancy above Texas, but uninsured crisis

San Saba County's 74.7-year life expectancy is the highest in this county group and exceeds Texas's 74.3 average. However, its 27.2% uninsured rate is by far the highest statewide—nearly 1 in 3.7 residents lack coverage.

Best life expectancy, worst insurance coverage

San Saba County's 74.7-year life expectancy tops all regional peers, but its 27.2% uninsured rate is more than double Scurry County's 20.9%. Strong primary care access at 34 providers per 100,000 suggests the issue is cost, not availability.

Paradox: strong care access, insurance crisis

San Saba County has 34 primary care and 34 mental health providers per 100,000—excellent coverage—yet 27.2% of residents are uninsured, the highest rate among all counties here. This gap suggests residents lack financial access to available care despite its physical presence.

Don't skip insurance despite strong providers

San Saba County's 27.2% uninsured rate is a crisis: nearly 1 in 3.7 residents risk bankruptcy from medical bills despite excellent local providers. Visit healthcare.gov immediately to explore Medicaid, marketplace subsidies, and catastrophic plans—coverage exists and could transform your family's security.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in San Saba County

via RiskByCounty

San Saba among America's safest counties

San Saba County's composite risk score of just 7.28 places it in the "Very Low" category, ranking it among the lowest-risk counties nationwide—less than one-sixth the national average of 44.0. The county benefits from distance from major seismic zones, tornado corridors, and coastal systems.

Far below Texas average risk

At 7.28, San Saba County scores a remarkable 42 points below Texas's 49.00 state average, ranking it among the state's safest counties. This protection stems from its hill country location away from major hazard corridors.

Safest of central Texas counties

San Saba County (7.28) offers exceptional safety compared to Schleicher County (3.75)—the only safer option—and far outpaces Scurry County (29.99). The county represents one of the most protected areas in central Texas.

Wildfire concern in otherwise quiet county

Wildfire risk scores 71.47, the county's only notable hazard, requiring awareness during dry seasons in this hill country region. All other major hazards score very low, with tornado risk at just 23.41 and earthquake risk at 3.66.

Basic coverage handles most scenarios

San Saba County's exceptionally low risk means standard homeowners insurance provides ample protection for most residents. Maintain defensible space around your home during wildfire season and ensure policy covers wind damage as basic precautions.

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.