countyscore
54.1
County Score
Disaster Risk 92.7Safety 73.9Cost of Living 65.1

County Report Card

About San Saba County, Texas

Above the National Performance Median

San Saba County earns a 54.1 composite score, outperforming the national median of 50.0. It ranks as a highly livable destination on the national stage.

Strong Performer in the State

The county's score of 54.1 is significantly higher than the Texas state average of 41.9. It represents a high-quality rural option within the state's interior.

Low Risk and High Safety

San Saba is exceptionally resilient with a risk score of 92.7 and a safety score of 73.9. It also offers solid affordability, backed by a cost score of 65.1.

Economic and Healthcare Limitations

The income score is low at 24.7, reflecting a median household income of $54,855. Access to healthcare is also a concern, with the health dimension scoring just 24.6.

Perfect for Quiet, Secure Living

San Saba is an ideal fit for people seeking a low-risk, safe environment away from urban chaos. It is a great match for retirees or remote workers who don't rely on the local job market.

Score breakdown

Tax37.7Cost65.1Safety73.9Health24.6Schools63Income24.7Risk92.7Water51.2Weather33.3
🏛37.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠65.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼24.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡73.9
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤24.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓63
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡92.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧51.2
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤33.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨31.3
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱34.6
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 Saba County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

Safety in San Saba County

via CrimeByCounty

Quiet and Secure in San Saba County

San Saba County boasts a total crime rate of 622.9 per 100K, far below the national average of 2,385.5. This low incidence rate results in a near-perfect safety score of 99.0.

A Model of Texas Public Safety

San Saba's safety score of 99.0 ranks it well above the Texas state average of 96.8. The local crime rate is less than one-third of the statewide average of 2052.5 per 100K.

Safety Leader in the Region

Compared to Scurry County's 2167.9 crime rate, San Saba is much quieter and safer for families. Its reporting agencies show a consistently low volume of criminal activity.

Violent Crime is Extremely Rare

The violent crime rate is just 86.5 per 100K, compared to the national average of 369.8. Property crime is also minimal at 536.4, providing high security for local assets.

Stay Vigilant to Keep Crime Low

Low crime rates thrive when residents watch out for one another. Maintaining visible home security and participating in neighborhood watches can ensure San Saba stays a top-tier safety destination.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

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

Schools in San Saba County

via SchoolsByCounty

Small-Town Schooling in Central Texas

San Saba County manages a compact system of six public schools that serve a total of 962 students. The county’s three districts provide a mix of traditional elementary and middle schools alongside two unique 'all-level' campuses.

High Investment and Strong Academic Scores

The county invests $9,516 per student, which is well above the Texas state average of $7,498. This funding contributes to a school score of 58.3, though the 88.8% graduation rate currently trails the state average of 91.6%.

San Saba ISD Centralizes the County

San Saba ISD is the primary district, managing three schools and 684 students. Smaller districts like Cherokee ISD and Richland Springs ISD each serve 139 students through a single PK-12 campus, with no charter schools present.

A Blend of Town and Rural Learning

Four schools are located in town settings while two remain rural, with an average school size of only 192 students. San Saba Elementary is the largest campus with 294 students, offering a very personal educational experience.

Quiet Living with Personalized Education

San Saba County is perfect for those seeking small class sizes and higher-than-average per-pupil investment. Families should consider local real estate to enjoy a Central Texas lifestyle where every student is known by name.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Weather & Climate in San Saba County

via WeatherByCounty

A Warm Central Texas Baseline

With an annual average of 65.4°F, San Saba County is nearly 10 degrees warmer than the national median. This reflects the typical warm-temperate climate found across the American South.

Matching the Texas State Average

The county's 65.4°F average temperature almost perfectly matches the Texas state average of 65.5°F. Its 29.0 inches of annual rainfall is slightly below the state benchmark of 31.9 inches.

Typical Hill Country Weather Patterns

San Saba's climate is characterized by its 107 extreme heat days per year. This heat profile is consistent with other Central Texas counties that experience dry, scorching summers.

Blistering Summers and Temperate Winters

July temperatures average 83.1°F, contributing to a summer average of 82.2°F. Winters are manageable with a 48.0°F average and negligible snowfall of just 0.3 inches.

Strategic Cooling for Triple-Digit Days

Plan for 107 days of heat exceeding 90°F by ensuring home insulation is optimized for summer. With very little snowfall, winter maintenance focuses more on occasional freezes than snow removal.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in San Saba County

via SoilByCounty

Alfisols of the Pecan Capital

San Saba features a dominant soil order of Alfisols with a fine sandy loam texture. The average pH of 7.27 is slightly more alkaline than the national median of 6.5 and the Texas average of 7.09.

Sandy Loam for Balanced Drainage

The soil contains 44.9% sand, 29.4% silt, and 24.7% clay. This high sand content provides excellent workability and drainage, which is ideal for the county's famous pecan orchards.

Exceeding State Organic Standards

Organic matter sits at 1.78%, beating the Texas state average of 1.66%. The available water capacity is 0.130 in/in, providing a solid foundation for crops despite the semi-arid conditions.

Well Drained and Reliable

The land is classified as well drained and belongs to hydrologic group B. This combination suggests moderate infiltration rates, making it a reliable choice for both residential building and intensive agriculture.

Grow Pecans and More in Zone 8b

San Saba's Zone 8b climate is perfect for pecans, peaches, and hearty summer squash. Your garden will flourish in these well-drained loams if you provide consistent irrigation during the peak summer heat.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in San Saba County

via LawnByCounty

Typical Texas Toughness in San Saba

San Saba County scores a 34.6 on the lawn difficulty scale, making it slightly easier than the state average but still a challenge. In Zone 8b, the climate demands a focus on heat tolerance and water management. You are working in an environment that is significantly more difficult than the national average of 50.0.

Scant Rain and Triple-Digit Heat

The county receives only 29.0 inches of annual precipitation, which is below both the state average and the ideal 30-50 inch lawn range. Combined with 107 extreme heat days and 6,205 growing degree days, your grass will require significant supplemental watering. The high heat levels mean grass enters dormancy quickly if not properly managed.

Well-Drained Alkaline Loam Foundation

The soil here is characterized as a fine sandy loam with a pH of 7.27, which is slightly alkaline. It is classified as well-drained, meaning it won't hold onto water long during those 107 days of extreme heat. Adding organic compost can help improve water retention in this 44.9% sandy mix.

Managing Dryness Without Severe Crisis

While 100% of the county is abnormally dry, none of it currently sits in severe drought, providing a rare window of stability in Texas. However, with 19 weeks of drought over the past year, you must remain vigilant with your irrigation. Deep soaking once a week is better than daily light watering for building resilient root systems.

Tough Grasses for the Texas Heart

Buffalo grass and Bermuda are excellent choices for this region because they can handle the slightly alkaline 7.27 pH soil. Aim to plant after the last spring frost on March 16 to maximize the growing season before the winter return on November 13. These hardy species will give you the best chance of surviving the dry San Saba summers.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is San Saba County's county score?
San Saba County, Texas has a composite county score of 54.1 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 Saba County rank among counties in Texas?
San Saba County ranks #39 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 Saba County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in San Saba County is $1,628, with an effective tax rate of 1.01%. This earns San Saba County a tax score of 37.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in San Saba County?
The median household income in San Saba County, Texas is $54,855 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. San Saba County earns an income score of 24.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is San Saba County, Texas a good place to live?
San Saba County scores 54.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #39 in Texas. The best way to evaluate San Saba 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 Saba 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.