countyscore
52.1
County Score
Disaster Risk 89.2Income & Jobs 81.1Safety 64.1

County Report Card

About Somervell County, Texas

Competitive with the National Median

Somervell County earns a 48.7 composite score, nearly reaching the national median of 50.0. It offers a balanced profile that aligns closely with typical American living standards.

A Top-Tier Performer in Texas

The county's score of 48.7 sits comfortably above the Texas state average of 41.9. This makes it a highly desirable location relative to many other counties in the state.

Exceptional Income and Low Risk

An income score of 87.2 reflects a robust median household income of $83,382. Additionally, the risk score of 89.2 indicates the county is well-protected from natural disasters.

Education and Water Infrastructure Needs

The school score of 27.0 and water score of 8.1 are the county's primary weaknesses. These figures suggest a need for investment in public education and long-term water reliability.

Ideal for Wealthy, Risk-Averse Households

Somervell is perfect for high-earning families who prioritize low natural risk and reasonable taxes. It appeals to those who may consider private education options given the lower public school score.

2040608010042.258.964.154.32781.189.28.135.8Tax42.2Cost58.9Safety64.1Health54.3Schools27Income81.1Risk89.2Water8.1Weather35.852.1/100
This county
National avg
3 above average3 below average

Somervell County DNA

Foverall

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

Somervell County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Disaster Risk (89.2/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (8.1/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
42.2-9.799999999999997
Cost
58.9+10.899999999999999
Safety
64.1+9.099999999999994
Health
54.3
Schools
27-27
Income
81.1+30.099999999999994
Risk
89.2+42.2
Water
8.1-49.9
Weather
35.8-20.200000000000003
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Somervell County?

Many homeowners in Somervell County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

Check My Assessment

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$289,500

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$773/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$289,500/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$30,920/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.6x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $79,825/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

21.0

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Deep Dives

Somervell County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Somervell County

via TaxByCounty

Somervell offers below-national tax rates

Somervell County's 0.967% effective tax rate sits well below the U.S. median of 1.276%, placing it among the lowest-taxed counties nationally. Despite higher home values averaging $253,600, residents pay just $2,452 in annual property taxes—slightly less than the national median of $2,690.

Somervell ranks as Texas tax bargain

At 0.967%, Somervell County's effective rate is 24% lower than Texas's 1.276% state average, making it one of the state's most tax-friendly counties. The median tax of $2,452 is $259 below the state median, despite Somervell's properties being worth significantly more.

Somervell taxes light among regional peers

Somervell's 0.967% rate is the lowest among nearby counties, sitting well below Smith County (1.245%), Sherman County (1.952%), and Stephens County (1.683%). This makes Somervell attractive for homeowners seeking lower tax burdens in the region.

Median Somervell home costs $2,452 yearly

A homeowner with a median-valued property of $253,600 in Somervell County pays approximately $2,452 in annual property taxes—less than owners of cheaper homes in higher-tax counties. With a mortgage, this rises to $2,723.

Even Somervell homeowners can appeal taxes

Even in low-tax counties, some homeowners are still overassessed relative to local market conditions. Requesting a formal review from the Somervell County appraisal district—a free process—could reveal errors and reduce your bill further.

Income & Jobs in Somervell County

via IncomeByCounty

Above-National Household Income

Somervell County's median household income of $83,382 exceeds the U.S. median of $74,755 by $8,627, or 11.5%. This positions Somervell above the typical American household and reflects strong, sustained earning across the county.

Among Texas's Wealthiest Counties

At $83,382, Somervell ranks solidly above the Texas county average of $64,737—outpacing 75% of Texas counties. The county's per capita income of $40,711 substantially exceeds the state average of $33,197, signaling elevated individual earning power throughout the population.

Regional Income Leader

Somervell's $83,382 median income ranks highest among its peer counties, topping Sterling ($78,750), Sherman ($74,167), and Smith ($71,923). This economic strength reflects access to quality employment and suggests robust household financial stability across the region.

Strong Affordability with Room to Spare

Somervell's rent-to-income ratio of 13.3% sits well below the 28% threshold, leaving households substantial discretionary income. Despite a higher median home value of $253,600, the strong income base makes homeownership and maintenance highly affordable.

Maximize Long-Term Wealth Strategies

Somervell's strong income and low housing burden create exceptional capacity for diversified investing, education funding, and retirement planning. Consider working with a financial advisor to structure a comprehensive wealth-building plan including real estate, equities, and alternative investments.

Safety in Somervell County

via CrimeByCounty

Somervell County Boasts Exceptional Safety

Somervell County reports a total crime rate of 835.4 per 100K, roughly one-third of the national average of 2,385.5. This translates to an excellent safety score of 98.7.

Top-Tier Safety Ranking in Texas

Somervell's safety score of 98.7 is significantly better than the Texas state average of 96.8. Its crime rate is also less than half of the state average of 2,052.5.

Leading the Region in Safety

Somervell County is safer than neighboring Stephens County, which has a crime rate of 1,382.3. It also maintains a stronger safety profile than Shelby County's 1,568.9.

Extremely Low Violent Crime Rates

The violent crime rate is a remarkably low 10.7 per 100K, while property crime sits at 824.7. Personal safety is very high here, as property offenses comprise nearly all reported crime.

Guarding Against Property Theft

With violent crime nearly nonexistent, residents should focus on preventing theft and burglary. Simple deterrents like yard signs and visible cameras are effective in low-crime areas.

Weather & Climate in Somervell County

via WeatherByCounty

Warmer and Wetter than the National Median

Somervell County maintains an annual average temperature of 64.7°F, significantly higher than the national median of approximately 54°F. The humid subtropical climate brings 34.3 inches of rain per year, slightly exceeding the Texas state average.

A Typical North-Central Texas Climate

The county's average temperature of 64.7°F sits just below the Texas statewide average of 65.5°F. This makes it a representative example of the north-central region's climate patterns.

Wetter Conditions than Western Neighbors

Somervell receives 34.3 inches of precipitation annually, which is significantly higher than Stephens County to the west at 29.7 inches. It shares a similar thermal profile with Tarrant County, though it remains slightly cooler on average.

Intense Summer Heat and Mild Winters

Residents face 109 extreme heat days per year where temperatures reach or exceed 90°F, peaking with a July average of 84.5°F. Winters are manageable with a December-February average of 46.3°F and a negligible 0.1 inches of annual snowfall.

Prepare for Long, Hot Summers

High-efficiency HVAC systems are essential to manage the 100-plus days of extreme heat each year. While snow is rare, residents should prioritize moisture-wicking gear for the humid 34-inch annual rainfall.

Soil Quality in Somervell County

via SoilByCounty

The Uncharted Terrain of Somervell

Formal soil surveys for Somervell County currently lack specific digital data for pH and taxonomic classification. While we know the region is part of the scenic Hill Country, localized testing is necessary to determine if your specific plot is alkaline or acidic. This data gap highlights the unique, varied nature of the local limestone-influenced geology.

Local Variation in Texture

Specific percentages for sand, silt, and clay are not currently available in the central dataset for this county. Observations in the region often suggest rocky, shallow soils typical of the Edwards Plateau. Growers should perform a simple jar test to determine their own site's sand and clay balance.

Relying on Local Soil Knowledge

With organic matter and water capacity data unavailable, Somervell County gardeners should look to native vegetation as a fertility guide. The state averages of 1.66% organic matter and 0.133 in/in water capacity serve as useful targets for soil improvement. Adding compost is a safe bet for any unmeasured Texas soil.

Managing Rocky Runoff Patterns

Hydrologic data is currently limited, but the local topography suggests well-drained slopes and rapid runoff. Understanding your specific site's elevation and rock content is more critical here than in counties with uniform soil profiles. Always check for shallow bedrock before starting major drainage or building projects.

Hill Country Gardening in Zone 8b

The mild winters of Zone 8b allow for a long growing season that supports everything from stone fruits to hardy herbs. Native Texas sage and cedar elms are perfectly adapted to this climate and the likely limestone-rich environment. Grab a shovel and a soil test kit to start your personalized gardening journey.

Lawn Care in Somervell County

via LawnByCounty

Central Texas Lawn Stability

Somervell County maintains a 38.5 lawn score, placing it ahead of the Texas state average of 31.7. This Zone 8b region offers a slightly more predictable environment for turf than the state’s more arid western reaches.

Heat and Hydration Balance

Annual precipitation averages 34.3 inches, which is just enough to meet the 30-50 inch ideal requirement for grass. However, 109 extreme heat days mean high evaporation rates, so your watering schedule remains critical for success.

Testing Your Foundation

While specific soil composition data is limited for this area, the region’s 38.5 score suggests a baseline level of stability. Testing your individual lot for pH and texture is essential before making major amendments or choosing grass types.

Conserving Water Locally

The county currently has 100% of its area in abnormally dry conditions after 15 weeks of drought this past year. Implementing xeriscaping borders can help reduce the total water footprint of your landscape during the hottest months.

Choosing the Right Turf

Bermudagrass is a standard choice for this region, known for its ability to bounce back after the 109 heat days. Wait until after the March 28th frost to begin seeding for the most reliable results in this zone.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Somervell County's county score?
Somervell County, Texas has a composite county score of 52.1 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 Somervell County rank among counties in Texas?
Somervell County ranks #54 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 Somervell County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Somervell County is $2,634, with an effective tax rate of 0.91%. This earns Somervell County a tax score of 42.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Somervell County?
The median household income in Somervell County, Texas is $79,825 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Somervell County earns an income score of 81.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Somervell County, Texas a good place to live?
Somervell County scores 52.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #54 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Somervell 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 Somervell County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

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