CountyScore

Somervell County

Texas · TX

#11 in Texas
72.3
County Score

County Report Card

About Somervell County, Texas

Among the nation's most livable counties

Somervell County scores 72.2, ranking it solidly above the national median of 50.0 and in the upper echelon of American livability. This composite score reflects an unusual combination of low taxes, affordable housing, and strong incomes.

Ranks among Texas's best performers

At 72.2, Somervell exceeds the Texas state average of 66.8, placing it among the state's most livable counties. The advantage stems from the county's ability to balance three key dimensions simultaneously.

The rare triple threat in livability

Somervell combines the lowest tax score among the eight (0.967% effective rate, 75.1 tax score), solid housing affordability (cost score 78.6, median home $253,600), and the highest income score (37.8, reflecting $83,382 median household income). This rare alignment makes it exceptionally attractive.

Data gaps prevent fuller evaluation

Safety, health, school, risk, and water quality information are not yet available, leaving some important livability dimensions unmeasured. The county should expect these factors to be assessed in future CountyScore updates.

Ideal for affluent families seeking value

Somervell is the standout choice for families with above-average incomes who want to minimize taxes while maintaining quality housing and lifestyle. Its balanced strengths make it an exceptional option for those seeking both prosperity and affordability.

Score breakdown

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

Tax75.1Cost78.6SafetyComing SoonHealth66.8SchoolsComing SoonIncome37.8Risk89.2WaterComing Soon
🏛75.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠78.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼37.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤66.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡89.2
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 Somervell County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Butler County
Alabama
72.3
Median income: $44,881
Choctaw County
Alabama
72.3
Median income: $44,483
Hale County
Alabama
72.3
Median income: $41,325
Pike County
Alabama
72.3
Median income: $47,961
Gilchrist County
Florida
72.3
Median income: $61,070

Deep Dives

Somervell County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Somervell County

via CostByCounty

Somervell achieves rare affordability

Somervell County's rent-to-income ratio of 13.3% ranks among the nation's most affordable, with renters spending just one-eighth of their $83,382 median income on housing. The county significantly exceeds national income levels while maintaining below-average rental burdens.

Standout affordability in Texas

Somervell's 13.3% rent-to-income ratio is the strongest among profiled counties and well below Texas's 18.1% average. At $927 monthly rent, the county offers reasonable housing costs aligned with strong household incomes of $83,382.

Best-paid renters with modest costs

Somervell renters earn $83,382—the highest in this group—while paying $927 monthly, less than Smith County's $1,197 and comparable to Sherman's $881. This income-to-cost ratio makes Somervell the region's affordability leader.

Housing takes smallest income share

Somervell renters dedicate only 13.3% of income to housing, leaving substantial resources for other expenses and savings. Homeowners invest $856 monthly in ownership costs—12.3% of median income—while homes value at $253,600.

Affluent and genuinely affordable

Somervell County presents an uncommon combination: the highest median income in this group paired with the lowest housing burden. Professionals relocating here enjoy strong earning power without the affordability squeeze typical of higher-income areas.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Somervell County

via HealthByCounty

Healthiest county in this analysis

Somervell County's 76.7-year life expectancy exceeds the U.S. average of 76.4 years, with just 14.8% reporting poor or fair health—the lowest rate in this dataset. This combination signals an unusually healthy population with strong preventive health practices.

Best health outcomes in Texas sample

Somervell County ranks among Texas's healthiest, exceeding the state average life expectancy of 74.3 years by over two years. Its 14.8% poor/fair health rate is significantly better than state norms, reflecting superior population health.

Clear regional health leader

Somervell County's 76.7-year life expectancy and 14.8% poor/fair health rate lead all neighboring counties decisively. Even Shackelford County (75.6 years) and Sherman County (77.7 years) show higher rates of reported poor health, making Somervell the region's wellness standout.

Strong coverage and provider access

Somervell County maintains excellent provider density (74 primary care, 51 mental health per 100K) paired with low uninsured rate of 16.4%—below both state and national norms. This combination of accessible care and broad coverage protection explains its superior health outcomes.

Join the insured majority

With 83.6% of Somervell County residents insured, the uninsured 16.4% can follow their neighbors' example by securing coverage. Visit Healthcare.gov or contact your county health department to find affordable plans and maintain the health advantages that define your community.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Somervell County

via RiskByCounty

Somervell: Very Low Risk Nationally

Somervell County's composite risk score of 10.81 ranks as very low, placing it far below the national average. Your county benefits from exceptionally low overall disaster exposure compared to most American counties.

Safest Among Texas Counties

At 10.81, Somervell ranks among Texas's lowest-risk counties, sitting 78% below the state average of 49.00. Only a handful of Texas counties enjoy comparable safety profiles.

Exceptionally Safe Locally

Somervell stands as one of the safest counties in central Texas, rivaled only by Sterling (1.11), Shackelford (1.43), and Stephens (9.22). Your location provides natural protection from major disaster corridors.

Wildfire Remains Top Concern

Wildfire risk (81.04) is Somervell's dominant hazard, reflecting the county's brushland and forest cover. Hurricane (42.93) and tornado (42.75) risks are moderate but substantially lower than your wildfire exposure.

Wildfire Insurance Is Priority

Despite low overall risk, Somervell residents should confirm their insurance covers wildfire damage, which standard homeowners policies often exclude. Create and maintain defensible space around your home, especially if located near vegetation.

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.