countyscore
45.9
County Score
Cost of Living 91Safety 59.1Schools 53.3

County Report Card

About Starr County, Texas

Ranking Below the National Median

Starr County holds a composite score of 45.9, which is slightly lower than the national median of 50.0. However, it performs better than many other border-region counties.

Beating the Texas Statewide Average

At 45.9, Starr County outperforms the Texas state average of 41.9. This indicates that the county provides a better overall value than many of its state peers.

Leader in Housing Affordability

With a cost score of 91.0, Starr County is one of the most affordable places to live in Texas. Median home values sit at $93,300 and median rents are a modest $715.

Economic and Health Hardships

Income remains a major challenge with a score of 2.1 and a median household income of only $38,182. Health outcomes also lag behind, represented by a score of 12.4.

Best for Extreme Budget Conscious

Starr County is a prime choice for those whose primary goal is minimizing housing expenses. It is best suited for individuals with remote income or retirees who can navigate the local healthcare gaps.

Score breakdown

Tax29.8Cost91Safety59.1Health12.4Schools53.3Income2.1Risk15.2Water22Weather5.9
🏛29.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠91
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼2.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡59.1
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤12.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓53.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡15.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧22
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤5.9
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨15
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱13.9
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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Nearby counties

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Brooks County
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Deep Dives

Starr County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Starr County

via TaxByCounty

Starr County homes taxed very lightly

Starr County's 1.122% effective tax rate sits comfortably below the U.S. median of 1.276%, making it a relatively low-tax county nationally. Homeowners pay just $1,047 annually on a median home valued at $93,300—the lowest tax bill among the counties surveyed.

Starr ranks below Texas average

Starr County's 1.122% effective rate is 12% lower than the Texas state average of 1.276%, placing it comfortably below state median. The median tax of $1,047 falls well short of the state median of $2,193, reflecting Starr's lower property values.

Starr taxes lowest among nearby counties

Starr County's 1.122% rate is lower than Sterling County (1.072% is actually lower; correction: Sterling is 1.072%, making Starr higher) and sits beneath most regional peers. Among the surveyed rural counties, Starr maintains one of the lightest tax burdens.

Median Starr home costs $1,047 yearly

A homeowner with a median-valued property of $93,300 in Starr County pays just $1,047 in annual property taxes—by far the lowest among counties surveyed. Without a mortgage, costs drop further to $860.

Starr owners can still appeal assessments

Even in low-income rural counties like Starr, assessment errors occur and properties are sometimes overvalued relative to true market conditions. Filing an appeal with the Starr County appraisal district is free and could protect your property from inflated valuations.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Starr County

via CostByCounty

Starr faces severe affordability pressure

Starr County's rent-to-income ratio of 22.5% is the highest in this group and well above national norms, with renters spending more than one-fifth of their $38,182 income on housing. The county's median household income is 49% below the national median of $74,755.

Least affordable county profiled

Starr's 22.5% rent-to-income ratio significantly exceeds Texas's 18.1% state average, making it the least affordable in this analysis. Despite lower rents of $715 monthly, the county's severely depressed incomes create acute housing pressure.

Lowest incomes, highest burden

Starr renters earn just $38,182—about half of Somervell County's $83,382—while carrying the region's second-highest rent burden at 22.5%. The $715 monthly rent is cheap, but represents an outsized share of scarce household income.

Housing squeezes limited income

Starr renters spend 22.5% of their median income on housing, leaving limited resources for food, healthcare, and education. Homeowners fare better, investing $425 monthly in ownership—13.3% of income—with median home values of just $93,300.

Cheap housing, severe income limits

Starr County offers the region's lowest rents and home values, but economic opportunity remains scarce. Relocators should prioritize this area only if secure, well-paying employment is already arranged.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Starr County

via IncomeByCounty

Median Income Significantly Below National

Starr County's median household income of $38,182 trails the U.S. median of $74,755 by $36,573, or nearly 49%. This substantial gap ranks Starr among the lowest-income counties nationally and signals acute economic challenges for residents.

Texas's Lower-Income Counties

At $38,182, Starr ranks far below the Texas county average of $64,737—among the bottom 10% statewide. The per capita income of $18,063 is less than 55% of the state average of $33,197, indicating severe individual earning constraints.

Most Economically Challenged in Region

Starr's $38,182 income is the lowest among all peer counties examined, falling dramatically short of Shelby ($50,436) and Stephens ($54,695). This economic isolation reflects limited job diversity and opportunity compared to neighboring areas.

Housing Costs Consume Critical Resources

Starr's rent-to-income ratio of 22.5% is among the highest observed, claiming nearly a quarter of already-limited median household income. Even at a median home value of $93,300, housing remains financially stressful for many households with limited discretionary income remaining.

Access Support and Build Incrementally

Starr residents should prioritize accessing local workforce development programs, employer benefits, and community financial assistance resources. Even modest saving—through matched savings programs or employer retirement plans—creates foundational financial security for future generations.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Starr County

via CrimeByCounty

Starr County Significantly Safer Than Average

Starr County maintains a total crime rate of 944.9 per 100K, well below the national benchmark of 2,385.5. These statistics earn the county a high safety score of 98.5.

Beating the State Safety Average

The county's safety score of 98.5 exceeds the Texas average of 96.8. Starr County's crime rate of 944.9 is also much lower than the state's average total crime rate of 2,052.5.

Regional Safety Leader

Starr County is safer than Shelby County, which reports a crime rate of 1,568.9 per 100K. It also maintains a lower incident rate than Smith County's 1,932.1.

Violence and Property Crime Breakdown

Starr reports 170.4 violent crimes and 774.5 property crimes per 100K residents. Both figures are lower than national averages, with property crime being the more frequent concern.

Vigilance for a Safer Community

Ensuring your home is well-lit and locked can prevent common property crimes. Community participation in safety programs helps keep Starr County's rates among the best in Texas.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Starr County

via HealthByCounty

Most serious health crisis in dataset

Starr County's life expectancy of 73.9 years falls 2.5 years below the U.S. average of 76.4 years, reflecting substantial population health challenges. Alarming: 37.8% report poor or fair health—the highest rate across all counties analyzed—indicating widespread chronic disease burden.

Significant struggle vs. Texas average

Starr County's 73.9-year life expectancy lags Texas's 74.3-year average, while its 37.8% poor/fair health rate far exceeds state typical experience. This combination places it among Texas's most challenged counties for population health.

Worst health outcomes regionally

Starr County faces the region's steepest health burdens, with the lowest life expectancy and highest poor/fair health rate among all nearby counties. Its 37.8% poor/fair rate dwarfs neighboring Shelby County (26.4%), underscoring urgent local health needs.

Limited providers, high uninsured rate

Starr County has only 26 primary care providers and 32 mental health providers per 100K—well below state capacity—leaving gaps in accessible care. With 25% uninsured, one in four residents cannot afford preventive or routine treatment, worsening health outcomes.

Insurance is healthcare lifeline

Starr County's health crisis demands urgent action: 25% uninsured means many skip preventive care that could prevent disease. Apply for Medicaid, CHIP, or marketplace coverage immediately at Healthcare.gov—getting insured can be the first step toward reversing this county's troubling health trends.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Starr County

via SchoolsByCounty

Expansive Schools Along the Rio Grande

Starr County operates 29 public schools serving a large student population of 17,218 across three districts. The landscape is dominated by 17 elementary schools, supporting a strong pipeline of young learners.

Exceeding State Performance Benchmarks

The county reports a 91.7% graduation rate, beating both the state and national averages. Local districts achieve these results with $7,202 in per-pupil spending, which is below the national average of $13,000.

Major Districts and Charter Availability

Rio Grande City Grulla ISD is the largest district with 9,644 students, followed by Roma ISD with 5,977. Two charter schools, including IDEA Rio Grande City Academy, serve about 7% of the county's students.

Vibrant Towns and Rural Campuses

The county features a mix of 18 rural and 11 town-based schools with an average size of 594 students. Large high schools like Rio Grande City High host over 1,770 students, creating a bustling campus environment.

Living Near Top South Texas Schools

Families can find a home in a district with strong graduation rates and robust enrollment. Neighborhoods in Rio Grande City and Roma are ideal for staying close to the county's primary academic resources.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Starr County

via RiskByCounty

Starr: Among America's Riskiest

Starr County's composite risk score of 84.80 ranks at the very top of elevated risk nationally. Your county faces one of the highest natural disaster exposure profiles in the entire United States.

Highest Risk in Texas

At 84.80, Starr County is the riskiest county in Texas, exceeding the state average of 49.00 by 73%. Only Smith County (84.16) approaches this level of exposure.

Riskiest in South Texas

Starr County's risk far exceeds all neighboring counties, standing isolated in its extreme exposure profile. No adjacent South Texas county comes close to Starr's 84.80 composite score.

Wildfire and Hurricanes Converge

Wildfire risk (84.89) and hurricane risk (78.77) create a dual-threat environment in Starr County. Flood risk (72.39) adds a third significant concern, making this county vulnerable across multiple hazard types.

Comprehensive Protection Essential

Starr County residents must carry flood insurance and confirm their policies cover hurricane wind damage—basic homeowners coverage alone is insufficient. Consider additional wildfire coverage and discuss earthquake protection with your agent, given elevated exposure across all major hazards.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Starr County

via WeatherByCounty

Among the Nation's Hottest Regions

With an annual average temperature of 75.5°F, Starr County is dramatically warmer than the national median of 54°F. This semi-arid climate receives only 21.0 inches of rain, well below the national average for precipitation.

Surpassing the Texas Temperature Average

Starr County averages 75.5°F annually, which is a full 10 degrees higher than the Texas state average of 65.5°F. It ranks as one of the warmest counties in the entire state due to its southern location.

The Scorching Heart of South Texas

The county's 75.5°F average outpaces nearly every other county in this report, including Sutton County at 65.8°F. It remains significantly drier than eastern neighbors, receiving 10 inches less rain than Somervell.

Dominant Heat for Half the Year

Extreme heat is the norm here, with 191 days per year hitting at least 90°F. July is punishing with an average of 88.3°F, while winters remain exceptionally mild at 61.1°F.

Prioritize Sun Protection and Hydration

Residents must plan for extreme heat for over six months of the year, making reliable air conditioning a critical utility. UV protection and high-capacity cooling systems are necessary for the 191 days of 90-degree weather.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Starr County

via SoilByCounty

Silty Entisols of the Rio Grande

Starr County is dominated by Entisols, which are young soils with an alkaline pH of 7.78. This is notably higher than the state average of 7.09 and the national median of 6.5. These soils are often found in floodplains or areas where recent sediment deposition has occurred.

The Smooth Feel of Silt Loam

The dominant texture is silt loam, created by a balanced mix of 35.7% silt and 36.4% sand. With 24.2% clay, the soil offers a smooth workability that retains moisture better than pure sand. This composition provides an excellent physical environment for root development in agricultural settings.

Reliable Water Storage Capability

The soil provides an available water capacity of 0.138 in/in, which sits slightly above the Texas state average. However, organic matter is low at 1.09%, which is typical for arid South Texas environments. Improving carbon levels through cover cropping could significantly boost the natural fertility of these Entisols.

Well Drained and Ready for Use

Classified as well-drained and belonging to Hydrologic Group B, these soils allow for moderate infiltration when wet. This makes them ideal for various uses, from vegetable farming to residential development. The soil effectively manages moderate rainfall without frequent surface ponding.

Sun-Drenched Success in Zone 9b

Starr County sits in the subtropical Zone 9b, where citrus, melons, and onions thrive in the silt loam. The long, hot growing season is perfect for heat-loving tropicals and traditional South Texas row crops. Start a garden today and take advantage of some of the best-drained soil in the region.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Starr County

via LawnByCounty

Extreme Southern Lawn Care

Starr County faces an extremely high difficulty score of 13.9, the lowest in this group and far below the national 50.0. This Zone 9b climate is defined by relentless heat and very dry conditions that push turf to its limits.

Intense Thermal Stress

A staggering 191 extreme heat days per year means lawns are under constant thermal stress. With only 21.0 inches of rain and 9,371 growing degree days, the water deficit is a massive hurdle for any local gardener.

Silt Loam Soil Strategy

The silt loam soil is alkaline with a 7.78 pH, often requiring acidifying amendments to improve nutrient uptake. It is well-drained, which helps prevent root rot during rare heavy rains but accelerates drying in the intense summer heat.

Chronic Drought Survival

Extreme conditions are the norm here, with 100% of the county in severe drought and 36 weeks of drought over the last year. Strict water conservation and drip irrigation for non-turf areas are vital for your landscape's survival.

Starting in Zone 9b

Only the hardiest warm-season grasses like Seashore Paspalum or specific Bermuda hybrids should be considered. Since the last frost is as early as January 31st, you have a very long window to establish roots before the summer starts.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Starr County's county score?
Starr County, Texas has a composite county score of 45.9 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 Starr County rank among counties in Texas?
Starr County ranks #99 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 Starr County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Starr County is $1,047, with an effective tax rate of 1.12%. This earns Starr County a tax score of 29.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Starr County?
The median household income in Starr County, Texas is $38,182 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Starr County earns an income score of 2.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Starr County, Texas a good place to live?
Starr County scores 45.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #99 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Starr 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 Starr County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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