countyscore
23.6
County Score
Income & Jobs 57.6Soil Quality 37.3Water Quality 32.3

County Report Card

About Tom Green County, Texas

Substantial Room for Improvement Nationally

Tom Green County registers a composite score of 23.6, falling significantly short of the national median of 50.0. This ranking places it in the bottom quartile of counties across the United States.

Below the Lone Star State Average

With a score of 23.6, the county trails the Texas state average of 41.9 by a wide margin. It struggles to compete with many of the state's more populous or high-growth regions.

Solid Earnings Potential for Residents

Income is the county's strongest dimension with a score of 57.6, supported by a median household income of $66,254. This economic stability provides a foundation that outperforms its other livability metrics.

Significant Safety and Infrastructure Gaps

The county faces hurdles with a safety score of 9.1 and a risk score of 22.7. Additionally, the effective tax rate of 1.351% results in a low tax score of 18.8, adding financial pressure to households.

Ideal for Established Income Earners

This county suits professionals with secure local jobs who can navigate the higher cost of living and local safety concerns. While it offers decent wages, it requires trade-offs in public services and safety.

2040608010018.823.99.126.330.557.622.732.331.4Tax18.8Cost23.9Safety9.1Health26.3Schools30.5Income57.6Risk22.7Water32.3Weather31.423.6/100
This county
National avg
8 below average

Tom Green County DNA

Foverall

How Tom Green County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Tom Green County falls below the national average in most categories. The biggest gap is in Safety (9.1/100), though Income (57.6/100) remains a relative bright spot.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
18.8-33.2
Cost
23.9-24.1
Safety
9.1-45.9
Health
26.3-23.7
Schools
30.5-23.5
Income
57.6
Risk
22.7-24.3
Water
32.3-25.700000000000003
Weather
31.4-24.6
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Many homeowners in Tom Green County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$186,700

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,125/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$186,700/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$45,000/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.8x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $66,254/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

31.8

per 100K

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

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Nearby counties

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47.3
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51.8
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48.8
Schleicher County
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Deep Dives

Tom Green County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Tom Green County

via TaxByCounty

Tom Green's rate runs above national

At 1.351%, Tom Green County's effective tax rate exceeds the national median of 1.27%, placing it in the 55th percentile nationally. Homeowners here pay slightly more in property taxes relative to home value than typical Americans.

Above Texas state average

Tom Green's 1.351% rate sits above the Texas average of 1.276%, ranking it in the upper-middle tier statewide. This reflects the county's funding demands for schools and services in the San Angelo area.

Moderate West Texas tax burden

Tom Green's 1.351% falls between Terrell County's low 0.803% and Swisher County's high 1.743%, representing a middle ground for regional tax burden. It closely aligns with Taylor County's 1.403%, reflecting similar socioeconomic profiles.

Median home costs $2,523 yearly

On Tom Green's median home value of $186,700, the typical household pays approximately $2,523 in annual property taxes. With mortgage escrow, that rises to $3,237, significantly impacting monthly housing costs.

Question your property's assessed value

Tom Green County residents should check whether their home's assessed value reflects current market conditions, as overvaluations are common. If your assessment seems high compared to recent comparable sales, file a no-cost appeal with the county appraisal district.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Tom Green County

via CostByCounty

Tom Green rents strain local wallets

Renters in Tom Green County spend 20.4% of their income on housing, slightly above the national average of 20% and well above Texas's 18.1% state average. With a median household income of $66,254—well below the national median of $74,755—residents are stretching smaller paychecks further for shelter.

Middle-of-the-road affordability in Texas

Tom Green County ranks squarely in the middle tier of Texas affordability, with a rent-to-income ratio that exceeds the state average by 2.3 percentage points. The county's $1,125 median rent is 17% higher than Texas's typical $963, putting moderate cost pressure on renters statewide.

Pricier than rural neighbors

Tom Green's $1,125 median rent sits significantly higher than nearby rural counties like Upton ($689) and Trinity ($823), but below the booming Austin metro area of Travis County ($1,669). For buyers, Tom Green's $186,700 median home value offers a more affordable option than Travis's $487,600.

How your paycheck splits in Tom Green

The typical Tom Green renter pays $1,125 monthly, while a homeowner carries a $1,032 monthly mortgage payment—nearly identical cost burdens. Combined with other expenses, housing consumes roughly one-fifth of household income, leaving renters and owners with similar financial pressure despite different tenure paths.

Considering a move to Tom Green?

Tom Green offers moderate rent and purchase prices compared to Texas metros, but falls short of the deepest-discounted rural counties nearby. If you're relocating for work, compare your expected salary against the county's $66,254 median—housing costs are reasonable but not rock-bottom in the state.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Tom Green County

via IncomeByCounty

Tom Green trails national income levels

Tom Green County's median household income of $66,254 falls about 11% short of the national median of $74,755. The county's economy reflects West Texas's reliance on energy and agriculture rather than high-wage service sectors.

Slightly above Texas state average

Tom Green County's $66,254 median income edges above Texas's state average of $64,737, placing it in the middle tier of the state's 254 counties. This positioning reflects a somewhat diversified local economy anchored by San Angelo.

Strongest earnings in West Texas cluster

Tom Green County's $66,254 exceeds nearby Upton County ($52,321) and Uvalde County ($57,849), making it the most prosperous of this West Texas grouping. The county's position as a regional trade center supports relatively stronger household earnings.

Housing costs rising faster than incomes

Tom Green County's rent-to-income ratio of 20.4% signals moderate housing affordability stress, approaching the 30% threshold where costs become burdensome. A median home value of $186,700 requires careful budgeting for households at the county median income.

Strategic saving can offset housing costs

Tom Green County residents should prioritize aggressive saving and investment strategies to offset rising housing expenses. Exploring homeownership programs and employer retirement benefits can help build equity while managing the county's moderate cost-of-living pressures.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Tom Green County

via CrimeByCounty

Tom Green County Exceeds National Crime Averages

The county reports a total crime rate of 2874.8 per 100K, which is significantly higher than the national benchmark of 2,385.5. This contributes to a safety score of 95.5, indicating more activity than average.

Falling Below Texas Safety Averages

With a safety score of 95.5, the county ranks below the Texas state average of 96.8. Its total crime rate of 2874.8 is also considerably higher than the statewide average of 2052.5 per 100K.

Higher Crime Density Than Surrounding Counties

Tom Green County faces a higher crime volume than nearby Travis or Trinity counties. Its total crime rate is nearly triple that of Travis County, highlighting a unique regional challenge for local law enforcement.

Property Offenses Impact Local Quality of Life

Property crime is the primary concern here, with a rate of 2546.2 per 100K far exceeding the national average. Conversely, the violent crime rate of 328.6 remains lower than the national average of 369.8.

Prioritize Security to Deter Property Crime

Given the elevated property crime rates, residents are encouraged to invest in visible deterrents like security cameras. Keeping vehicles locked and valuables out of sight can significantly reduce the risk of becoming a statistic.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Tom Green County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Regional Hub for West Texas Education

Tom Green County supports 62 public schools across eight districts, serving a total of 18,729 students. The infrastructure includes 26 elementary, 8 middle, and 13 high schools to accommodate the growing population. This network provides a stable foundation for learners from San Angelo to the outlying rural areas.

Solid Graduation Rates and Efficient Spending

The county maintains an 89.8% graduation rate, which exceeds the national average of 87.0%. Despite a lean per-pupil expenditure of $5,932, the schools achieve a composite score of 51.1, slightly above the national median. While spending is below the Texas average, the county continues to produce competitive outcomes.

San Angelo ISD Leads the County

San Angelo ISD is the largest provider, managing 23 schools and 13,548 students. For families seeking alternative models, Texas Leadership of San Angelo serves 1,299 students as a prominent charter option. Other significant local districts include Wall ISD and Grape Creek ISD, which serve over 2,400 students combined.

A Mix of City and Rural Learning

With 37 rural schools and 25 city schools, the county offers diverse learning environments. Central HS is the largest campus with 3,065 students, while the average school size across the county is a manageable 302. This variety allows parents to choose between large, resource-rich high schools and intimate rural settings.

Find a Home Near Quality Schools

Families moving to San Angelo often prioritize proximity to top-performing campuses like Wall or Central. Exploring homes in these districts ensures access to the county's strongest academic programs. Start your search today to find a property that matches your educational goals.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Tom Green County

via RiskByCounty

Tom Green County's National Standing

Tom Green County scores 77.32 on the composite risk index, placing it above the national average and reflecting meaningful exposure to multiple hazard types. The county's risk rating of relatively low indicates moderate threats that require preparedness but are manageable with proper planning.

Risk Ranking Among Texas Counties

At 77.32, Tom Green County significantly exceeds Texas's state average of 49.00, ranking among the higher-risk counties statewide. This elevated score is primarily driven by extreme wildfire exposure and substantial flood risk relative to the state baseline.

Compared to Surrounding Counties

Tom Green County's 77.32 score surpasses neighboring Upton County (7.67), one of Texas's safest areas, reflecting Tom Green's West Texas exposure to wildfire corridors. The county faces notably higher overall risk than most rural West Texas neighbors, with wildfire conditions being the defining difference.

Your Primary Natural Disaster Threats

Wildfire risk dominates at 93.13, making it the county's most severe hazard, followed by substantial flood risk (76.65) from occasional heavy precipitation events. Tornado activity (73.73) adds a third significant threat, creating a multi-hazard environment that demands year-round awareness.

Prepare for Multiple Hazards

Wildfire exposure demands proactive home hardening: clear vegetation 30 feet from your home, install metal gutters, and use fire-resistant roofing materials. Ensure your homeowners insurance covers wildfire damage explicitly, and add flood insurance through the NFIP if you're in a flood-prone area, as standard policies exclude flood damage.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Tom Green County

via WaterByCounty

High Health Violations Trigger Grade F Rating

Tom Green County received an F grade due to 69 drinking water health violations over five years. However, its rate of 55.8 violations per 100,000 people remains well below the state average of 581.9.

Watershed Assessment Data Not Currently Available

Local water bodies in this county have not yet been assessed under the federal Clean Water Act §303(d) standards. This lack of data means the total share of impaired streams or lakes is currently unknown.

Robust Monitoring with Over 6,000 Data Points

With 28 monitoring sites, the county has recorded 6,168 water quality measurements in the last five years. Key focus areas for these tests include physical characteristics, pesticides, and organic compounds.

Concho River Flow Is Critically Low

The Concho River at San Angelo is currently flowing at just 4 cfs, a mere 6% of its 68 cfs long-term mean. This reflects severe hydrological drought across the 5,542 square mile drainage basin.

Monitor Filtration and Conserve During Drought

Given the F grade for compliance and the critically low flow of the Concho River, residents should stay informed about specific water system notices. Low flow can increase the concentration of naturally occurring minerals and contaminants.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Tom Green County

via WeatherByCounty

The Concho Valley’s Constant Sun

Tom Green County’s 65.6°F annual average is over ten degrees warmer than the national median. This creates a landscape defined by long, hot summers and short, mild winters.

A Mirror of the Texas Average

Tom Green County almost perfectly matches the state average temperature at 65.6°F. However, its 21.0 inches of rain is significantly lower than the 31.9-inch Texas average.

Hotter Than the Northern Plains

With 116 extreme heat days, Tom Green is notably warmer and drier than counties just a few hours north. It shares a similar semi-arid profile with neighboring Irion County.

Triple-Digit Peaks and Dry Winters

July averages 83.8°F, contributing to nearly four months' worth of days over 90°F. Winter is dry and temperate, with only 1.6 inches of annual snowfall.

Plan for Arid Heat

Efficient irrigation and drought-tolerant plants are necessary for the 21.0 inches of annual rainfall. Robust air conditioning is a must to combat the 116 days of extreme heat.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Tom Green County

via SoilByCounty

Slightly Alkaline Soils in San Angelo

Tom Green County features soils with an average pH of 7.23, which is slightly more alkaline than the national median of 6.5. This pH level is common for the Concho Valley and supports a variety of native species.

Heavier Soil with Significant Clay

The soil contains 29.8% clay and 33.0% silt, creating a relatively heavy texture. With sand at 28.7%, the soil holds nutrients well but can become sticky and difficult to work when wet.

Rich Organic Matter Surpasses Averages

The county boasts an impressive organic matter level of 2.37%, well above the 2.0% national average. The available water capacity of 0.131 in/in is nearly identical to the Texas state average.

Low Infiltration and High Runoff Potential

Belonging to hydrologic group D, these soils have very low infiltration rates when saturated. This can lead to standing water in low areas and requires careful drainage planning for home foundations.

Hardy Crops for Zone 8a

In hardiness zone 8a, these organic-rich soils are excellent for cotton, alfalfa, and pecans. Home gardeners should take advantage of the high organic matter to grow robust vegetable crops like squash and okra.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Tom Green County

via LawnByCounty

Arid Conditions Challenge Tom Green Lawns

With a difficulty score of 25.7, Tom Green County presents a steeper challenge for gardeners than the state average of 31.7. Maintaining a lush lawn in this Zone 8a environment requires more intervention than the national median of 50.0.

Extreme Heat and Limited Rainfall

The county receives just 21.0 inches of annual precipitation, falling well below the 30-inch ideal minimum for traditional turf. Combined with 116 extreme heat days, these 6,292 growing degree days demand rigorous irrigation schedules to prevent grass from scorching.

Alkaline Soil with Heavy Clay Content

The local soil features a pH of 7.23, which leans alkaline and may require sulfur amendments to reach the ideal 6.0-7.0 range. A 29.8% clay composition means the ground holds moisture well but can become compacted, necessitating regular aeration.

Managing Half a Year of Drought

Tom Green County has spent 26 weeks in drought over the last year, with the entire area currently classified as abnormally dry. Focus on water conservation by mulching around lawn edges and using smart controllers to adapt to these persistent dry periods.

Resilient Turf for the Concho Valley

Buffalograss and Bermuda are the top recommendations for this region due to their high drought tolerance. Plan to start your lawn after the last frost on March 22 to take full advantage of the heat before the November 10 frost deadline.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Tom Green County's county score?
Tom Green County, Texas has a composite county score of 23.6 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 Tom Green County rank among counties in Texas?
Tom Green County ranks #242 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 Tom Green County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Tom Green County is $2,523, with an effective tax rate of 1.35%. This earns Tom Green County a tax score of 18.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Tom Green County?
The median household income in Tom Green County, Texas is $66,254 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Tom Green County earns an income score of 57.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Tom Green County, Texas a good place to live?
Tom Green County scores 23.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #242 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Tom Green 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 Tom Green County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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