countyscore
37.9
County Score
Income & Jobs 94.7Health 62.5Water Quality 61.7

County Report Card

About Travis County, Texas

High Prosperity with High Costs

Travis County posts a composite score of 37.9, falling below the national median of 50.0 primarily due to extreme affordability issues. Despite its economic power, the cost of living drags down its national percentile ranking.

Trailing the Texas State Average

The county’s score of 37.9 is lower than the Texas average of 41.9. While it is an economic engine for the state, the high tax and cost burdens make it less accessible than many neighboring counties.

Elite Incomes and Excellent Health

The county boasts an incredible income score of 94.7, with median household earnings of $97,169. It also supports healthy lifestyles, reflected in a health score of 62.5.

Extreme Costs and High Environmental Risk

Affordability is nearly non-existent with a cost score of 3.2 and median home values of $487,600. The risk score of 2.3 is also concerning, indicating high vulnerability to natural or environmental hazards.

Best for High-Earning Urbanites

Travis County is perfect for high-income professionals who value a vibrant city culture and top-tier health outcomes. It requires a significant financial cushion to manage the 1.536% effective tax rate and high housing prices.

Score breakdown

Tax11.3Cost3.2Safety57.4Health62.5Schools48.9Income94.7Risk2.3Water61.7Weather23.1
🏛11.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠3.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼94.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡57.4
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤62.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓48.9
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡2.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧61.7
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤23.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨35.1
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱31.9
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

Williamson County
Texas
43.5
Hays County
Texas
22.7
Bastrop County
Texas
29.9
Blanco County
Texas
49
Burnet County
Texas
37.5
Caldwell County
Texas
22.5
Bell County
Texas
25.6
Llano County
Texas
47.2

Deep Dives

Travis County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Travis County

via TaxByCounty

Travis taxes rank high nationally

Travis County's effective tax rate of 1.536% significantly exceeds the national median of 1.1%, placing it in the top 15% of U.S. counties for property tax burden. The median property tax here is $7,487 annually—nearly three times the national median of $2,690—reflecting both high home values and above-average rates.

Among Texas's priciest tax burdens

Travis County ranks in the top 5% of Texas counties by effective tax rate at 1.536%, well above the state average of 1.276%. The median tax bill of $7,487 is more than triple the state median of $2,193, driven by Austin's booming real estate market.

Outpaced by surrounding counties

Travis County's 1.536% rate is substantially higher than most neighboring counties—Williamson averages 1.38%, Hays around 1.25%, and Bastrop near 1.15%. This makes Travis one of the region's steepest tax counties, a key cost factor for those considering relocation within the Austin metro.

A $487k home costs $7,487 yearly

With a median home value of $487,600 and an effective rate of 1.536%, the typical Travis County homeowner pays $7,487 in annual property taxes. For those with mortgages, the combined tax and mortgage obligations push annual costs to $7,918.

Overassessment appeals could lower bills

Many Travis County homeowners pay more than necessary due to inflated property assessments. A formal appeal with your county appraisal district can challenge overvaluation and potentially reduce your annual tax liability.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Travis County

via CostByCounty

Travis County housing eats 20.6% of income

Travis County's rent-to-income ratio of 20.6% exceeds both the national average (20%) and Texas's state average (18.1%), reflecting Austin's booming real estate market. Despite median household income of $97,169—the highest among these eight counties—renters still spend above-average shares of earnings on housing.

Austin's affordability crisis in numbers

Travis County ranks among Texas's least affordable regions, with a rent-to-income ratio 2.5 percentage points above the state average and median rent running 73% higher than the state norm. The county's $1,669 monthly rent reflects Austin's status as one of Texas's most competitive housing markets.

Dramatically more expensive than all peers

Travis County's $1,669 median rent dwarfs every other county studied—nearly double Tom Green's $1,125 and triple Upton's $689. Its $487,600 median home value is 2.6 times higher than Tom Green's, reflecting the Austin metro's outsized position in Texas real estate.

Austin's dual housing squeeze

Renters pay $1,669 monthly while owners carry a $2,043 mortgage—an unusually high owner cost that exceeds rents by 22%. Even Austin's above-average $97,169 income can't fully offset these elevated housing costs, which together consume over one-fifth of household budgets.

Moving to Austin? Budget accordingly.

Travis County offers high incomes but demands premium housing prices—your rent could easily claim a fifth of gross pay unless you earn substantially above the county median. Weigh Austin's job market and lifestyle appeal against these costs before relocating; significantly lower-cost counties exist elsewhere in Texas.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Travis County

via IncomeByCounty

Travis County earns well above U.S. average

Travis County's median household income of $97,169 exceeds the national median of $74,755 by 30%, ranking among the highest-earning counties nationwide. This prosperity reflects Austin's status as a thriving tech and education hub attracting high-wage professionals.

Texas's wealth leader by a wide margin

Travis County's $97,169 median income towers 50% above Texas's state average of $64,737, making it one of the most prosperous counties in the state. Only a handful of Texas counties—primarily Dallas and Houston suburbs—approach Travis County's earnings levels.

Economic powerhouse vastly outearns region

Travis County's $97,169 dwarfs all comparison counties in this analysis, including Tom Green County ($66,254) and Titus County ($59,220). Austin's booming tech sector and education institutions create an earnings environment fundamentally different from surrounding rural areas.

High incomes face high housing costs

Despite strong earnings, Travis County's rent-to-income ratio of 20.6% masks an affordability crisis: the median home value of $487,600 requires household incomes well above the county median to purchase. High earners enjoy better purchasing power, but middle-income residents face severe housing affordability challenges.

Capitalize on Austin's income advantage

Travis County residents earn incomes that position them well for aggressive wealth-building through real estate, stocks, and retirement accounts. High earners should work with financial advisors to optimize tax strategies and diversify investments while navigating the county's competitive housing market.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Travis County

via CrimeByCounty

Travis County Among the Nation's Safest

Travis County boasts an exceptional safety score of 98.5, making it a national leader in public safety. Its total crime rate of 979.0 per 100K is less than half the national average of 2,385.5.

A Top Performer in the Lone Star State

The county's safety score of 98.5 is notably higher than the Texas state average of 96.8. Law enforcement agencies here manage a crime rate that is substantially lower than the 2052.5 state average.

Setting the Standard for Regional Safety

Compared to counties like Uvalde or Tom Green, Travis County maintains a much lower crime footprint. Its violent crime rate is nearly five times lower than what is reported in Uvalde County.

Violent Crime Rates Remain Exceptionally Low

Violent crime in Travis County sits at just 115.9 per 100K, far below the national average of 369.8. Property crimes make up the bulk of the 979.0 total, but even these remain well below state norms.

Maintaining Safety in a Secure County

While the area is statistically very safe, residents should still practice basic home security. Reporting suspicious activity helps 24 local agencies maintain this high level of community safety.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Travis County

via HealthByCounty

Travis County dramatically outpaces U.S. health

At 80.4 years, Travis County's life expectancy towers over the U.S. average of 74.1 years—a stunning 6.3-year advantage that reflects Austin's educated, affluent population. Only 17% of residents report poor/fair health, better than the national average of 17.9%, signaling both longevity and daily wellness.

Texas's health leader by every measure

Travis County's 80.4-year life expectancy crushes the state average of 74.3 years, ranking it among the healthiest counties in Texas. Its 12.8% uninsured rate—the lowest among these eight counties—reflects high income and education levels that support comprehensive health coverage.

Travis County health lead is unmatched

Travis County's 80.4-year life expectancy leaves all neighbors far behind: Titus County (74.5), Tom Green County (74.9), and rural counties like Trinity (72.1) and Tyler (71.6) trail by 6-9 years. Its 84 primary care providers and 403 mental health providers per 100K residents reflect an unparalleled healthcare infrastructure.

Lowest uninsured rate, highest provider density

Travis County's 12.8% uninsured rate is less than two-thirds the state average, meaning most residents can access care without barriers. With 84 primary care providers and 403 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, Travis offers healthcare density that rivals major metropolitan areas nationwide.

Stay insured, leverage Austin's healthcare strength

Even in health-leading Travis County, confirm your coverage remains active and explore options if you're among the 12.8% uninsured. With robust local options, navigating healthcare.gov or consulting local providers can help you maximize access to Austin's exceptional care ecosystem.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Travis County

via SchoolsByCounty

Massive Scale and Diverse School Options

Travis County manages a vast network of 310 public schools serving 190,373 students across 25 districts. The landscape includes 179 elementary, 54 middle, and 63 high schools. This robust infrastructure supports one of the most dynamic metropolitan areas in the country.

Top-Tier Graduation and Consistent Results

The county boasts a 92.6% graduation rate, outperforming both the state average and the 87.0% national benchmark. While per-pupil spending of $6,453 is lower than the national average, the school score of 53.7 remains competitive. These figures suggest efficient management of resources in a high-growth environment.

Austin ISD and Growing Charter Choice

Austin ISD is the dominant district with 124 schools and 73,384 students. Charter schools play a major role here, representing 25.5% of all schools with 79 active campuses. Pflugerville ISD also serves as a major suburban hub with over 25,000 enrolled students.

Urban Centers Meet Suburban High Schools

The county features 206 city schools and 53 suburban campuses, with average enrollment sitting at 622 students. High schools like Lake Travis and Del Valle serve over 3,400 students each, creating a collegiate-style atmosphere. For those seeking smaller environments, the county still maintains 46 rural schools.

Secure Your Future in Travis County

From the high-performing schools in Eanes ISD to the innovative charters in Austin, this county offers elite educational opportunities. School quality remains a primary driver for local property values and family stability. Browse available homes near these top-rated districts to find your perfect fit.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Travis County

via RiskByCounty

Travis County Faces Above-Average Risk

Travis County's composite risk score of 97.74 places it among the highest-risk counties nationally, significantly above the U.S. average. The county's relatively high risk rating reflects substantial exposure to flooding, tornadoes, wildfires, and hurricanes—a complex hazard profile that affects residents across all geographies.

Highest-Risk County in Texas

Travis County's score of 97.74 nearly doubles the Texas state average of 49.00, making it the clear outlier for disaster risk statewide. This elevation is driven by exceptional exposure to tornadoes (99.68), flooding (98.35), and wildfires (90.84)—hazards that affect the Austin metropolitan area and surrounding communities regularly.

Dramatically Riskier Than Surrounding Areas

Travis County's 97.74 score vastly exceeds neighboring counties like Blanco, Bastrop, and Hays, positioning it as the region's hazard hotspot. Even compared to other Texas metros, Travis faces elevated multi-hazard exposure that reflects its geography along tornado corridors and flash-flood-prone waterways.

Critical Threats Requiring Immediate Action

Tornado risk (99.68) is exceptionally high—among the nation's worst—followed by flooding (98.35) from the area's creek and river systems and wildfire risk (90.84) from surrounding Hill Country woodlands. These three hazards create overlapping seasonal threats that can strike with little notice, demanding robust preparation and insurance coverage.

Essential Protection for Travis County

Invest in a safe room or reinforced shelter rated for high-wind and tornado impact; many Travis County homes lack this critical protection. Purchase flood insurance immediately through the NFIP or private insurers—flash flooding is frequent and often exceeds standard homeowners coverage limits, and verify your policy includes tornado coverage with minimal deductibles.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Travis County

via WeatherByCounty

Travis County’s Urban Heat

Travis County averages 68.2°F annually, making it one of the warmer metropolitan areas in the country. This temperature sits roughly 13 degrees above the national median.

Warmer Than the Texas Average

Travis County is hotter than the state average, recording 68.2°F compared to Texas’s 65.5°F. It receives 36.3 inches of rain, which is slightly above the state mean of 31.9 inches.

The Heat Peak of the Hill Country

With 120 extreme heat days, Travis County is often hotter than its higher-elevation neighbors to the west. It marks the transition from the humid coastal plains to the rocky Hill Country.

Endless Summers and Mild Winters

Summer dominates the calendar with 120 days over 90°F and a July average of 84.6°F. Winters are very mild, averaging 51.8°F with almost no measurable snow.

Maximize Cooling Efficiency

Energy audits and high-performance cooling are vital for the 120 days of extreme heat. Since snow is rare at 0.2 inches, focus your budget on sun protection and water-wise landscaping.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Travis County

via SoilByCounty

Neutral Soils in the Heart of Texas

Travis County features a neutral pH of 7.09, which perfectly aligns with the Texas state average. This level sits slightly above the national median pH of 6.5, providing a balanced environment for most Central Texas landscapes.

A Heavy Clay and Silt Balance

The soil is a heavy mix containing 32.1% clay and 30.6% silt, balanced by 29.0% sand. This high clay content suggests excellent nutrient retention but requires careful management to prevent heavy compaction in urban gardens.

Organic Richness Above State Averages

At 1.84%, the organic matter content in Travis County exceeds the state average of 1.66%. However, the available water capacity of 0.129 in/in is slightly lower than the state benchmark of 0.133 in/in.

Slow Infiltration and Runoff Challenges

While specific drainage classes are not recorded, the county falls into Hydrologic Group D, indicating very slow infiltration rates. This classification means the soil is prone to runoff during the heavy rain events common to the Hill Country.

Lush Possibilities in Zone 9a

The mild 9a hardiness zone allows Travis County gardeners to grow heat-tolerant staples like okra, peppers, and native lantana. With a soil score of 35.1—well above the state average of 28.8—your gardening project has a strong foundation for success.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Travis County

via LawnByCounty

Central Texas Heat Tests Travis Turf

Travis County matches the Texas average with a lawn difficulty score of 31.9, though it remains much tougher than the national average of 50.0. This Zone 9a region requires specific strategies to handle intense sun and frequent moisture stress.

Record Heat and High Energy Demand

Lawns must survive 120 extreme heat days per year, which is significantly higher than the state average of 105. While 36.3 inches of rain provides a decent baseline, 7,001 growing degree days mean your mower will stay busy for most of the year.

Neutral pH Meets Heavy Clay Layers

The soil pH is nearly perfect at 7.09, sitting at the top edge of the ideal range for nutrient availability. However, the 32.1% clay content can lead to drainage issues and requires careful management to avoid suffocating lawn roots during heavy rains.

A Year of Constant Severe Drought

Travis County has suffered through 53 weeks of drought in the past year, with 100% of the county currently in a severe drought state. Traditional thirsty lawns are difficult to sustain here without strict adherence to local water restrictions and xeriscaping principles.

Warm-Season Specialists Thrives in Austin

St. Augustine and Zoysia are favored for their ability to handle the 9a climate and Austin's specific soil profile. With the last frost usually passing by March 11, early spring offers the best window to establish roots before the 120-day summer heat wave begins.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Travis County's county score?
Travis County, Texas has a composite county score of 37.9 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 Travis County rank among counties in Texas?
Travis County ranks #158 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 Travis County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Travis County is $7,487, with an effective tax rate of 1.54%. This earns Travis County a tax score of 11.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Travis County?
The median household income in Travis County, Texas is $97,169 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Travis County earns an income score of 94.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Travis County, Texas a good place to live?
Travis County scores 37.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #158 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Travis 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 Travis County with other counties side by side.

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🏛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.