countyscore
23.6
County Score
Income & Jobs 66.6Lawn Care 43Soil Quality 40.7

County Report Card

About Victoria County, Texas

Low National Ranking in Livability

Victoria County’s composite score of 23.5 is significantly lower than the national median of 50.0. This suggests that residents face more systemic hurdles than the average American.

Struggling Against State Benchmarks

The county trails the Texas average of 41.9 by nearly 20 points. Low rankings in safety and risk contribute to its position near the bottom of the state’s livability index.

Strong Individual Earnings

Despite overall challenges, the county boasts a robust Income Score of 66.6. The median household income of $70,101 is a bright spot that provides residents with significant individual financial resources.

High Risk and Low Safety

Environmental hazards and crime drag the profile down, evidenced by a Risk Score of 13.5 and a Safety Score of 17.5. Additionally, the effective tax rate of 1.488% is among the highest in the region.

Best for High-Income Workers

Victoria suits high-earning professionals who can leverage $70,000+ salaries to offset local risks. It is less ideal for those seeking community safety or low-tax environments.

Score breakdown

Tax13.2Cost27.7Safety17.5Health21.7Schools29.1Income66.6Risk13.5Water18.5Weather16.8
🏛13.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠27.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼66.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡17.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤21.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓29.1
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡13.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧18.5
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤16.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨40.7
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱43
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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Deep Dives

Victoria County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Victoria County

via TaxByCounty

Victoria's taxes rank high nationally

Victoria County's effective tax rate of 1.488% exceeds the national median of 1.1%, placing it in the top 30% of U.S. counties for property tax burden. The median property tax here is $2,941, just above the national median of $2,690, despite a median home value that's 30% lower than the national average of $281,900.

Above average for Texas

Victoria's 1.488% effective rate ranks in the upper third of Texas counties, well above the state average of 1.276%. The median tax bill of $2,941 exceeds Texas's median of $2,193 by more than $700 annually.

Higher than most nearby counties

Victoria's tax rate is notably steeper than Walker County (1.112%) and Washington County (1.150%), though slightly lower than Wharton County (1.505%) and Wheeler County (1.446%). Among this cluster, only Webb County's 1.851% rate surpasses Victoria's burden.

A $197,600 home costs $2,941 yearly

The median Victoria County homeowner pays approximately $2,941 in annual property taxes on a home valued at $197,600. If you have a mortgage, you'll see roughly $3,703 withheld annually; without one, expect about $2,371.

You may be paying too much

Studies show that one in four homeowners is overassessed on their property taxes. If you haven't challenged your Victoria County assessment in the past few years, a formal appeal could uncover significant savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Victoria County

via CostByCounty

Victoria renters face tighter affordability squeeze

At 19.7%, Victoria's rent-to-income ratio exceeds both the state average of 18.1% and creeps toward the threshold where affordability becomes strained. The median household income of $70,101 nearly matches the national average of $74,755, but rents at $1,151 monthly demand a larger share of household budgets.

Among the pricier Texas rental markets

Victoria ranks above the state average with a 19.7% rent-to-income ratio, placing it among Texas counties where renters feel cost pressure most acutely. Median rent of $1,151 significantly outpaces Texas's $963 median, reflecting Victoria's position as a coastal employment hub.

Costlier than surrounding rural counties

Victoria's $1,151 rent surpasses neighboring Wharton County ($986) and Waller County's $1,210, while its income of $70,101 trails Waller County's $76,135. The higher rents reflect Victoria's role as a regional economic center with refining and petrochemical employment.

Nearly one-fifth income goes to rent

The median renter in Victoria pays $1,151 monthly—about 19.7% of household income—while homeowners spend $929, making ownership slightly more affordable. Median home values of $197,600 sit below the state average for ownership-track buyers.

Balance industrial jobs against rising rents

Victoria appeals to workers in petrochemicals and refining, but expect to allocate nearly one-fifth of your income to rent. If you're relocating for industrial work, the county's 19.7% rent-to-income ratio means budgeting carefully or exploring homeownership at median values around $197,600.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Victoria County

via IncomeByCounty

Victoria sits slightly below national average

Victoria County's median household income of $70,101 trails the U.S. median of $74,755 by approximately $4,650, representing a 6% gap. This positions Victoria as closer to national norms than many Texas counties, though still short of typical American earning levels.

Above Texas state norm

Victoria's $70,101 median household income exceeds Texas's state average of $64,737 by nearly $5,400, placing it in the upper tier of the state's 254 counties. Per capita income of $33,305 mirrors the state average, suggesting concentrated wealth among earning households.

Solid middle ground in the region

Victoria's $70,101 income places it above Van Zandt ($68,274) and Ward ($71,719), though slightly below both. Among the eight-county group examined, Victoria ranks in the middle, performing better than Val Verde, Webb, and Walker but trailing Waller and Washington.

Housing costs elevate financial pressure

Victoria's 19.7% rent-to-income ratio approaches the upper boundary of affordability, suggesting housing costs consume a notably larger share of income than in neighboring counties. At a median home value of $197,600, prospective buyers should calculate carefully before committing to homeownership.

Invest after stabilizing housing

Victoria households should first ensure housing costs remain manageable, then allocate remaining income to retirement savings and diversified investments. Even modest contributions of $100–200 monthly into tax-advantaged accounts compounds substantially over decades.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Victoria County

via CrimeByCounty

Victoria County Aligns With National Averages

Victoria County reports a total crime rate of 2,209.2 per 100K, sitting just below the national average of 2,385.5. The county earns a safety score of 96.5. This indicates a moderate risk profile compared to the rest of the United States.

Following Texas State Safety Trends

The county's safety score of 96.5 is slightly lower than the Texas state average of 96.8. However, its total crime rate of 2,209.2 is higher than the state average of 2,052.5. Local law enforcement agencies work across five departments to address these challenges.

Comparing Victoria to Coastal Neighbors

Victoria's total crime rate of 2,209.2 is higher than nearby Washington County, which sees only 1,326.6 crimes per 100K. This difference highlights Victoria's role as a more active regional hub with higher incident frequencies. Residents experience more crime per capita than those in surrounding rural areas.

Analyzing Violent and Property Crime

Violent crime in Victoria County stands at 362.9 per 100K, very close to the national average of 369.8. Property crime is the primary concern, accounting for 1,846.3 incidents per 100K. This suggests that theft and burglary represent the vast majority of local police reports.

Proactive Steps for Property Protection

Because property crime drives the local rate, investing in a home security system is a wise choice. Ensure all windows and doors are reinforced and consider joining a neighborhood watch program. Proactive habits can help reduce the 1,846.3 property crimes seen per 100K people.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Victoria County

via HealthByCounty

Strong life expectancy, moderate health reports

Victoria County residents live to 74.7 years, just above the U.S. median of 74.5 years, reflecting solid overall longevity. About 1 in 4 (24.5%) report poor or fair health, slightly above the national average, suggesting room for improvement in day-to-day wellness.

Above state average, near-state uninsured rate

Victoria's 74.7-year life expectancy tops Texas's 74.3-year average by a meaningful margin. The county's 19.1% uninsured rate sits nearly even with the state average of 19.8%, indicating broadly comparable insurance coverage.

Strongest healthcare infrastructure nearby

Victoria boasts 73 primary care providers per 100,000—the highest in this eight-county group and well above the national benchmark of 55. This provider density supports better access and likely contributes to Victoria's above-average life expectancy compared to nearby Val Verde (74.9) and Webb County (75.8).

Best provider access in the region

With 73 primary care providers and 179 mental health providers per 100,000, Victoria County leads all peers in healthcare infrastructure. This robust capacity means residents typically access specialists and preventive care more readily, though the 19.1% uninsured still face financial barriers to using these services.

Make full use of local providers

Victoria's strong healthcare system works best when residents have insurance to access it—yet nearly 1 in 5 remain uninsured. Navigate marketplace options, Medicaid, and employer plans at Healthcare.gov to ensure you're covered under Victoria's excellent medical infrastructure.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Victoria County

via SchoolsByCounty

Educational Infrastructure in Victoria County

Victoria County manages 33 public schools serving a total enrollment of 14,542 students across three districts. The system features a strong primary foundation with 20 elementary schools, supported by 6 middle and 6 high school campuses. One additional specialized facility rounds out the county's comprehensive public education map.

Meeting Benchmarks with Targeted Spending

The county achieves an 89.1% graduation rate, which exceeds the national average of 87.0% even if it trails the Texas state average. Education spending sits at $5,937 per pupil, significantly below the national benchmark of $13,000. With a composite school score of 50.8, the county's performance remains consistent with the national median.

Victoria ISD Leads the Region

Victoria ISD dominates the local landscape, overseeing 27 schools and 13,246 students. Bloomington ISD and Nursery ISD serve the remaining student population with smaller, localized programs. Currently, there are no charter schools operating within the county, concentrating all resources into traditional public districts.

A Mix of Urban and Rural Learning

The educational environment is split between 19 city-based schools and 13 rural campuses, offering parents a choice in setting. Schools like Victoria East High School serve over 1,800 students, while the average campus size across the county is 441. This creates a dual character where large athletic programs coexist with small, rural classrooms.

Relocate Near Victoria's Leading Schools

Prospective homeowners will find a variety of neighborhoods zoned for Victoria’s major high schools and middle schools. Whether you prefer a city residence near Victoria West High or a rural property, school proximity is a key investment factor. Explore local listings to find a home that fits your family's academic priorities.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Victoria County

via RiskByCounty

Victoria Faces Elevated Risk

Victoria County scores 86.48 on the composite risk scale, ranking as relatively moderate and far exceeding the Texas state average of 49.00 by 37 points. This is among the higher risk levels nationally, placing Victoria in the top tier of exposed counties.

Victoria's Position in Texas

Victoria County ranks as one of the highest-risk counties in Texas, with only a handful of counties scoring higher than its 86.48 composite score. The county's elevated exposure reflects its Gulf Coast location and exposure to multiple hazard types.

Victoria vs. Surrounding Counties

Victoria's 86.48 score exceeds nearby Webb County (89.25) narrowly and is significantly higher than Walker County (73.82) and Washington County (71.98). Victoria's coastal proximity distinguishes it as one of the region's highest-risk counties.

Victoria's Dominant Threats

Hurricane risk towers above all other hazards in Victoria at 96.16, making tropical systems the county's defining disaster concern. Tornadoes (85.24) and wildfire (76.53) pose secondary but significant threats, while flooding reaches 71.15 and earthquake risk remains low at 26.46.

Preparing Victoria Homes for Hurricanes

Hurricane insurance is non-negotiable in Victoria County—standard homeowners policies exclude hurricane damage, so secure a separate windstorm/hurricane policy immediately. Retrofit your home with storm shutters, reinforce your roof, and develop a family evacuation plan, as Victoria's location makes direct hurricane impacts a regular possibility.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Victoria County

via WeatherByCounty

Subtropical heat near the Gulf Coast

Victoria County is exceptionally warm, with an annual average temperature of 70.6°F, far exceeding the national median. It also receives 40.0 inches of annual precipitation, placing it well above the national average for rainfall.

Hotter and wetter than the Texas average

The county's 70.6°F average temperature is five degrees higher than the Texas state average of 65.5°F. At 40.0 inches of annual rain, it is also wetter than the state average of 31.9 inches.

Coastal humidity and consistent heat

Victoria County experiences 118 days of extreme heat, which is typical for the humid coastal plains. Its 40.0 inches of rain is significantly higher than the totals seen in Central or West Texas counties.

Warm winters and punishing summers

Summer is long and intense, with 118 days over 90°F and a July average of 84.3°F. Winter is very mild with an average of 56.2°F and virtually no snow, recording only 0.1 inches per year.

Manage high heat and humidity

Residents must maintain air conditioning systems to handle 118 days of extreme heat. Given the 40.0 inches of rain and coastal proximity, mold prevention and moisture control in homes are high priorities.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Victoria County

via SoilByCounty

Victoria County’s Balanced pH Profile

Victoria County features an average soil pH of 6.62, which sits very close to the national median of 6.5. This measurement is significantly more neutral than the Texas state average of 7.09. The county achieves a high overall soil score of 40.7, far outperforming the state average of 28.8.

A Predominantly Sandy Texture

The soil is composed of 51.3% sand, 19.3% silt, and 23.2% clay. This high sand percentage provides a gritty texture that allows for decent workability in the field. However, the 23.2% clay content helps stabilize the mixture compared to purely sandy soils.

Higher Organic Matter Than State Average

Organic matter in Victoria County stands at 1.76%, which exceeds the Texas average of 1.66%. The available water capacity is 0.115 in/in, slightly below the state average of 0.133. This combination indicates a fertile environment that requires consistent irrigation during dry spells.

High Runoff Risk with Group D Soils

The county is dominated by Hydrologic Group D soils, which have very slow infiltration rates when thoroughly wetted. These soils consist chiefly of clay layers that impede the downward movement of water. Homeowners and farmers should plan for significant runoff during heavy Gulf Coast rains.

Thriving in Hardiness Zone 9b

Located in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b, Victoria County offers a long growing season for heat-loving crops like peppers and citrus. The balanced pH and above-average organic matter create an excellent foundation for a productive home garden. You can start your planting cycle early in this warm, coastal climate.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Victoria County

via LawnByCounty

Coastal Comfort in Victoria

Victoria County features a lawn difficulty score of 43.0, indicating it is significantly easier to manage than most Texas counties. While slightly more challenging than the national average, it remains a favorable environment for Zone 9b gardening. You have a distinct advantage over the state median score of 31.7.

Humidity and High Heat

The county enjoys 40.0 inches of annual precipitation, which is well within the ideal range for a lush lawn. However, you must manage 118 extreme heat days, which is higher than the Texas average of 105. With 7,691 growing degree days, your grass will grow rapidly, necessitating a frequent and consistent mowing schedule.

Prime Soil for Root Growth

Your soil pH of 6.62 is nearly perfect, sitting right in the middle of the ideal 6.0 to 7.0 window. The composition is 51.3% sand and 23.2% clay, offering a great balance of drainage and nutrient retention. While specific drainage classes aren't recorded here, this texture typically supports strong, deep root systems.

Defeating Total Severe Drought

The current situation is critical, with 100.0% of the county experiencing severe drought or worse. You have navigated 38 weeks of drought in the past year, which puts immense pressure on your irrigation systems. Invest in a smart controller to ensure every drop of water is used efficiently during these prolonged dry spells.

A Long Growing Window

In Zone 9b, St. Augustine and Bermuda grasses are excellent choices that can handle the coastal humidity. Your growing season starts early with a last frost on February 14 and extends until December 9. This nearly year-round window gives you ample time to cultivate a resilient and attractive landscape.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Victoria County's county score?
Victoria 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 Victoria County rank among counties in Texas?
Victoria County ranks #243 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 Victoria County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Victoria County is $2,941, with an effective tax rate of 1.49%. This earns Victoria County a tax score of 13.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Victoria County?
The median household income in Victoria County, Texas is $70,101 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Victoria County earns an income score of 66.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Victoria County, Texas a good place to live?
Victoria County scores 23.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #243 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Victoria 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 Victoria County with other counties side by side.

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