countyscore
25.1
County Score
Lawn Care 38.7Cost of Living 36.4Property Tax 30.4

County Report Card

About Walker County, Texas

Significant National Livability Gap

Walker County scores 25.1 on the composite index, which is roughly half of the national median score. This indicates that many livability factors fall short of the broader American experience.

Well Below Texas Averages

The county’s score of 25.1 is far behind the Texas average of 41.9. It ranks poorly within the state due to specific weaknesses in education and local income levels.

Manageable Costs and Taxes

Relative affordability is a key advantage, with a Cost Score of 36.4 and a Tax Score of 30.4. Median gross rent sits at $986, which is accessible compared to metropolitan Texas hubs.

Education and Income Hurdles

A School Score of 9.5 and an Income Score of 14.2 represent significant challenges for growth. With a median household income of $49,862, residents earn much less than the state average.

Suited for Low-Cost Seekers

Walker County is most appropriate for individuals looking for lower property taxes and manageable rents. It is not recommended for families who prioritize public school performance or high-wage job markets.

Score breakdown

Tax30.4Cost36.4Safety21.3Health29.3Schools9.5Income14.2Risk26.2Water21Weather27
🏛30.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠36.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼14.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡21.3
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤29.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓9.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡26.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧21
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤27
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨25.6
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱38.7
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

Madison County
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Trinity County
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San Jacinto County
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44.7
Grimes County
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Houston County
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Montgomery County
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Polk County
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Leon County
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Deep Dives

Walker County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Walker County

via TaxByCounty

Walker keeps taxes below national average

Walker County's effective tax rate of 1.112% sits comfortably below the national median of 1.1%, placing it near the middle nationally. Though the median property tax of $2,312 trails the national median by $378, the county maintains a reasonable burden relative to its $207,900 median home value.

One of Texas's gentler tax counties

At 1.112%, Walker County's effective rate ranks in the lower half of Texas counties, beating the state average of 1.276% by more than 0.15 percentage points. The median tax of $2,312 falls below the state median of $2,193, making it one of the friendlier markets for property owners.

Most affordable in this Texas cluster

Walker County has the lowest effective tax rate among its regional peers: Victoria (1.488%), Waller (1.360%), and Webb (1.851%) all charge significantly more. Only Ward County's exceptional 0.600% rate undercuts Walker's burden.

Median home: $207,900, annual tax: $2,312

A typical Walker County homeowner with a $207,900 property pays around $2,312 in annual property taxes. If you carry a mortgage, expect approximately $3,143 withheld; without one, about $1,746.

Appeal your assessment if rates feel wrong

Even in lower-tax counties, overassessment happens—roughly one in four homeowners nationally files without ever checking. Walker County offers appeal windows; verify your assessed value matches current market conditions to catch potential errors.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Walker County

via CostByCounty

Walker County's affordability crisis runs deep

At 23.7%, Walker County's rent-to-income ratio ranks among Texas's most strained, far exceeding the national comfort zone and the state average of 18.1%. With a median household income of just $49,862—33% below the national average—renters here dedicate nearly a quarter of earnings to housing.

Lowest incomes, highest affordability burden

Walker County stands out painfully: its 23.7% rent-to-income ratio ranks it among the worst in Texas, while its $49,862 median income sits well below most county peers. This combination—low earnings plus modest rents at $986—reveals a county where housing affordability is a genuine hardship for many families.

Trapped between low wages and tight markets

Walker County's $986 rent aligns with surrounding rural counties, but its $49,862 income dramatically lags Waller County ($76,135) and even Van Zandt ($68,274). The shortfall creates disproportionate affordability strain: residents pay similar rents on significantly smaller paychecks.

Rents consume nearly one-quarter of income

The typical Walker County renter pays $986 monthly on a $49,862 annual income—consuming 23.7% of household earnings, well above the sustainable 28-30% threshold. Even homeowners at $882 monthly face tight budgets, with median home values of $207,900 representing 50+ months of gross household income.

Consider only with stable, above-average income

Walker County's 23.7% rent-to-income ratio signals a challenging housing market for most households; relocate here only if your income exceeds the county median significantly. The county's proximity to Sam Houston State University suggests it may work for university employees or those with remote income substantially above local norms.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Walker County

via IncomeByCounty

Walker faces significant income headwinds

Walker County's median household income of $49,862 falls roughly $25,000 below the national median of $74,755, marking a severe 33% shortfall. This substantial gap places Walker among the lowest-income counties nationally, reflecting distinct economic challenges.

Well below Texas average

Walker's $49,862 median household income lags Texas's state average of $64,737 by nearly $15,000, ranking it among the lowest-performing counties statewide. Per capita income of $24,983 significantly trails the state average of $33,197, indicating concentrated earning opportunities.

Lowest earner in the regional group

Walker's $49,862 median income substantially underperforms every comparison county examined, falling below Val Verde ($59,673), Webb ($62,506), and Victoria ($70,101). Only Walker ranks lowest in this regional analysis, signaling acute economic pressure.

Housing costs strain household budgets

Walker's 23.7% rent-to-income ratio stands as the highest among comparison counties, consuming nearly a quarter of median household income on rent alone. With median home values at $207,900—among the highest—homeownership becomes extremely difficult for median-income households, deepening financial stress.

Walker: prioritize emergency savings first

Given tight income-to-housing ratios, Walker residents should focus initially on building a small emergency fund before pursuing investments. Once housing stability improves, even modest savings vehicles like high-yield savings accounts or employer retirement plans offer pathways toward gradual wealth accumulation.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Walker County

via CrimeByCounty

Walker County Safer Than National Median

Walker County’s total crime rate of 2,036.7 per 100K remains lower than the national average of 2,385.5. The county holds a safety score of 96.8. This suggests a safer environment than many urban centers across the country.

Meeting the Texas Safety Standard

Walker County matches the state average safety score exactly at 96.8. Its total crime rate of 2,036.7 is also remarkably close to the Texas average of 2,052.5. Four agencies provide the data that forms this typical Texas safety profile.

Higher Crime Than Neighboring Waller County

Compared to nearby Waller County’s rate of 1,540.1, Walker County sees more crime per capita at 2,036.7. Its safety score of 96.8 is also lower than Waller’s 97.6. This identifies Walker as having a higher frequency of police reports among its regional peers.

Violent Crime Exceeds State Average

Walker County reports a violent crime rate of 384.8 per 100K, which is higher than the Texas average of 341.3. Property crime accounts for 1,651.9 incidents per 100K. The data shows that while total crime is average, the risk of violent incidents is slightly elevated.

Stay Alert and Secure Your Home

With property crime making up the majority of reports, basic deterrents are highly effective. Use smart cameras to monitor entrances and keep valuables out of sight from windows. Awareness and home hardening are key to personal safety in Walker County.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Walker County

via HealthByCounty

Longest life expectancy in this region

At 76.6 years, Walker County residents live significantly longer than the U.S. median of 74.5 years—more than two years above the national average. Despite this longevity advantage, nearly 1 in 4 (24.3%) report poor or fair health, suggesting that longer lives don't automatically mean healthier ones.

Well above Texas life expectancy benchmark

Walker County's 76.6-year life expectancy exceeds Texas's 74.3-year average by 2.3 years, a substantial gap that reflects strong health outcomes. The uninsured rate of 18.6% sits just below the state average of 19.8%, indicating relatively stable coverage.

Top longevity among peer counties

Walker's 76.6 years leads the eight-county group, beating Washington County (76.9) by a slim margin and far outpacing Van Zandt (73.8). This longevity advantage aligns with moderate provider access and below-average uninsured rates.

Moderate primary care, fair mental health access

Walker County has 27 primary care providers per 100,000—about half the national benchmark—making routine appointments reasonably accessible. Mental health providers number 63 per 100,000, providing moderate behavioral health support that, combined with lower uninsured rates, contributes to better overall health outcomes.

Maintain coverage to sustain longevity

While Walker County leads in life expectancy, maintaining insurance ensures residents continue accessing preventive care and specialists. Review your coverage annually at Healthcare.gov or through your employer to stay protected.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Walker County

via SchoolsByCounty

Large-Scale Education in Walker County

Walker County operates 18 public schools serving 12,904 students through 4 distinct school districts. The landscape is unique, featuring 8 elementary, 4 middle, and 5 high schools, along with significant online learning components. This infrastructure supports one of the higher average enrollment counts per campus in the region.

Academic Challenges and Investment Needs

The county faces performance hurdles with an 80.7% graduation rate, which falls below both the state average of 91.6% and the national average of 87.0%. Per-pupil expenditure is $5,678, less than half the national average of $13,000. These metrics contribute to a composite school score of 45.8 for the area.

Charter and Online Options Drive Enrollment

Huntsville ISD serves 11,313 students, but the county also hosts Texas College Preparatory Academies, which manages 43 schools statewide. Charter schools are a major factor here, accounting for nearly 17% of all local schools. Large virtual programs like Texas Online Preparatory High School serve over 2,100 students each.

Town-Centered Schools with Large Populations

Thirteen of the county's schools are located in town settings, resulting in a high average school size of 717 students. While schools like Mance Park Middle serve 904 students, the online preparatory campuses represent the largest enrollment blocks. This creates an educational feel defined by large cohorts and significant digital integration.

Invest in a Home Near Huntsville Schools

Walker County offers diverse real estate options ranging from town-center homes to rural retreats within the Huntsville ISD boundaries. With unique charter and online options available, families have more flexibility in choosing their ideal living and learning environment. View local homes today to secure a spot in this evolving educational market.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Walker County

via RiskByCounty

Walker County's Above-Average Risk

Walker County scores 73.82 on the composite risk scale, ranking as relatively low but significantly exceeding the Texas state average of 49.00 by 25 points. This places Walker in the upper range of national risk exposure, well above the median.

Walker Ranks High Among Texas Counties

Walker County ranks in the upper third of Texas counties for disaster risk, with its 73.82 score placing it well above the state average. The county faces heightened exposure compared to most Texas locations.

Walker Compared to Neighboring Counties

Walker's 73.82 score is higher than Waller County (70.26) and Washington County (71.98) but lower than Victoria County (86.48) and Webb County (89.25). Walker sits in the cluster of moderately elevated-risk counties in Southeast Texas.

Walker's Most Serious Hazards

Tornadoes pose the greatest threat with a risk score of 91.86, making them nearly certain to impact the county regularly. Hurricane exposure reaches 84.11 and wildfire risk sits at 78.12, creating a multi-hazard environment where severe weather events are the norm.

Walker Homeowner Protection Steps

Install a safe room or reinforced basement shelter rated for tornadoes, as they are Walker's dominant threat. Pair this with comprehensive homeowners insurance that includes windstorm coverage for hurricanes, and trim tree limbs regularly to reduce wind damage risk during severe weather.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Walker County

via WeatherByCounty

Warm, wet, and humid-subtropical

Walker County's annual average temperature of 67.6°F is significantly warmer than the national median of 53°F. It is a wet region, receiving 47.5 inches of precipitation annually, which is much higher than most of the country.

Warmer and wetter than most of Texas

The average temperature of 67.6°F is higher than the Texas average of 65.5°F. Walker County also receives 47.5 inches of rain, making it far wetter than the state average of 31.9 inches.

Consistent Piney Woods humidity

Walker County shares its 47.5-inch rainfall profile with its East Texas neighbors, supporting thick forest growth. Its 104 days of extreme heat are typical for the region between Houston and the Hill Country.

A long summer with no snow

The county records 104 days per year over 90°F, with July temperatures averaging 83.3°F. Winters are mild at 51.7°F, and the county typically records 0.0 inches of snowfall.

Gear up for humidity and mosquitoes

With 47.5 inches of rain and 104 heat days, residents should prepare for high humidity and thriving mosquito populations. Quality HVAC maintenance is critical for managing the long, snow-free, and hot summer season.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Walker County

via SoilByCounty

Notably Acidic Piney Woods Soil

Walker County has an average pH of 5.83, making it significantly more acidic than the national median of 6.5. This low pH level is common in East Texas and contrasts sharply with the state average of 7.09. The county's overall soil score of 25.6 sits just below the Texas average.

Sand-Driven Composition for Walker County

The soil mix consists of 52.8% sand, 18.6% silt, and 22.3% clay. This high sand content provides good initial drainage but can lead to rapid nutrient leaching. The clay component is necessary to provide the structure needed for the region's dense timber growth.

Lower Organic Matter and Water Capacity

The organic matter content is 1.35%, which falls below both the state average of 1.66% and the national average of 2.0%. An available water capacity of 0.123 in/in suggests the soil holds less moisture than the average Texas soil. Gardeners may need to supplement with compost to boost productivity.

Managing Slow Infiltration Rates

Classified under Hydrologic Group D, these soils exhibit high runoff potential due to restricted water movement. While the surface is sandy, deeper layers often contain restrictive materials that slow drainage significantly. Proper site grading is essential for any construction or large-scale gardening project.

Productive Gardening in Zone 9a

Walker County sits in Hardiness Zone 9a, where blueberries and azaleas thrive in the naturally acidic soil. Adding lime can help gardeners who wish to grow vegetables that prefer more neutral conditions. With the right amendments, this warm climate supports a lush and varied landscape.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Walker County

via LawnByCounty

Walker County's Green Potential

Walker County earns a 38.7 lawn difficulty score, placing it above the Texas average but below the national median. This Zone 9a region offers a fair environment for gardening that is generally more productive than many other parts of the state. You will find that regular maintenance pays off more predictably here than in the arid west.

Ample Rainfall and Standard Heat

An impressive 47.5 inches of annual rain keeps the ground hydrated, nearly double the amount found in many neighboring counties. The 104 extreme heat days are on par with the state average, meaning you won't face unusual temperature stress. These factors combine with 6,804 growing degree days to create a productive environment for most warm-season grasses.

Managing Mild Soil Acidity

The soil pH in Walker County is 5.83, which is slightly more acidic than the ideal 6.0 to 7.0 range. With 52.8% sand and 22.3% clay, your soil likely drains well but may need a light application of lime to raise the pH. While regional drainage data is limited, the high sand content suggests you should watch for nutrient leaching during heavy rains.

Staying Green Through Dry Spells

Even with high rainfall, the county is currently 100% in severe drought, following 20 weeks of dry conditions over the last year. These flash droughts can be deceptive, as the high sand content causes the soil to dry out quickly. Prioritize deep watering to encourage deep roots that can survive these temporary but intense dry periods.

Building a Durable 9a Lawn

Zone 9a is perfect for St. Augustine or Zoysia, which can capitalize on the high local rainfall. Your spring window opens after March 2, giving you a long period to establish roots before the first frost on November 28. Take advantage of the long growing season to build a lawn that can stand up to the Texas summer.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Walker County's county score?
Walker County, Texas has a composite county score of 25.1 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 Walker County rank among counties in Texas?
Walker County ranks #240 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 Walker County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Walker County is $2,312, with an effective tax rate of 1.11%. This earns Walker County a tax score of 30.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Walker County?
The median household income in Walker County, Texas is $49,862 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Walker County earns an income score of 14.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Walker County, Texas a good place to live?
Walker County scores 25.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #240 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Walker 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 Walker 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.