CountyScore

Walker County

Texas · TX

#168 in Texas
61
County Score

County Report Card

About Walker County, Texas

Walker Ranks Above National Median

Walker County's composite score of 67.2 surpasses the national median of 50.0 by 17 points, putting it in the upper half of all U.S. counties. The score also exceeds Texas's state average of 66.8, indicating above-average livability fundamentals.

Slightly Above Texas Average

Walker's 67.2 score edges above the Texas state average of 66.8, ranking it among the stronger performers in the state's 254 counties. The county demonstrates solid overall balance across its measured dimensions.

Exceptional Tax Advantage

Walker County boasts a tax score of 71.0 with an effective rate of just 1.112%, providing significant savings for residents and businesses. The cost score of 77.1 reinforces this advantage, with median gross rent at $986 monthly and home values at $207,900, offering genuine affordability.

Income Levels Present Challenge

Walker's income score of 15.9 is the lowest among these eight counties, with a median household income of just $49,862, significantly trailing state and national norms. Safety, health, school, and water data remain unavailable, limiting full livability assessment.

Ideal for Retirees on Fixed Income

Walker County is best suited for retirees or low-income families prioritizing minimal tax burden and affordable housing over earning potential. The combination of low taxes and reasonable housing costs can stretch a limited income considerably.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax71Cost77.1SafetyComing SoonHealth56.2SchoolsComing SoonIncome15.9Risk26.2WaterComing Soon
🏛71
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠77.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼15.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤56.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡26.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Walker County with another county →

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Johnson County
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Deep Dives

Walker County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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