countyscore
33.6
County Score
Income & Jobs 78.7Schools 59.8Lawn Care 42.9

County Report Card

About Waller County, Texas

Below National Median Performance

Waller County’s composite score of 33.5 remains well below the national median of 50.0. While it performs well in some metrics, high costs and taxes weigh down the overall ranking.

Chasing the State Average

The county lags behind the Texas state average of 41.9. Despite strong earnings, it fails to reach the state benchmark due to affordability and safety concerns.

Strong Earnings and Schools

Waller excels with an Income Score of 78.7 and a School Score of 59.8. Median household incomes are a healthy $76,135, supporting a well-funded educational environment.

Affordability and Tax Pressures

High housing costs lead to a low Cost Score of 16.1, with median home values reaching $292,000. Property taxes also bite deep, resulting in a Tax Score of only 18.6.

Choice for Upwardly Mobile Families

This county is a strong match for families who value quality schools and high-income potential. Residents must be prepared to pay a premium for housing and property taxes to access these benefits.

Score breakdown

Tax18.6Cost16.1Safety33.8Health32.3Schools59.8Income78.7Risk29.7Water40.1Weather22.1
🏛18.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠16.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼78.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡33.8
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤32.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓59.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡29.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧40.1
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤22.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱42.9
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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Real County
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Imperial County
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Nearby counties

Austin County
Texas
39.6
Washington County
Texas
37.9
Grimes County
Texas
37
Montgomery County
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29.3
Fort Bend County
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Harris County
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Colorado County
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Brazos County
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22.8

Deep Dives

Waller County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Waller County

via TaxByCounty

Waller's taxes run steep by U.S. standards

Waller County's effective tax rate of 1.360% markedly exceeds the national median of 1.1%, landing it in the top 25% of U.S. counties for property tax burden. The median property tax of $3,971 is nearly 48% higher than the national median of $2,690, reflecting both rate and home value.

Well above Texas average

Waller's 1.360% effective rate ranks in the top third of Texas counties, beating the state average of 1.276% by a meaningful margin. The median tax of $3,971 is the highest among these eight counties and 81% above the Texas state median of $2,193.

Second-highest tax burden in region

Only Webb County's 1.851% rate surpasses Waller's 1.360% effective tax rate among nearby counties. Victoria (1.488%), Wharton (1.505%), and Wheeler (1.446%) all fall below Waller, while Ward County at 0.600% is substantially lighter.

A $292,000 home means $3,971 yearly

The median Waller County homeowner pays approximately $3,971 annually on a $292,000 property—the highest median tax in this county set. With a mortgage, expect about $4,746 withheld; without one, roughly $3,234.

High taxes make assessment appeals worthwhile

With the highest median tax bill of any county here, Waller homeowners should prioritize verification of their assessments. One assessment error can cost thousands over several years; a formal appeal costs little and could yield significant refunds.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Waller County

via CostByCounty

Waller's strong incomes buffer rising housing costs

Waller County's rent-to-income ratio of 19.1% sits slightly above Texas's 18.1% average but remains manageable given the county's median household income of $76,135—above both the state and national averages. The trade-off is clear: higher rents at $1,210 monthly are offset by stronger household earnings.

Premium pricing reflects Houston suburban pull

Waller's 19.1% rent-to-income ratio and $1,210 median rent rank it among Texas's pricier counties, reflecting its position as a growing Houston suburb. Yet the county's $76,135 median income—above the state norm—keeps affordability manageable despite premium housing costs.

Most expensive but best-paid in the cluster

Waller County commands the highest rents ($1,210) and mortgage costs ($1,225) among its peers, yet residents earn the strongest median income at $76,135. The county's median home value of $292,000 reflects Houston-area growth and demand for suburban space.

Ownership costs rival or exceed rent

In Waller, median ownership costs of $1,225 actually exceed median rent at $1,210—an unusual pattern reflecting high property values of $292,000. Renters spend 19.1% of income on housing while buyers allocate about 19.3%, making the county roughly balanced between tenure types in affordability terms.

Houston suburb for well-compensated migrants

Waller works best for relocators with incomes near or above the county median of $76,135, who can absorb rents at $1,210 and home prices at $292,000. The county's proximity to Houston's job market and relatively balanced affordability make it attractive for suburban living without Houston's intensity.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Waller County

via IncomeByCounty

Waller matches national earning levels

Waller County's median household income of $76,135 edges just slightly above the national median of $74,755, placing it in line with typical American household earnings. This near-parity suggests Waller's economy benefits from broader national income patterns.

Top performer in Texas

Waller's $76,135 median household income significantly exceeds Texas's state average of $64,737 by roughly $11,400, ranking it among the state's highest-earning counties. Per capita income of $33,960 also surpasses the state average of $33,197, indicating robust earning distribution.

Leader among regional peers

Waller's $76,135 median income ranks highest or tied-highest among all eight comparison counties, surpassing Washington ($75,085) and outpacing all others significantly. The county stands as an economic anchor for the region.

Strong income despite elevated home costs

Waller's 19.1% rent-to-income ratio remains comfortably within affordability guidelines despite median home values reaching $292,000—the region's highest. The county's strong incomes offset rising real estate values, preserving household purchasing power.

Waller: leverage strength for wealth building

With income above national levels and healthy housing ratios, Waller residents possess ideal conditions for aggressive wealth strategies including real estate investment, portfolio diversification, and education funding. Financial advisors can help design tax-efficient plans to compound these advantages.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Waller County

via CrimeByCounty

Waller County Outperforms National Averages

Waller County maintains a total crime rate of 1,540.1 per 100K, significantly lower than the U.S. average of 2,385.5. Its safety score is a strong 97.6. These numbers indicate a secure community compared to national trends.

Strong Safety Rankings Within Texas

Waller County’s safety score of 97.6 exceeds the Texas state average of 96.8. Its total crime rate of 1,540.1 is much lower than the state average of 2,052.5 per 100K. Twelve different agencies collaborate to manage public safety in this county.

Waller Leads Neighbors in Safety

Waller County is significantly safer than neighboring Walker County, which has a higher crime rate of 2,036.7. Waller’s safety score of 97.6 also beats Walker's 96.8 score. This makes Waller one of the safer options in the region west of Houston.

Understanding the Local Crime Mix

Violent crime in Waller County sits at 308.0 per 100K, which is safer than the state average of 341.3. Property crime is more prevalent at 1,232.1 per 100K. Most residents are far more likely to experience property-related issues than violent ones.

Prioritize Your Property Security

Given that property crime is the primary concern, residents should focus on securing garages and outdoor sheds. Installing motion-activated lights is a cost-effective way to deter unwanted visitors. Maintaining these habits preserves the county's high safety rating.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Waller County

via HealthByCounty

Life expectancy above U.S. average

Waller County residents live to 75.9 years on average, more than one year above the U.S. median of 74.5 years. Just 21.5% report poor or fair health—below the national average—indicating that Waller's residents enjoy both longevity and relatively good day-to-day wellness.

Among Texas's healthier counties

At 75.9 years, Waller's life expectancy tops Texas's 74.3-year average by 1.6 years, positioning the county in the upper tier statewide. The uninsured rate of 18.3% is the lowest among these eight counties and well below the state average of 19.8%.

Healthiest uninsured rate in the group

Waller's 18.3% uninsured rate stands as the second-lowest in this eight-county peer group, trailing only Washington County (16.3%). Its 75.9-year life expectancy places it solidly in the upper half, supported by strong insurance coverage and moderate provider access.

Limited primary care, sparse mental health

Waller has just 12 primary care providers per 100,000—well below the national standard of 55—creating wait times and travel distances for routine care. Mental health providers are scarce at 32 per 100,000, yet the county's low uninsured rate (18.3%) helps residents access available services affordably.

Keep coverage that serves you well

Waller County leads the eight-county group in insurance coverage, with only 1 in 5 residents uninsured. Maintain your plan through annual review at Healthcare.gov or your employer to sustain this advantage.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Waller County

via SchoolsByCounty

Focused Schooling in Waller County

Waller County provides public education through 14 schools across 2 primary school districts. The system includes 8 elementary schools, 4 middle schools, and 2 high schools serving 9,606 total students. This streamlined infrastructure concentrates resources to support a growing student population.

Exceptional Graduation and Solid Scores

The county achieves an impressive 95.5% graduation rate, far exceeding the national average of 87.0%. With a school score of 55.6, Waller County outperforms the state average of 55.3. Investment stands at $6,634 per pupil, delivering high academic returns despite being lower than the national spending benchmark.

Royal and Hempstead Districts Lead

Royal ISD is the largest local district, managing 4 schools for 2,637 students, followed by Hempstead ISD with 1,638 students. Portions of the county are also served by the high-performing Katy ISD, including Bryant Elementary. Charter schools maintain a small presence, representing roughly 7% of the county's educational options.

Rural Roots with Growing Campus Sizes

Twelve of the county's 14 schools are in rural settings, yet the average school size is relatively high at 686 students. Large elementary campuses like Bryant and Evelyn Turlington each serve over 1,000 students. This creates a unique atmosphere where rural geography meets modern, high-capacity school facilities.

Plant Roots Near Waller County's Best Schools

With graduation rates near the top of the state, Waller County is an increasingly popular choice for families. Homes near Katy ISD boundaries or the core Waller ISD campuses offer access to these high-performing environments. Explore current property listings to find the perfect home for your family's future.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Waller County

via RiskByCounty

Waller's Moderate Risk Standing

Waller County scores 70.26 on the composite risk scale, ranking as relatively low while exceeding the Texas state average of 49.00 by 21 points. This positions Waller above the national median, indicating meaningful but manageable disaster exposure.

Waller's Rank in Texas

Waller County ranks in the upper-middle tier of Texas counties for overall disaster risk, with its 70.26 score comfortably above the state average. The county faces above-average multi-hazard exposure compared to most Texas locations.

Waller Among Local Peers

Waller's 70.26 score sits between Walker County (73.82) and Washington County (71.98), placing it in a cluster of similarly elevated-risk Southeast Texas counties. All three counties exceed the state average substantially, reflecting the region's collective vulnerability.

Waller's Major Hazard Threats

Tornadoes dominate Waller's risk profile with a score of 90.20, followed by hurricane exposure at 83.27 and wildfire risk at 70.71. Flooding reaches 65.65 while earthquake risk remains minimal at 28.53.

Safeguarding Your Waller Home

Tornado readiness is critical—identify a safe room or basement shelter and practice your family's action plan regularly. Secure windstorm insurance for hurricane protection, maintain your roof and gutters, and clear vegetation around your home to reduce exposure to wind-driven debris during severe weather events.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Soil Quality in Waller County

via SoilByCounty

The Unique Identity of Waller Soils

While specific taxonomic and pH data are unavailable for Waller County in this dataset, local variations define the landscape. Most Gulf Coast prairie soils in this region trend toward neutral or slightly acidic profiles. The lack of current data highlights the importance of getting a local soil test before planting.

Understanding Local Soil Texture

Composition data for sand, silt, and clay is currently unrecorded for this county. Typically, this region features a transition from sandy loams to heavier clay-based soils. Observing how your soil feels when wet can provide immediate clues about its drainage and workability.

Nurturing Fertility Without Data

With organic matter and water capacity figures missing, gardeners should look to the state average of 1.66% organic matter as a baseline. Adding organic amendments is a safe bet to ensure your plants have the nutrients they need. Healthy Texas soils usually require a boost to reach the 2.0% national organic matter average.

Observing Water Flow and Drainage

The dominant drainage and hydrologic groups are currently unlisted for Waller County. Residents should watch for standing water after heavy rains to determine if their specific plot suffers from slow infiltration. Knowing your local slope and elevation is the best way to manage water flow on your property.

Gardening in Zone 9a

Waller County is located in Hardiness Zone 9a, supporting a wide range of warm-season crops. From watermelons to hardy perennials, the long growing season offers endless possibilities for local growers. Don't let a lack of data stop you; start a small test plot today!

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Waller County

via LawnByCounty

Above Average Growth in Waller

Waller County scores a 42.9 on the lawn difficulty scale, meaning it is easier to maintain a yard here than in much of Texas. While it doesn't quite reach the national median of 50.0, it remains significantly friendlier than the state average of 31.7. This Zone 9a location provides a solid foundation for aspiring gardeners.

Favorable Rain and High Heat

The county receives 43.9 inches of rain annually, which is well within the 30-50 inch ideal range for healthy turf. You must plan for 107 extreme heat days, just slightly above the Texas average of 105. This combination of ample moisture and typical Texas heat creates a standard but productive environment for warm-season grasses.

Testing Local Soil is Vital

Specific soil texture and pH data for Waller County are currently limited in regional datasets. Because soil can vary significantly across the county, we highly recommend a local soil test to determine your specific needs. Knowing your pH and nutrient levels is the first step toward avoiding wasted fertilizer and achieving a professional-grade lawn.

Mitigating Moderate Drought Risk

Over the past year, Waller County experienced 25 weeks of drought, and 38.0% of the area remains in severe drought. While the current situation is better than some neighbors, 100% of the county is still abnormally dry. Efficient irrigation and drought-resistant grass choices are essential to keeping your lawn green through these cycles.

Ready for Zone 9a Success

Warm-season grasses like Bermuda, St. Augustine, and Zoysia are the gold standard for Waller County's Zone 9a climate. Although specific local frost dates aren't in the dataset, early March is generally a safe time to begin your spring projects in this part of Texas. Start with a solid plan, and your lawn will reward you throughout the long growing season.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Waller County's county score?
Waller County, Texas has a composite county score of 33.6 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 Waller County rank among counties in Texas?
Waller County ranks #189 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 Waller County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Waller County is $3,971, with an effective tax rate of 1.36%. This earns Waller County a tax score of 18.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Waller County?
The median household income in Waller County, Texas is $76,135 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Waller County earns an income score of 78.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Waller County, Texas a good place to live?
Waller County scores 33.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #189 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Waller 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 Waller County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛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.