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.

2040608010018.616.133.832.359.878.729.740.122.1Tax18.6Cost16.1Safety33.8Health32.3Schools59.8Income78.7Risk29.7Water40.1Weather22.133.6/100
This county
National avg
1 above average7 below average

Waller County DNA

Foverall

How Waller County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Waller County falls below the national average in most categories. The biggest gap is in Weather & Climate (22.1/100), though Income (78.7/100) remains a relative bright spot.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
18.6-33.4
Cost
16.1-31.9
Safety
33.8-21.200000000000003
Health
32.3-17.700000000000003
Schools
59.8
Income
78.7+27.700000000000003
Risk
29.7-17.3
Water
40.1-17.9
Weather
22.1-33.9
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Compare mortgage rates in Waller County

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$292,000

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,210/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$292,000/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$48,400/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.8x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $76,135/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

6.7

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
Compare Waller County with Chatham County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Chatham County
Georgia
Median income: $69,575
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Lee County
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Median income: $67,144
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Hudson County
New Jersey
Median income: $90,032
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Pitt County
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Median income: $58,851
33.6
Real County
Texas
Median income: $45,417
33.6
Imperial County
California
Median income: $56,393
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San Bernardino County
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Median income: $82,184
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Baldwin County
Georgia
Median income: $55,413
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Nearby counties

Austin County
Texas
39.6
Washington County
Texas
37.9
Grimes County
Texas
37
Montgomery County
Texas
29.3
Fort Bend County
Texas
27.1
Harris County
Texas
24.9
Colorado County
Texas
39.3
Brazos County
Texas
22.8

Deep Dives

Waller County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

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

Water Quality in Waller County

via WaterByCounty

Waller County Compliance Overview

Waller County receives an F grade for drinking water compliance based on 17 health violations over the last five years. Despite the low grade, its violation rate of 32.1 per 100,000 residents is among the lowest for counties in this tier.

Watershed Health Reporting Pending

Water bodies in Waller County are not yet included in the federal §303(d) assessment database. No official percentage for impaired water bodies is currently available for this area.

Targeted Water Quality Monitoring

Five monitoring sites have provided ,1440 results over the past five years. Data collection focuses heavily on nutrients and physical characteristics to track the impact of runoff on local water quality.

Steady Flow on the Brazos

The Brazos River at San Felipe is flowing at 9,390 cfs, which is 103% of its long-term mean. This indicates that current surface water levels are almost exactly where they should be for this time of year.

Balanced Flow But Poor Compliance

While Brazos River levels are stable at 103% of typical flow, the county's F grade remains a concern for drinking water safety. Residents should verify that their local water providers are addressing the 17 health violations reported in recent years.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

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.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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