countyscore
27.9
County Score
Schools 57.2Income & Jobs 46.6Water Quality 34.9

County Report Card

About Webb County, Texas

Below National Livability Levels

Webb County’s composite score of 27.9 is significantly lower than the national median of 50.0. Low scores in taxes and risk contribute to this difficult national ranking.

Behind the Texas Average

The county trails the Texas state average of 41.9 by 14 points. While it excels in education, other socio-economic factors keep it below the state’s middle tier.

Excellent Educational Outcomes

A School Score of 57.2 is the county's strongest metric, showing a commitment to local education. It also maintains a decent Income Score of 46.6 with a $62,506 median income.

High Taxes and Natural Risks

Webb County faces a very low Tax Score of 4.7 due to a 1.851% effective tax rate. This financial burden is compounded by a Risk Score of only 10.8.

Suited for Education-Focused Families

Webb County is best for families who view high property taxes as a necessary trade-off for better schools. It serves those who work in stable local industries but are aware of higher environmental risks.

204060801004.725.830.421.657.246.610.834.99.8Tax4.7Cost25.8Safety30.4Health21.6Schools57.2Income46.6Risk10.8Water34.9Weather9.827.9/100
This county
National avg
7 below average

Webb County DNA

Foverall

How Webb County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Webb County falls below the national average in most categories. The biggest gap is in Property Tax (4.7/100), though Schools (57.2/100) remains a relative bright spot.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
4.7-47.3
Cost
25.8-22.2
Safety
30.4-24.6
Health
21.6-28.4
Schools
57.2
Income
46.6
Risk
10.8-36.2
Water
34.9-23.1
Weather
9.8-46.2
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Webb County?

Many homeowners in Webb County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

Check My Assessment

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$178,900

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$997/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$178,900/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$39,880/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.9x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $62,506/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

10.1

per 100K

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

Explore this county

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Deep Dives

Webb County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Webb County

via TaxByCounty

Webb County's taxes rank among nation's highest

Webb County's effective tax rate of 1.851% ranks in the top 5% of U.S. counties by tax burden, nearly double the national median of 1.1%. The median property tax of $3,312 exceeds the national median by 23%, making Webb one of the priciest counties for property owners nationwide.

Highest-taxed county in this Texas group

Webb County's 1.851% effective rate is the highest among these eight counties and ranks in the top 10% statewide, far exceeding the Texas average of 1.276%. The median property tax of $3,312 is 51% above the state median of $2,193, the steepest burden here.

Significantly higher than all regional peers

Webb County's 1.851% rate substantially exceeds every other county in this comparison; Waller County (1.360%) is the next-closest. Only Ward County at 0.600% comes close to offsetting Webb's top position.

A $178,900 home costs $3,312 annually

The median Webb County homeowner pays approximately $3,312 per year on a home valued at $178,900—the highest median tax despite the county's lower home values. With a mortgage, expect roughly $3,946 withheld; without one, about $2,522.

High taxes make appeals especially worthwhile

At the nation's top tax rates, any assessment error in Webb County can cost hundreds or thousands annually. Homeowners should prioritize a formal appeal or reassessment challenge; the potential savings make the effort highly worthwhile.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Webb County

via CostByCounty

Webb County's rents squeeze below-median incomes

Webb County's rent-to-income ratio of 19.1% exceeds the state average of 18.1%, pushing renters toward affordability strain despite modest rents. The median household income of $62,506 trails the national average by $12,249, creating a squeeze where even affordable rents consume a larger share of earnings.

South Texas affordability challenges emerge

Webb County ranks above the state average with a 19.1% rent-to-income ratio, reflecting income challenges across South Texas's border region. At $997 monthly rent, the county is roughly aligned with state medians, but significantly lower household income elevates affordability pressure.

Lowest incomes with moderate rent burden

Webb County's $62,506 income lags most peers—only Walker County ($49,862) earns less—while $997 rent falls in the middle of the regional range. The combination creates proportionally higher affordability stress than wealthier neighboring counties like Waller or Washington.

Ownership costs exceed rent significantly

Webb County renters pay $997 monthly (19.1% of income) while homeowners face $1,110—suggesting ownership is actually less affordable than renting for many households. Median home values of $178,900 represent substantial multiples of the county's relatively modest household incomes.

Better for renters than buyers here

Webb County works best for renters with solid local employment in border trade, government, or services sectors; the 19.1% rent-to-income ratio is manageable for stable earners. Prospective homebuyers should note that ownership costs ($1,110) exceed rent, suggesting the rental market offers better value.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Webb County

via IncomeByCounty

Webb trails national income markedly

Webb County's median household income of $62,506 falls approximately $12,250 below the national median of $74,755, representing a 16% gap. This shortfall reflects economic pressures that limit household earning capacity relative to typical American standards.

Below Texas state average

Webb's $62,506 median household income trails Texas's state average of $64,737 by roughly $2,200, placing it slightly below the state norm. Per capita income of $24,408 significantly lags the state average of $33,197, indicating concentrated earning opportunities among fewer workers.

Mid-range performer among regional peers

Webb's $62,506 median income ranks sixth among the eight comparison counties, exceeding only Walker ($49,862) and Val Verde ($59,673). The county performs below stronger neighbors like Waller, Washington, and Ward.

Housing costs manageable but notable

Webb's 19.1% rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably within affordability guidelines, though slightly elevated compared to highest-income peers. With a median home value of $178,900, housing remains accessible while still consuming a meaningful share of household income.

Webb: build gradual financial stability

Webb residents should prioritize establishing emergency savings and low-cost retirement accounts to build financial resilience. Even modest contributions to employer 401(k)s or IRA accounts help bridge the gap between current incomes and long-term security goals.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Webb County

via CrimeByCounty

Webb County Maintains Strong National Standing

Webb County reports a total crime rate of 1,654.1 per 100K, which is about 30% lower than the national average of 2,385.5. This performance earns the county a safety score of 97.4. It remains a safer alternative to many other border region counties.

Solid Safety Performance in Texas

Webb’s safety score of 97.4 beats the Texas state average of 96.8. Its total crime rate of 1,654.1 is also lower than the state average of 2,052.5 per 100K. Eight reporting agencies coordinate to keep crime levels below the state median.

Webb vs Neighboring Val Verde County

Webb County has a slightly higher crime rate than neighboring Val Verde, which reports 1,612.4 incidents per 100K. The safety scores are very similar, with Webb at 97.4 and Val Verde at 97.5. Both counties offer high levels of security compared to broader Texas trends.

Breakdown of Local Crime Categories

Violent crime in Webb County is 328.5 per 100K, which is lower than the Texas average of 341.3. Property crime stands at 1,325.6 per 100K, making up most of the criminal activity. This suggests the risk of violent crime is lower than in many other major Texas counties.

Protecting Your Assets in Webb County

Residents should focus on home security measures that deter burglary and theft. Consider installing a security system with remote monitoring to protect your property. Proactive safety measures can help push Webb's crime rate even lower over time.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Webb County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Massive Educational Hub in Webb County

Webb County manages an extensive network of 90 public schools serving 64,946 students across 4 districts. This vast system includes 52 elementary, 18 middle, and 17 high schools. It is one of the most robust educational infrastructures in South Texas, handling a large and diverse student population.

Impressive Graduation Success in Laredo

Despite its size, the county maintains an excellent 94.2% graduation rate, beating both state and national averages. The county spends $6,743 per pupil, supporting a school score of 55.2. This performance demonstrates that the large districts are successfully moving students toward college and career readiness.

United and Laredo ISDs Drive Results

United ISD is the region's giant with 51 schools and 41,381 students, followed by Laredo ISD with over 20,000 students. The county also hosts 6 charter schools, offering diverse educational models to over 6% of the student body. Webb CISD rounds out the county with a much smaller, specialized district.

Urban Intensity and Massive Campuses

The majority of schools—76 in total—are located within city limits, resulting in a high average school size of 722. High schools here are particularly large, with United High School serving over 3,600 students. This creates a vibrant, high-energy school atmosphere with significant extracurricular and athletic opportunities.

Settle in Laredo’s Dynamic School Zones

With some of the state's highest graduation rates for a major urban area, Webb County is a prime location for families. Housing near the United ISD or Laredo ISD campuses provides access to some of the largest and most active schools in Texas. Find your new home today in this thriving South Texas educational center.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Webb County

via RiskByCounty

Webb Faces Elevated National Risk

Webb County scores 89.25 on the composite risk scale, ranking as relatively moderate and far exceeding the Texas state average of 49.00 by 40 points. This places Webb among the highest-risk counties nationally, with exposure levels in the top tier.

Webb's High Standing in Texas

Webb County ranks as one of the highest-risk counties in Texas, with only a small number of counties scoring above its 89.25 composite score. The county's Lower Rio Grande Valley location and geographic exposure drive this elevated risk profile.

Webb Compared to Regional Peers

Webb's 89.25 score is among the highest in the region, exceeding Victoria County (86.48) and dramatically surpassing Val Verde County (76.08). Webb stands out as the riskiest county in this geographic cluster, reflecting its unique vulnerability to multiple hazard types.

Webb's Most Serious Hazards

Flooding dominates Webb County's risk profile with a score of 91.03, making it the county's defining natural disaster threat. Hurricane risk reaches 85.73 and tornado exposure sits at 76.91, creating a multi-hazard environment where water-related disasters are the primary concern.

Protecting Your Webb County Home

Flood insurance is absolutely essential in Webb County—standard homeowners policies exclude flood damage, and elevation risk is significant along the Rio Grande and in flood-prone neighborhoods. Pair this with windstorm coverage for hurricane protection and keep emergency supplies on hand, as Webb faces recurring exposure to both flooding and tropical systems.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Webb County

via WaterByCounty

Frequent Health Violations in Webb

Webb County holds an F grade for drinking water, with a high count of 129 health violations over five years. Despite the volume of violations, the rate of 47.2 per 100,000 residents remains well below the statewide average of 581.9.

Watershed Status Currently Unrated

Water bodies in Webb County are not currently listed in the federal §303(d) assessment. There is no official data available on the percentage of water bodies that fail to meet Clean Water Act standards.

Broad Metal and Inorganic Testing

Eleven monitoring sites have recorded 2,552 measurements over the last five years. Testing in Webb County is distinct for its focus on both major metals and inorganic chemicals in the water supply.

Dry Conditions on San Casimiro Creek

San Casimiro Creek near Freer currently records 0 cfs, representing 0% of its typical 44 cfs mean. This total lack of flow indicates an extreme dry period for this specific drainage area.

Adapting to Dry Source Water

With zero flow at a primary creek gauge and 129 health violations, Webb County faces dual challenges of water scarcity and quality. Residents should prioritize water conservation and consider high-quality filtration to address potential metal and inorganic contaminants.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Webb County

via WeatherByCounty

Intense South Texas Thermal Peaks

Webb County is exceptionally warm, with a 73.4°F average that is nearly 20 degrees higher than the national median. This region experiences a level of consistent heat that is rare in the United States.

Among the State's Hottest Counties

The county's 73.4°F average makes it significantly hotter than the Texas state average of 65.5°F. It ranks as one of the warmest jurisdictions in the entire state.

Hotter and Drier Than Neighbors

Webb County receives only 21.6 inches of rain, which is much lower than the 31.9-inch state average. It is hotter and more arid than its coastal neighbors to the east.

Six Months of Extreme Heat

Summer conditions are intense, featuring 174 days above 90°F and a July average of 87.2°F. Even winter is warm, averaging 58.1°F from December to February with almost no snowfall.

Managing Year-Round High Temperatures

Robust HVAC maintenance is critical to surviving 174 days of extreme heat each year. Residents should also prioritize sun protection and hydration for outdoor activities given the high 87.0°F summer average.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Webb County

via SoilByCounty

Alkaline Soils of the South Texas Plain

Webb County’s soil is moderately alkaline with an average pH of 7.43. This value is higher than both the national median of 6.5 and the state average of 7.09. The overall soil score of 18.8 reflects the challenges of farming in this semi-arid region.

Loamy Sand and Silt Mix

The soil consists of 47.6% sand, 24.8% silt, and 22.4% clay. This mixture provides a relatively balanced texture, though the high sand content remains the dominant factor. It offers moderate workability but requires careful management to prevent moisture loss.

Low Organic Matter and Moisture Storage

Organic matter content is quite low at 1.15%, significantly trailing the Texas average of 1.66%. The available water capacity of 0.122 in/in is also below the state average of 0.133. For successful growth, supplemental fertilization and irrigation are almost always necessary.

Slow Infiltration and Runoff Concerns

The county’s soils belong to Hydrologic Group D, characterized by very slow infiltration rates. This means that despite the sandy surface, water does not move easily through the profile. Rapid runoff is common during the intense, short-duration rains typical of South Texas.

Heat-Tolerant Gardening in Zone 9b

Hardiness Zone 9b means very mild winters and intense summer heat for Webb County. Plants that thrive here must be extremely heat-tolerant and able to handle alkaline soil conditions. Native species like Texas Sage and Mesquite are perfectly adapted to these specific soil constraints.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Webb County

via LawnByCounty

Extreme Heat in Webb County

Webb County's lawn difficulty score is a low 16.2, reflecting the harsh conditions of the South Texas brush country. This is nearly half the state average score and far below the national median of 50.0. Maintaining a traditional lawn in this Zone 9b environment requires constant vigilance and significant water resources.

The State Leader in Heat

With a staggering 174 extreme heat days per year, Webb County is much hotter than the Texas average of 105 days. You only receive 21.6 inches of rain annually, which is well below the 30-inch threshold for most standard grasses. The massive 8,650 growing degree days mean your grass will try to grow year-round but will struggle without massive irrigation.

Alkaline and Sandy Soils

The soil pH in Webb County is 7.43, which is more alkaline than the ideal range for many turfgrasses. The soil is 47.6% sand and 22.4% clay, a mix that drains quickly but may struggle to hold nutrients under high heat. You should consider acidifying fertilizers or sulfur treatments to help your lawn better access the nutrients it needs.

A Year of Constant Drought

Webb County has spent a full 53 weeks in drought over the last year, with 100.0% of the area currently in severe drought. These persistent dry conditions make traditional lawns very difficult to maintain without strict water management. Drought-tolerant species and smart irrigation are not just options here—they are requirements for survival.

Year-Round Growing Potential

In Zone 9b, you can grow Bermuda or Seashore Paspalum, which tolerate both heat and higher pH soils. The frost-free period is exceptionally long, beginning February 21 and lasting until December 17. While the heat is intense, this long season allows for multiple opportunities to repair or establish your lawn if you have the water to support it.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Webb County's county score?
Webb County, Texas has a composite county score of 27.9 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 Webb County rank among counties in Texas?
Webb County ranks #226 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 Webb County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Webb County is $3,312, with an effective tax rate of 1.85%. This earns Webb County a tax score of 4.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Webb County?
The median household income in Webb County, Texas is $62,506 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Webb County earns an income score of 46.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Webb County, Texas a good place to live?
Webb County scores 27.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #226 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Webb 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 Webb 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.