CountyScore

Willacy County

Texas · TX

#235 in Texas
53.5
County Score

County Report Card

About Willacy County, Texas

Above National Median, But Challenged

Willacy's composite score of 62.7 surpasses the national median of 50.0 by 25%, though it represents the weakest position in this county group. The score reflects trade-offs between affordability and income constraints.

Below Texas Average, Middle of Pack

At 62.7, Willacy falls below Texas's state average of 66.8, placing it in the lower-middle range among state counties. The county faces headwinds in overall livability relative to the state norm.

Most Affordable Housing Statewide

Willacy boasts the highest cost score in this group at 85.8, with the lowest median home value of $60,800 and minimal rent of $868 per month. For budget-conscious movers, housing costs are almost unbeatable.

Lowest Incomes and Highest Taxes

Willacy faces dual challenges: an income score of 13.2 with median household income of just $45,645, and a tax score of 48.4 with an effective rate of 1.915%—highest in this group. Critical gaps in safety, health, and school data limit fuller assessment.

Very Low-Income Households Seeking Refuge

Willacy is suited primarily for extremely budget-constrained households, retirees on minimal income, or those seeking subsistence-level affordability. The county's appeal relies almost exclusively on rock-bottom housing costs.

Score breakdown

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

Tax48.4Cost85.8SafetyComing SoonHealth39.3SchoolsComing SoonIncome13.2Risk22.5WaterComing Soon
🏛48.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠85.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼13.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤39.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡22.5
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 Willacy County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Contra Costa County
California
53.5
Median income: $125,727
Ocean County
New Jersey
53.4
Median income: $86,411
Onondaga County
New York
53.6
Median income: $74,740
Alameda County
California
53.3
Median income: $126,240
San Francisco County
California
53.3
Median income: $141,446

Deep Dives

Willacy County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Willacy County

via TaxByCounty

Willacy has the highest tax burden regionally

Willacy County's effective tax rate of 1.915% is the highest among the eight-county region and 51% above the national median of 1.27%, placing it solidly in the high-tax tier nationwide. Despite relatively modest median home values of $60,800, the effective rate drives up the tax burden on residents.

Steeply above Texas's statewide average

At 1.915%, Willacy's effective tax rate is 50% higher than Texas's state average of 1.276%, making it one of the most heavily taxed counties in the state. The median annual tax of $1,164 is 47% below the state average, reflecting the county's lower property values rather than a lower rate.

Heaviest tax load in the South Texas region

Willacy County's 1.915% rate is notably higher than neighboring Wilson County (1.301%) and significantly exceeds most other counties in its region. Only Wichita County (1.766%) comes close to Willacy's effective rate among the eight-county comparison.

Lower home values offset high rate

On a median-value home of $60,800, Willacy County homeowners pay approximately $1,164 in annual property taxes. With a mortgage, the effective total reaches $2,340, reflecting the county's steep effective rate applied to modest property values.

High rate makes assessment review critical

Given Willacy County's elevated tax rate, verifying your property assessment is especially important to catch potential overvaluations. South Texas homeowners can request a free appraisal review through the county's chief appraiser office—a simple step that often yields tax savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Willacy County

via CostByCounty

Willacy Struggles With Housing Affordability

Willacy County renters spend 22.8% of their income on housing—the highest burden in this group and significantly above the Texas average of 18.1%. With a $45,645 median household income and $868 monthly rent, affordability here is genuinely stressed.

Texas's Most Unaffordable County Here

Willacy ranks among the least affordable counties in all of Texas, with a 22.8% rent-to-income ratio that signals severe affordability strain. Only the most economically distressed counties in the state face worse housing-cost burdens.

Lowest Incomes in the Region

Willacy's $868 monthly rent is modest by Texas standards, but the $45,645 median household income is the lowest across all comparison counties. Even modest housing costs consume nearly a quarter of household earnings here.

22.8% to Rent, Maximum Strain

Renters in Willacy spend $868 monthly from a $45,645 annual income—22.8% consumed by housing before utilities, food, or other necessities. Homeowners fare better with $454 monthly payments and $60,800 median home values, making ownership a more viable option for those with down-payment savings.

Relocation Requires Strong Job Prospects

Willacy's 22.8% rent-to-income ratio makes it one of Texas's least affordable counties—suitable only for relocators with job offers that substantially exceed the $45,645 median income. If your new position brings meaningful wage growth, the area's low home prices ($60,800 median) could offer real long-term equity building.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Willacy County

via IncomeByCounty

Willacy faces the deepest income gap

Willacy County's median household income of $45,645 is approximately $29,100 below the U.S. median of $74,755. This represents one of the most significant income disparities among Texas counties, reflecting economic hardship in the Rio Grande Valley.

Lowest income in Texas comparison

At $45,645, Willacy's median household income falls nearly $19,100 short of the Texas state average of $64,737. The county ranks among the lowest-income counties statewide, signaling persistent economic and employment challenges.

Substantially below all peer counties

Willacy's $45,645 trails every comparison county, with the nearest peer Wilbarger County earning $51,626—over $6,000 more annually. The income gap to wealthier counties like Williamson ($108,309) exceeds $62,000, highlighting stark regional disparities.

Housing strain on limited income

Willacy's rent-to-income ratio of 22.8% is the highest among all eight counties, meaning households dedicate nearly one-quarter of earnings to housing. The median home value of $60,800 is low, but even modest rents consume a disproportionate share of limited household income.

Access resources for financial stability

Willacy residents should leverage community resources including financial literacy programs, small business support, and job training initiatives. Building a robust emergency fund and seeking stable employment with benefits remain foundational steps toward long-term wealth accumulation.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Willacy County

via HealthByCounty

Willacy faces the nation's worst health trends

At 72.8 years, Willacy County life expectancy trails the U.S. average by 6.5 years, but the real crisis is that 36.8% of adults report poor or fair health—far exceeding the national rate of 21%. This indicates severe, widespread health challenges affecting the population's daily quality of life.

Worst health outcomes in this Texas cohort

Willacy County's 72.8-year life expectancy is below Texas's average of 74.3 years, but its 36.8% poor/fair health rate is the worst among all counties examined here. The 21.6% uninsured rate also exceeds the state average, compounding access barriers.

Willacy significantly outpaced by all peers

Willacy County's 36.8% poor/fair health rate dwarfs that of all neighbors—Wharton (24.0%), Wheeler (23.6%), Wichita (20.6%), and even struggling Wilbarger (27.3%). Only Willacy and Winkler have life expectancies in the 71–72 year range, but Willacy's health perception is markedly worse.

Critical provider and coverage gaps

Willacy County has just 39 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and only 45 mental health providers per 100,000—the lowest mental health density in this group—leaving residents with minimal support for chronic disease and mental health crises. The 21.6% uninsured rate means over one-fifth lack any healthcare access.

Enrollment is urgent for your health

With the highest poor/fair health rate in the region and over one in five uninsured, Willacy County residents must prioritize enrollment—call 1-800-318-2596 or visit Healthcare.gov today. Medicaid expansion coverage and marketplace subsidies can provide immediate access to preventive care and chronic disease management.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Willacy County

via RiskByCounty

Willacy County faces elevated risk overall

With a composite risk score of 77.48, Willacy County is rated "Relatively Low" but scores well above the national average for natural disaster exposure. This rating reflects concentrated hurricane and tropical weather threats that define the county's risk profile.

Above Texas average despite lower rating

Willacy's score of 77.48 exceeds the Texas state average of 49.00, placing it in the higher-risk half of Texas counties despite its "Relatively Low" classification. The county's coastal location drives elevated overall exposure.

Hurricane-dominated profile compared to peers

Willacy County (77.48) sits between Wharton County (83.02) to the north and Wilson County (75.54) to the west, with all three sharing strong hurricane exposure. Willacy's advantage lies in lower flood and tornado risk compared to those neighbors.

Hurricanes overshadow all other hazards

Willacy's hurricane risk score of 91.66 is among the highest in Texas, reflecting its Valley coastal position and exposure to tropical systems. In contrast, tornado risk of 23.22 and wildfire risk of 28.72 pose minimal threats to the county.

Hurricane insurance is non-negotiable here

Given Willacy County's extreme hurricane exposure, comprehensive homeowners insurance with robust wind coverage is essential—consider a separate windstorm policy if available. If you're in a flood-prone coastal area, flood insurance is equally critical, as hurricanes often bring surge and heavy rainfall.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

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