countyscore
35
County Score
Cost of Living 79.3Schools 58.8Water Quality 29.8

County Report Card

About Willacy County, Texas

Willacy County Trails National Norms

Willacy County's composite score of 32.6 is significantly lower than the national median of 50.0. This indicates a challenging quality-of-life profile compared to much of the country.

Lagging Behind State Averages

At 32.6, Willacy County performs poorly compared to the Texas average of 41.9. It ranks in the bottom tier of Texas counties for overall socio-economic health.

High Affordability and Stable Schools

Housing affordability is the county's standout feature, earning a cost score of 72.2 with median homes at $60,800. Schools also provide a bright spot with a score of 58.8.

Economic and Tax Burdens

Residents face a tough tax environment with a score of 4.0 and a 1.915% effective rate. Economic opportunities are scarce, reflected by a very low income score of 8.0 and a $45,645 median household income.

A Choice for Ultra-Low Cost Living

This county is best for those prioritizing low housing costs and reliable local schools. Potential residents must be prepared for high property taxes and very limited local income growth.

204060801006.379.324.29.558.819.822.529.810.3Tax6.3Cost79.3Safety24.2Health9.5Schools58.8Income19.8Risk22.5Water29.8Weather10.335/100
This county
National avg
1 above average7 below average

Willacy County DNA

Foverall

How Willacy County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Willacy County falls below the national average in most categories. The biggest gap is in Weather & Climate (10.3/100), though Cost of Living (79.3/100) remains a relative bright spot.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
6.3-45.7
Cost
79.3+31.299999999999997
Safety
24.2-30.8
Health
9.5-40.5
Schools
58.8
Income
19.8-31.2
Risk
22.5-24.5
Water
29.8-28.2
Weather
10.3-45.7
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Many homeowners in Willacy County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$73,600

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$809/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$73,600/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$32,360/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum1.4x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $54,180/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

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

Explore this county

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Nearby counties

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Texas
29.8
Kenedy County
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47.3
Hidalgo County
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Brooks County
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Kleberg County
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Jim Hogg County
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Deep Dives

Willacy County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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

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

Safety in Willacy County

via CrimeByCounty

Willacy County Safety Data Overview

Willacy County has a total crime rate of 1900.8 per 100,000, which is lower than the national average of 2,385.5. The county maintains a safety score of 97.0.

Matching the Texas State Profile

At 97.0, Willacy’s safety score is very close to the Texas state average of 96.8. This indicates a safety environment consistent with many other parts of the state.

Willacy vs. State Crime Trends

The county's crime rate of 1900.8 sits slightly below the Texas state average of 2,052.5. Seven reporting agencies provide the data used to manage local law enforcement efforts.

Analyzing Crime Categories in Willacy

The violent crime rate is 423.5 per 100,000, which is slightly higher than the national average of 369.8. However, property crime is lower than national norms at 1477.3 per 100,000.

Enhancing Your Home Security

Because violent crime rates are slightly elevated, personal and home security are important. Consider a monitored alarm system to provide an extra layer of protection for your family.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Willacy County

via WeatherByCounty

Deep South Subtropical Heat

Willacy County is one of the warmest places in America, with a 73.9°F average that is nearly 20 degrees above the national median. This region stays warm almost year-round with very little cold weather.

A Thermal High in Texas

At 73.9°F, Willacy is much hotter than the Texas state average of 65.5°F. It sits in the state's southernmost tier, where tropical air masses dominate the local weather patterns.

Hot and Semi-Dry Valley

The county's 25.4 inches of annual rain is lower than the 31.9-inch state average. It is significantly drier than the eastern Gulf Coast but shares the same intense heat as its Rio Grande Valley neighbors.

Endless Summer and Balmy Winters

Summers are long, averaging 84.8°F with 114 days reaching 90°F. Winters are the warmest in the state, averaging 61.3°F with virtually no snowfall recorded at 0.2 inches.

Year-Round Cooling is Required

HVAC systems must be built for near-constant cooling, as even winter temperatures average a balmy 61.3°F. Light, breathable clothing is the only wardrobe requirement for this 114-day annual heat cycle.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Willacy County

via SoilByCounty

Sandy Coastal Soils of South Texas

Willacy County features highly alkaline soils with an average pH of 7.57, well above the national median of 6.5. While specific taxonomic orders are not documented here, the high alkalinity is characteristic of the Rio Grande Valley. This environment requires plants that can tolerate more basic conditions.

Dominated by Deep Sands

Sand makes up a staggering 65.0% of the soil profile, with only 15.6% silt and 19.4% clay. This high sand content means the soil is exceptionally easy to work but struggles to hold onto nutrients. It is a stark contrast to the heavier clay soils found in central parts of the state.

Low Retention in a Warm Climate

Organic matter is low at 1.23%, falling below the state average of 1.66%. The available water capacity is also quite low at 0.099 in/in, compared to the state average of 0.133 in/in. This means irrigation is essential for any consistent growing success in the county.

Fast Infiltration and High Permeability

The soil belongs to Hydrologic Group A, which indicates high infiltration rates and low runoff potential. While specific drainage classes aren't listed, Group A soils are typically the most permeable, letting water move through quickly. This is ideal for avoiding flooding but challenging for moisture-loving plants.

Subtropical Gardening in Zone 10a

Willacy is in Zone 10a, allowing for a year-round growing season that includes citrus and tropical fruits. The soil's low water capacity and high pH mean you should focus on drought-tolerant, alkaline-loving species. Adding organic mulch will be your best strategy to keep your sandy garden productive.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Willacy County

via LawnByCounty

Tropical Heat in the Rio Grande Valley

Willacy County presents a significant challenge with a lawn difficulty score of 27.7, well below the national 50.0 average. As a USDA Zone 10a region, the environment is characterized by relentless heat and a near-constant growing season. Maintaining turf here requires specialized knowledge of tropical climate stressors.

Extreme Growing Degrees and Scant Rain

The county endures 114 extreme heat days and an incredible 8,806 growing degree days, far surpassing state norms. Precipitation is sparse at 25.4 inches, meaning your lawn faces a massive moisture deficit compared to its needs. Such high heat means grass grows fast but requires constant hydration to avoid wilting.

Sandy Terrain with High Alkalinity

The soil is heavily sandy at 65.0%, which facilitates fast drainage but provides little natural water retention. A pH level of 7.57 is notably alkaline, which can lock out essential nutrients like iron for many common grasses. Regular applications of chelated iron and organic matter are often necessary to keep the lawn green.

Vigilance During Abnormally Dry Periods

While 26.5% of the county faces severe drought, the entire area is currently classified as abnormally dry. Over the last year, the region suffered through 20 weeks of drought conditions. With such high sand content, your lawn will show signs of stress much faster than in other counties, requiring immediate attention.

Planting for a Permanent Summer

Zone 10a is perfect for Seashore Paspalum or Bermuda, which can handle both the salt air and the 114 days of extreme heat. You have a massive planting window starting as early as January 21 and extending until late December. Use this long season to establish a deep root system that can withstand the intense 8,806 growing degree days.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Willacy County's county score?
Willacy County, Texas has a composite county score of 35 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 Willacy County rank among counties in Texas?
Willacy County ranks #182 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 Willacy County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Willacy County is $1,240, with an effective tax rate of 1.68%. This earns Willacy County a tax score of 6.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Willacy County?
The median household income in Willacy County, Texas is $54,180 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Willacy County earns an income score of 19.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Willacy County, Texas a good place to live?
Willacy County scores 35/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #182 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Willacy 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 Willacy County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, 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.