CountyScore

Williamson County

Texas · TX

#236 in Texas
53.3
County Score

County Report Card

About Williamson County, Texas

At National Median, Not Exceptional Value

Williamson's composite score of 50.4 barely exceeds the national median of 50.0, indicating it ranks at the midpoint of U.S. county livability. This stands in stark contrast to its reputation as a high-growth Austin suburb.

Well Below Texas Average

At 50.4, Williamson trails the Texas state average of 66.8 by a significant margin, ranking it among the weaker-scoring counties in this comparison. The gap reflects the county's cost-of-living pressures outpacing income growth.

High Incomes Drive Strong Earnings Potential

Williamson's income score of 54.1 stands out, with median household income of $108,309—the highest in this county group by far. This economic strength reflects the county's status as Austin's booming suburban engine.

Housing Costs Erode Overall Livability

Williamson's cost score of 46.6 is dangerously low, with median home values of $414,600 and rent averaging $1,720 per month—making it the least affordable county here. Even high incomes struggle against these expense levels; safety, health, and school data remain unavailable.

High Earners Accepting Steep Housing Costs

Williamson suits affluent families and dual-income professionals earning $100,000+ who prioritize proximity to Austin's job market over affordability. The county demands premium incomes just to achieve middling overall livability.

Score breakdown

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

Tax54.2Cost46.6SafetyComing SoonHealth75.6SchoolsComing SoonIncome54.1Risk9.9WaterComing Soon
🏛54.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠46.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼54.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤75.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡9.9
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 Williamson County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Alameda County
California
53.3
Median income: $126,240
San Francisco County
California
53.3
Median income: $141,446
Menominee County
Wisconsin
53.3
Median income: $59,528
Ocean County
New Jersey
53.4
Median income: $86,411
Brazoria County
Texas
53.1
Median income: $95,155

Deep Dives

Williamson County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Williamson County

via TaxByCounty

Williamson taxes track with national norms

Williamson County's effective tax rate of 1.707% is 34% above the national median of 1.27%, placing it in the upper-middle range nationally. However, the median annual tax of $7,079 reflects Williamson's booming property values—its median home price of $414,600 is 47% above the national median.

Among Texas's highest-value counties

Williamson's rate of 1.707% exceeds Texas's state average of 1.276%, ranking the county above 65% of peers statewide. The median annual tax of $7,079 is 223% above the state average of $2,193, driven by the county's rapid growth and rising property values.

Premium-priced homes command high taxes

Williamson County's $7,079 median tax is substantially higher than any comparison county, reflecting the fastest property value growth in the region. Its median home value of $414,600 far exceeds neighboring Wise County ($277,200) and Wilson County ($286,300).

Growth boom drives taxes skyward

On a median-value home of $414,600, Williamson County homeowners pay approximately $7,079 in annual property taxes. With a mortgage, the total reaches $7,477, making Williamson one of the highest-tax-paying jurisdictions in the eight-county region.

Rapid appreciation warrants assessment checks

Williamson's explosive growth often leads to assessed values lagging behind actual market prices, but overassessment still occurs in pockets. Even a 2% reduction in your assessed value would save homeowners roughly $140 annually—worth a quick call to your appraisal district.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Williamson County

via CostByCounty

Williamson's Incomes Offset Housing Costs

Williamson County renters spend 19.1% of their income on housing—slightly above the Texas average of 18.1%, yet the county's $108,309 median household income is the highest in this group. High earners here have substantially more discretionary income despite paying premium rents of $1,720 monthly.

Premium Prices, Premium Incomes

Williamson ranks among Texas's most expensive counties by absolute housing costs, but its 19.1% rent-to-income ratio places it solidly in the affordable range relative to local earning power. The county's prosperity masks its position as one of the state's priciest markets.

Highest Rents, Highest Incomes

Williamson's $1,720 monthly rent far exceeds the Texas state average of $963—the highest in this group by a wide margin. However, the $108,309 median household income (45% above the national average) makes that premium rent manageable for residents.

19.1% to Housing, Affluent Cushion

Renters in Williamson allocate $1,720 monthly from a $108,309 household income to housing—19.1% of budget, which leaves $7,191 monthly for all other expenses. Homeowners pay $1,974 monthly for median-valued homes at $414,600, typical for Austin's boom-driven suburban sprawl.

High Costs, Higher Paychecks

If your job move to Williamson brings a salary near or above the county's $108,309 median, the 19.1% housing ratio is manageable despite $1,720 rents. This county rewards high earners with excellent affordability relative to income, though absolute housing costs are steep compared to rural Texas alternatives.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Williamson County

via IncomeByCounty

Williamson far exceeds national average

Williamson County's median household income of $108,309 towers $33,554 above the U.S. median of $74,755. This places Williamson among the wealthiest counties nationally, reflecting Austin's booming tech economy and high-wage job market.

Wealthiest county in Texas

At $108,309, Williamson's median household income exceeds the Texas state average of $64,737 by $43,572. The county ranks as one of the highest-income counties in Texas, driven by its proximity to Austin's thriving innovation sector.

Income leader by vast margin

Williamson's $108,309 median income towers above Wilson County ($92,461) and Winkler County ($91,898). The $43,000+ income gap between Williamson and Wilbarger County exemplifies Texas's extreme regional economic disparities.

Housing remains stretched for many

Despite strong incomes, Williamson's rent-to-income ratio of 19.1% reflects rising housing costs in the Austin metro area. The median home value of $414,600 represents nearly four times the county median income, requiring substantial down payments and mortgages.

Invest aggressively for long-term growth

Williamson's high earners should max out retirement contributions, diversify investment portfolios, and explore tax-advantaged strategies. The county's strong income growth trajectory creates exceptional opportunities for wealth accumulation through disciplined long-term investing.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Williamson County

via HealthByCounty

Williamson leads the nation in longevity

Williamson County residents live 80.7 years on average—well above the U.S. average of 79.3 years—and only 15.0% report poor or fair health, significantly better than the national rate of 21%. This exceptional health profile reflects the county's economic strength and healthcare infrastructure.

Texas's healthiest county by far

At 80.7 years, Williamson County life expectancy exceeds Texas's state average of 74.3 years by over 6 years, making it the clear leader among all counties examined. Its 10.4% uninsured rate is less than half the state average of 19.8%, underscoring better economic conditions and coverage.

Dramatically outpaces all regional peers

Williamson County's 80.7-year life expectancy surpasses the next-best county, Wilson (76.8 years), by 4 years, and towers over struggling counties like Wheeler (71.3) and Wilbarger (71.4). Its 15.0% poor/fair health rate is half that of Willacy County's 36.8%.

Robust providers, strong insurance coverage

Williamson County has 68 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and 178 mental health providers per 100,000, providing solid access to care throughout the lifespan. With only 10.4% uninsured—the lowest rate in this group—most residents can access preventive and specialty care when needed.

Maintain continuity for optimal health

Though Williamson County's 10.4% uninsured rate is excellent, the remaining uninsured should secure coverage through employer plans, the marketplace, or Medicaid to sustain the county's exceptional health outcomes. Continuous coverage enables regular preventive care and early disease detection.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Williamson County

via RiskByCounty

Williamson faces among Texas's highest risks

Williamson County's composite risk score of 90.11 ranks as one of the highest in the nation, classified "Relatively Moderate" but well above the national average. This score reflects a county where residents contend with multiple severe weather hazards simultaneously.

One of Texas's riskiest counties

Williamson's score of 90.11 dramatically exceeds the Texas state average of 49.00, placing it among the highest-risk counties in the state. Rapid growth and development in flood-prone areas compound these natural hazard exposures.

Significantly riskier than central Texas peers

Williamson County (90.11) faces substantially higher risk than Wilson County (75.54) to the south and the state average overall. Its Austin-area location concentrates flood, tornado, and wildfire exposure in an urbanizing landscape.

Tornadoes, floods, and wildfires converge

Williamson's tornado risk of 93.86 is among the state's highest, while flood risk of 91.32 and wildfire risk of 87.82 round out a severe hazard profile. The county sits in a corridor where multiple weather systems and fire-prone terrain align.

Comprehensive coverage is absolutely essential

Williamson County homeowners must secure full-coverage homeowners insurance with wind and hail protection, plus a separate flood insurance policy for flood-prone properties. For properties in wildfire-adjacent areas, additional wildfire coverage or mitigation improvements are prudent investments.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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