countyscore
43.5
County Score
Income & Jobs 97.2Safety 74Health 73.7

County Report Card

About Williamson County, Texas

Williamson County Nears National Average

Williamson County earns a composite score of 43.5, slightly under the national median of 50.0. While economically elite, its overall score is lowered by specific cost and risk factors.

Top-Tier Performance in Texas

With a score of 43.5, Williamson County outpaces the Texas state average of 41.9. It remains one of the most affluent and health-conscious regions in the state.

High Wealth and Excellent Health

The county boasts an elite income score of 97.2, supported by a $108,309 median household income. Health outcomes are also superior, earning a score of 73.7, alongside a strong safety score of 74.0.

Prohibitive Housing Costs and Risks

Affordability is a major struggle, as seen in a cost score of only 3.0 and median home values of $414,600. The county also faces high environmental risk, scoring a low 9.9 on the risk index.

Ideal for High-Earning Professionals

Williamson County is tailor-made for high-income families who value safety and health over housing affordability. It offers a premium lifestyle for those who can navigate its competitive real estate market.

204060801006.937473.753.197.29.966.526.5Tax6.9Cost3Safety74Health73.7Schools53.1Income97.2Risk9.9Water66.5Weather26.543.5/100
This county
National avg
3 above average4 below average

Williamson County DNA

Foverall

How Williamson County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Williamson County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Income (97.2/100) but notably weak in Property Tax (6.9/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
6.9-45.1
Cost
3-45
Safety
74+19
Health
73.7+23.700000000000003
Schools
53.1
Income
97.2+46.2
Risk
9.9-37.1
Water
66.5+8.5
Weather
26.5-29.5
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$414,600

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,720/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$414,600/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$68,800/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.8x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $108,309/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

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
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Nearby counties

Travis County
Texas
37.9
Bell County
Texas
25.6
Bastrop County
Texas
29.9
Burnet County
Texas
37.5
Hays County
Texas
22.7
Blanco County
Texas
49
Milam County
Texas
41.8
Lee County
Texas
42.6

Deep Dives

Williamson County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 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

Safety in Williamson County

via CrimeByCounty

Williamson County Safety in Perspective

Williamson County reports a total crime rate of 622.0 per 100,000 residents, significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5. This results in a high safety score of 99.0.

Strong Safety Performance in Texas

With a 99.0 safety score, Williamson outperforms the Texas state average of 96.8. It is one of the safest large counties in the state.

Crime Rates Far Below State Average

The county's crime rate is roughly 70% lower than the Texas state average of 2,052.5. Eighteen reporting agencies contribute data to ensure transparency and safety for the growing population.

Low Risk for Physical Crimes

Violent crime is very rare at 64.0 per 100,000, and the property crime rate is also low at 558.0. Residents live in one of the most secure environments in the nation.

Maintaining a Secure Environment

Low crime rates thrive when communities stay vigilant. Simple home security measures like smart locks and outdoor cameras help Williamson County remain a safe place for families.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Williamson County

via SchoolsByCounty

Massive Educational Growth and Scale

Williamson County operates a sprawling network of 165 public schools serving 118,873 students across 13 districts. The infrastructure is massive, including 83 elementary schools, 32 middle schools, and 33 high schools. This represents one of the most significant educational hubs in the state of Texas.

Elite Graduation Rates Amid Fast Growth

Despite rapid population increases, the county maintains a stellar 95.3% graduation rate, significantly higher than the 87.0% national average. Spending is lean at $6,087 per pupil, yet the county still manages a composite school score of 54.3. This performance demonstrates high efficiency and strong student outcomes.

Round Rock and Leander Power the Region

Round Rock ISD and Leander ISD are the heavyweights, together educating nearly 90,000 students across 110 schools. The county also offers 10 charter schools, providing specialized public options for over 6% of the local school inventory. Large campuses like Round Rock High School serve over 3,700 students each.

Diverse Locales from Cities to Suburbs

Students here experience everything from large urban campuses to rural schoolhouses, with 66 rural and 51 city-based schools. The average school size is 729 students, though flagship high schools like Westwood and Cedar Ridge are much larger. This diversity ensures that every family can find a school culture that matches their preference.

Join a Top-Tier Educational Community

Williamson County is a premier destination for those seeking high-achieving schools and diverse academic programs. With graduation rates near the top of the state, these districts are a primary driver for local home-buying decisions. Explore the vibrant neighborhoods of Round Rock, Leander, and Georgetown to find your place near these great schools.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Water Quality in Williamson County

via WaterByCounty

Williamson County Leads with a B Grade

Williamson County maintains a strong B grade for drinking water compliance with 19 health violations over five years. The violation rate of 2.7 per 100,000 residents is remarkably low, especially compared to the Texas average of 581.9. This suggests high performance from public utilities despite the county's rapid population growth.

Watershed Assessments Not Yet Federally Reported

Federal records for the current reporting cycle do not yet include §303(d) assessment data for Williamson County's water bodies. Consequently, there is no federal percentage for impaired waters or specific impairment causes available at this time. Local monitoring remains the primary source for understanding the health of regional creeks and rivers.

Broad Monitoring Effort Spans Forty-One Sites

A robust network of 41 monitoring sites tracks water quality in Williamson County, recording 12,446 measurements over five years. This extensive footprint focuses on physical characteristics, inorganics, and nutrients. Such a high volume of data allows for detailed tracking of water quality trends across diverse urban and rural landscapes.

San Gabriel River Flows Above Typical Levels

The San Gabriel River at Laneport is currently flowing at 285 cubic feet per second, which is 121% of its long-term mean. These healthy flow levels support local ecosystems and help maintain source water quality by diluting pollutants. This stands in contrast to many other Texas regions currently facing severe flow deficits.

Strong Compliance Complemented by Healthy Flow

With a B grade and above-average flow in the San Gabriel River, Williamson County's water outlook is generally positive. Residents can feel confident in local systems, but should continue to monitor nutrient levels, which are a focus of the county's extensive monitoring network. Maintain awareness of any local runoff during periods of higher river flow.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Williamson County

via WeatherByCounty

Warmer than most of the nation

Williamson County maintains an annual average temperature of 67.3°F, significantly higher than the national median. This humid subtropical climate sees nearly 36 inches of rainfall each year, keeping the landscape greener than its western neighbors.

Exceeding the Texas average

The county's average temperature sits nearly two degrees above the Texas state average of 65.5°F. While not the hottest in the state, it ranks among the warmer central regions, driven by intense summer heat.

A central Texas climate hub

Williamson County shares a similar profile with neighboring Travis County but experiences slightly more rain than counties further west. Its 35.9 inches of annual precipitation is four inches higher than the state average.

Long summers and mild winters

The county endures 113 extreme heat days annually where temperatures top 90°F. Winters are manageable with a January average of 48.8°F and effectively zero annual snowfall.

Prepare for the heat dome

Residents should prioritize high-efficiency HVAC systems to handle three months of summer highs averaging over 83°F. Outdoor activities are best scheduled for the mild 50.6°F winter window.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Williamson County

via SoilByCounty

Fertile Inceptisols on the Edge of the Hill Country

Williamson County is defined by Inceptisols, which are relatively young but highly productive soils. The average pH is 7.35, which is more alkaline than the national median but provides excellent minerals for plant growth. These soils contribute to a high county soil score of 38.2, well above the Texas average.

Rich Silty Clay Loams

The soil consists of 36.2% clay and 35.6% silt, creating a silty clay loam texture. This composition provides exceptional nutrient retention and structural support for plants. However, the high clay content can make the soil difficult to till when it is too dry or too wet.

Top-Tier Organic Matter and Water Storage

Organic matter is a standout at 2.12%, surpassing both the Texas average of 1.66% and the national average of 2.0%. The available water capacity is also high at 0.146 in/in. These factors combined create some of the best natural growing conditions in the state.

Well-Drained Land with Moderate Infiltration

The soil is classified as well-drained and falls into Hydrologic Group B. This group suggests a moderate infiltration rate, meaning the soil absorbs water well without excessive runoff. It is an ideal profile for both large-scale farming and home gardening projects.

Abundant Possibilities in Zone 9a

With a long growing season in Zone 9a, you can grow everything from tomatoes to heritage roses. Your soil's high organic matter and water capacity give you a major advantage over neighboring counties. Focus on plants that thrive in slightly alkaline clay to make the most of this fertile land.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Williamson County

via LawnByCounty

Central Texas Clay Challenges

Williamson County's lawn difficulty score of 30.0 reflects the tough conditions found in the heart of the state. While it sits near the Texas average of 31.7, it is significantly harder than the national median of 50.0. The USDA Zone 9a climate brings intense heat that tests even the hardiest turf varieties.

High Heat and Variable Moisture

Homeowners face 113 extreme heat days annually, which is higher than the state average of 105. Precipitation is relatively healthy at 35.9 inches, which falls within the ideal 30-50 inch range. However, 6,739 growing degree days mean that even with rain, the sun's intensity can quickly deplete soil moisture.

Heavy Silty Clay Loam Soil

The soil here is heavy, containing 36.2% clay and only 26.0% sand, which can lead to drainage issues and compaction. Its pH of 7.35 is slightly alkaline, requiring occasional amendments to optimize nutrient availability. This well-drained silty clay loam demands regular aeration to ensure roots can breathe and absorb water.

Persistent Drought Limits Water Use

Drought is a major factor here, with 79.8% of the county in severe conditions and 44 weeks of drought recorded this year. Strict local watering restrictions are common, so prioritize watering in the pre-dawn hours to maximize absorption. Selecting drought-tolerant species is the most effective long-term strategy for this region.

Timing for Success in Zone 9a

Zoysia and Bermuda grass are the best choices for the heavy clay and heat of Williamson County. Your growing season begins after the last frost on March 6 and lasts until the first freeze on November 22. Start your lawn projects in early spring to give the grass a head start before the 113 days of extreme heat arrive.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Williamson County's county score?
Williamson County, Texas has a composite county score of 43.5 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 Williamson County rank among counties in Texas?
Williamson County ranks #113 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 Williamson County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Williamson County is $7,079, with an effective tax rate of 1.71%. This earns Williamson County a tax score of 6.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Williamson County?
The median household income in Williamson County, Texas is $108,309 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Williamson County earns an income score of 97.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Williamson County, Texas a good place to live?
Williamson County scores 43.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #113 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Williamson 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 Williamson County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

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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.