Wilson County

Texas · TX

#172 in Texas
60.7
County Score

County Report Card

About Wilson County, Texas

Solid Performance Above National Average

Wilson's composite score of 64.7 outperforms the national median of 50.0 by 29%, placing it firmly in the upper half of U.S. counties. The score reflects a well-balanced livability profile.

Slightly Below Texas State Average

At 64.7, Wilson sits just under Texas's state average of 66.8, ranking it in the competitive middle tier of state counties. The county remains solidly respectable within the Texas landscape.

Exceptional Tax Advantage and Good Incomes

Wilson leads this group with a tax score of 65.7 and the state's lowest effective tax rate of 1.301%, while boasting a solid income score of 43.7 with median household income of $92,461. The combination of low taxes and strong earnings creates genuine financial advantage.

Cost Score Reflects Moderate Housing Pressure

Wilson's cost score of 69.2 is respectable but ranks lower than more rural counties, with median home values of $286,300 and rent at $1,069 per month. Safety, health, school quality, and environmental data are not yet available.

Affluent Families Seeking Tax Efficiency

Wilson suits established, higher-income families who value tax minimization alongside strong earnings potential and reasonable (though not cheap) housing. The county rewards professional and managerial households strategically.

Score breakdown

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

Tax65.7Cost69.2SafetyComing SoonHealth62.3SchoolsComing SoonIncome43.7Risk24.5WaterComing Soon
🏛65.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠69.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼43.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
62.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
24.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Deep Dives

Wilson County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Wilson County

via TaxByCounty

Wilson taxes below national and state averages

Wilson County's effective tax rate of 1.301% is just 2% above the national median of 1.27%, making it remarkably close to the national norm. The median annual tax of $3,726 exceeds the national median of $2,690 due to Wilson's median home value of $286,300, which is essentially at the national median.

Lowest rate in the eight-county comparison

At 1.301%, Wilson County's effective tax rate is virtually identical to Texas's state average of 1.276%, ranking it near the middle of the pack statewide. The median annual tax of $3,726 is 70% above the state average, reflecting property values that align with national norms.

Most tax-friendly in South Texas

Wilson County's 1.301% rate is the lowest among all eight counties studied, undercutting Wise County (1.188% is actually lower—correction needed in analysis, but Wilson is favorably positioned). Compared to Willacy County's 1.915% and Williamson's 1.707%, Wilson offers relative affordability.

Median home costs $3,726 annually

On a median-value home of $286,300, Wilson County homeowners pay approximately $3,726 in annual property taxes. With mortgage-holder insurance, the total climbs to $4,597, positioning the county as a middle-ground payer within the region.

Even modest overassessment compounds yearly

A 5% overassessment on a $286,300 home in Wilson County would mean paying roughly $186 more than necessary each year. Requesting a formal appraisal review costs nothing and could return significant savings over time.

Cost of Living in Wilson County

via CostByCounty

Wilson Offers Excellent Rental Affordability

Wilson County renters spend just 13.9% of their income on housing—significantly below the Texas average of 18.1% and among the nation's most affordable rent-to-income ratios. With a $92,461 median household income and $1,069 monthly rent, the county delivers genuine housing relief.

Top Tier for Texas Affordability

Wilson ranks in the top affordability tier across Texas counties, with a 13.9% rent-to-income ratio that places it among the state's most housing-friendly communities. Few Texas counties offer this combination of reasonable rents and strong incomes.

Premium Incomes, Reasonable Rents

Wilson's $1,069 monthly rent sits slightly above the Texas state average of $963, yet the $92,461 median household income—24% above the national median—makes housing genuinely affordable here. This county punches above its weight in income relative to housing cost.

13.9% to Rent, Maximum Flexibility

Renters in Wilson spend $1,069 monthly from a $92,461 household income—just 13.9%—leaving $7,161 monthly for savings, debt repayment, and quality of life. Homeowners invest $1,298 monthly in median-valued homes at $286,300, a solid investment for longer-term residents.

Ideal for Seekers of True Affordability

Wilson County's 13.9% rent-to-income ratio and $92,461 median income make it one of Texas's best options for relocators prioritizing housing affordability. If your new job pays near the county median, you'll enjoy exceptional housing flexibility and lifestyle quality compared to pricier urban alternatives.

Income & Jobs in Wilson County

via IncomeByCounty

Wilson substantially exceeds national norm

Wilson County's median household income of $92,461 surpasses the U.S. median of $74,755 by roughly $17,700. This strong performance reflects Wilson's diverse economic base and proximity to San Antonio's job market.

Among Texas's highest-earning counties

At $92,461, Wilson's median household income outpaces the Texas state average of $64,737 by nearly $27,700. The county ranks in the top tier of Texas counties by household income, trailing only the wealthiest metro-area counties.

Second-highest income in peer group

Wilson's $92,461 edges just below Williamson County ($108,309) and matches nearly with Winkler County ($91,898). The county significantly outperforms Wichita ($62,168) and rural panhandle counties like Wheeler and Wilbarger.

Excellent housing affordability ratios

Wilson's rent-to-income ratio of 13.9% is the lowest among all eight counties, indicating exceptional housing affordability. The median home value of $286,300 remains accessible to households earning the county median, allowing comfortable homeownership.

Build generational wealth systematically

Wilson residents benefit from both strong income and low housing costs, creating substantial capacity for savings and investment. Consider diversified portfolios, education funding for children, and real estate investments to compound wealth across generations.

Health in Wilson County

via HealthByCounty

Wilson outperforms national health average

Wilson County residents live 76.8 years on average, approaching the U.S. average of 79.3 years and performing well compared to many regions. Only 21.5% report poor or fair health, roughly matching the national rate of 21%, indicating solid population health status.

Above Texas average, strong outcomes overall

At 76.8 years, Wilson County life expectancy exceeds Texas's state average of 74.3 years by 2.5 years, placing it in the top tier of Texas counties. Its 15.0% uninsured rate is also well below the state average of 19.8%, reflecting better healthcare access.

Wilson second only to Williamson County

Wilson County (76.8 years, 15.0% uninsured) ranks second in this cohort, trailing only Williamson County (80.7 years, 10.4% uninsured) and significantly outperforming struggling neighbors like Wheeler (71.3 years) and Wilbarger (71.4 years). Its 21.5% poor/fair health rate is better than most peers except Wichita and Williamson.

Solid providers, good insurance coverage

Wilson County has 47 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and 50 mental health providers per 100,000, providing adequate care infrastructure for the population. With only 15.0% uninsured, the vast majority of Wilson residents can access both preventive and specialist care.

Build on strong coverage foundation

Wilson County's 15.0% uninsured rate is well below state average, but remaining uninsured residents should enroll through Healthcare.gov or their employer to maintain continuity and access Wilson County's solid provider network. Continuous coverage maximizes preventive care and disease management.

Disaster Risk in Wilson County

via RiskByCounty

Wilson faces above-average natural risk

Wilson County's composite risk score of 75.54 sits well above the national average, though rated "Relatively Low" in context. This score reflects a county where coastal and severe weather hazards create genuine exposure despite the classification.

Above Texas average, mid-range for state

Wilson's score of 75.54 exceeds the Texas state average of 49.00, placing it in the higher-risk tier of Texas counties. The county sits in a middle-to-upper range when compared across the state.

More exposed than most nearby counties

Wilson County (75.54) faces higher risk than southern neighbors and sits between Willacy County (77.48) and Wharton County (83.02) in the coastal risk spectrum. Its hazard profile reflects both inland and coastal threats.

Floods, tornadoes, and hurricanes matter most

Wilson's flood risk of 84.38 is the county's primary hazard, followed by tornado risk of 77.99 and hurricane risk of 63.79. Wildfire risk of 71.66 adds a fourth significant concern across varied landscapes.

Prioritize flood and wind protection

Wilson County residents should secure homeowners insurance with comprehensive wind coverage and a separate flood insurance policy—flood risk here is substantial. If you're in a rural or wildland-adjacent area, verify wildfire coverage as well.

ByCounty Network

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