countyscore
42
County Score
Cost of Living 88.8Safety 65.2Water Quality 56.6

County Report Card

About Zavala County, Texas

Zavala County Scores Near National Average

Zavala County holds a composite score of 43.8, placing it just below the national median of 50.0. It remains a competitive option within its rural geographic context.

Better Than the Average Texas County

The county's score of 43.8 beats the Texas state average of 41.9. This indicates that despite national challenges, Zavala offers better livability than many other parts of the state.

Superior Housing Affordability and Reliable Safety

Residents enjoy exceptionally low living costs, evidenced by a Cost Score of 92.2 and a median rent of $544. A Safety Score of 65.2 adds to the county's appeal as a secure place to live.

Improving Local Health and Income Levels

Economic growth is limited, with an Income Score of 4.2 and a median household income of $41,887. Healthcare access also requires attention, as indicated by a low Health Score of 5.2.

Best for Budget-Conscious, Independent Residents

This county suits people who prioritize low monthly expenses and personal safety above all else. It is a solid choice for those who are retired or have stable, non-local employment.

204060801009.988.865.25.233.31.246.456.611.4Tax9.9Cost88.8Safety65.2Health5.2Schools33.3Income1.2Risk46.4Water56.6Weather11.442/100
This county
National avg
2 above average5 below average

Zavala County DNA

Foverall

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

Zavala County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Cost of Living (88.8/100) but notably weak in Income (1.2/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
9.9-42.1
Cost
88.8+40.8
Safety
65.2+10.200000000000003
Health
5.2-44.8
Schools
33.3-20.700000000000003
Income
1.2-49.8
Risk
46.4
Water
56.6
Weather
11.4-44.6
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Think property taxes are too high in Zavala County?

Many homeowners in Zavala 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

$98,800

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$548/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$98,800/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$21,920/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.7x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $36,749/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

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

Dimmit County
Texas
47.7
Frio County
Texas
37.1
Uvalde County
Texas
26.9
Maverick County
Texas
32.4
Kinney County
Texas
59.5
La Salle County
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53.1
Medina County
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35.8
Real County
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30.1

Deep Dives

Zavala County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Zavala County

via TaxByCounty

Zavala taxes above national norm but still modest

At 1.423%, Zavala County's effective rate runs 11% higher than the national median of 1.276%, landing it in the upper-middle tier nationally. Despite this, the county's low home values keep actual tax bills modest.

Highest rate among four counties, still near Texas average

Zavala's 1.423% effective rate exceeds the Texas average of 1.276%, marking it the most heavily taxed of the four counties. Yet the median tax of $1,254 remains $939 below the state median, thanks to low property valuations.

Zavala has steepest tax rate in the region

At 1.423%, Zavala's effective rate tops Yoakum (0.981%), Young (1.214%), and Zapata (1.027%), making it the highest-taxed county examined. The gap reflects different local tax structures rather than higher home values.

Median home at $88,100 pays $1,254 yearly taxes

Zavala's median property value of $88,100 generates approximately $1,254 in annual taxes under the 1.423% rate. Even with the region's highest effective rate, total tax bills remain low due to modest home valuations.

Contest assessments that exceed neighborhood comparables

Higher tax rates increase the importance of accurate assessments in Zavala County. File an appeal if your property is valued significantly above similar homes in your immediate area.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in Zavala County

via IncomeByCounty

Zavala County Well Below National Median

Zavala County's median household income of $41,887 runs approximately 44% below the U.S. median of $74,755, reflecting severe economic constraints. This substantial gap indicates households here earn less than three-fifths of what typical American families earn.

Significantly Below Texas Standard

At $41,887, Zavala County's median income represents just 65% of the Texas state average of $64,737, highlighting a county economy trailing statewide performance. This 35% shortfall underscores persistent regional economic challenges.

Zavala Among Region's Lower Earners

Zavala County's $41,887 income edges slightly above Zapata County's $36,527 but lags far behind Yoakum County's $82,261. The county ranks near the bottom of its regional peer group in median household earnings.

Housing Still Affordable Relative

Zavala County's 15.6% rent-to-income ratio means households spend just over one-sixth of earnings on rent, staying below the 30% affordability threshold. Though incomes are low, the median home value of $88,100 keeps housing relatively accessible.

Focused Strategies for Limited Income

Zavala County residents earning around $41,887 should prioritize financial stability through employer retirement plans and government assistance programs before pursuing additional investments. Partnering with nonprofit financial counselors and community credit unions can help maximize limited income for long-term security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Zavala County

via CrimeByCounty

Zavala County Outpaces National Safety Rates

Zavala County earns a strong 98.7 safety score, indicating it is much safer than the typical U.S. community. Its total crime rate of 814.4 per 100,000 is nearly three times lower than the national average.

Superior Safety Scores in Texas

The county's safety score of 98.7 is higher than the Texas average of 96.8. Zavala’s total crime rate of 814.4 per 100,000 residents is significantly lower than the state average of 2,052.5.

Safe Standing Among Regional Peers

Zavala County reports lower crime than Wise County but experiences more incidents than nearby Zapata County. Two local agencies provide the data used to monitor these public safety trends.

Breakdown of Local Crime Categories

Property crimes occur at a rate of 577.3 per 100,000, while violent crime is 237.1. Both of these figures are well below the national property crime rate of 2,015.7 and violent crime rate of 369.8.

Proactive Security for Zavala Residents

Personal home security is a key part of maintaining the county’s low crime profile. Smart technology and community vigilance help deter property crime and keep neighborhoods secure.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Zavala County

via WeatherByCounty

Zavala County Ranks Among the Nation's Warmest

With an average annual temperature of 72.7°F, Zavala County is significantly warmer than the national median of approximately 54°F. This South Texas region maintains a semi-arid subtropical climate characterized by persistent heat and limited rainfall.

Heat Levels Far Exceed the Texas Average

The county’s annual temperature of 72.7°F sits nearly seven degrees higher than the Texas state average of 65.5°F. While the state averages 31.9 inches of rain annually, Zavala receives only 21.2 inches, placing it among the state's drier interior territories.

Consistent Heat Across the Winter Garden Region

Zavala shares its 72.7°F thermal profile with neighboring Dimmit and Maverick counties, defining a region known for intense agricultural heat. These neighbors all struggle with similar precipitation deficits compared to the wetter Gulf Coast counties to the east.

Five Months of Extreme Summer Heat

The county endures 154 days per year where temperatures reach or exceed 90°F, far surpassing typical national averages. Winters are exceptionally mild at 57.3°F, and the area records 0.0 inches of annual snowfall on average.

Prepare for Intense Sun and High Cooling Costs

Residents must maintain robust HVAC systems to handle the 154 days of extreme heat each year. Given the low 21.2-inch annual rainfall, water conservation and heat-protective gear are essential for any outdoor planning or landscaping.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Zavala County

via SoilByCounty

Exploring the Soil Potential of Zavala

Current data for Zavala County’s soil pH and taxonomic order remains unclassified in the primary records. While neighbors typically see alkaline levels, local testing is essential to compare your specific site against the national 6.5 median.

A Local Mystery in Soil Texture

Percentages for sand, silt, and clay are not available in the current dataset for this county. Understanding your own dirt’s drainage and workability starts with a simple jar test to see how your specific mix of particles settles.

Measuring Organic Life in the Garden

With organic matter and water capacity figures unrecorded, we look to the surrounding region’s averages for clues. In the absence of a soil score, focusing on adding compost can bridge the gap toward the state average of 1.66% organic matter.

Navigating Unmapped Drainage Patterns

The hydrologic group and drainage class for this area are not currently documented in the federal database. Local growers should watch for erosion or pooling to understand how their land handles the occasional South Texas downpour.

Thriving in the Warmth of Zone 9a

Even without specific soil data, the 9a hardiness zone promises a long, warm season for peppers, tomatoes, and even citrus. Residents are encouraged to start small and use raised beds to create the perfect growing environment.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Zavala County

via LawnByCounty

Maintaining turf is a steep uphill battle

Zavala County is one of the toughest spots for lawns, holding a difficulty score of just 8.8. This Zone 9a region is far more challenging than the national median due to its intense environment and water scarcity. Success here requires moving away from traditional lawn expectations toward xeric principles.

Brutal heat and low precipitation

Annual rainfall is just 21.2 inches, while extreme heat days soar to 154 per year. The massive 8406 growing degree days mean that even if grass survives, it requires constant attention and water. Mowing starts early here, as the last spring frost typically occurs by February 10.

Limited soil data requires local testing

Specific soil characteristics like pH and texture are not currently mapped for this county. Given the 21.2 inches of rain and high heat, soil testing is a critical first step for any grower. Improving organic matter is generally a universal requirement in this arid South Texas climate.

Persistent drought plagues the region

The county has spent all 53 of the last weeks in drought, and 100% of the land remains in severe conditions. In such a climate, the most responsible lawn is a small, highly managed patch or a native prairie restoration. Every drop of water counts when competing with 154 days of 90-plus degree weather.

Select for extreme heat tolerance

Focus on drought-hardy species like Buffalo grass or specific hybrid Bermudas designed for the desert Southwest. Planting should occur in late February or March to establish roots before the 154-day heat wave begins. Be prepared for a high-maintenance relationship with your irrigation system.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Zavala County's county score?
Zavala County, Texas has a composite county score of 42 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 Zavala County rank among counties in Texas?
Zavala County ranks #127 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 Zavala County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Zavala County is $1,512, with an effective tax rate of 1.53%. This earns Zavala County a tax score of 9.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Zavala County?
The median household income in Zavala County, Texas is $36,749 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Zavala County earns an income score of 1.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Zavala County, Texas a good place to live?
Zavala County scores 42/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #127 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Zavala 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 Zavala 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.