Zavala County's composite score of 69.7 surpasses the national median of 50.0 by nearly 20 points, positioning it well above the typical U.S. county in financial and housing dimensions. This strong advantage reflects particular strengths in housing affordability and modest tax burden that benefit residents' financial position. The county ranks comfortably among America's more livable places from a financial accessibility standpoint.
2 / 5
Above Texas average, middle of state rankings
At 69.7, Zavala County scores 2.9 points above Texas's state average of 66.8, placing it solidly in the upper half of the state's 254 counties. This above-average positioning reflects the county's particular strength in housing affordability despite tax headwinds. While not among Texas's absolute top performers, Zavala County demonstrates respectable livability fundamentals.
3 / 5
Exceptional housing affordability
Zavala County's cost score of 90.0 delivers remarkable housing accessibility with median home values of $88,100 and median rent of just $544 per month—among Texas's lowest. These metrics make housing nearly universally attainable for working families and represent the county's strongest advantage. The affordability attracts those for whom housing cost is the paramount concern.
4 / 5
High taxes and low incomes constrain appeal
The tax score of 62.2 reflects an effective rate of 1.423—notably higher than peer counties—while the income score of 10.7 with median household income of $41,887 is critically low and among Texas's weakest. Safety, health, school quality, environmental, and economic risk metrics remain unavailable, leaving key quality-of-life questions unanswered. Together, high taxes and low incomes suggest financial strain despite affordable housing.
5 / 5
Suitable only for those with external income
Zavala County appeals exclusively to retirees with pensions, remote workers earning income elsewhere, or those with significant non-wage resources seeking ultra-affordable housing. The combination of extremely low local incomes and above-average tax burden suggests limited local employment and reduced household cash flow despite cheap homes. It's unsuitable for those dependent on local wages or seeking economic opportunity.
Zavala County's composite score of 69.7 surpasses the national median of 50.0 by nearly 20 points, positioning it well above the typical U.S. county in financial and housing dimensions. This strong advantage reflects particular strengths in housing affordability and modest tax burden that benefit residents' financial position. The county ranks comfortably among America's more livable places from a financial accessibility standpoint.
Above Texas average, middle of state rankings
At 69.7, Zavala County scores 2.9 points above Texas's state average of 66.8, placing it solidly in the upper half of the state's 254 counties. This above-average positioning reflects the county's particular strength in housing affordability despite tax headwinds. While not among Texas's absolute top performers, Zavala County demonstrates respectable livability fundamentals.
Exceptional housing affordability
Zavala County's cost score of 90.0 delivers remarkable housing accessibility with median home values of $88,100 and median rent of just $544 per month—among Texas's lowest. These metrics make housing nearly universally attainable for working families and represent the county's strongest advantage. The affordability attracts those for whom housing cost is the paramount concern.
High taxes and low incomes constrain appeal
The tax score of 62.2 reflects an effective rate of 1.423—notably higher than peer counties—while the income score of 10.7 with median household income of $41,887 is critically low and among Texas's weakest. Safety, health, school quality, environmental, and economic risk metrics remain unavailable, leaving key quality-of-life questions unanswered. Together, high taxes and low incomes suggest financial strain despite affordable housing.
Suitable only for those with external income
Zavala County appeals exclusively to retirees with pensions, remote workers earning income elsewhere, or those with significant non-wage resources seeking ultra-affordable housing. The combination of extremely low local incomes and above-average tax burden suggests limited local employment and reduced household cash flow despite cheap homes. It's unsuitable for those dependent on local wages or seeking economic opportunity.
Score breakdown
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🏛62.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
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.
Zavala County Achieves Rent Affordability Despite Low Incomes
Zavala County's 15.6% rent-to-income ratio beats the national average, but this affordability comes from bargain-basement rents rather than strong earnings. With a median household income of $41,887—44% below the national median—the county offers cheap housing in an economically constrained community.
Below-Average Income, Below-Average Rents
Zavala County's 15.6% rent-to-income ratio slightly underperforms Texas's 18.1% state average, driven by the state's lowest median rent of $544. Despite affordable rents, the county's $41,887 median income remains a significant economic constraint for residents.
South Texas's Budget Housing Market
Zavala County's $544 rent is the lowest among these five counties, matching Zapata County's economic profile with similarly modest incomes of $41,887 versus $36,527. Both represent South Texas's tight economic realities, though Zavala County offers slightly better earning potential.
Rents Consume 16% of Income Here
Zavala County renters allocate 15.6% of their $41,887 annual income to rent, while homeowners spend roughly 17% on monthly costs of $583. Combined, housing takes roughly 33% of household income—above the comfort threshold but partially offset by genuinely low nominal costs.
Extreme Budget Option for Remote Workers
Zavala County offers Texas's lowest rents and home values ($88,100 median), making it viable only if you bring external income or have secured remote work. Without strong local job markets, this county is best suited for families with stable income sources outside the local economy.
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.
At 69.9 years, Zavala County residents live 3.6 years shorter lives than the U.S. average of 73.5 years—a profound gap. Combined with 35.9% reporting poor or fair health—12.5 points above the national rate of 23.4%—the county is experiencing a major public health emergency.
Texas's poorest health outcomes overall
Zavala County ranks among Texas's worst performers with a 69.9-year life expectancy trailing the state average of 74.3 by 4.4 years. Though its 17.1% uninsured rate is slightly below the state average, the lower coverage gap does little to offset severe underlying health challenges.
Critically ahead of Yoakum in need
Zavala County's 69.9-year life expectancy is the lowest in the region—3.8 years below Young County and 5.2 years below Wise County. Its 35.9% poor/fair health rate is alarming; primary care provider data is unavailable, raising concerns about whether adequate care exists.
Limited provider data, high disease burden
Zavala County's 35.9% poor/fair health rate signals widespread chronic disease, yet primary care provider numbers are unavailable, making it unclear whether local capacity exists. Mental health providers at 64 per 100K offer some support, but the county's 69.9-year life expectancy suggests systemic care gaps.
Insurance alone cannot solve all health gaps
Although Zavala County's 17.1% uninsured rate is relatively low, the county's dire health outcomes demand urgent action beyond enrollment. Residents and county leaders should prioritize comprehensive health initiatives; those without coverage should still enroll at Healthcare.gov to build a foundation.
Zavala County presents relatively low disaster risk
Zavala County's composite risk score of 53.63 places it in the relatively low risk category and near the national average for natural hazard exposure. The county's profile is shaped by dual flood and hurricane threats balanced against very low earthquake exposure.
Slightly above Texas average but manageable
Zavala County scores 53.63, marginally above the Texas state average of 49.00, placing it in the middle tier of risk across the state. The elevation is driven by flood (67.02) and hurricane (60.28) risks while other hazards remain minimal.
Moderate risk between safest and riskiest peers
Zavala County (53.63) ranks between its neighbors, comparable to Wise County (58.97) but noticeably safer than Wood County (63.23) and higher-risk than Young County (36.35) and Zapata County (31.36). Its flood risk (67.02) is the highest among its peer group.
Flood and hurricane risks drive Zavala exposure
Flood risk reaches 67.02 in Zavala County—the county's dominant hazard—while hurricane risk of 60.28 reflects Gulf Coast proximity and storm exposure during Atlantic hurricane season. Tornado (28.91), wildfire (35.34), and earthquake (7.16) risks remain minimal by comparison.
Flood and hurricane coverage are essential here
Zavala County homeowners must secure separate flood insurance, as standard homeowners policies exclude flood damage and the county's 67.02 flood risk demands specific coverage. Verify your policy includes hurricane and wind protection, and consider elevated or reinforced construction if you live in a flood-prone area.