Brewster
Texas

What stands out

Three things set Brewster County apart from the other 3,142 counties: the overdose death rate is among the lowest in America (-999 per 100,000), winter sunshine is among the sunniest in America (2.9 on the USDA scale), and rainfall is in the bottom 2% of American counties (11 inches a year). Within Texas it ranks 14th of 254 counties for the overdose death rate, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Brewster County, Texas. 9,454 people live here with you, so most faces are familiar. The population grew 1.8% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +148).

Texas has no income tax and no estate tax, and its constitution prohibits an income tax without a statewide vote. Property taxes are among the highest in the country and are the main source of local school funding; the 2023 legislature raised the homestead exemption to $100,000 to offset that. Homeowner insurance costs are high along the Gulf coast and rising statewide after hail and freeze events. The grid is independent of the rest of the country.

Money

The typical household here brings in $47,747 a year, lower than 83% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $51,286. Unemployment runs 3.4%, lower than 51% of American counties. 11% of workers work from home; for the rest the average commute is 15 minutes each way.

Texas has no state income tax, so none of that goes to the state.

Home

The median home costs $235K, pricier than 51% of American counties, about 2.8 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $797 a month. Property tax is 1.23% of home value, roughly $2,468 a year on that median home, higher than 74% of American counties. 60% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 3.4 per 1,000 residents, lower than 74% of American counties.

A child born here can expect to live 78.8 years, longer than 83% of American counties. There are 16 active physicians in the county, about 16.9 per 10,000 people. 18.5% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 2.56 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than 92% of American counties. 89% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 9 points. 69% of eligible voters turned out. Under Texas law you can carry a concealed handgun without a permit, abortion is banned with narrow exceptions, and marijuana is medical only.

Weather and risk

The year averages 69°F, highs near 83 and lows near 54, warmer than 93% of American counties. About 11 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 67 out of 100, riskier than 67% of American counties; the county has had 14 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 93 Mbps down, slower than 89% of American counties. There are 14 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 1.0 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people, 1 National Park Service site.