Brooks
Texas

What stands out

What stands out about Brooks County: the median home price is among the cheapest in America ($74K), the average temperature is among the warmest in America (76°F), and the typical two-bedroom rent is among the lowest in America ($391 a month). Within Texas it ranks 3rd of 243 counties for the median home price, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Brooks County, Texas. 7,059 people live here with you, so most faces are familiar. The population shrank 0.8% last year, and more Americans moved out than in (net -91).

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 $30,566 a year, lower than 98% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $56,552. Unemployment runs 6.0%, higher than 96% of American counties. 2% of workers work from home.

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

Home

The median home costs $74K, cheaper than almost every county in America, about 2.1 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $391 a month. Property tax is 0.97% of home value, roughly $780 a year on that median home, higher than 58% of American counties. 61% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 4.9 per 1,000 residents, higher than 93% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 11 people per 100,000 in 2024.

A child born here can expect to live 70.9 years, shorter than 94% of American counties. There are 0 active physicians in the county, about 0.0 per 10,000 people; the nearest doctor is in another county. 18.4% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 2.52 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than 87% of American counties. 70% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Democratic by 22 points. 51% 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 76°F, highs near 87 and lows near 65, warmer than almost every county in America. About 22 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 55 out of 100, riskier than 55% of American counties; the county has had 23 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 180 Mbps down, slower than 59% of American counties. There are 3 airports in the county, counting general aviation.