Falls
Texas

What stands out

Three things set Falls County apart from the other 3,142 counties: the overdose death rate is among the lowest in America (-999 per 100,000), home internet speed is in the bottom 2% of American counties (48 Mbps), and the uninsured rate is in the top 7% of American counties (18.0%). Within Texas it ranks 14th of 254 counties for the overdose death rate, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Falls County, Texas. 17,013 people live here with you. The population grew 1.9% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +366).

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 $45,172 a year, lower than 88% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $54,095. Unemployment runs 4.1%, higher than 71% of American counties. 5% of workers work from home.

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

Home

The median home costs $148K, cheaper than 84% of American counties, about 1.6 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $732 a month. Property tax is 1.29% of home value, roughly $1,333 a year on that median home, higher than 77% of American counties. 78% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 4.6 per 1,000 residents, higher than 84% of American counties.

A child born here can expect to live 74.9 years, shorter than 60% of American counties. There are 4 active physicians in the county, about 2.4 per 10,000 people. 18.0% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 2.81 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than 53% of American counties. 83% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 41 points, among the most lopsided counties in the country. 47% 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 68°F, highs near 79 and lows near 57, warmer than 93% of American counties. About 36 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 34 out of 100, safer than 66% of American counties; the county has had 16 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 48 Mbps down, slower than 98% of American counties. There are 5 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.3 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people.