King
Texas

What stands out

If you had to describe King County in numbers, start here: unemployment is among the lowest in America (0.9%), population growth is among the fastest shrinking in America (-7.3% a year), and homeownership is among the lowest in America (40%). Within Texas it ranks 2nd of 254 counties for unemployment, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in King County, Texas. 216 people live here with you, so most faces are familiar. The population shrank 7.3% last year, and more Americans moved out than in (net -19).

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 $59,375 a year, lower than 54% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $51,460. Unemployment runs 0.9%, lower than almost every county in America. 7% of workers work from home.

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

Home

A two-bedroom rents for around $1,015 a month. 40% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 4.7 per 1,000 residents, higher than 89% 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. 25.9% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

79% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 93 points, among the most lopsided counties in the country. 76% 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 65°F, highs near 79 and lows near 51, warmer than 83% of American counties. About 23 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 1 out of 100, safer than almost every county in America; the county has had 17 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 48 Mbps down, slower than 98% of American counties. There is 1 airport in the county, counting general aviation.