Menard
Texas

What stands out

Against every county in America, Menard County is unusual in three ways: the overdose death rate is among the lowest in America (-999 per 100,000), the home price against local income is among the most affordable in America (1.1 years of income), and the uninsured rate is among the highest in America (24.2%). Within Texas it ranks 14th of 254 counties for the overdose death rate, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Menard County, Texas. 1,964 people live here with you, so most faces are familiar. The population shrank 1.1% last year, and more Americans moved out than in (net -2).

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 $40,945 a year, lower than 93% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $34,417. Unemployment runs 3.8%, higher than 62% of American counties. 11% of workers work from home.

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

Home

The median home costs $216K, cheaper than 57% of American counties, about 1.1 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $643 a month. Property tax is 1.68% of home value, roughly $1,454 a year on that median home, higher than 91% of American counties. 75% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 3.9 per 1,000 residents, higher than 53% of American counties.

A child born here can expect to live 76.9 years, longer than 62% of American counties. There is 1 active physician in the county, about 5.1 per 10,000 people. 24.2% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 2.90 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than 53% of American counties. 78% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 61 points, among the most lopsided counties in the country. 63% 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 67°F, highs near 81 and lows near 53, warmer than 89% of American counties. About 26 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 8 out of 100, safer than 92% of American counties; the county has had 18 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 173 Mbps down, slower than 62% of American counties. There are 3 airports in the county, counting general aviation.