Nueces
Texas

What stands out

Against every county in America, Nueces County is unusual in three ways: the average temperature is among the warmest in America (75°F), natural-hazard risk is in the top 2% of American counties (98 of 100), and home internet speed is in the top 5% of American counties (297 Mbps). Within Texas it ranks 12th of 254 counties for the average temperature.

Where you are

You live in Nueces County, Texas. 353,245 people live here with you. The population held steady at 0.2% last year, and more Americans moved out than in (net -932).

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 $64,027 a year, higher than 60% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $60,476. Unemployment runs 4.7%, higher than 84% 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 $228K, cheaper than 52% of American counties, about 2.3 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $1,192 a month. Property tax is 1.75% of home value, roughly $3,107 a year on that median home, higher than 93% of American counties. 59% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 4.0 per 1,000 residents, higher than 58% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 18 people per 100,000 in 2024.

A child born here can expect to live 75.5 years, shorter than 54% of American counties. There are 1,063 active physicians in the county, about 30.1 per 10,000 people. Medicare rates the local hospitals 3.5 of 5 stars. 19.1% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 3.02 where 3.0 is national grade level, higher than 68% of American counties. 84% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 6 points. 50% 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 75°F, highs near 85 and lows near 65, warmer than almost every county in America. About 21 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 98 out of 100, riskier than 98% of American counties; the county has had 33 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 297 Mbps down, faster than 95% of American counties. There are 12 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.8 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people, 4 breweries, 6 museums.