Starr
Texas

What stands out

What stands out about Starr County: unemployment is among the highest in America (11.0%), the uninsured rate is among the highest in America (27.1%), and high-school completion is among the lowest in America (61%). Within Texas it ranks 1st of 254 counties for unemployment.

Where you are

You live in Starr County, Texas. 65,716 people live here with you. The population grew 0.4% last year, and more Americans moved out than in (net -278).

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 $35,979 a year, lower than 96% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $39,754. Unemployment runs 11.0%, higher than almost every county in America. 9% of workers work from home; for the rest the average commute is 23 minutes each way.

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

Home

The median home costs $146K, cheaper than 85% of American counties, about 2.1 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $593 a month. Property tax is 1.17% of home value, roughly $1,033 a year on that median home, higher than 71% of American counties. 73% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 5.2 per 1,000 residents, higher than 97% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 8 people per 100,000 in 2024.

A child born here can expect to live 74.3 years, shorter than 67% of American counties. There are 28 active physicians in the county, about 4.3 per 10,000 people. Medicare rates the local hospitals 2.0 of 5 stars. 27.1% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 3.08 where 3.0 is national grade level, higher than 77% of American counties. 61% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted almost evenly. 56% 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 77°F, highs near 88 and lows near 66, warmer than almost every county in America. About 16 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 83 out of 100, riskier than 83% of American counties; the county has had 23 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 204 Mbps down, faster than 52% of American counties. There are 2 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.3 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people.