Zapata
Texas

What stands out

If you had to describe Zapata County in numbers, start here: the uninsured rate is among the highest in America (26.8%), high-school completion is among the lowest in America (66%), and the average temperature is among the warmest in America (76°F). Within Texas it ranks 8th of 254 counties for the uninsured rate.

Where you are

You live in Zapata County, Texas. 13,896 people live here with you. The population shrank 0.7% last year, and more Americans moved out than in (net -188).

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 $35,061 a year, lower than 96% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $41,400. Unemployment runs 6.9%, higher than 98% of American counties. 7% of workers work from home.

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

Home

The median home costs $129K, cheaper than 91% of American counties, about 2.2 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $656 a month. Property tax is 1.01% of home value, roughly $858 a year on that median home, higher than 61% of American counties. 75% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 5.0 per 1,000 residents, higher than 96% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 14 people per 100,000 in 2024.

A child born here can expect to live 75.7 years, shorter than 51% of American counties. There is 1 active physician in the county, about 0.7 per 10,000 people. 26.8% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 2.89 where 3.0 is national grade level, higher than 56% of American counties. 66% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 6 points. 54% 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 76°F, highs near 89 and lows near 64, warmer than almost every county in America. About 13 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 23 out of 100, safer than 77% of American counties; the county has had 15 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 243 Mbps down, faster than 71% of American counties. There are 2 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.5 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people.