The story of this market
The typical home in Refugio County, Texas sells for about $127,039, or $103 per square foot.
Prices are down 9.7% from a year ago, which gives buyers more room to negotiate. Homes take about 112 days to sell, which is slow. The biggest natural hazard here is cold wave, which FEMA rates very high. HUD's fair market rent for a two-bedroom is $1,014 a month.
HUD sets the fair market rent for a 2-bedroom at $1,014 a month. FEMA's National Risk Index rates overall hazard risk here as Very High.
Monthly price momentum
Home values since 2015
+1.1%
TX · past 12 months
Freddie Mac House Price Index, single-family homes, monthly through 2026-08. Each line starts at 100 in January 2015, so a reading of 180 means prices are up 80% since then.
Rent benchmark
Fair market rent by size
$1,404
3-bed / month
HUD Fair Market Rents, fiscal 2027, for this county. A typical rent for a modest unit, used to set housing-voucher payments.
Natural hazard exposure
The area's risk shape
95
Very High
FEMA National Risk Index. Each spoke is a hazard ranked nationally, where 100 is the most exposed. Expected annual loss: $7,870,607.
Mortgage activity
Home lending in this county
66.4%
2018 approval rate
| Year | Applications | Loans made | Approval | Investor share | Median home value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 224 | 86 | 66.4% | 0% | $125,000 |
CFPB Home Mortgage Disclosure Act records: every mortgage application reported by lenders for homes in this county. Approval rate is approved ÷ decided (withdrawn and incomplete files excluded). Investor share and home value are the median census tract.
Refugio County, Texas
Refugio County's housing market is currently experiencing a period of price correction, with values declining year-over-year. The market remains slow with low sales volume and high days on market, reflecting the rural nature of the area and limited economic growth. Buyers are finding entry-level opportunities, but the overall market sentiment remains cautious due to broader economic pressures.
No ARED distress-ledger coverage for this county yet — the foreclosure ingest rotates the national county directory, and filings appear here once the county's posted notices are read. Key-figure check: no independent anchor retained yet — first-researched cycles establish the anchor baseline this pass.
Select a city to expand its ZIP intel reports beneath · 4 cities · 4 ZIP reports
Median prices moved up 5.6% year over year.
Homes spend a median of 82 days on market with 4.2 months of supply — a balanced-paced market.
8% of listings have cut prices · homes sell at 94.62% of asking — demand is running ahead of supply.
no recorded foreclosure-ledger notices (0.0 per 10,000 residents) · unemployment 5.8% · poverty 14.6% — a stable, low-distress profile.
Deterministic aggregate of 4 researched ZIP reports — sales_count-weighted (population fallback); per point, children lacking the value or its weight are excluded. Tax rates, sentiment and context notes are tier-native and never roll.
Refugio County, Texas — researched county-level history with a deterministic 1 / 3 / 5-year projection
Solid: researched ten-year history · dotted: 1 / 3 / 5-year projection extended from the historical 3.7%/yr trend — a deterministic estimate, not a published forecast or guarantee.
No researched properties in this county yet — the property base layer populates as property research runs, and each property feeds its ZIP's roll-up.
researched Sep 25
researched Sep 25
researched Sep 25
researched Sep 25
| 77990 | Austwell | $183,290 | $119 | +13.7% | 59 | 93.3% | — | 1 | 6 | $1,150 | researched Sep 25 |
| 78377 | Refugio | $129,000 | $68 | -2.4% | 112 | 94.5% | 15% | 7.2 | 29 | $1,150 | researched Sep 25 |
| 78391 | Tynan | $185,000 | $125 | +2.1% | 65 | 96.5% | 15% | 4.2 | 12 | $1,150 | researched Sep 25 |
| 78393 | Woodsboro | $359,999 | $135 | +2.5% | 120 | 96% | 10% | 7.5 | 15 | $1,200 | researched Sep 25 |
Figures are each ZIP report's own latest research — the county roll-up aggregates them sales_count-weighted (population fallback); ZIPs cycle quarterly.
Refugio County experiences localized property crime incidents, with recent reports involving theft investigations. The area generally maintains a rural safety profile consistent with regional South Texas trends.
Public education is primarily served by Refugio ISD, which provides standard K-12 instruction for the county seat and surrounding areas. School quality is typical for rural Texas districts with limited extracurricular diversity.
The county faces significant exposure to Gulf Coast hurricane and wind events, necessitating robust property insurance coverage. Flood risk is a primary concern for low-lying areas near the coast and local waterways.
Economic momentum is driven by agriculture, cattle ranching, and energy-sector support services. Infrastructure development is currently focused on FEMA-funded recovery and maintenance projects.
Composed from the ARED governance burden registry — tier-native tax structure (state + county + city + special districts), never averaged. State (Texas) — Senior (65+) and Disabled Homestead Exemption and School Tax Ceiling: Grants an additional mandatory $10,000 exemption from ISD appraised value (Taxable Value_ISD = Appraised Value - $100,000 - $10,000) and establishes an absolute statutory tax freeze (school tax ceiling): total ISD property taxes cannot exceed the dollar ceiling established in the… State (Texas) — General Residence Homestead Exemption and 10% Valuation Growth Cap: Imposes mandatory state-level valuation deductions and growth limitations on the qualifying homestead: (1) Mandates a $100,000 deduction from appraised value for independent school district (ISD) maintenance and operations/debt taxation: Taxable Value_ISD = Appraised Value - $100… State (Texas) — Ad Valorem Real Property Taxation and Assessment Ratio: Mandates ad valorem appraisal of all real property at 100% of fair market value as of January 1 each tax year (Assessment Ratio = 1.00).
The county offers outdoor recreation centered on hunting, fishing, and coastal access. Local amenities include the Refugio County Fairgrounds and historic sites related to the Texas Revolution.
The rental market is characterized by limited inventory and modest demand, primarily serving local workers and agricultural staff. Short-term rental presence is minimal compared to larger coastal hubs.
The economy is anchored by agriculture, cattle production, and oil and gas support services. It remains a stable, rural-based economy with limited industrial diversification.
Transportation is primarily facilitated by US Highway 77, serving as the main corridor for regional travel and logistics. Infrastructure is largely rural, with limited public transit options.
The Refugio County Appraisal District manages property assessments, focusing on agricultural valuation and market-based residential appraisals.
Parcels are subject to various special districts, including local school districts, emergency services districts, and water/utility districts.
Property insurance premiums are elevated due to the county's location in a high-risk wind and hurricane zone, requiring specialized coverage.
- Paradise Key Dockside Bar & Grill4.224.8 mi
- Rockport Beach4.622.7 mi
- Rock Bottom Park & Pub4.523.1 mi
- Festival Grounds at Rockport Harbor4.622.7 mi
- Legends Saloon4.420 mi
- Goose Island State Park4.617.3 mi
- The Big Tree4.716.5 mi
- Texas SouthWind Vineyard & Winery, LLC4.913.2 mi
- Murph Park4.618.1 mi
- Vintage Air Tours-Rockport518.7 mi
- Texas Maritime Museum4.722.8 mi
- Fulton Mansion State Historic Site4.820.9 mi
- Fannin Battleground State Historic Site4.624.2 mi
- Goose Island State Park4.617.3 mi
- Murph Park4.618.1 mi
- Copano Bridge Boat Ramp4.617.5 mi
- Copano Bay State Fishing Pier4.517.5 mi
- Cove Harbor Marina and Drystack4.424.7 mi
- Rockport Harbor4.722.8 mi
- Fulton Harbor Park4.520.4 mi
Theme parks, venues, golf, airports, museums, water and shopping across the area from Google Maps, ranked by popularity within the radius shown.
The amenity base that shapes daily life and property demand in this county — what residents actually live with, and what the pipeline is adding.
Hosts local community events, livestock shows, and county gatherings.
A significant historical landmark representing the area's deep roots in Texas history.
Provides extensive opportunities for birdwatching and outdoor exploration in a natural habitat.
Data retrieved from US Census Bureau QuickFacts and Census Reporter profiles.
applies when — Parcel is encumbered by a Texas constitutional home equity loan (HELOC or lump-sum equity loan).
Bars private power-of-sale foreclosure. Constitutional protections strictly require lenders to obtain a formal judicial or expedited quasi-judicial court order under Texas Rules of Civil Procedure 735 and 736 before initiating foreclosure proceedings against homestead residential property.
Tex. Const. art. XVI, Sec. 50(a)(6)(D); Tex. R. Civ. P. 735, 736.
applies when — Parcel is situated within a Municipal Utility District (MUD), Water Control and Improvement District (WCID), or other special taxing district created under Article XVI, Section 59 of the Texas Constitution.
Subject to supplemental ad valorem debt-service and maintenance tax levies imposed by the MUD board. Sellers are statutorily required to furnish an executed statutory district disclosure notice stating the district's authority to levy taxes, current tax rates, and total authorized bond indebtedness prior to contract execution. If notice is omitted, the buyer maintains statutory rights to terminate the transaction or sue for damages up to $5,000 plus costs.
Tex. Water Code Ann. Sec. 49.452.
applies when — Parcel is located within the unincorporated extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ) adjacent to an incorporated municipality (ranging from 0.5 to 5 miles depending on municipal population).
Subjects parcel subdivision and development to municipal platting authority, roadway access rules, and utility easements under Local Government Code Chapter 212, even though municipal zoning does not apply. In 2023, the state enacted a petition/referendum mechanism permitting landowners in an ETJ to unilaterally opt out and release their parcel from municipal ETJ regulation.
Tex. Loc. Gov't Code Ann. Chapters 42, 212, and Chapter 247 (enacted by Texas Senate Bill 2038, effective September 1, 2023).
applies when — Parcel is subject to mandatory membership in a property owners' association under recorded restrictive covenants.
Obligates the seller to provide a formal statutory disclosure notice to the prospective purchaser before contract execution detailing mandatory HOA membership, obligations to pay regular assessments, association restrictive covenants, and the prospect of lien foreclosure for delinquency. Failure to deliver the notice enables the purchaser to terminate the contract prior to closing.
Tex. Prop. Code Ann. Sec. 5.012 and Sec. 207.003.
applies when — Parcel is subject to recorded dedicatory instruments, restrictive covenants, and mandatory membership in a property owners' association (POA/HOA).
Imposes statutory covenants and restrictions on parcel encumbrance and enforcement: association must file management certificates with county clerk and TREC; requires an expedited judicial court order under Tex. R. Civ. P. 736 to foreclose an assessment lien; bars non-judicial foreclosure for purely fine-based or attorney fee liens; guarantees the property owner a 180-day statutory post-foreclosure right of redemption; establishes statutory owner protections preventing POAs from banning solar panels, religious displays, security measures, or rain-harvesting barrels.
Tex. Prop. Code Ann. Chapter 209 (amended extensively under SB 1588 effective September 1, 2021).
applies when — Ad valorem real property taxes assessed by local taxing entities become delinquent under Chapter 33.
Authorizes local taxing entities to seize and judicially foreclose on the parcel to satisfy accrued tax debt, interest, and administrative penalties. Grants former owners an absolute post-sale statutory right of redemption: (1) 2-year redemption window for residence homesteads and ag-exempt land with redemption costs equal to purchase price plus a 25% premium in year 1 or a 50% premium in year 2; (2) 180-day redemption window for non-homestead residential parcels with a 25% premium.
Tex. Tax Code Ann. Chapters 33 and 34 (specifically Sec. 34.21).
applies when — Real property parcel secured by a deed of trust or contract lien containing an express power-of-sale clause upon borrower default (conventional mortgages).
Permits private non-judicial foreclosure without court intervention. Imposes strict statutory procedural timeline: minimum 20-day written notice of default and intent to accelerate with right to cure, followed by minimum 21-day public notice of sale (recorded with county clerk, posted at courthouse, and served on debtor via certified mail). Foreclosure sales must occur on the first Tuesday of the month between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. at the designated county venue. Under Texas law, conventional mortgage non-judicial foreclosure conveys permanent title without any post-sale statutory right of redemption for the mortgagor.
Tex. Prop. Code Ann. Sec. 51.002.
Statutorily compels sellers to affirmatively disclose whether the property is located wholly or partly in a 100-year floodplain, 500-year floodplain, floodway, flood pool, or reservoir; whether the parcel has ever experienced flooding or water penetration into structures during a natural event; and whether the seller currently maintains flood insurance coverage.
Tex. Prop. Code Ann. Sec. 5.008(b), amended by Texas Senate Bill 339 following Hurricane Harvey (effective September 1, 2019).
Obligates the seller to deliver an executed comprehensive written disclosure notice to the purchaser before entering into an executory contract. Failure to deliver the disclosure gives the buyer a statutory, unconditional right to terminate the purchase contract for any reason within seven days after receiving the notice or before closing, whichever occurs first.
Tex. Prop. Code Ann. Sec. 5.008.
applies when — Homestead parcel is owned and occupied by an individual aged 65 or older or an individual who qualifies as disabled under federal guidelines.
Grants an additional mandatory $10,000 exemption from ISD appraised value (Taxable Value_ISD = Appraised Value - $100,000 - $10,000) and establishes an absolute statutory tax freeze (school tax ceiling): total ISD property taxes cannot exceed the dollar ceiling established in the first qualifying year, unless new improvements or additions are made to the parcel.
Tex. Tax Code Ann. Sec. 11.13(c) and Sec. 11.26.
applies when — The residential structure and land (up to 20 acres) are owned and occupied as the owner's principal residence as of the qualification date.
Imposes mandatory state-level valuation deductions and growth limitations on the qualifying homestead: (1) Mandates a $100,000 deduction from appraised value for independent school district (ISD) maintenance and operations/debt taxation: Taxable Value_ISD = Appraised Value - $100,000; (2) Grants optional local-option percentage deductions (up to 20% of appraised value, minimum $5,000) for cities and counties: Taxable Value_Local = Appraised Value - Max(0.20 * Appraised Value, $5,000); (3) Caps annual homestead appraised value increases at 10% plus the value of new improvements: Appraised Value_t <= (1.10 * Appraised Value_{t-1}) + Value_NewImprovements.
Tex. Tax Code Ann. Sec. 11.13 and Sec. 23.23. The ISD exemption was expanded to $100,000 via constitutional amendment (Proposition 4) effective for tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2023.
Mandates ad valorem appraisal of all real property at 100% of fair market value as of January 1 each tax year (Assessment Ratio = 1.00). Tax liability formula: Total Tax = SUM[(Appraised Value - Applicable Exemptions) * (Local Taxing Unit Adopted Rate / 100)] across all overlapping taxing units (independent school district, county, municipality, special districts). Establishes a statutory administrative protest and appeal process before the County Appraisal Review Board (ARB).
Tex. Tax Code Ann. Title 1, Subtitles A-D (specifically Sec. 23.01 and Sec. 26.01 et seq.). Annual appraisal cycle effective January 1.
Governance registry — every jurisdiction re-researches on a rolling 90-day cycle. Property reports compose these inherited burdens into a per-parcel ledger with conditional determinations. Informational only — not legal advice.