This article is part of an ongoing, county-by county, overview of the Rural Capital Area. This article covers household income and the income distribution in Blanco County. This information helps track how well residents can afford basic needs like housing, food, and healthcare as well as relative prosperity compared to other areas.  

Median Household Income

Between 2014 and 2024, the median household income in Blanco County was either relatively close or exceeding the national average. In multiple years including 2014, 2018, 2019, and 2022 through 2024, the County’s median household income was higher than the nation by at least $2,000 (Figure 1). As of 2024, Blanco County’s median household income was approximately $97,000, higher than the U.S. median of $81,000.

The pace of income growth accelerated during the post-pandemic period, with several of the largest annual increases occurring after 2021. One potential explanation is a shift in residential preferences following COVID-19, as more households gained flexibility in where they may live. Research from the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia indicates that, since 2020, migration patterns have favored movement from higher-density metropolitan areas toward smaller and lower-density communities. Importantly, many of the households participating in this shift tend to have higher incomes.^[1]

The arrival of higher-earning residents can strengthen the local tax base, increase consumer spending, and support demand for local services. At the same time, population inflows can place upward pressure on housing markets. Increased demand for limited housing supply may contribute to rising home prices and rents, which can disproportionately affect long-time or lower-income residents who may not experience income gains at the same pace as new arrivals. As population growth continues, monitoring housing availability and affordability will remain increasingly important.

Figure 1: Median Household Income, 2014-2024

Source: Points Consulting using Rural Capital Area Data Hub

Figure 2 illustrates the cumulative change in median household income from 2014 to 2024.  In the last decade, Blanco County’s median household income generally increased. However, growth varied from year to year, producing more pronounced short-term fluctuations than those observed for the United States and the Rural Capital Area (RCA) Region.

In the later years of the period, Blanco County’s cumulative gains began to outpace both regional and national trends, widening the gap and indicating stronger relative income momentum. The magnitude of this divergence suggests that recent growth may represent a meaningful shift in the County’s economic profile rather than short-term fluctuation. It is important to note that year-to-year changes in official income estimates can appear more volatile in smaller or more rural geographies due to sampling variability and margins of error.  

Figure 2: Cumulative Growth in Median Household Income, 2014-2024

Source: Points Consulting using Rural Capital Area Data Hub

Figure 3 shows that a majority of households in Blanco County fall within higher income brackets. In 2024, 35.6% of households earned less than $60,000 annually, while 64.4% earned $60,000 or more. What stands out is the concentration in the middle-to-upper tiers. The single largest income group consists of households earning between $150,000 and $199,999, followed by those earning $75,000–$99,999 and households with incomes above $200,000. Together, these patterns suggest that upper-middle- and higher-income households form the core of the County’s income profile.

A substantial presence of higher-earning residents can strengthen the local tax base, support retail activity, and expand demand for services. At the same time, a comparatively smaller share of lower- and moderate-income households may create workforce recruitment challenges, particularly for employers in service, education, healthcare, and public safety occupations.

Figure 3: Blanco County, Household Income Distribution, 2024

Source: Points Consulting using Rural Capital Area Data Hub