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Overall Rating: 96/100 · 1,309,000 veterans (5% of population)
Reviewed 2026. Programs and exemptions verified against Texas veterans-affairs and tax-authority sources.
Benefit details verified January 2025. Tax exemptions, caps, and eligibility change and can vary by county — always confirm current figures with your county assessor and your Texas Department of Veterans Affairs before you rely on them.
None - no state income tax
1.8% average effective rate
Full exemption (100%); tiered $5k–$12k below
100% or TDIU/P&T: total homestead exemption. 10–29% $5,000; 30–49% $7,500; 50–69% $10,000; 70–99% $12,000 of value. 65+/blind/limb-loss also $12,000.
Source ↗Limited exemptions
$76,000
VA Medical Center
7901 N Metropolis Dr, Austin, TX 78744
(512) 823-4000
Full service, surgery, cardiology, oncology, mental health, PTSD specialty
VA Medical Center
2002 Holcombe Blvd, Houston, TX 77030
(713) 791-1414
Level 1 trauma center, research hospital, all specialties available
VA Medical Center
7400 Merton Minter, San Antonio, TX 78229
(210) 617-5300
Full service, strong surgical programs, military connection
VA Medical Center
4500 S Lancaster Rd, Dallas, TX 75216
(214) 742-8387
Full service, cardiology, neurology, oncology, rehabilitation
Free tuition
Texas resident veteran, 181+ days active duty, up to 150 semester credit hours
4-year value: $40,000
Free tuition for dependents
Unused hours can transfer to spouse/children
4-year value: $40,000
Median Home
$465,000
1BR Rent
$1,600/mo
COL Index
119
Unemployment
3.2%
Major employers: Tesla, Apple, Google, Oracle, Dell, defense contractors
Pros: Booming tech job market, UT Austin, excellent VA, vibrant culture, no income tax
Cons: Expensive housing, worst traffic in Texas, hot summers, rapid growth
Median Home
$285,000
1BR Rent
$1,100/mo
COL Index
92
Unemployment
3.4%
Major employers: Lackland AFB, Fort Sam Houston, USAA, VA facilities
Pros: Huge veteran community (12.2%!), most affordable major TX city, multiple bases, excellent VA
Cons: Hot humid summers, lower salaries than Austin/Dallas, tourist traffic downtown
Median Home
$330,000
1BR Rent
$1,200/mo
COL Index
95
Unemployment
3.5%
Major employers: Lockheed Martin (F-35 plant), Bell Helicopter, NAS Fort Worth JRB
Pros: Defense industry jobs, more affordable than Dallas, DFW airport
Cons: Urban sprawl, hot summers, traffic
Median Home
$325,000
1BR Rent
$1,200/mo
COL Index
94
Unemployment
3.7%
Major employers: Energy companies, medical center, aerospace (NASA), port logistics
Pros: Best VA hospital in TX (DeBakey VAMC), diverse economy, NASA
Cons: Hurricane risk, flooding, hot humid summers, traffic, sprawl
Median Home
$385,000
1BR Rent
$1,400/mo
COL Index
103
Unemployment
3.4%
Major employers: Corporate headquarters (AT&T, TI), finance, tech, logistics
Pros: Major corporate hub, DFW airport, diverse job market
Cons: Expensive housing, worst traffic in TX, less military-connected
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Under Texas Government Code ch. 657, qualified veterans receive an employment preference for state positions over equally qualified non-veterans; each state agency sets a goal that 20% of hires qualify for veteran/military preference.
Official source ↗A veteran with an established service-connected disability is entitled to five additional points added to their exam score, plus preference for non-examination positions over other applicants.
Official source ↗Veterans with a service-connected loss of use of a foot/leg or a 50%+ disability rating (receiving VA compensation) qualify for a free Super Combo hunting and all-water fishing package with five endorsements, issued in person at a license retailer.
Official source ↗The Disabled Veterans Parklands Passport gives free day-use entry to Texas state parks for a veteran with a 60%+ service-connected disability or loss of a lower extremity.
Official source ↗Veterans with a 50%+ VA rating (or 40%+ with lower-extremity amputation) qualify for DV specialty plates; the first set costs $3 annually and additional sets are free.
Official source ↗The General Land Office Veterans Land Board operates state veterans homes across Texas (e.g., Floresville, El Paso, Houston, Fort Worth, Temple, Big Spring, Bonham, McAllen, Amarillo, Tyler) offering long-term skilled nursing care to eligible Texas-resident veterans, and space-available spouses and Gold Star parents.
Official source ↗The total residence-homestead property tax exemption for 100%/individually-unemployable veterans passes to an unremarried surviving spouse and continues for life, including on a subsequent homestead up to the prior exemption amount.
Official source ↗Spouses and dependent children of Texas veterans who are 100% disabled, killed in action, MIA, or died of a service-connected cause may receive up to 150 hours of tuition exemption at Texas public colleges and universities.
Official source ↗Sourced from official state agencies; programs and eligibility change — confirm with your Texas Department of Veterans Affairs before applying.