Comal County offers building opportunities in Hill Country, though land prices are above average.
๐52/100AcreScore
๐ฐ$55KLand $/acre
๐ $355KHome Value
๐ฅ167,500Population
๐+32.5%Growth (10yr)
๐15%Flood RiskModerate
๐ก๏ธHot Humid SubtropicalClimateZone 2A
๐๏ธ Can You Build Here?
Comal County has local zoning regulations. Check with the county building department for specific rules on your parcel. Barndominiums may require conditional use permits in some zones.
Zone
Min Lot
Barndo OK?
Residential
Varies
โ ๏ธ Conditional
Agricultural
None
โ Yes
Commercial
Varies
โ No
Comal County has local zoning. Contact the county building department for specific regulations.
๐ What Permits Do You Need?
Tennessee allows owner-builders to act as their own general contractor for personal residences. Licensed subs needed for electrical, plumbing, and HVAC.
Required Permits
โข Building permit (residential)
โข Septic permit (if no public sewer)
โข Electrical permit
โข Plumbing permit
Permit Office
Comal County Building Department
New Braunfels, TX
Contact county clerk for current hours and requirements
๐ What's the Flood & Soil Risk?
Moderate flood risk. 15% of county land is in FEMA flood zones. Most buildable parcels are outside hazard areas, but always verify your specific site.
15%
In Flood Zone
Good
Soil Drainage
Varies
Septic Viability
Source: FEMA National Flood Hazard Layer, USDA Web Soil Survey
๐ฐ What Does It Cost?
Higher land costs at roughly $55,000 per acre reflect Comal County's demand โ proximity to San Antonio and growth pressure drive prices.
$55K
Median $/acre
$355K
Median Home Value
$120โ200
Build Cost $/sqft
1.95%
Property Tax Rate
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024, Comal County Assessor
๐๏ธ Why People Love Living Here
Comal County sits in the heart of Hill Country. San Antonio is 30 min away. No state income tax means your dollar stretches further here than in most states.
๐ฐ
No State Income Tax
Texas has no state income tax. Combined with below-average property taxes at 1.95%, your money works harder here.
๐
Fast Growing
32.5% growth over 10 years โ people are moving here and property values reflect it.
๐
Established Community
Zoning provides predictability โ you know what your neighbors can and can't build. Good for long-term property value.
At a Glance
Population167,500
10-Year Growth+32.5%
County SeatNew Braunfels
State Income TaxNone
ClimateHot Humid Subtropical (Zone 2A)
How Close Is Everything?
San Antonio30 min
SAT40 min
Austinvaries
๐ง Utilities & Infrastructure
Most rural Comal County land uses well water and septic systems. Municipal utilities are available near New Braunfels. Check with local utility providers for your specific parcel.
Electric ProviderLocal Co-op / TXU
WaterWell or Municipal
SewerSeptic (most rural)
InternetVaries by location
Cell CoverageGood
Natural GasPropane common in rural areas
๐ฆ Financing & Incentives
USDA Rural Development loans are generally not available in Comal County due to urban classification. FHA, VA, and conventional financing options are available.
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โ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I build a barndominium in Comal County?
Check with the Comal County Building Department for specific zoning rules on your parcel. Some zones allow barndominiums outright, others may require conditional use permits.
How much does land cost in Comal County?
Median price is approximately $55,000 per acre, though prices vary by location, road access, and improvements.
Is Comal County eligible for USDA Rural Development loans?
Most of Comal County is not eligible for USDA Rural Development due to its urban/suburban classification. Check the USDA eligibility map for specific addresses.
What is the property tax rate in Comal County?
The effective property tax rate is approximately 1.95%. Texas has no state income tax, but property tax rates may be higher than the national average. Check with the county assessor for the most current rates and any available homestead exemptions.
Do I need a licensed contractor to build in Comal County?
Most states allow owner-builders to act as their own general contractor for personal residences, though requirements vary by state and county. In Texas, check local building codes for specific licensing requirements. You'll typically need licensed professionals for electrical, plumbing, and HVAC work.