Bolthole Index

Kleberg County, Texas

Building permits, zoning and septic rules in Kleberg County, Texas

54Index Score / 100
#120 of 254 in Texas

Unincorporated Kleberg County, Texas does not require prior county residential building-code approval for a new home, but state inspection requirements can apply where adopted12. Kingsville has municipal zoning, and joint airport zoning covers a defined rural district34. Septic uses the local OSSF program; the county rural-address form separately lists a floodplain building permit56.

At a glance

Building permit
No prior county residential building-code approval in unincorporated areas; separate inspections, septic permits and floodplain building permits may apply1278
Zoning
No general county zoning; municipal zoning and a defined joint airport zoning district still apply934
Septic permit
Generally required; submit the application and planning materials to the local OSSF authority for approval or denial within 30 days of receipt710
Owner-builder
A qualifying owner-builder may avoid the construction-notice penalty, but the exemption does not waive inspections or other approvals11
Floodplain building permit
$25 on the county rural-address form; confirm the requirement for the property with the Flood Plain Management Coordinator612
Private well
No state registration merely for ownership, but groundwater-district permitting or registration may apply and a new well requires a state well report13
Septic soils
Only 15.6% of county soils are rated not limited for a conventional drain field; a site evaluation determines what the parcel needs14

Who to call

Septic permits

City of Kingsville Environmental Health Division

Local contact for OSSF/septic questions; Kingsville administers its city OSSF program, while TCEQ lists Kleberg County as an authorized agent for the county program. Confirm routing for an unincorporated address with this office.

(361) 592-3324

3421 N. FM 1355, Kingsville, TX 78363

Floodplain permits

Kleberg County Flood Plain Management Coordinator

Countywide contact for floodplain administration and floodplain-permit questions in Kleberg County, per the county's own staff directory; the City of Kingsville runs its own separate Floodplain Development Permit process inside city limits

361-595-8527

700 E Kleberg Ave, Kingsville, TX 78363

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 11, 2026.

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Do you need a building permit in Kleberg County, Texas?

Unincorporated Kleberg County does not require prior county residential building-code approval before new home construction under the applicable Texas rule1. If Kleberg County has adopted the state residential-construction provisions, a new home on a vacant lot requires foundation, framing and mechanical, and final inspections by a qualified professional hired by the builder; we could not confirm that adoption2. Inside Kingsville, contact Building Services for project-specific building permit requirements and adopted codes15. Corpus Christi, which reaches into Kleberg County but lies mainly in Nueces County, issues its own building permits16. Municipal building permits do not replace the local OSSF septic process517. The county rural-address form also lists a floodplain building permit with a $25 fee; confirm its applicability before building6.

Who handles building permits, septic permits and floodplain permits in Kleberg County?

For Kingsville construction, Building Services is the contact for project-specific building permit requirements15. Unincorporated Kleberg County has no prior county residential building-code approval under the cited state rule1. TCEQ lists Kleberg County as an OSSF authorized agent, while the City of Kingsville Health Department administers the OSSF program within Kingsville517. Contact the City of Kingsville Environmental Health Division for septic questions and confirm where to submit an unincorporated-address application1819. The Kleberg County Flood Plain Management Coordinator is the county floodplain contact; development in regulated Kingsville flood zones instead requires a permit from the city Floodplain Manager before construction1220.

Does Kleberg County have zoning?

Unincorporated Kleberg County has no general county zoning rule setting dwelling size, lot size, setbacks or RV and tiny-home use, but that does not remove the separate airport district controls214. The Kingsville-Kleberg Joint Airport Zoning Board regulates unincorporated land within the designated NAS Kingsville airport hazard area and 0.25 mile beyond it4. Kingsville has municipal zoning administered by its Planning & Zoning Division322. Corpus Christi, a city mainly in Nueces County that reaches into Kleberg County, also sets its own zoning23. Septic remains a separate local OSSF question, and groundwater-district requirements may apply to wells regardless of the zoning answer51713.

How do septic permits work in Kleberg County?

A septic permit and approved plan are generally required to construct, install, alter, extend or repair an OSSF in Kleberg County, and local requirements can exceed state minimums7. Submit the application and planning materials to the permitting authority, which must approve or deny them within 30 days of receipt and explain a denial in writing10. Inside Kingsville, obtain a construction permit before installation and an inspection before the operating permit24. The 10-acre exemption requires a licensed site evaluation, only one single-family dwelling, no nuisance or groundwater pollution, on-site effluent disposal, and every OSSF part at least 100 feet from the property line, along with all other state requirements25. Only 15.6% of Kleberg County soils are rated not limited for a conventional drain field; a low rating calls for a site evaluation and possibly an engineered system, rather than ruling out septic14.

Can you live in an RV, tiny home or manufactured home in Kleberg County?

For RV or tiny-home occupancy in unincorporated Kleberg County, first determine whether the parcel falls within the joint airport zoning district; city zoning applies inside Kingsville426. An RV or tiny home using an OSSF generally needs an approved septic plan and permit unless every condition of a specific exception is satisfied25. A manufactured home in Kleberg County must comply with Texas installation standards and cannot be occupied while uninstalled, except for viewing on a retailer’s sales lot27. Kleberg County is in Wind Zone II, and manufactured homes built on or after September 1, 1997 must meet HUD Wind Zone II standards when installed there27. We could not confirm a county certificate-of-occupancy requirement; ask the Flood Plain Management Coordinator where to route the occupancy question for the parcel12.

Building a home in Kleberg County: the steps, in order

  1. Establish the city boundary and airport zoning boundary before selecting a homesite; Kingsville zoning and the joint airport district have different geographic reach264.
  2. For Kingsville construction, ask Building Services which building permits are needed; for unincorporated construction, confirm whether the conditional state inspection provisions have been adopted152.
  3. Contact Environmental Health to route the septic application and planning materials, and arrange the required OSSF inspections181028.
  4. Ask the county coordinator about the floodplain building permit listed on the rural-address form and its $25 fee126.
  5. Before drilling a well, establish whether a groundwater district requires registration, a permit or well spacing; a new well requires a State of Texas Water Well Report13.
  6. For a driveway onto state highway right-of-way, submit the separate TxDOT driveway permit application29.

What should you check before buying land in Kleberg County?

Start with wastewater and water: only 15.6% of Kleberg County soils are rated not limited for a conventional septic drain field, so obtain a site evaluation before fixing the house location14. Annual precipitation averages 27.3 inches, and severe drought occurs in 20.3% of years3031. Private well ownership alone does not require state registration, but a groundwater district may require registration or permits for non-exempt wells and impose spacing rules; we could not confirm the district requirements for a particular Kleberg County parcel13. Next, establish airport zoning and floodplain building permit requirements before committing to construction46. For budgeting, the effective property-tax rate is about 1.6%, and the median annual property-tax bill is about $2,4573233.

Watch-outs

  • An owner-builder acting as their own contractor for a primary residence may be exempt from the construction-notice penalty where the state provisions apply; that exemption does not waive inspections or other approvals11.
  • The county rural-address form lists a $25 floodplain building permit, but does not provide a comprehensive fee schedule or effective date; confirm the current fee and parcel requirement with the Flood Plain Management Coordinator6812.
  • Large acreage alone does not qualify a Kleberg County septic system for the 10-acre exemption; every site and system condition must be met, and local requirements can be stricter25.

Sources

  1. Texas Local Government Code Chapter 233, quoted and re-checked
  2. Texas Local Government Code Chapter 233, quoted and re-checked
  3. City of Kingsville Ordinance No. 2024-15, quoted and re-checked
  4. Joint Airport Zoning Board, quoted and re-checked
  5. On-Site Sewage Facility (OSSF) Information, quoted and re-checked
  6. Kleberg County Rural Address Application Form, quoted and re-checked
  7. Getting a Permit for an OSSF - Such as a Septic System, quoted and re-checked
  8. Kleberg County Rural Address Application Form, quoted and re-checked
  9. Texas Local Government Code Chapter 231 (County Zoning Authority) (2026 county census)
  10. Getting a Permit for an OSSF - Such as a Septic System, quoted and re-checked
  11. Texas Local Government Code Chapter 233, quoted and re-checked
  12. Kleberg County Flood Plain Management Coordinator (co.kleberg.tx.us)
  13. General Groundwater and Private Water Well Frequently Asked Questions, quoted and re-checked
  14. Share of soils USDA rates "not limited" for a conventional septic drain field (SSURGO). A strict rating: the median county is about 6% and a tenth of counties are 0%, so a low figure means most lots need a site evaluation or an engineered system, not that septic is impossible. Cite it only with that caveat: Bolthole Index county data
  15. Planning & Development Services, quoted and re-checked
  16. Corpus Christi: Understanding the Development Process | City of Corpus Christi (Kleberg County), quoted and re-checked
  17. On-Site Sewage Facilities, quoted and re-checked
  18. City of Kingsville Environmental Health Division (cityofkingsville.com)
  19. On-Site Sewage Facility (OSSF) Information (2026 county census)
  20. Frequently Asked Questions – Floodplain Development, quoted and re-checked
  21. Texas law on county zoning and building authority
  22. Planning & Development Services, quoted and re-checked
  23. Corpus Christi: Zoning | City of Corpus Christi (Kleberg County), quoted and re-checked
  24. On-Site Sewage Facilities, quoted and re-checked
  25. Getting a Permit for an OSSF - Such as a Septic System, quoted and re-checked
  26. Kingsville Code of Ordinances, quoted and re-checked
  27. Occupations Code Chapter 1201 — Manufactured Housing, quoted and re-checked
  28. On-Site Sewage Facility (OSSF) Information, quoted and re-checked
  29. Section 4: Driveway Permits, Design, and Materials, quoted and re-checked
  30. Annual precipitation: Bolthole Index county data
  31. Share of years in severe drought: Bolthole Index county data
  32. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  33. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data

Written October 11, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.

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Compared with neighboring counties

Like all 6 of its neighbors, Kleberg County has no countywide zoning.

RuleKleberg CountyKenedy CountyNueces CountyJim Wells CountyBrooks CountySan Patricio CountyDuval County
Building permitNot requiredNot requiredNot requiredNot requiredNot requiredLimitedNot required
County zoningNoNoNoNoNoNoNo
Septic permitsCity of Kingsville Env. HealthKenedy CountyCorpus Christi-Nueces County Public Health DistrictCounty Safety & Inspection Dept.Brooks CountySan Patricio CountyDuval County

County locator

Kleberg County in Texas

54
County map
Kleberg County highlighted among the Texas counties · colored by Index score

How Kleberg County scores

Seclusion68100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency2596% ev.
Admin Boringness8290% ev.
Durability36100% ev.
Property Autonomy71100% ev.
Carry Cost81100% ev.

Evidence strength: 97%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →

$149kTypical home
1.6%Property tax
$1,396Land / acre
27.3"Annual rain
20.3% of yrsSevere drought
34.2 / yr (+26.2)Mid-century 100°F days
29.9 daysMid-century dry spell
2.61" (+3.8%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.34×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$2,230Home insurance / yr
-1.2% / yrInsurance growth
0%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
1,160,138People within 2 hr
22,569Radius comparison (15 mi)
34.1People / sq mi
7%Federal land
100%Land at 15% slope or less
15.6%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
76,754 acWorkable land screen
11.6%Wooded land
4.7 tonsBiomass / forest ac
73.4°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Kleberg County

Inside a city or town, that city usually issues building permits and sets zoning; the county’s rules above cover unincorporated land. Septic, wells and floodplain rules usually stay with the county or state everywhere.

Answers from the rulebook for Kleberg County

What the ordinances and state agencies actually say — one answer per question, each quoted from the official source and independently re-checked.

Kleberg County rules

  • Local zoningVaries (with conditions)

    Aggregate of municipal and district-specific zoning controls within Kleberg County, including incorporated Kingsville and portions of unincorporated Kleberg County.

    • This is an aggregate conclusion and does not mean Kleberg County administers each local ordinance.
    • The City of Kingsville administers citywide planning and zoning within the city.
    • The Kingsville-Kleberg Joint Airport Zoning Board regulates only designated airport-hazard-area portions of unincorporated Kleberg County plus one-quarter mile outside that area.
    “The Kingsville-Kleberg Joint Airport Zoning Board provides zoning regulations and enforcement within the unincorporated portions of Kleberg County that are located within the designated airport hazard area as defined in NAS Kingsville’s current Air Installations Compatible Use Zones (AICUZ) study, plus¼ mile outside that area.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Present (with conditions) — Unincorporated portions of Kleberg County within the NAS Kingsville designated airport hazard area and the area one-quarter mile outside that area.
      “The Kingsville-Kleberg Joint Airport Zoning Board provides zoning regulations and enforcement within the unincorporated portions of Kleberg County that are located within the designated airport hazard area as defined in NAS Kingsville’s current Air Installations Compatible Use Zones (AICUZ) study, plus¼ mile outside that area.”
  • Zoning districts · by state lawNo county rule

    Unincorporated Kleberg County: no county rule sets this, because Kleberg County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Texas law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing statutes.capitol.texas.gov.

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • Chapter 231 does not grant a general statewide county zoning power; authority is provided through geographically or subject-matter limited subchapters.
    • For Padre Island, the authority applies in Cameron or Willacy County outside a municipality and within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development, or within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.
    “This subchapter applies to the areas of Padre Island located in Cameron or Willacy County and located: (1) outside a municipality but within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development; or (2) within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.”
  • Minimum dwelling size · by state lawNo county rule

    Unincorporated Kleberg County: no county rule sets this, because Kleberg County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Texas law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing statutes.capitol.texas.gov.

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • Chapter 231 does not grant a general statewide county zoning power; authority is provided through geographically or subject-matter limited subchapters.
    • For Padre Island, the authority applies in Cameron or Willacy County outside a municipality and within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development, or within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.
    “This subchapter applies to the areas of Padre Island located in Cameron or Willacy County and located: (1) outside a municipality but within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development; or (2) within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.”
  • Minimum lot size · by state lawNo county rule

    Unincorporated Kleberg County: no county rule sets this, because Kleberg County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Texas law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing statutes.capitol.texas.gov.

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • Chapter 231 does not grant a general statewide county zoning power; authority is provided through geographically or subject-matter limited subchapters.
    • For Padre Island, the authority applies in Cameron or Willacy County outside a municipality and within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development, or within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.
    “This subchapter applies to the areas of Padre Island located in Cameron or Willacy County and located: (1) outside a municipality but within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development; or (2) within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.”
  • Setbacks · by state lawNo county rule

    Unincorporated Kleberg County: no county rule sets this, because Kleberg County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Texas law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing statutes.capitol.texas.gov.

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • Chapter 231 does not grant a general statewide county zoning power; authority is provided through geographically or subject-matter limited subchapters.
    • For Padre Island, the authority applies in Cameron or Willacy County outside a municipality and within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development, or within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.
    “This subchapter applies to the areas of Padre Island located in Cameron or Willacy County and located: (1) outside a municipality but within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development; or (2) within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.”
  • Lot coverage · by state lawNo county rule

    Unincorporated Kleberg County: no county rule sets this, because Kleberg County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Texas law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing statutes.capitol.texas.gov.

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • Chapter 231 does not grant a general statewide county zoning power; authority is provided through geographically or subject-matter limited subchapters.
    • For Padre Island, the authority applies in Cameron or Willacy County outside a municipality and within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development, or within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.
    “This subchapter applies to the areas of Padre Island located in Cameron or Willacy County and located: (1) outside a municipality but within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development; or (2) within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.”
  • Building height · by state lawNo county rule

    Unincorporated Kleberg County: no county rule sets this, because Kleberg County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Texas law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing statutes.capitol.texas.gov.

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • Chapter 231 does not grant a general statewide county zoning power; authority is provided through geographically or subject-matter limited subchapters.
    • For Padre Island, the authority applies in Cameron or Willacy County outside a municipality and within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development, or within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.
    “This subchapter applies to the areas of Padre Island located in Cameron or Willacy County and located: (1) outside a municipality but within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development; or (2) within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.”
  • Living in an RV · by state lawNo county rule

    Unincorporated Kleberg County: no county rule sets this, because Kleberg County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Texas law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing statutes.capitol.texas.gov.

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • Chapter 231 does not grant a general statewide county zoning power; authority is provided through geographically or subject-matter limited subchapters.
    • For Padre Island, the authority applies in Cameron or Willacy County outside a municipality and within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development, or within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.
    “This subchapter applies to the areas of Padre Island located in Cameron or Willacy County and located: (1) outside a municipality but within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development; or (2) within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.”
  • Camping on your land · by state lawNo county rule

    Unincorporated Kleberg County: no county rule sets this, because Kleberg County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Texas law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing statutes.capitol.texas.gov.

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • Chapter 231 does not grant a general statewide county zoning power; authority is provided through geographically or subject-matter limited subchapters.
    • For Padre Island, the authority applies in Cameron or Willacy County outside a municipality and within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development, or within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.
    “This subchapter applies to the areas of Padre Island located in Cameron or Willacy County and located: (1) outside a municipality but within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development; or (2) within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.”
  • Tiny homes · by state lawNo county rule

    Unincorporated Kleberg County: no county rule sets this, because Kleberg County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Texas law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing statutes.capitol.texas.gov.

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • Chapter 231 does not grant a general statewide county zoning power; authority is provided through geographically or subject-matter limited subchapters.
    • For Padre Island, the authority applies in Cameron or Willacy County outside a municipality and within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development, or within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.
    “This subchapter applies to the areas of Padre Island located in Cameron or Willacy County and located: (1) outside a municipality but within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development; or (2) within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.”
  • Manufactured homes · by state lawNo county rule

    Unincorporated Kleberg County: no county rule sets this, because Kleberg County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Texas law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing statutes.capitol.texas.gov.

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • Chapter 231 does not grant a general statewide county zoning power; authority is provided through geographically or subject-matter limited subchapters.
    • For Padre Island, the authority applies in Cameron or Willacy County outside a municipality and within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development, or within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.
    “This subchapter applies to the areas of Padre Island located in Cameron or Willacy County and located: (1) outside a municipality but within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development; or (2) within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.”
  • Accessory dwellings · by state lawNo county rule

    Unincorporated Kleberg County: no county rule sets this, because Kleberg County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Texas law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing statutes.capitol.texas.gov.

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • Chapter 231 does not grant a general statewide county zoning power; authority is provided through geographically or subject-matter limited subchapters.
    • For Padre Island, the authority applies in Cameron or Willacy County outside a municipality and within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development, or within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.
    “This subchapter applies to the areas of Padre Island located in Cameron or Willacy County and located: (1) outside a municipality but within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development; or (2) within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.”
  • Who permits septicCounty

    OSSF permitting and administration in Kleberg County, including the county-authorized-agent area listed by TCEQ.

    • The cited TCEQ list identifies Kleberg County as an authorized agent; local program requirements may be more stringent than state minimums.
    • If local authorization changes or is absent for a particular location, TCEQ states that its regional office is the permitting authority.
    “AUTHORIZED AGENT [...] KLEBERG COUNTY (KLEBERG)”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Construction, installation, alteration, extension, repair, and operation of OSSFs, including septic systems, in Kleberg County.

    • A permit and approved plan are required for construction, alteration, repair, extension, and operation of an OSSF.
    • Local permitting programs can be more stringent than state minimums.
    • The 10-acre exemption requires compliance with 30 TAC Chapter 285, a site evaluation by a TCEQ-licensed site evaluator or professional engineer, service to one single-family dwelling on a tract of at least 10 acres, no nuisance or groundwater pollution, all OSSF parts at least 100 feet from the property line, effluent disposal on the property, and no other dwelling on the tract.
    • Emergency repairs listed by TCEQ do not require a permit but must be reported in writing to the permitting authority within 72 hours after repairs begin.
    • Grandfathered systems may qualify if installed before the local program was authorized or before September 1, 1989, whichever is earlier, and if they are not a nuisance, do not need repair, and have had no significant increase in use or other alteration.
    • The permitting authority must approve or deny the application within 30 days of receipt and provide a written explanation if denied.

    10-acre exemption tract size: >= 10 acres (All other stated 10-acre-rule conditions must also be met.) · OSSF setback under 10-acre exemption: >= 100 feet from property line (All OSSF parts must meet the setback.) · emergency-repair reporting deadline: 72 hours (Report in writing after repairs have begun.) · application decision deadline: 30 days (From receipt of planning materials and permit application.)

    “A permit is required to construct, install, alter, extend, or repair an OSSF. Always check with your local permitting authority. Local permitting programs can be more stringent than State minimums.”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    Construction inspection and related inspection administration for OSSFs under the Kleberg County authorized-agent program.

    • OSSF inspection requirements are governed by 30 TAC §285.3 and the authorized agent's approved requirements.
    • The authorized agent sets OSSF permit and inspection fees.
    • The state rules require authorized-agent inspection processes and permit records; specific inspection timing and local fees may be set by the authorized agent.

    commission fee per OSSF permit: 10 USD (In addition to OSSF permit and inspection fees set by the authorized agent.)

    “On-site sewage facility (OSSF) permitting, construction, and inspection requirements are in §285.3 of this title (relating to General Requirements). The OSSF permit and inspection fees will be set by the authorized agent.”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    Floodplain building permits for property in Kleberg County.

    • The source states that a floodplain building permit is required when building on the property.
    • The published fee is specifically $25.00 for the floodplain building permit described on the rural address application form.
    • This source does not establish fees for every other permit type.

    floodplain building permit fee: 25 USD

    “*If you are building on your property a Floodplain Building Permit is required. Fee is $25.00 dollars.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — Floodplain building permits referenced on the Kleberg County Rural Address Application Form.
      “If you are building on your property a Floodplain Building Permit is required. Fee is $25.00 dollars.”
    • Published (with conditions) — Building on property requiring a Kleberg County floodplain building permit, including rural/unincorporated property covered by the county rural address form.
      “*If you are building on your property a Floodplain Building Permit is required. Fee is $25.00 dollars.”
  • County-wide zoningAbsent

    Texas counties generally have no zoning authority in unincorporated areas (zoning is granted only to specific counties under Ch. 231); Kleberg County lists no planning/zoning department.

    Texas Local Government Code Chapter 231 (County Zoning Authority) ↗Scouted from the county site, not yet independently re-checked

Texas rules that apply here

  • Building permitNot required

    Prior county approval or a residential building-code permit for new residential construction under Texas Local Government Code Chapter 233 in an unincorporated area.

    • Chapter 233 Subchapter F applies only if the county has adopted a resolution or order requiring its application and the county is within 50 miles of an international border or has a population of more than 100.
    • The rule concerns prior approval before beginning new residential construction and does not resolve separate floodplain, septic, subdivision, municipal, or other permits.
    • Municipal building codes in municipal extraterritorial jurisdiction control over Chapter 233 standards.
    • The standards apply only to new residential construction that begins after September 1, 2009.
    • A county may not charge a fee to defray the costs of enforcing these standards.
    “This subchapter may not be construed to: (1) require prior approval by the county before the beginning of new residential construction;”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Industrialized housing or buildings installed in Texas, including purchasers or lessees acquiring a unit for their own or their company’s use.
      “A person who is a retailer of industrialized housing or buildings, or who is responsible for the assembly, connection, and on-site construction and erection of an industrialized house or building for persons other than themselves, must be registered as an industrialized builder. Subcontractors do not require the registration unless required by other applicable state laws. For example, electricians, HVAC contractors, and plumbers must be licensed in accordance with the applicable state law. If you are purchasing or leasing an industrialized house or building for your own use, or your company's use, you may file for an installation permit in lieu of registering as an industrialized builder.”
  • Owner-builder exemptionAvailable (with conditions)

    An individual owner-builder's liability for penalties for failing to submit Chapter 233 Subchapter F construction notices.

    • The exemption applies only to the penalty under Texas Local Government Code §233.157.
    • The new residential construction must be built by the individual or the individual must act as the individual's own contractor.
    • The individual must intend to use the residence as the individual's primary residence.
    • The exemption does not by its text waive the underlying inspection requirements or other applicable permits and approvals.
    • Chapter 233 Subchapter F must apply to the county through the required resolution or order and statutory eligibility conditions.
    “An individual who fails to provide proper notice in accordance with Sections 233.154(b) and (c) is not subject to a penalty under this subsection if: (1) the new residential construction is built by the individual or the individual acts as the individual's own contractor; and (2) the individual intends to use the residence as the individual's primary residence.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Conditional — An owner performing electrical, plumbing, or air-conditioning and refrigeration work on the owner's own residence or homestead in Texas.
      “A person who perform electrical work on a dwelling that they own and reside in is not required by the state to be licensed as electricians.”
    • Conditional — Electrical work on a dwelling owned and occupied by the property owner in Texas.
      “A person who perform electrical work on a dwelling that they own and reside in is not required by the state to be licensed”
  • Building code adoptedPartial

    Industrialized housing and buildings, modules, and modular components governed by the Texas Industrialized Housing and Buildings program.

    • The mandatory state code adoption applies to industrialized housing and buildings, modules, and modular components, not all construction statewide.
    • The effective date is July 1, 2024.
    • The International Existing Building Code applies to alterations of portable industrialized buildings.
    • Manufacturers already certified for Texas must have design-package documents reviewed and approved to the new editions with an approval date on or after July 1, 2024, unless the manufacturer elected to transition before the effective date under Department rule 70.70(a)(5)(B).
    • Construction begun on or after July 1, 2024 must comply with the new code editions and approved design packages.
    • Construction begun before July 1, 2024, or before a manufacturer's effective transition date, must meet the stated completion, inspection, and labeling deadline to remain eligible for a Texas decal.

    effective date: 2024-07-01 · International Building Code: 2021 Edition (including appendices C, F, and K) · International Residential Code: 2021 Edition (including appendices AG, AH, AK, AP, AQ, and AT) · International Fuel Gas Code: 2021 Edition · International Mechanical Code: 2021 Edition · International Plumbing Code: 2021 Edition · International Energy Conservation Code: 2015 Edition · National Electrical Code: 2020 Edition · International Existing Building Code: 2021 Edition (for alterations of portable industrialized buildings)

    “July 1, 2024, all industrialized housing and buildings, modules, and modular components shall comply with the following codes, as amended in §70.101 of the IHB Rules:”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Partial — Industrialized housing and buildings, modules, and modular components built for Texas under the Industrialized Housing and Buildings program.
      “Effective July 1, 2024, all industrialized housing and buildings, modules, and modular components shall comply with the following codes, as amended in §70.101 of the IHB Rules:”
  • InspectionsRequired

    New residential construction under Texas Local Government Code Chapter 233 Subchapter F in an unincorporated area of a qualifying county that adopted the required resolution or order.

    • Chapter 233 Subchapter F applies only if the county has adopted a resolution or order requiring its application and the county is within 50 miles of an international border or has a population of more than 100.
    • For construction on a vacant lot, at least three inspections are required: foundation before concrete placement; framing and mechanical systems before drywall or other interior wall covering; and completion of construction.
    • For an addition to an existing single-family house or duplex that increases square footage or value by more than 50 percent, inspections are performed as necessary based on the scope of work.
    • The builder is responsible for contracting with a licensed engineer, registered architect, licensed professional inspector, qualified municipal plumbing inspector, political-subdivision building inspector, or ICC-certified residential combination inspector.
    • If required by the county, the builder must provide preconstruction and post-final-inspection notices in the county-prescribed form.
    • Municipal building codes in municipal extraterritorial jurisdiction control over Chapter 233 standards.

    minimum inspections for new construction on vacant lot: >= 3 inspections (As applicable at the foundation, framing/mechanical, and completion stages.) · post-final-inspection notice deadline: <= 10 days (Only if required by the county.)

    “A person who builds new residential construction described by Section 233.153 shall have the construction inspected to ensure building code compliance in accordance with this section as follows: (1) for new residential construction on a vacant lot, a minimum of three inspections must be performed during the construction project”
  • Off-grid sanitationLimited

    Off-grid domestic sanitation using an OSSF or septic system in Kleberg County under Texas OSSF rules.

    • TCEQ requires an OSSF permit and approved plan to construct, alter, repair, extend, and operate an OSSF unless an exception applies.
    • The 10-acre exemption requires all listed planning, site-evaluation, dwelling, nuisance, groundwater, setback, effluent-disposal, and single-dwelling conditions.
    • Local permitting programs may be more stringent than state minimums.
    • Emergency repairs and qualifying grandfathered systems have the specific exceptions stated by TCEQ.

    10-acre exemption tract size: >= 10 acres (All other stated 10-acre-rule conditions must also be met.) · OSSF setback: >= 100 feet from property line (Applies to the 10-acre exemption.)

    “An OSSF may be exempt from permitting if it complies with all other requirements, including planning, construction, and installation standards of 30 TAC 285 AND meets the “10 acre rule””
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Limited — Composting toilets used as on-site sewage facility treatment systems in Texas.
      “Composting toilets will be approved by the executive director provided the system has been tested and certified under NSF International Standard 41 (1999) or under any other standards approved by the executive director.”
    • Limited — Off-grid wastewater sanitation through an OSSF in Texas.
      “An OSSF may be exempt from permitting if it complies with all other requirements, including planning, construction, and installation standards of 30 TAC 285 AND meets the “10 acre rule”:”
  • Well permitLimited

    Drilling, equipping, operating, or completing a water well, or substantially altering a well or well pump, where the well is within a groundwater conservation district in Texas.

    • A groundwater conservation district must require a permit except as provided by Texas Water Code §36.117.
    • A district may not require a permit or permit amendment for maintenance or repair that does not increase production capability above the authorized or permitted production rate.
    • Permit applications must be in writing and sworn.
    • Whether a particular private well is exempt or subject to additional district requirements depends on the applicable groundwater conservation district's rules.

    permit application form: in writing and sworn

    “Except as provided by Section 36.117, a district shall require a permit for the drilling, equipping, operating, or completing of wells or for substantially altering the size of wells or well pumps.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Limited — Water wells in Texas, including potentially applicable wells in Kleberg County
      “Additionally, Texas law authorizes groundwater conservation districts (GCDs) to modify the rule of capture by regulating groundwater production through permitting of non-exempt water wells, well spacing requirements, and any other rules deemed necessary to conserve, protect, recharge, and control subsidence.”
    • Limited — Private water wells in Kleberg County, subject to any applicable groundwater conservation district or local restrictions.
      “Private water well owners in Texas do not need to register their well unless the property falls within the jurisdiction of a groundwater conservation district (GCD).”
  • Driveway accessRequired

    New or modified access driveways connecting property to a Texas state highway right of way.

    • A local public agency may receive access driveway permitting authority for state highways, but TxDOT approval remains required for drainage impacts on the state highway system before local approval.
    • No access driveway is permitted within a flared or widened right-of-way section at an intersection of a state highway with another highway, road, or street.
    • All entrances and exits, including radii, must be confined within the permittee's property frontage.
    • One-way 45-to-90-degree driveways are permitted for connections to one-way frontage roads or lane-divided highways; otherwise the driveway angle must be 75 to 90 degrees.
    • ADAAG and Texas Accessibility Standards apply.

    private residential driveway maximum width: <= 24 feet (Except as increased by permissible radii.) · driveway-to-pavement radius: >= 15 feet

    “A driveway must be constructed in accordance with a fully executed driveway permit”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Construction of a driveway or revision of an existing driveway on a Texas highway right-of-way serving property in Kleberg County.
      “The applicant shall complete and submit to TxDOT a Form 1058, Permit to Construct Access Driveway Facilities on Highway Right of Way.”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Constructing a new driveway or revising an existing driveway on the right of way of a Texas state highway.

    • The applicant should contact the local District TxDOT office.
    • The applicant must submit Form 1058, Permit to Construct Access Driveway Facilities on Highway Right of Way.
    • The application must be for the bona fide purpose of securing or changing access to the owner's property, not parking or servicing vehicles on state highway rights of way.
    • No construction may begin on the right of way until a fully executed driveway permit is received and the applicant gives TxDOT 24-hour notification.
    • The driveway must comply with the executed permit and applicable regulations; TxDOT inspection must find construction satisfactory.
    • Where a local public agency has permitting authority, drainage impacts on the state highway system still require TxDOT approval before local approval.
    • Driveway geometrics, utilities, environmental requirements, wetlands considerations, ADAAG, TAS, and other applicable state and federal laws must be considered.

    required form: Form 1058, Permit to Construct Access Driveway Facilities on Highway Right of Way · advance notification: 24 hours (Notification to TxDOT is required before construction on the right of way.) · private residential driveway maximum width: <= 24 feet (Except as increased by permissible radii.) · minimum driveway radius to highway pavement: >= 15 feet

    “The applicant shall complete and submit to TxDOT a Form 1058”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — On-site sewage facility permitting in Kleberg County and statewide Texas.
      “The permitting authority must either approve or deny the planning materials and permit application within 30 days of receipt.”
  • county zoning authorityLimited

    Texas counties adopting zoning regulations for specified unincorporated or otherwise specially defined areas.

    • Chapter 231 does not grant a general statewide county zoning power; authority is provided through geographically or subject-matter limited subchapters.
    • For Padre Island, the authority applies in Cameron or Willacy County outside a municipality and within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development, or within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.
    • Other Chapter 231 subchapters address special areas including the Amistad Recreation Area in Val Verde County, military zones, certain lakes, the El Paso Mission Trail Historical Area, Lake Somerville, and Falcon Lake in Zapata County.
    • The cited statute was enacted effective September 1, 1987; the Falcon Lake subchapter was added effective June 15, 2007, and amended effective September 1, 2009.

    Padre Island distance from publicly owned park or recreational development: <= 2 miles (Area must be outside a municipality and in Cameron or Willacy County.) · Padre Island distance from beach, wharf, or bathhouse: <= 2 miles (The beach, wharf, or bathhouse must be used by at least 500 persons annually.)

    “This subchapter applies to the areas of Padre Island located in Cameron or Willacy County and located: (1) outside a municipality but within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development; or (2) within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — County zoning authority over unincorporated land in Texas, where a specific statutory grant applies.
      “As you suggest, a county has very limited and specific zoning authority, and none that may be used to regulate construction or operation of the proposed facility.”
  • county building authorityLimited

    Texas counties adopting and enforcing fire-code building permits for specified buildings in unincorporated areas and applying residential building-code standards in certain counties.

    • Under Section 233.061, the county must have a population over 250,000 or be adjacent to a county with a population over 250,000.
    • Under Section 233.062, the fire code applies only to commercial establishments, public buildings, and multifamily residential dwellings consisting of four or more units constructed in an unincorporated area.
    • The fire code does not apply to an industrial facility having a fire brigade that conforms to Occupational Health and Safety Administration requirements.
    • A covered applicant must submit a plan and a commissioners-court-set application fee; the county must issue or deny the permit within 30 days, and failure to act within 30 days approves the construction for purposes of the subchapter.
    • The fire code must conform to the International Fire Code or Uniform Fire Code as those codes existed on May 1, 2005, or establish protective measures exceeding those standards; later editions may be adopted.
    • Residential standards under Section 233.152 apply only if the county adopts a resolution or order and the county is within 50 miles of an international border or has a population over 100.
    • Those residential standards apply only to new single-family-house or duplex construction beginning after September 1, 2009; manufactured or modular structures governed by Occupations Code Chapters 1201 or 1202 are excluded from the definition of new residential construction.
    • A municipality's building code controls in its extraterritorial jurisdiction, and Section 233.152 does not authorize county prior approval of new residential construction or county zoning regulations.
    • Fire-code inspection and permit fees may be charged under a fee schedule based on building type, limited to amounts necessary to administer and enforce the subchapter; inspection fees must be reasonable and reflect approximate inspection costs.

    county population threshold for fire-code authority: > 250000 persons (A county adjacent to a county over 250,000 also qualifies.) · multifamily residential dwelling threshold: >= 4 units (The fire code applies only to covered buildings constructed in an unincorporated area.) · residential-code border distance: <= 50 miles (Alternative qualification is county population over 100.) · application decision period: 30 days (If the commissioners court does not issue or deny the permit within 30 days after receiving the application and fee, construction is approved for purposes of the subchapter.) · residential standards effective construction date: > 2009-09-01 (Applies only to new residential construction that begins after September 1, 2009.)

    “The commissioners court of a county with a population of over 250,000 or a county adjacent to a county with a population of over 250,000 may adopt a fire code and rules necessary to administer and enforce the fire code. [...] The fire code applies only to the following buildings constructed in an unincorporated area of the county: (1) a commercial establishment; (2) a public building; and (3) a multifamily residential dwelling consisting of four or more units.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — County fire-code adoption and building-permit authority for specified buildings in unincorporated areas of qualifying Texas counties, including multifamily residential dwellings of four or more units.
      “The commissioners court of a county with a population of over 250,000 or a county adjacent to a county with a population of over 250,000 may adopt a fire code and rules necessary to administer and enforce the fire code.”

Inside cities and towns in Kleberg County

Municipal rules found while researching the county. They apply inside that city or town, not to unincorporated land.

  • Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)

    Building-code use and enforcement for construction activities within the City of Kingsville.

    • The source lists codes in use in the City of Kingsville, not countywide codes for unincorporated Kleberg County or other municipalities.
    • Listed codes include the 2023 National Electrical Code; 2024 Property Maintenance, Mechanical, Existing Building, Plumbing, International Building, Energy Conservation, and International Fire Codes / NFPA 101.
    • Building permits are required for many remodeling projects, repairs, replacements, new structures, and additions; applicants are directed to contact Building Services for project-specific permit requirements.
    “Building Codes in use in the City of Kingsville 2023 National Electrical Code 2024 Property Maintenance Code 2024 Mechanical Code 2024 Existing Building Code 2024 Plumbing Code 2024 International Building Code 2024 Energy Conservation Code 2024 International Fire Code / National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 101”
  • Local zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Zoning within the corporate boundary of the City of Kingsville, a municipality located in Kleberg County.

    • The ordinance also applies in additional areas only as may be authorized by the State of Texas and City Commission.
    • Uses, construction, alteration, or occupancy must conform to applicable ordinances and regulations within the applicable district.
    • Previously approved exceptions may continue subject to the approved site plan and applicable terms, covenants, and conditions; proposed changes must comply with the ordinance.
    “(A) This article applies within the corporate boundary of the city and such additional areas as may be authorized by the State of Texas and City Commission.”
    4 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Present (with conditions) — Zoning regulation within the City of Kingsville, an incorporated municipality in Kleberg County.
      “It shall be the duty of the Planning and Zoning Commission to make and recommend for adoption a master plan, as a whole or in parts, or the future development and redevelopment of the municipality and its environs and shall have the power and duty to prepare a comprehensive plan and zoning regulations for the City of Kingsville.”
    • Present (with conditions) — Zoning and related land-use administration within the City of Kingsville, an incorporated municipality in Kleberg County.
      “The Planning & Zoning Division oversees the City-wide planning and zoning administration.”
    • Present (with conditions) — Zoning and land-use administration within the City of Kingsville.
      “The Planning & Zoning Division oversees the City-wide planning and zoning administration.”
    • Present (with conditions) — Zoning regulation within the City of Kingsville, Texas, including its residential, commercial, industrial, and agricultural zoning districts.
      “THAT Article 6: Zoning of Chapter XV, Land Usage, of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Kingsville, Texas, Sections 15-6-115 through 15-6-131 shall be amended to read as follows: [...] THAT this Ordinance shall be codified and become effective on and after adoption and publication as required by law. [...] PASSED AND APPROVED on this the 26th day of February, 2024. Effective Date: March 18, 2024”
  • Who permits septicLocal

    On-site sewage facility administration within the City of Kingsville, Kleberg County, Texas.

    • The City of Kingsville Health Department administers the OSSF program within Kingsville.
    • The source does not establish authority for the remainder of Kleberg County.
    “The City of Kingsville Health Department is in charge of administering the on-site sewage facility (OSSF) program within Kingsville.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Installation of any on-site sewage facility within the City of Kingsville, Kleberg County, Texas.

    • A construction permit must be obtained before installation.
    • The application, all planning materials, and applicable fees must be submitted by the homeowner or installer.
    • Before a permit is issued to operate the facility, the facility must be inspected.
    • Forty-eight working hours notification is required.

    inspection notification: 48 working hours

    “A construction permit must be obtained prior to the installation of any on-site sewage facility.”
  • Mandatory utility hookupWater and sewer (with conditions)

    Water and sewer utility service connections within the City of Kingsville, Kleberg County.

    • The cited city page describes the City of Kingsville's water and sewer accounts and connection-request process; it does not establish a countywide mandatory-connection rule.
    • New service requests must be made in person with a lease, Social Security card, valid identification, and water-utility deposit; property-owner information is verified through the Appraisal District online system.
    “The Utility Billing staff is responsible for reading, maintaining, billing and collection of approximately 7,700 water and sewer accounts each month. Utility Billing also handles requests to connect and disconnect or transfer services”
  • Building in a floodplainRequired

    All development within regulated flood zones in the City of Kingsville, including buildings, additions, remodels, grading, fill, pools, and fences.

    • A Floodplain Development Permit must be issued before construction.
    • The City of Kingsville Floodplain Manager issues the permit.
    • The City of Kingsville FAQ states that the City of Kingsville Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance governs the development.
    “All development within regulated flood zones require a Floodplain Development Permit issued by the City of Kingsville Floodplain Manager prior to construction.”

Still unanswered

We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission — ask the county directly.

  • Certificate of occupancy — Certificates of occupancy for buildings in unincorporated Kleberg County.
  • Short-term rentals — Short-term rental use in Kleberg County.

Each answer was extracted from an official source and independently re-checked against that source by a second reviewer. That is an evidence check, not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with the authority before you buy or build.

Living off-grid in Kleberg County, Texas

Is Kleberg County a good place to live off-grid or homestead?

Kleberg County scores 54/100 on the Bolthole Index, a solid county profile. Its strengths: low administrative friction for a quiet rural property and manageable long-term carry cost. Watch-outs: workable self-sufficiency basics (27.3″/yr rainfall) and elevated mid-century heat, water, rain, or wildfire exposure.

Do you need a building permit in Kleberg County, Texas?

Kleberg County does not require a county building permit for a home in unincorporated areas, and it has no county-wide zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by City of Kingsville Environmental Health, as Kleberg County's TCEQ authorized agent. Owner-builders may act as their own contractor to build their home. These answers are quoted from official sources and independently re-checked. Rules change and cities within the county differ — always confirm with the county before you buy or build.

Can you live in an RV or tiny home on your land in Kleberg County?

Living in an RV on your own land in Kleberg County is allowed: Unincorporated Kleberg County: no county rule sets this, because Kleberg County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Texas law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing statutes.capitol.texas.gov. Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits. Chapter 231 does not grant a general statewide county zoning power; authority is provided through geographically or subject-matter limited subchapters. A tiny home is allowed. Confirm with the county before relying on it.

How much does land cost in Kleberg County, Texas?

Land in Kleberg County runs about $1,396 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Kleberg County?

Kleberg County gets about 27.3" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 20.3% of years.

How remote is Kleberg County?

A typical private-land location has about 22,569 people within 15 miles and 1,263,565 within 100 miles. These radius catchments are the published fallback where road routing is unavailable.

How Kleberg compares in Texas

Compare side-by-side →See all 254 Texas counties ranked →