People who grew up in Bexar County tend to have higher credit scores than those from many South Texas counties, but not than our Hill Country neighbors.
Why it matters: Credit scores can affect access to loans, housing and favorable interest rates — despite their flaws and biases.
How it works: The dataset from the Opportunity Atlas looks at people born between 1978 and 1985, measuring their scores in 2020, when they were 35-42.It reflects where they grew up, not necessarily where they live now.
Zoom in: Bexar's average credit score of 656 trails several surrounding counties like Kendall (690), Comal (678), Bandera (670), Wilson (668) and Guadalupe (663).
The bottom line: Measurements based on your childhood neighborhood can reveal how the geographic roll of the dice may impact the course of your life, even if you're no longer there.