countyscore
41
County Score
Schools 63.9Safety 50.1Lawn Care 45.3

County Report Card

About Anderson County, Texas

Falling Behind the National Median

Anderson County earns a composite score of 41.0, trailing the national median of 50.0. This score puts the county in a lower competitive tier compared to its peers across the United States. Residents navigate a landscape where overall quality of life metrics sit below the midpoint of the national average.

A Typical Texas Experience

The county's composite score of 41.0 is nearly identical to the Texas state average of 41.9. It reflects a standard experience for the region, balancing moderate costs against regional infrastructure challenges. Within the state hierarchy, Anderson maintains a middle-of-the-pack standing.

Education and Safety Lead the Way

Strong educational outcomes drive the county's appeal, evidenced by a School Score of 63.9. Local safety also holds firm with a score of 50.1, offering a more secure environment than many neighboring districts. These factors provide a stable foundation for residents prioritizing community and learning.

Addressing Health and Environmental Risk

Health access remains a significant hurdle with a low score of 17.7, signaling a need for better medical infrastructure. Environmental concerns also linger as the Risk Score sits at 26.4. Improving these categories is essential for boosting the county's long-term livability profile.

Best for Budget-Conscious Families

With a median rent of $1,006 and solid school ratings, Anderson suits families who value education and affordability. It provides a classic East Texas lifestyle for those who don't mind traveling for specialized healthcare. The county offers a reliable, low-cost environment for mid-range earners.

Score breakdown

Tax40.2Cost38.5Safety50.1Health17.7Schools63.9Income34.9Risk26.4Water41.5Weather33.4
🏛40.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠38.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼34.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡50.1
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤17.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓63.9
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡26.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧41.5
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤33.4
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨27.4
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱45.3
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Nearby counties

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48.5
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Deep Dives

Anderson County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Anderson County

via TaxByCounty

Anderson County taxes: Below the national average

Anderson County's effective tax rate of 0.974% sits well below the national median of 1.03%, placing it in the bottom 30th percentile nationally. Homeowners here pay a median of $1,688 annually compared to the national median of $2,690, a difference of over $1,000 per year.

Rank among Texas counties: Lower than state average

At 0.974%, Anderson County's effective rate trails Texas's state average of 1.276% by about 23%. This below-average rate gives Anderson County homeowners some relief, with median taxes running $505 lower than the state median of $2,193.

How Anderson County compares to neighbors

Anderson County's 0.974% rate edges out nearby Angelina County (1.250%) and significantly undercuts Archer County (1.322%). Among this cluster of central Texas counties, Anderson offers some of the most favorable tax treatment for property owners.

What an Anderson County homeowner actually pays

On the median home value of $173,400, Anderson County property owners owe approximately $1,688 in annual property taxes at the effective rate of 0.974%. With a mortgage, that figure rises to about $1,994 when including mortgage-related taxes.

You might be paying too much already

Even in counties with lower tax rates, many homeowners discover their homes are overassessed during county reappraisals. Reviewing your assessment and filing an appeal if values seem inflated can save hundreds of dollars annually.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Anderson County

via CostByCounty

Anderson renters stretch paychecks tighter

Anderson County's rent-to-income ratio of 20.5% exceeds the national norm, meaning renters here dedicate a larger share of earnings to housing than average Americans do. The county's median household income of $58,846 lags the national median by $15,909, putting upward pressure on affordability despite moderate rent levels at $1,006 monthly.

Above Texas average for renters

Anderson County's 20.5% rent-to-income ratio ranks above Texas's 18.1% state average, placing it among counties where renters face tighter budgets. At $1,006 per month, Anderson's median rent is also $43 higher than the state average of $963.

Pricier than some East Texas peers

Angelina County, Anderson's neighbor to the south, has similar income levels but slightly higher rent at $1,056 monthly, pushing its rent-to-income ratio to 21.5%. Anderson offers a modest affordability advantage while maintaining comparable home values around $173,000.

Housing takes one-fifth of income

Renters in Anderson spend roughly $1,006 monthly on housing, while homeowners with mortgages spend $840—making ownership slightly more affordable per month. With median household income at $58,846, housing costs consume 20.5% of renter income but just 17.2% for homeowners, widening the ownership advantage.

Considering Anderson County? Weigh your options.

If you're relocating to East Texas, Anderson offers moderate rents and a median home value of $173,400, but check how your income compares to the $58,846 county median. Prospective homeowners may find better affordability here than renting, though both options consume more of your budget than national averages suggest.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Anderson County

via IncomeByCounty

Anderson trails national income benchmarks

Anderson County's median household income of $58,846 falls $15,909 below the national median of $74,755. This 21% gap suggests residents earn considerably less than the typical American household, placing the county in the lower income quartile nationally.

Below-average earnings in Texas

At $58,846, Anderson County's median household income trails the Texas state average of $64,737 by about $5,891. The county ranks in the lower third of Texas's 254 counties by household earnings.

Similar to nearby East Texas counties

Anderson County earns $7,056 less than neighboring Archer County ($71,958) but remains comparable to Angelina County ($58,847), indicating consistent economic conditions across the region. The gap widens significantly when compared to better-performing counties like Austin County ($75,994).

Housing remains affordable here

With a rent-to-income ratio of 20.5%, Anderson County households spend roughly one-fifth of earnings on rent—well below the 30% affordability threshold. The median home value of $173,400 is accessible relative to local incomes, supporting stable homeownership.

Building financial security in Anderson

Anderson County residents should prioritize emergency savings and employer retirement plans given median earnings of $58,846. Even modest contributions to 401(k)s or IRAs compound over time and can significantly boost long-term wealth despite current income constraints.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Anderson County

via CrimeByCounty

Anderson County outpaces national safety averages

Anderson County maintains an impressive safety score of 98.2 out of 100. Its total crime rate of 1,127.8 per 100,000 residents is less than half of the national average of 2,385.5.

A leader in Texas public safety

The county's safety score sits comfortably above the Texas state average of 96.8. With four reporting agencies, the local data provides a reliable picture of a community that is safer than many of its state-wide peers.

Lower crime than regional state averages

Anderson County's total crime rate of 1,127.8 stands in sharp contrast to the Texas average of 2,052.5. Residents enjoy a level of security that frequently surpasses that of neighboring jurisdictions in East Texas.

Understanding the Anderson County crime mix

Property crime accounts for 888.5 incidents per 100,000 people, while violent crime remains low at 239.3. These figures are both significantly lower than the national benchmarks for these specific categories.

Stay proactive in Anderson County

While rates remain low, property crime constitutes the majority of local incidents. Residents should consider basic home security measures to maintain the county's high safety standards.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Anderson County

via HealthByCounty

Anderson lags behind national life expectancy

At 72.0 years, Anderson County residents live nearly 3 years less than the U.S. average of 74.5 years. The county's 22.4% rate of residents reporting poor or fair health runs above the national norm, signaling broader population health challenges.

Below Texas average on longevity

Anderson County's 72.0-year life expectancy falls 2.3 years short of Texas's 74.3-year average, placing it in the lower half of the state's counties. This gap widens when looking at self-reported health outcomes, where 22.4% of residents report poor or fair health.

Healthier than some rural neighbors

Anderson outperforms Armstrong County (69.7 years) but trails Angelina County (72.6 years) on life expectancy. The county's uninsured rate of 17.7% is notably better than Andrews County's 22.9%, suggesting some residents have stable insurance access.

Primary care access lags mental health

Anderson has 38 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—below the typical threshold for adequate access—while offering 62 mental health providers per 100,000. At 17.7%, the uninsured rate means one in six county residents likely delay care due to cost.

Check your insurance options today

If you're among the 17.7% of uninsured Anderson County residents, marketplace plans and Medicaid may be available to you. Visit Healthcare.gov or contact the Texas Health and Human Services Commission to explore subsidies and enrollment deadlines.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Anderson County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Robust Seven-District Educational Network

Anderson County supports 8,188 students across 25 public schools, managed by seven distinct districts. This infrastructure includes 10 elementary, 6 middle, and 7 high schools to provide comprehensive coverage for the region.

Graduation Rates Outpace State Benchmarks

The county achieves a strong 93.9% graduation rate, exceeding the Texas average of 91.6% and the national mark of 87%. While per-pupil expenditure is $7,311, the 56.3 composite school score remains higher than the state average.

Palestine ISD Anchors the Local System

Palestine ISD is the largest district, educating 3,297 students across six specialized campuses. Charter schools have a small presence here, accounting for just 4.0% of the county's total public school options.

Rural Roots with Town-Centered Schools

Students attend 14 rural and 11 town-based campuses, where the average school size is 328 students. Palestine High School is the largest in the county with 998 students, offering a broader social environment than smaller rural sites.

Find Your Home Near Top Schools

High graduation rates and diverse district options make Anderson County a smart choice for growing families. Research homes in the Palestine or Elkhart districts to secure a place near these performing schools.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Anderson County

via RiskByCounty

Anderson's risk exceeds national average

Anderson County scores 73.63 on the composite risk scale, well above the national average and placing it in the relatively low risk category for Texas. This score reflects meaningful exposure to multiple hazard types that residents should understand and prepare for.

Higher risk within Texas counties

Anderson ranks significantly above Texas's state average composite risk score of 49.00, putting it in the upper tier of Texas counties for natural disaster exposure. The county faces notably elevated hazard risks compared to most of its state peers.

Riskier than surrounding counties

Anderson's 73.63 composite score exceeds nearby counties like Angelina (71.82) and other neighboring regions, making it one of the more hazard-exposed areas in East Texas. Residents here face somewhat greater exposure than those in immediately adjacent counties.

Tornadoes and wildfires dominate

Tornado risk reaches 92.33 in Anderson County—exceptionally high and the dominant threat—while wildfire risk scores 78.18, making these two hazards your primary concerns. Flood risk (69.69) and hurricane risk (73.38) also merit preparation, though they rank below tornado exposure.

Secure comprehensive disaster coverage

Given tornado exposure of 92.33 and wildfire risk of 78.18, standard homeowners policies often exclude these hazards; verify your coverage includes wind and fire protection. Consider a separate flood insurance policy through the National Flood Insurance Program, especially if you're in a flood-prone area near creeks or low-lying zones.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Anderson County

via WeatherByCounty

Warmer and wetter than the national average

With an average annual temperature of 66.2°F, Anderson County sits significantly warmer than the national median of approximately 54°F. This humid subtropical climate receives 45.3 inches of annual rainfall, placing it among the more lush regions in the country.

Above average warmth for the Lone Star State

Anderson County's 66.2°F annual average is nearly a full degree warmer than the Texas state average of 65.5°F. While many western counties face arid conditions, this county sees over 13 inches more rain than the typical Texas county.

East Texas humidity leads the region

Anderson County experiences much higher annual precipitation at 45.3 inches compared to the state's 31.9-inch baseline. The region shares the heavy humidity of its East Texas neighbors, creating a damp environment that supports thick pine forests.

Sizzling summers and very rare snow

The county endures 91 extreme heat days per year where temperatures hit 90°F or higher, peaking with a July average of 83.3°F. Winters remain mild with a January average of 47.8°F and a negligible 0.1 inches of annual snowfall.

Prepare for high humidity and heat

Residents should invest in high-efficiency HVAC systems to manage the 91 days of extreme heat and high moisture levels. Proper roof drainage and mold prevention are essential given the heavy 45.3-inch annual rainfall totals.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Anderson County

via SoilByCounty

Anderson County's Acidic Ground

The soil here maintains an average pH of 6.03, which is significantly more acidic than the Texas average of 7.09. This level also falls below the national median of 6.5, influencing which minerals remain available to local plants. While specific taxonomic data is limited, the acidic profile defines the region's gardening challenges.

A Sandy Foundation in Anderson

Sand dominates the local landscape at 62.5%, compared to 20.2% silt and 17.3% clay. This high sand content ensures the soil remains easy to work and resists compaction. However, it requires careful management to prevent nutrients from washing away during heavy rains.

Lower Fertility and Water Retention

With an organic matter content of 1.28%, the soil sits below the state average of 1.66% and the national average of 2.0%. The available water capacity is 0.118 in/in, trailing the Texas benchmark of 0.133. Growers typically need to supplement with compost to improve both nutrient levels and moisture storage.

Slow Infiltration Despite Sandy Texture

The soil belongs to Hydrologic Group D, indicating a high runoff potential and slow water movement when thoroughly wet. This suggests that despite the high sand percentage, deep layers may restrict drainage. Builders and farmers must plan for surface water management to avoid ponding during storm events.

Gardening Success in Zone 8b

Falling in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b, Anderson County offers a long growing season for heat-tolerant species. Blueberries and azaleas thrive in this acidic, sandy environment. You can start a productive garden by focusing on plants that love well-drained, low-pH conditions.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Anderson County

via LawnByCounty

Anderson County's Above-Average Growing Conditions

With a lawn difficulty score of 45.3, Anderson County is significantly easier to maintain than the Texas average of 31.7. While it sits slightly below the national median of 50.0, the region's placement in Hardiness Zone 8b provides a hospitable environment for many warm-season grasses.

Ample Rainfall Meets East Texas Heat

The county receives a robust 45.3 inches of annual precipitation, which sits perfectly within the ideal range for healthy turf. Mowing schedules typically ramp up after the March 23 last frost date as 91 extreme heat days drive rapid mid-summer growth.

Naturally Ideal Soil Acidity for Turf

The local soil pH of 6.03 falls directly within the 6.0-7.0 ideal range, meaning residents rarely need heavy lime applications. The soil is 62.5% sand and 17.3% clay, offering a coarse texture that usually supports healthy root development.

Managing Moderate Seasonal Drought Risks

Despite 17 weeks of drought over the past year, only 5.3% of the county currently faces severe conditions. To maintain resilience during the 100% abnormally dry coverage, homeowners should prioritize deep, infrequent watering to encourage deeper root systems.

Seeding Success in Zone 8b

Bermudagrass and St. Augustine thrive here, especially when established after the spring frost risk passes in late March. Start your lawn projects by mid-April to ensure roots are deep enough to handle the 6392 growing degree days that define the local season.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Anderson County's county score?
Anderson County, Texas has a composite county score of 41 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Anderson County rank among counties in Texas?
Anderson County ranks #131 among all counties in Texas on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Anderson County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Anderson County is $1,688, with an effective tax rate of 0.97%. This earns Anderson County a tax score of 40.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Anderson County?
The median household income in Anderson County, Texas is $58,846 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Anderson County earns an income score of 34.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Anderson County, Texas a good place to live?
Anderson County scores 41/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #131 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Anderson County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Anderson County with other counties side by side.

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Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.