countyscore
30.4
County Score
Income & Jobs 98.3Health 78.4Water Quality 70.8

County Report Card

About Collin County, Texas

Extreme Highs and Lows Impact National Ranking

Collin County carries a composite score of 30.4, falling well below the national median of 50.0. While residents earn high incomes, the score is suppressed by extreme housing costs and high environmental risks.

Behind the Texas Average for Livability

The county's 30.4 score lags behind the state average of 41.9. Despite its reputation for wealth, the index penalizes the county for its lack of affordability and low safety scores compared to state peers.

Exceptional Incomes and Health Outcomes

The county excels with an income score of 98.3 and a health score of 78.4. Residents enjoy a high median household income of $117,588 and access to some of the best medical care in the state.

Prohibitive Costs and High Environmental Risk

A cost score of 2.0 and a risk score of 1.1 highlight the county's major drawbacks. With median home values at $447,600 and a 1.660% tax rate, the financial barrier to entry is substantial.

A Magnet for High-Earning Professionals

Collin County is designed for affluent professionals who prioritize high-paying jobs and excellent health facilities over affordability. It fits those who view high living costs as a fair trade for premium amenities.

20406080100820.778.458.398.31.170.837.1Tax8Cost2Safety0.7Health78.4Schools58.3Income98.3Risk1.1Water70.8Weather37.130.4/100
This county
National avg
3 above average5 below average

Collin County DNA

Foverall

How Collin County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Collin County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Income (98.3/100) but notably weak in Safety (0.7/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
8-44
Cost
2-46
Safety
0.7-54.3
Health
78.4+28.400000000000006
Schools
58.3
Income
98.3+47.3
Risk
1.1-45.9
Water
70.8+12.799999999999997
Weather
37.1-18.9
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$447,600

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,792/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$447,600/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$71,680/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.8x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $117,588/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

16.7

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Nearby counties

Rockwall County
Texas
40.6
Denton County
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26.2
Dallas County
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26.2
Hunt County
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Kaufman County
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Grayson County
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Tarrant County
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Fannin County
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Deep Dives

Collin County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Collin County

via TaxByCounty

Collin County taxes run significantly higher

At 1.660%, Collin County's effective tax rate ranks among the highest in the nation, well above the national median of 1.41%. The median property tax of $7,432 is nearly three times the national median of $2,690, reflecting both high property values and elevated tax rates.

Top-tier tax burden among Texas counties

Collin County's 1.660% effective rate significantly exceeds Texas's 1.276% state average—a gap of 0.384 percentage points that places it among the state's highest-taxed counties. The median tax of $7,432 more than triples the state median of $2,193, indicating substantial tax pressure on homeowners.

Highest rates in the Dallas metroplex

Collin County's 1.660% rate far exceeds nearby Comal County's 1.210% and state averages across the region. The $7,432 median tax is driven by Collin's booming real estate market, with median home values of $447,600—the highest among comparable counties.

Median home valued at $447,600

A typical Collin County home valued at $447,600 generates an annual property tax bill of $7,432 without a mortgage, or $7,903 with one included. This amounts to roughly $620 monthly—a substantial burden even for affluent homeowners in this fast-growing Dallas suburb.

High values make appeals especially worthwhile

In Collin County's hot real estate market, overassessment is common, and even a 5% appraisal reduction can save thousands annually on a half-million-dollar home. Homeowners should review their assessments closely and consider appealing if their appraisal exceeds recent comparable sales in their neighborhood.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Collin County

via CostByCounty

Collin County: Affluent but still manageable

Despite median rents of $1,792 and a median home value of $447,600, Collin County's rent-to-income ratio sits at 18.3%—nearly identical to the national burden of roughly 30% for lower-income Americans. The key difference: the typical household earns $117,588, nearly 60% above the national median of $74,755, making these premium prices sustainable for residents.

Highest costs, highest incomes in Texas

Collin County's $1,792 median rent is 86% higher than the Texas state average of $963, and its 18.3% rent-to-income ratio slightly exceeds the state average of 18.1%. This Dallas-Fort Worth suburb ranks as one of Texas's priciest counties, yet elevated incomes keep affordability ratios in line with state norms.

A tier above Comal, worlds apart from rural West Texas

Collin County's $1,792 rent dwarfs nearby Comal County ($1,460) and absolutely dominates rural counties like Coke ($687) and Coleman ($714). For homebuyers, Collin's $447,600 median home value exceeds Comal's $398,800 and is four times the rural West Texas median of roughly $110,000.

Premium housing for premium incomes

The typical Collin County household earning $117,588 allocates $1,792 monthly for rent (18.3% of income) or $2,231 monthly to own a $447,600 home. Combined housing costs approach 45% of gross income—higher than rural counties—but the substantial salary absorbs this burden more easily than lower-earning regions.

Collin offers premium living in North Texas

If relocating to Collin County appeals to you, expect Dallas-Fort Worth metro pricing: $1,792 in monthly rent or nearly $450,000 for a median home. However, with a median household income of $117,588—the highest in this group—Collin remains proportionally affordable for its affluent population compared to lower-income counties.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Collin County

via IncomeByCounty

Collin County vastly outearns the nation

Collin County's median household income of $117,588 soars 57% above the U.S. median of $74,755, ranking it among the wealthiest counties in the country. This Dallas-area powerhouse benefits from corporate headquarters, tech jobs, and affluent suburban growth.

Texas's top-tier income county

At $117,588, Collin County ranks among the highest in Texas—81% above the state average of $64,737. Per capita income of $55,057 nearly doubles the state average of $33,197, reflecting concentrated wealth and high-earning professionals.

Far ahead of rural West Texas peers

Collin County's $117,588 median vastly exceeds all seven other counties surveyed, with only Comal County ($99,015) approaching its income level. The gap reflects urban-suburban versus rural economic divides.

High income meets high home costs

Collin County's rent-to-income ratio of 18.3% remains manageable, but median home values of $447,600 demand substantial household income and down payment capital. Strong wages support homeownership, though affordability requires careful financial planning.

High earners must prioritize diversification

Above-average incomes unlock opportunities—maximize tax-advantaged retirement accounts, diversify into real estate or stock portfolios, and consider wealth-building strategies like tax-loss harvesting. Work with a financial advisor to align growth with life goals.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Collin County

via CrimeByCounty

Suburban Growth and Higher Crime Metrics

Collin County reports a total crime rate of 8,082.0 per 100,000, which is significantly higher than the national average of 2,385.5. Despite these figures, its safety score remains at 87.2, reflecting the complexities of a fast-growing suburban hub.

Comparing Collin to the Texas Average

The county's safety score of 87.2 sits below the Texas average of 96.8. This is largely driven by a total crime rate that quadruples the state average of 2,052.5, requiring robust law enforcement across its 33 reporting agencies.

Higher Activity Than Regional Neighbors

Collin County’s crime rate of 8,082.0 far exceeds that of nearby Comal County, which reports just 1,713.7. This high volume of reporting reflects the intense density and commercial activity found in the north Dallas suburbs.

Property Crime Dominates Local Figures

Property crime is the main driver of the high rates here, occurring at 6,905.0 per 100,000 residents. While the violent crime rate of 1,177.0 is also above the national average, property-related incidents remain the primary focus for local police.

Advanced Security for Busy Neighborhoods

In a high-activity county, smart home security and doorbell cameras are essential for deterring property theft. Residents should stay connected through neighborhood watch programs to monitor the property crimes common in dense suburban areas.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Collin County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Massive Urban-Suburban Education Powerhouse

Collin County features a sprawling infrastructure of 294 public schools serving over 217,000 students across 17 districts. The system includes 164 elementary schools and 42 high schools, reflecting the rapid population growth in the region. This is one of the largest and most complex school landscapes in the state of Texas.

Exceptional Graduation Rates and Efficient Spending

Collin County boasts a 96.6% graduation rate, significantly outperforming both the state average and the 87.0% national benchmark. Despite its high performance, per-pupil spending is relatively lean at $6,337, demonstrating high efficiency. The county maintains a strong school score of 55.6 amid its massive scale.

Home to Massive Districts and Choice

Frisco ISD and Plano ISD are the heavyweights, together serving over 115,000 students across more than 150 campuses. The county also offers choice through nine charter schools, though they represent only 3% of total campuses. High schools like Allen HS are legendary, with enrollment exceeding 5,300 students.

Dynamic Suburbs and Large-Scale Campuses

With 157 schools in suburban settings and 83 in cities, the educational feel is fast-paced and high-density. Average school size is 770 students, though flagship campuses like Plano East Senior High serve thousands. This area provides a modern, resource-rich environment that typical suburban families prioritize.

Relocating to Collin County's Premier Districts

Collin County is a top destination for families primarily due to its elite school performance and graduation rates. Homes in Frisco, Plano, and McKinney often command a premium because of their proximity to these highly-rated districts. Let the data guide your home search in one of the state's most successful educational corridors.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Collin County

via RiskByCounty

Collin County Faces Relatively High Risk

Collin County's composite score of 98.86 ranks Relatively High—nearly double the national average and among the most dangerous counties in the comparison group. The county confronts serious exposure across nearly every hazard type.

Second-Highest Risk in Texas

Collin County's score of 98.86 towers over the Texas state average of 49.00, making it one of Texas's riskiest counties overall. This elevated profile reflects the county's dense population and Dallas-area location in a high-impact zone.

Dramatically Riskier Than Nearby Counties

Collin County (98.86) faces triple the risk of Comal County (92.68) and far exceeds every other nearby county in this group. This makes Collin a clear outlier for disaster vulnerability in North Texas.

Tornado and Flooding Lead Multiple Threats

Tornado risk (99.94) and flood risk (96.79) are Collin County's dominant hazards, with scores near or exceeding 97 points. Earthquake (82.03) and wildfire (81.01) risks also exceed state averages, creating compound exposure for residents.

Comprehensive Coverage Essential in Collin

Collin County residents must prioritize flood insurance—standard homeowners policies exclude flood damage, and the county's 96.79 flood score demands separate coverage. Layer in tornado/wind protection, and consider earthquake coverage given the 82.03 score.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Collin County

via WaterByCounty

Exceptional Drinking Water Standards Maintained

Collin County earns an 'A' grade for drinking water compliance, reporting a remarkably low violation rate of 0.6 per 100,000 people. This performance far exceeds the state average of 581.9, with only eight violations across its massive population.

Watershed Assessments Currently Unavailable

Local water bodies in Collin County have not yet been evaluated for the federal §303(d) assessment. There is currently no data on the percentage of impaired waterways or primary contaminants for this specific region.

Robust Monitoring Network Tracks Water Quality

A dense network of 93 monitoring sites has produced 62,414 measurements over the last five years. Agencies prioritize tracking physical properties, nutrients, and inorganic non-metals to ensure the safety of the growing region.

East Fork Trinity River Flowing Strong

The East Fork Trinity River near Lavon shows a healthy discharge of 416 cfs, reaching 128% of its long-term mean. This current flow level indicates ample supply compared to the historical average of 325 cfs.

High Reliability Supports Safe Tap Water

While compliance is excellent, residents should stay informed about nutrient levels in local runoff. The strong streamflow currently helps dilute contaminants, but maintaining a high-quality carbon filter is a simple way to ensure consistent taste and safety.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Collin County

via WeatherByCounty

Warm climate with high humidity

Collin County’s average temperature of 65.0°F is well above the national median, supported by a generous 40.5 inches of annual rain. This creates a humid subtropical environment with more precipitation than many neighboring western regions.

Cooler and wetter than the state

While the 65.0°F annual temperature is just below the Texas average, Collin County is significantly wetter than the state median. It receives over eight inches more rainfall than the typical Texas county.

Dampest in the North Texas corridor

Compared to Cooke County to the northwest, Collin is nearly two degrees warmer on average. It maintains a similar precipitation level to its northern neighbors, distinguishing itself from the drier counties further west.

Steamy summers and brisk winters

July averages a high of 83.8°F, contributing to 93 days of extreme heat over 90°F each year. Winter snowfall is negligible at 1.4 inches, though January temperatures average a cool 44.9°F.

Manage moisture and peak heat

With over 40 inches of rain, proper drainage and gutter maintenance are essential for local homeowners. Residents should also prepare for roughly three months of days exceeding 90°F with robust air conditioning.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Collin County

via SoilByCounty

The Heavy Silty Clays of Collin

Collin County features Inceptisols, which are relatively young soils in geologic terms, with a silty clay texture. The average pH is 7.77, making it much more alkaline than the national median of 6.5.

A Clay-Dominant Landscape

With a high clay content of 41.1%, these soils are notoriously sticky when wet and hard when dry. The 36.0% silt and 22.9% sand mix results in excellent nutrient retention but can make physical work challenging.

Rich in Organic Matter

The county excels in fertility with 2.07% organic matter, far surpassing the Texas average of 1.66%. Its available water capacity of 0.152 in/in is among the highest in the region, providing a deep reservoir for crops.

Good Drainage Despite High Clay

Despite the heavy clay, these soils are classified as well drained and fall into hydrologic group B. This combination suggests a moderate infiltration rate that is better than many other clay-heavy counties.

Abundance in Zone 8b

Zone 8b allows for a long growing season for okra, peppers, and ornamental shrubs. Your nutrient-dense soil is ready for a flourishing garden if you manage the heavy clay correctly.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Collin County

via LawnByCounty

A Top-Tier Texas Lawn Environment

With a lawn difficulty score of 43.6, Collin County is one of the most favorable spots in the state for home gardening, significantly outperforming the 31.7 Texas average. Its location in Zone 8b provides a mild climate that supports a wide variety of turf options.

Ideal Rainfall and Manageable Heat

The county receives 40.5 inches of annual rain, falling perfectly within the 30-50 inch ideal range for healthy lawns. Although it sees 93 extreme heat days, this is lower than the state average of 105, giving grass a better chance to thrive without constant intervention.

Working with Heavy Silty Clay

The soil is dominated by 41.1% clay, which creates a heavy texture that retains water but can become compacted. A high pH of 7.77 suggests that acidifying fertilizers may be necessary to unlock nutrients trapped in the silty clay profile.

Consistent Moisture with Low Risk

Collin County experienced only 9 weeks of drought in the past year, though the entire county is currently flagged as abnormally dry. Aerating the heavy clay soil is a vital conservation step to ensure water reaches the roots rather than running off the surface.

Early Starts in the Blackland Prairie

The early March 17th spring frost date allows for a head start on lawn projects compared to western counties. St. Augustine and Zoysia thrive here, provided they are established before the growing season ends in mid-November.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Collin County's county score?
Collin County, Texas has a composite county score of 30.4 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 Collin County rank among counties in Texas?
Collin County ranks #211 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 Collin County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Collin County is $7,432, with an effective tax rate of 1.66%. This earns Collin County a tax score of 8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Collin County?
The median household income in Collin County, Texas is $117,588 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Collin County earns an income score of 98.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Collin County, Texas a good place to live?
Collin County scores 30.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #211 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Collin 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 Collin County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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