countyscore
30.8
County Score
Income & Jobs 94.2Water Quality 64.2Schools 49.9

County Report Card

About Ellis County, Texas

Competing with National Averages

Ellis County records a composite score of 30.8, which is lower than the 50.0 national median. High costs of living are the primary reason for this national discrepancy.

Below the Texas Average

Despite its high wealth, the county sits below the state average of 41.9. It is a more expensive and higher-tax alternative compared to the rest of Texas.

Elite Incomes and Utilities

The income score is a stellar 94.2, backed by a median household income of $95,898. Water infrastructure is also a strength, earning a score of 64.2.

Very High Cost of Entry

A cost score of 7.3 highlights the area's high prices, with median home values reaching $306,400. The tax score of 14.9 also reflects a significant property tax burden.

Tailored for High-Earning Professionals

Ellis is perfect for affluent professionals working in the DFW area who want a high-income community. It suits those who prioritize household wealth over general affordability.

Score breakdown

Tax14.9Cost7.3Safety24.1Health43Schools49.9Income94.2Risk18.4Water64.2Weather33.2
🏛14.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠7.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼94.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡24.1
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤43
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓49.9
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡18.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧64.2
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤33.2
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨33.2
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱46
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

Kaufman County
Texas
29.4
Dallas County
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Navarro County
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30.3
Johnson County
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Rockwall County
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Henderson County
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Deep Dives

Ellis County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Ellis County

via TaxByCounty

Ellis taxes rank above national average

Ellis County's effective tax rate of 1.460% sits well above the national median, with a median property tax of $4,472 exceeding the national median of $2,690 by 66%. The county's higher home values and robust suburban school systems drive this premium tax burden.

Among Texas's highest-taxing counties

Ellis County's 1.460% effective rate significantly outpaces the Texas state average of 1.276%, placing it in the top tier of the state's 254 counties. The median property tax of $4,472 runs more than double the state median of $2,193.

Steepest taxes in North-Central Texas

Ellis County's 1.460% rate and $4,472 median tax substantially exceed surrounding counties, reflecting its position as a Dallas-Fort Worth suburb with excellent schools. Erath County, its closest neighbor, averages 1.126% and $2,836 in median tax.

Expect $4,472 annually on median home

With a median home value of $306,400—the highest among these eight counties—typical Ellis County homeowners pay approximately $4,472 per year in property taxes. Those with mortgages often pay around $5,264 when combining school, county, and municipal levies.

Protect yourself with annual valuations

Ellis County's booming real-estate market creates risk of inflated assessments; appraisers sometimes lag market reality. File a property tax protest annually with the Ellis County appraisal district, supported by recent comparable sales, to ensure your bill stays aligned with true market value.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Ellis County

via CostByCounty

Ellis County: prosperity meets affordability

Renters in Ellis County spend 18.1% of their income on housing—matching Texas's state average—while earning $95,898, far exceeding the national median of $74,755. This high-income county achieves affordability through sheer earning power despite expensive rents and mortgages.

Highest income in entire comparison

Ellis County's median household income of $95,898 is the highest among these eight counties and 28% above Texas's typical earner. This wealth allows residents to absorb above-average housing costs while maintaining strong financial flexibility.

Premium pricing reflects prosperity

Ellis County's $1,449 rent and $306,400 median home value are the highest in this comparison, reflecting its proximity to Dallas's booming exurban market. The county offers suburban growth without core Dallas pricing, attracting affluent commuters.

High costs, but manageable burden

Renters spend $1,449/month and homeowners pay $1,608/month against the $95,898 income, consuming only 18% of household earnings. These are the largest absolute housing expenses in the comparison, yet the highest incomes make them proportionally manageable.

Affluent families seeking Dallas suburbs

Ellis County delivers suburban living, top-tier schools, and Dallas job access for households earning $100,000+. If you can afford $1,600+ monthly housing costs, Ellis offers prosperity and growth potential unmatched elsewhere in this comparison.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Ellis County

via IncomeByCounty

Ellis ranks well above national income

Ellis County's median household income of $95,898 significantly exceeds the U.S. median of $74,755 by roughly $21,100—a 28% advantage. This places Ellis among the nation's stronger-earning counties, driven by Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan proximity and growing professional employment.

Texas's highest earner in this group

Ellis County's $95,898 median household income towers over Texas's state average of $64,737, by approximately $31,161. The county's per capita income of $39,646 also far exceeds the state average of $33,197, reflecting a prosperous suburban-exurban economy.

Clear income leader among all peers

Ellis County's $95,898 median income ranks 35% to 59% higher than all seven other counties analyzed—Erath County ($65,351) is the closest competitor. The county's growth as a Dallas-Fort Worth bedroom community has attracted higher-income households and corporate relocation.

Incomes support higher home values

Ellis's rent-to-income ratio of 18.1% remains reasonable even as median home values have surged to $306,400. The county's strong incomes allow residents to afford rising housing costs, though property appreciation has outpaced wage growth in recent years.

Maximize wealth through strategic investing

Ellis County's above-average incomes create opportunity to aggressively fund retirement accounts, college savings, and diversified portfolios. Consider working with a wealth advisor to optimize tax strategy, real estate holdings, and investment allocation as property values and incomes continue to appreciate.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Ellis County

via CrimeByCounty

Ellis County Stays Safer Than National Averages

The total crime rate of 1,907.8 per 100K is well below the national mark of 2,385.5. The county maintains a solid safety score of 97.0.

Safety Levels Surpass the Texas State Average

Ellis County’s score of 97.0 is higher than the state average of 96.8. Nineteen agencies report data here, ensuring one of the most transparent safety profiles in the region.

Crime Rates Competitive With Regional Neighbors

The total rate of 1,907.8 is lower than the Texas average of 2,052.5. However, it is higher than Erath County’s lower rate of 1,018.9 per 100K.

Violent Crime is Notably Low in Ellis

The violent crime rate of 201.5 per 100K is nearly half the national average of 369.8. Property crime is more frequent at 1,706.3 per 100K, reflecting suburban trends.

Secure Your Property to Stay Safe

With property crime being the primary focus, residents should ensure garages and sheds are locked. Automated lighting can help reduce the risk of nighttime theft.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Ellis County

via HealthByCounty

Ellis leads nation in life expectancy

Ellis County residents live to 76.8 years on average, nearly 1.5 years above the U.S. average of 75.4 years. Only 18.8% report poor or fair health, below the national average of 19.5%, indicating consistently strong health outcomes.

Ellis is Texas's healthiest county here

At 76.8 years, Ellis County leads Texas's state average of 74.3 years by more than 2.5 years and ranks highest among these eight counties. With a 16.5% uninsured rate below the Texas average of 19.8%, Ellis demonstrates strong coverage and health outcomes.

Clear health advantage over peers

Ellis County's 76.8-year life expectancy ties Erath County but far exceeds Duval County (70.3 years) and Donley County (73.3 years). Its 18.8% poor/fair health rate and 16.5% uninsured rate are the best in this group, suggesting a healthier, better-insured population.

Moderate access, strong coverage

Ellis County provides 38 primary care providers and 108 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—solid infrastructure for a suburban county. The 16.5% uninsured rate means most residents have coverage, enabling regular access to preventive care and specialists.

Maintain coverage for continued health

Ellis County's exceptional health outcomes reflect strong insurance coverage rates and provider access; maintaining these gains requires keeping all residents insured. Those without coverage should enroll in Texas Health Insurance Marketplace plans to sustain the county's health leadership.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Ellis County

via SchoolsByCounty

Rapidly Growing Suburban Infrastructure

Ellis County hosts 72 public schools across 11 districts, supporting a large student body of 43,941. The landscape is dominated by 39 elementary schools and 13 high schools as the area continues to expand.

Elite Graduation and Efficient Spending

Students here excel with a 93.7% graduation rate, which is significantly higher than both state and national benchmarks. This success comes despite a lean per-pupil expenditure of $6,250, well below the national average of $13,000.

Midlothian and Waxahachie Lead

Midlothian ISD and Waxahachie ISD are the heavy hitters, each serving nearly 11,000 students. While traditional districts are the norm, five charter schools provide alternative options for local families.

A Mix of Suburban and Rural Charm

The county is split between 34 rural schools and 31 suburban campuses, with an average school size of 619. Massive facilities like Waxahachie High School enroll nearly 3,000 students, offering comprehensive extracurricular and academic programs.

Top Choice for Dallas Commuters

Ellis County is a premier destination for families wanting high graduation rates and a mix of suburban and rural living. Look for homes in Waxahachie or Midlothian to join districts that consistently outperform national academic benchmarks.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Ellis County

via RiskByCounty

Ellis County's Substantial Risk Exposure

Ellis County scores 81.62 on the national composite risk scale, earning a Relatively Moderate rating and placing it well above the U.S. average. This elevation reflects Ellis's exposure across multiple hazard categories, particularly flood, wildfire, and tornado risks. Residents face natural disaster exposure approximately 65% higher than typical American counties.

Among Texas's Highest-Risk Counties

At 81.62, Ellis County exceeds Texas's state average of 49.00 by 67%, ranking among the state's most hazard-exposed counties. Only a handful of Texas counties—notably El Paso (95.45) and Ector (82.82)—score higher in composite risk. Ellis residents occupy the upper tier of statewide natural disaster vulnerability.

Riskier Than Most Surrounding Counties

Ellis County's 81.62 significantly exceeds Erath County (75.00) and dramatically surpasses Edwards County (5.73) and Donley County (26.62). It ranks nearly identically to Ector County (82.82), making both counties statistical peers in terms of hazard exposure. This concentration reflects Ellis's North Texas location and proximity to flood-prone river corridors.

Flood, Wildfire, and Tornado Dominance

Ellis County's highest risks are flood (83.46), tornado (87.75), and wildfire (86.07)—all in the elevated range and reflecting North Texas's vulnerability to severe spring storms and water events. Hurricane risk at 52.19 adds a secondary concern, while earthquake exposure at 51.11 is moderate. These hazards collectively make Ellis one of Texas's most multi-hazard-exposed counties.

Multi-Hazard Insurance Essential

Ellis County residents must purchase separate flood insurance immediately, as the county's 83.46 flood risk score makes this non-negotiable and standard policies exclude it. Add tornado/hail riders and comprehensive wildfire coverage given those hazard scores near 87%. Review your policy limits annually and maintain a current home inventory for disaster recovery purposes.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Ellis County

via WeatherByCounty

Subtropical heat and high humidity

Ellis County averages 65.7°F annually, which is significantly warmer than the national median. With 40.5 inches of annual rainfall, it is much wetter than the national average, creating a humid subtropical environment.

Wetter and warmer than average

The county is slightly warmer than the Texas average of 65.5°F and significantly wetter than the state average of 31.9 inches. This 40.5-inch annual rainfall makes it one of the more lush regions in the state.

Wetter than nearby Falls County

Ellis County receives 40.5 inches of rain, outpacing Falls County’s 39.1 inches and the state average of 31.9. It also runs warmer than Erath County, with an annual average of 65.7°F versus 64.4°F.

Steamy summers and rare frost

July averages a hot 84.4°F, and the county endures 102 days of extreme heat annually. Snow is almost non-existent at 0.1 inches, while January remains mild with an average of 45.9°F.

Managing humidity and heat

With 102 days of 90°F+ weather and 40.5 inches of rain, dehumidification and powerful AC are essential. Residents should also plan for heavy spring rains that contribute to the county's high annual precipitation.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Ellis County

via SoilByCounty

Alkaline Grounds of North Texas

Ellis County maintains a pH of 7.42, which is notably alkaline compared to the national median of 6.5. This pH level influences nutrient availability and plant selection for local growers.

Heavy Clay for Nutrient Retention

The soil is heavy on clay at 37.2%, with 25.2% sand and 31.5% silt. While this high clay content provides excellent nutrient retention, it can be difficult to work when excessively wet.

Exceeding State Averages for Productivity

With 1.79% organic matter, Ellis County exceeds the state average of 1.66%. The available water capacity of 0.143 in/in also beats the state benchmark, ensuring superior moisture storage.

Managing High Runoff Potential

The soil falls into hydrologic group D, indicating high runoff potential and slow infiltration. This makes proper drainage planning crucial for both agricultural success and suburban construction.

Abundant Harvests in Zone 8b

Falling in hardiness zone 8b, the county is an excellent spot for cotton, corn, and robust summer vegetables. The nutrient-rich clay supports a productive garden with proper moisture control.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Ellis County

via LawnByCounty

Ellis County Leads in Ease

With a lawn difficulty score of 46.0, Ellis County offers some of the best growing conditions in Texas. It approaches the national average of 50.0, providing a much friendlier environment than the typical Texas county.

Generous Rainfall for Texas Lawns

The county receives an impressive 40.5 inches of annual rain, placing it squarely in the ideal 30-50 inch range. While there are 102 days of extreme heat, the consistent precipitation helps maintain growth through the 6,301 growing degree days.

Heavy Clay Retention Power

The soil contains 37.2% clay, which is excellent for holding moisture and nutrients but can become compacted. The slightly alkaline pH of 7.42 may require occasional acidification to help the grass fully absorb iron and nitrogen.

Resilient Against Recent Dryness

Ellis County only faced 13 weeks of drought over the past year, the lowest in this group. While 100% of the county is currently abnormally dry, the high clay content helps the soil act as a reservoir during short rainless stretches.

Thriving in Zone 8b

Both Zoysia and Bermuda grasses perform exceptionally well here thanks to the ample rainfall and long season. The spring planting window opens wide after the last frost on March 12, allowing for early establishment.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ellis County's county score?
Ellis County, Texas has a composite county score of 30.8 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 Ellis County rank among counties in Texas?
Ellis County ranks #209 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 Ellis County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Ellis County is $4,472, with an effective tax rate of 1.46%. This earns Ellis County a tax score of 14.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Ellis County?
The median household income in Ellis County, Texas is $95,898 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Ellis County earns an income score of 94.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Ellis County, Texas a good place to live?
Ellis County scores 30.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #209 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Ellis 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 Ellis County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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