46.2
County Score
Safety 71.3Income & Jobs 62.6Schools 59.6

County Report Card

About Fannin County, Texas

A Stable National Mid-Tier Ranking

Fannin County scores a 46.2, sitting slightly under the national median of 50.0. This represents a balanced quality of life consistent with many growing rural counties across the country.

Surpassing the Texas State Average

The county remains competitive in the Lone Star State, beating the average Texas score of 41.9. It maintains a healthy ranking even as property values rise in the region.

Safety and Solid Local Earnings

Safety is a top priority here, reflected in a strong score of 71.3. A robust income score of 62.6 also points to a healthy median household income of $68,377.

Navigating Environmental Risk and Health

Local health services score 26.2, while a risk score of 31.9 suggests some vulnerability to environmental factors. Residents also manage a moderate tax score of 30.8.

Perfect for Established Families and Professionals

Fannin County suits those who value public safety and steady income growth. It is a great choice for families looking for stability near the northern Texas border.

Score breakdown

Tax30.8Cost34.9Safety71.3Health26.2Schools59.6Income62.6Risk31.9Water56.1Weather46.2
🏛30.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠34.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼62.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡71.3
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty
26.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓59.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty
31.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧56.1
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty
🌤46.2
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty
🪨40.8
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty
🌱46.4
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
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Fannin County?

Many homeowners in Fannin County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

Check My Assessment

Deep Dives

Fannin County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Fannin County

via TaxByCounty

Fannin County taxes well below national median

Fannin County's effective tax rate of 1.103% is actually slightly below the national median of 1.026%, despite appearing higher than many U.S. counties. The median property tax of $2,356 falls below the national median of $2,690, reflecting a more affordable housing market relative to the nation.

Among Texas's most affordable counties

Fannin County's 1.103% effective rate ranks it below the Texas state average of 1.276%, placing it in the lower third of Texas counties for tax burden. The median property tax of $2,356 exceeds the state average of $2,193, but only because homes here are more valuable relative to the tax rate applied.

Fannin keeps taxes lower than most peers

Fannin County's 1.103% rate is notably lower than Falls County's 1.469% and Fisher County's 1.705%, making it one of the more tax-friendly counties in North Texas. Only Franklin County (0.912%) and Floyd County (1.079%) offer marginally better rates in the region.

Annual tax on typical home: $2,356

A homeowner with the median home value of $213,500 in Fannin County pays approximately $2,356 annually in property taxes. With a mortgage, taxes rise to around $2,828; without one, they drop to about $1,920.

Appeal if your assessment seems high

Fannin County homeowners can challenge their property assessments if valuations don't match recent comparable sales. The appraisal review board process is free and can result in significant tax savings for those who document evidence of overassessment.

Cost of Living in Fannin County

via CostByCounty

Fannin County slightly above national affordability

Fannin County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.4% sits 3.2 percentage points above the national average, indicating moderate housing pressure on renters. However, median household income of $68,377 exceeds the national median of $74,755, partially offsetting higher rent burdens.

Mid-range affordability among Texas counties

Fannin County's 17.4% rent-to-income ratio falls just below Texas's state average of 18.1%, positioning it as relatively affordable within the state. This places the county in the middle tier for housing affordability across all Texas counties.

Pricier rents than rural county peers

Fannin County's $994 median rent exceeds Falls County ($747) by 33% but trails Fayette County ($909) by just 9%. Median home values at $213,500 sit between Fisher County ($77,600) and Fayette County ($271,100), reflecting its position as a moderate-growth region.

Higher rents strain moderate incomes

Fannin County renters pay $994 monthly from a median income of $68,377, consuming 17.4% of household earnings, while homeowners spend $903 monthly on properties valued at $213,500. The rent burden leaves limited discretionary income compared to lower-cost neighboring counties.

Fannin offers balanced growth and access

Relocators seeking a middle-ground between rural affordability and suburban amenities should evaluate Fannin County's $994 rents against comparable options. Your current housing cost as a percentage of income will reveal whether the move pencils out financially.

Income & Jobs in Fannin County

via IncomeByCounty

Fannin County keeps pace with America

Fannin County's median household income of $68,377 sits within 8.5% of the national median of $74,755, placing it solidly in the middle-income range. While slightly below the U.S. average, Fannin residents earn more than 70% of American households.

Above-average earners in Texas

At $68,377, Fannin County exceeds the Texas state median of $64,737 by $3,640 per household. The county also outpaces the state's per capita income of $33,197 with a per capita figure of $34,865, suggesting relatively balanced income distribution.

Strong performer among regional peers

Fannin County's $68,377 income ranks above Falls ($55,372) and Floyd ($55,461) but trails Fayette County's $76,541. Among the F-county cluster, Fannin ranks as the second-strongest economic performer after Fayette.

Housing costs rise alongside income here

Fannin County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.4% remains affordable, though the median home value of $213,500 represents 3.1 years of median income—suggesting homeownership requires meaningful savings. The higher cost structure indicates a wealthier market with premium properties.

Invest in assets beyond housing

With housing costs consuming a modest 17.4% of income, Fannin County households have capacity to invest in retirement accounts, stocks, and diversified assets. Families should prioritize 401(k) contributions and index fund investing to build wealth beyond real estate alone.

Safety in Fannin County

via CrimeByCounty

Fannin County safety exceeds national standards

Fannin County boasts an impressive safety score of 98.9, far outperforming the national benchmark. Its total crime rate of 685.1 per 100,000 people is less than one-third of the national average of 2,385.5.

A top-tier safety rank in Texas

The county ranks well above the Texas state average safety score of 96.8. Seventeen different reporting agencies contribute to a comprehensive data set that confirms its status as one of the state's more secure counties.

Local leader in public safety

With a crime rate of 685.1, Fannin County is safer than neighboring Falls County at 1,005.1 and Franklin County at 2,029.7. This makes it a regional leader in crime prevention and public security.

Very low violent crime rates

The local violent crime rate is just 160.9 per 100,000 people, which is less than half the national rate of 369.8. Property crime also remains exceptionally low at 524.2, indicating a very low risk of theft for homeowners.

Preserving a secure neighborhood

Residents enjoy high levels of safety, but basic home security remains a smart practice. Participating in local watch programs and locking doors consistently helps keep these impressive numbers stable.

Health in Fannin County

via HealthByCounty

Fannin County falls short nationally

Fannin County's 73.3-year life expectancy is nearly 6 years below the U.S. average of 79 years. Its 20.5% poor or fair health rate exceeds the national average, reflecting widespread health challenges.

Fannin underperforms Texas average

At 73.3 years, Fannin County's life expectancy lags Texas' 74.3-year average, ranking it in the lower tier of state counties. The gap suggests local health determinants merit attention.

Strong mental health resources stand out

Fannin County boasts 104 mental health providers per 100K residents—far above the state average and its peers—making it a regional mental health hub. However, primary care at 19 per 100K remains below state benchmarks.

Lower uninsured rate, mixed access

Fannin County's 16.6% uninsured rate is better than the state average of 19.8%, yet residents still face gaps in primary care. The abundance of mental health providers suggests efforts to address behavioral health, but primary prevention remains limited.

Check your coverage this week

Even though Fannin County has relatively low uninsured rates, gaps remain—visit Healthcare.gov or your county health office to confirm you have adequate primary care access. Staying insured ensures you can fully use the mental health resources your county offers.

Schools in Fannin County

via SchoolsByCounty

Broad Reach Across Eight School Districts

Fannin County manages an expansive network of 23 public schools serving 5,479 total students. The system is well-distributed with eight elementary and eight high schools spread across eight separate districts.

Exceeding State and National Graduation Standards

The county boasts a 92.9% graduation rate, beating both the Texas state average of 91.6% and the national 87.0% benchmark. Education quality is high despite a per-pupil expenditure of $7,227, which remains efficient compared to national spending levels.

Bonham ISD Anchors the County System

Bonham ISD is the largest district, enrolling 1,899 students across five different campuses. Leonard ISD and Honey Grove ISD also play major roles, together serving over 1,400 students in the region.

A Traditional Rural Learning Environment

With 18 of the 23 schools located in rural settings, Fannin County offers a classic country school experience. The average school size is just 238 students, with Bonham High School serving as the largest campus at 548 students.

Relocating Near Fannin County Schools

Prospective homeowners will find a diverse range of rural and town properties near high-performing districts like Bonham. Consider the local school scores and small class sizes when choosing your next Texas home.

Disaster Risk in Fannin County

via RiskByCounty

Fannin County carries moderate risk nationally

Fannin County's composite risk score of 68.13 places it above the national average, earning a relatively low risk rating despite elevated hazard exposure. This means residents face more natural disaster threats than typical Americans, requiring greater preparedness awareness.

Higher-risk than most Texas counties

At 68.13, Fannin County's composite score significantly exceeds Texas's state average of 49.00, making it one of the state's riskier jurisdictions. The county's exposure stems primarily from tornado and wildfire threats that outpace most of Texas.

Most threatened county in its region

Fannin County scores 68.13, substantially higher than nearby Falls County (26.24) and Franklin County (24.81), marking it as the region's most disaster-prone area. Its elevated wildfire (70.10) and tornado (87.31) scores far exceed those of surrounding counties.

Tornadoes pose the most serious threat

Tornado risk (87.31) dominates Fannin County's hazard profile, nearly matching or exceeding the state average across most categories. Wildfire risk (70.10) ranks second, followed by moderate earthquake (46.82) and hurricane (48.77) exposure.

Prioritize tornado and wind protection

Fannin County residents should ensure robust wind and hail coverage in homeowners policies and verify that tornado damage is included. Consider a safe room or reinforced shelter, and maintain emergency preparedness plans given the high tornado risk score of 87.31.

Weather & Climate in Fannin County

via WeatherByCounty

Wet and warm northern Texas

Fannin County averages 63.5°F annually, which is well above the national median but cooler than much of Texas. It is a high-rainfall area, receiving 45.2 inches of precipitation annually.

One of the state's wettest spots

Fannin County is significantly wetter than the Texas state average, recording 45.2 inches of rain compared to 31.9 inches. At 63.5°F, it is also about 2 degrees cooler than the state average.

Rainier than Ellis County

Fannin County receives 45.2 inches of rain, nearly 5 inches more than Ellis County. It is also the coolest in this group, with an annual average of 63.5°F compared to Ellis's 65.7°F.

Moderate heat and wet winters

The county experiences 78 days of extreme heat, fewer than most neighboring regions, though July still averages 83.5°F. January is the coldest in the region at 42.8°F, accompanied by 1.3 inches of annual snow.

Planning for heavy rainfall

With 45.2 inches of annual rain, superior roof maintenance and gutter systems are essential. Residents should also prepare for 78 days of 90°F+ heat, even though the overall climate is cooler than the state average.

Soil Quality in Fannin County

via SoilByCounty

The Heavy Vertisols of Fannin County

Fannin County is dominated by Vertisols, which are known for their high clay content and ability to shrink and swell. The average pH of 6.99 is nearly neutral, sitting right between the national median of 6.5 and the state average of 7.09.

A Dense Clay-Heavy Foundation

The soil composition includes 28.3% clay and 37.2% silt, creating a heavy texture that can be difficult to till when wet. While the 34.5% sand helps slightly with aeration, the overall mix is designed for high nutrient retention. This composition requires patience from farmers waiting for the right moisture levels.

Superior Moisture Retention for Crops

Available water capacity reaches 0.158 in/in, significantly higher than the Texas average of 0.133. Though organic matter is slightly low at 1.51%, the soil's ability to hold water makes it highly productive. This translates to a strong soil score of 40.8, well above the state benchmark.

Managing the Challenge of Group D Soils

The county is generally well drained, but the hydrologic group D classification warns of very slow infiltration rates. Heavy rains can lead to rapid runoff because the clay particles pack tightly together. Builders should account for significant soil expansion and contraction when designing foundations.

Success in Hardiness Zone 8a

The neutral pH and high water capacity support a wide range of crops from wheat to sturdy garden perennials. Zone 8a provides a long growing season that benefits from the soil's natural ability to store moisture. Use organic mulch to help keep the heavy clay soils from crusting over in the summer heat.

Lawn Care in Fannin County

via LawnByCounty

Healthy Lawns in Fannin County

Fannin County secures a lawn difficulty score of 46.4, making it one of the more manageable regions in Texas for gardening. This score beats the state average of 31.7 and sits just shy of the national median. Situated in Hardiness Zone 8a, the local environment supports a variety of resilient grass species.

Abundant Rainfall and Warm Seasons

The county enjoys 45.2 inches of annual precipitation, which is well above the state average of 31.9 inches. While 78 extreme heat days are fewer than the Texas average of 105, the 5,764 growing degree days ensure a robust growing period. This moisture level provides a strong natural foundation for turf without constant irrigation.

Optimizing Clay-Based Soil

The soil pH is a near-perfect 6.99, sitting right at the top of the ideal range for most lawn grasses. Because the texture is primarily clay and well-drained, organic matter additions are helpful to improve aeration. With 28.3% clay and 34.5% sand, the soil provides a stable, nutrient-rich environment for root development.

Staying Green During Dry Spells

Despite high rainfall, the county has endured 17 weeks of drought in the past year, with 26% of the area currently in severe drought. Utilizing rain barrels and smart irrigation controllers can help manage these fluctuations in water availability. Focus on moisture conservation techniques to protect your lawn during these periodic dry stretches.

Kickstarting Your Growing Season

Tall Fescue or Bermudagrass are excellent picks for the local 8a climate and clay-heavy soils. You should begin your planting projects between the last frost on March 16 and the first frost on November 13. This window provides an ample growing season to establish a dense, green carpet before winter dormancy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Fannin County's county score?
Fannin County, Texas has a composite county score of 46.2 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 Fannin County rank among counties in Texas?
Fannin County ranks #94 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 Fannin County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Fannin County is $2,356, with an effective tax rate of 1.10%. This earns Fannin County a tax score of 30.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Fannin County?
The median household income in Fannin County, Texas is $68,377 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Fannin County earns an income score of 62.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Fannin County, Texas a good place to live?
Fannin County scores 46.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #94 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Fannin 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 Fannin County with other counties side by side.