With a composite score of 71.0, Freestone County outperforms the national median of 50.0 by 21 points, placing it in the upper tier of U.S. counties. This strong performance reflects significantly better affordability and tax advantages than most American communities.
2 / 5
Above Average in Texas Rankings
Freestone's 71.0 score edges out the Texas state average of 66.8, positioning it in the stronger half of Texas counties. The county's competitive standing reflects both low tax burdens and housing affordability that appeal to budget-conscious Texans.
3 / 5
Affordability and Low Tax Burden Stand Out
Freestone excels in cost (81.8) and tax (73.1), with an effective tax rate of just 1.037% and median home values near $164,400. Renters benefit from modest monthly costs of $844, making the county attractive for families seeking affordable housing without sacrificing stability.
4 / 5
Income Growth Remains Below State Potential
The income score of 21.6 reveals a significant gap, with median household income at $58,460—notably below state and national growth benchmarks. Additional data on safety, health, schools, and environmental quality would provide a fuller livability picture.
5 / 5
Ideal for Budget-Focused, Self-Sufficient Families
Freestone County suits retirees, remote workers, and families prioritizing affordability and low tax burden over rapid income growth. The county's strong composite score promises good overall livability for those who've already built financial stability elsewhere.
With a composite score of 71.0, Freestone County outperforms the national median of 50.0 by 21 points, placing it in the upper tier of U.S. counties. This strong performance reflects significantly better affordability and tax advantages than most American communities.
Above Average in Texas Rankings
Freestone's 71.0 score edges out the Texas state average of 66.8, positioning it in the stronger half of Texas counties. The county's competitive standing reflects both low tax burdens and housing affordability that appeal to budget-conscious Texans.
Affordability and Low Tax Burden Stand Out
Freestone excels in cost (81.8) and tax (73.1), with an effective tax rate of just 1.037% and median home values near $164,400. Renters benefit from modest monthly costs of $844, making the county attractive for families seeking affordable housing without sacrificing stability.
Income Growth Remains Below State Potential
The income score of 21.6 reveals a significant gap, with median household income at $58,460—notably below state and national growth benchmarks. Additional data on safety, health, schools, and environmental quality would provide a fuller livability picture.
Ideal for Budget-Focused, Self-Sufficient Families
Freestone County suits retirees, remote workers, and families prioritizing affordability and low tax burden over rapid income growth. The county's strong composite score promises good overall livability for those who've already built financial stability elsewhere.
Score breakdown
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🏛73.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Freestone County's effective tax rate of 1.037% sits well below the national median property tax burden, making it more affordable than most U.S. counties. The median tax bill here is $1,705 compared to the national median of $2,690—a difference of nearly $1,000 annually.
Below-average among Texas counties
At 1.037%, Freestone's effective rate falls below Texas's state average of 1.276%, positioning it in the lower-tax tier statewide. The median tax of $1,705 is also substantially lower than Texas's state median of $2,193.
Competitive with surrounding region
Freestone offers lower tax rates than neighboring Frio County (1.590%) and Gaines County (1.468%), making it an attractive option in its region. Home values here average $164,400, creating a balanced tax burden compared to peers.
What homeowners pay annually
On the median home valued at $164,400, Freestone homeowners pay approximately $1,705 in property taxes each year. With a mortgage, you'll owe closer to $2,274; without one, expect around $1,440.
Challenge your assessment today
Many homeowners in Freestone are unaware that they can appeal their property assessments if values are overestimated. A successful challenge could reduce your annual tax bill by hundreds of dollars—it's worth reviewing your assessment.
At 17.3%, Freestone County's rent-to-income ratio beats the state average of 18.1%, signaling better affordability for renters. The county's median rent of $844 per month sits well below Texas's state median of $963, giving renters more breathing room in their budgets.
More affordable than most Texas counties
Freestone ranks among Texas's more affordable counties, with renters spending a smaller share of income on housing than the state average. This positions the county as a value play for Texans seeking lower cost-of-living options without sacrificing access to urban corridors.
Competitive with surrounding rural counties
Freestone's rent of $844 undercuts nearby Goliad County ($724) only slightly but significantly beats Gillespie County ($1,331), making it attractive for renters priced out of Hill Country. Homebuyers here find median values of $164,400, moderate compared to pricier neighbors to the south and west.
Renters and owners both gain ground
Renters pay 17.3% of their $58,460 median income toward housing, while homeowners commit just 15.5% to a median monthly cost of $752. This balanced affordability across tenure types makes Freestone appealing to both demographic groups seeking stability and low housing cost burden.
Move here if affordability matters most
If you're relocating within Texas and want rent or mortgage payments that don't dominate your paycheck, Freestone delivers both. Compare this county's housing costs to Gillespie or Galveston, and you'll see substantial monthly savings that add up over years.
Freestone County's median household income of $58,460 falls 22% below the national median of $74,755. This gap reflects economic challenges many rural Texas counties face compared to wealthier urban and suburban regions nationwide.
Below average for Texas counties
Freestone's median income ranks in the lower tier among Texas's 254 counties, sitting 10% below the state average of $64,737. The county's per capita income of $29,170 also trails the state average of $33,197 by 12%.
Struggling alongside similar rural areas
Freestone's $58,460 income mirrors challenges in Goliad County ($59,556) and Frio County ($60,098), forming a cluster of rural Texas counties below the state average. These neighboring areas share similar economic structures and face comparable affordability pressures.
Rent is manageable, housing less so
A 17.3% rent-to-income ratio indicates renters here spend a reasonable share of earnings on housing. However, the median home value of $164,400 requires sustained income—a challenge when the median household earns well below national and state averages.
Build financial security where you are
Lower incomes don't mean you can't build wealth—they mean intentional planning matters more. Start with emergency savings, explore employer retirement benefits, and consider how dual incomes or skill development can expand household earning power in Freestone County.
Freestone's life expectancy matches national trends
At 74.4 years, Freestone County residents live roughly as long as Americans nationwide, though specific national comparison data varies by source. The county's 23.2% rate of adults in poor or fair health sits close to national averages, reflecting typical rural Texas health patterns.
Slightly above average for Texas
Freestone edges out Texas's state average life expectancy of 74.3 years by just 0.1 years, placing it solidly in the middle tier of Texas counties. Its 18.9% uninsured rate runs below the state average of 19.8%, suggesting better health coverage stability than many Texas regions.
Freestone outperforms neighbors on coverage
Freestone's 18.9% uninsured rate beats Limestone, Madison, and Leon Counties in the surrounding area. The county's 30 primary care providers per 100,000 residents offer moderate access, though neighboring counties with rural characteristics often have fewer.
Moderate provider access, stable coverage
With 30 primary care providers and 34 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, Freestone offers reasonable healthcare access for a Texas county. The 18.9% uninsured rate means most residents have some form of coverage, reducing barriers to routine care.
One in five Frestone residents need coverage
If you're among the 18.9% of Freestone County residents without insurance, explore options through the Texas Health Insurance Marketplace or local federally qualified health centers. Even temporary or catastrophic coverage can prevent financial hardship from unexpected medical needs.
With a composite risk score of 56.52, Freestone County ranks as relatively low risk but runs above the national average of roughly 50. This means residents face somewhat elevated exposure compared to typical American counties, driven primarily by tornado and hurricane hazards.
Mid-Pack Risk Among Texas Counties
Freestone's score of 56.52 exceeds Texas's state average of 49.00, placing it in the middle tier of the state's 254 counties. The county's risk profile is typical of rural East Texas, where weather volatility shapes insurance needs.
Higher Risk Than Rural Peers
Freestone's composite score of 56.52 runs notably higher than neighboring Limestone County and similar rural counties to the east. The difference stems largely from Freestone's elevated tornado risk (73.12) and hurricane exposure (71.55), both well above regional averages.
Tornadoes and Hurricanes Dominate
Freestone faces its highest hazard risks from tornadoes (73.12) and hurricanes (71.55), both scoring in the severe range. Tornado season peaks spring through early summer, while Atlantic hurricane season runs June through November—creating a prolonged period of elevated weather threat.
Prioritize Wind and Flood Coverage
Homeowners in Freestone should ensure comprehensive wind damage coverage for tornadoes and hurricanes, plus flood insurance if in a flood-prone area. A safe room or storm shelter offers critical protection during severe weather events that can develop with little warning.