countyscore
32.4
County Score
Income & Jobs 67.1Schools 53.4Lawn Care 50.9

County Report Card

About Grayson County, Texas

Mid-Tier Performance in National Livability

Grayson County records a composite score of 32.8, which is below the national median of 50.0. Despite being a growing region, it currently sits in the lower half of the national ranking. This suggests that while economic inputs are strong, other livability factors are still catching up.

Bridging the Gap Toward Texas Averages

The county's 32.8 score is nearly ten points below the Texas average of 41.9. However, its strong economic indicators suggest it is better positioned for growth than many of its rural neighbors. It serves as an evolving transition zone between urban and rural Texas life.

High Income Potential and Decent Schools

Grayson County's standout feature is an Income Score of 67.5, supported by a median household income of $70,455. The School Score of 53.4 also provides a respectable foundation for resident families. These strengths attract working professionals looking for better-than-average wages.

High Costs and Environmental Vulnerabilities

Cost of living is a major hurdle, with a very low Cost Score of 19.0 and median rents reaching $1,178. Environmental factors are also a concern, with a Risk Score of 19.7 and a Water Score of 31.4. Residents pay a premium for the area's higher income opportunities.

A Hub for Regional Professionals

This county is best for career-oriented families who value the $70,455 median income and are willing to pay higher housing costs. It balances professional opportunity with solid educational infrastructure. It is less ideal for those seeking a low-cost sanctuary or pristine environmental conditions.

2040608010020.517.735.128.653.467.119.731.447.7Tax20.5Cost17.7Safety35.1Health28.6Schools53.4Income67.1Risk19.7Water31.4Weather47.732.4/100
This county
National avg
1 above average6 below average

Grayson County DNA

Foverall

How Grayson County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Grayson County falls below the national average in most categories. The biggest gap is in Property Tax (20.5/100), though Income (67.1/100) remains a relative bright spot.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
20.5-31.5
Cost
17.7-30.3
Safety
35.1-19.9
Health
28.6-21.4
Schools
53.4
Income
67.1+16.099999999999994
Risk
19.7-27.3
Water
31.4-26.6
Weather
47.7-8.299999999999997
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Compare mortgage rates in Grayson County

Whether buying or refinancing in Grayson County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$248,400

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$1,310/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$248,400/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$52,400/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.4x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $72,182/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

24.3

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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Counties with similar scores

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Median income: $101,798
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Chambers County
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Maverick County
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Pueblo County
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Ramsey County
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Johnson County
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Peach County
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Median income: $71,293
32.2

Nearby counties

Marshall County
Oklahoma
39.5
Bryan County
Oklahoma
34.5
Cooke County
Texas
37.7
Love County
Oklahoma
43.7
Fannin County
Texas
45.7
Johnston County
Oklahoma
49.1
Collin County
Texas
30.6
Denton County
Texas
26.4

Deep Dives

Grayson County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Grayson County

via TaxByCounty

Grayson taxes exceed national median

Grayson County's effective tax rate of 1.294% slightly exceeds the Texas state average of 1.276%, and its median property tax of $2,953 surpasses the national median of $2,690 by 10%. Homes here average $228,300, reflecting the county's more developed character.

Upper half of Texas tax burden

At $2,953 in median annual taxes, Grayson County ranks above the Texas state average of $2,193, placing it in the higher-tax counties statewide. Its 1.294% rate edges past the state average, signaling above-average tax pressure.

Grayson leads North Texas in taxes paid

Grayson homeowners pay $2,953 annually on a median home of $228,300, outpacing most Texas counties. Compared to counties like Gregg ($2,271), Grayson residents shoulder notably heavier tax burdens despite similar property values.

Annual property tax in Grayson County

Own the median-valued home at $228,300 in Grayson County and you'll owe approximately $2,953 in annual property taxes. With a mortgage, expect to pay $3,755 when mortgage-related assessments are factored in.

Overassessment is common—appeal yours

Grayson County residents frequently pay taxes on assessments that exceed current market value. A free tax appeal to the appraisal district can recalibrate your assessed value and reduce your annual obligation.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in Grayson County

via IncomeByCounty

Grayson nearly matches national income

Grayson County's median household income of $70,455 comes within 5.8% of the U.S. median of $74,755. The county ranks among Texas's upper-middle-income areas, reflecting a more diversified employment base.

Above Texas median by 8.8%

At $70,455, Grayson County exceeds the state's median household income of $64,737. The county's per-capita income of $36,711 also surpasses the Texas average of $33,197, indicating stronger earnings across residents.

Regional income leader

Grayson County ($70,455) outearns most neighboring counties, trailing only Guadalupe County ($93,776). The per-capita income of $36,711 places Grayson solidly above peer counties like Gray ($30,893) and Hale ($24,606).

Home values rising alongside income

With a median home value of $228,300 and a rent-to-income ratio of 20.1%, housing remains affordable for Grayson households despite higher property values. The higher income supports homeownership opportunities that might strain lower-income counties.

Leverage income for long-term gains

Grayson County's above-average income creates an opportunity to accelerate wealth building through diversified investments and retirement accounts. Consider maximizing employer 401(k) matches and exploring real estate investment to capitalize on the county's steady economic position.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Grayson County

via CrimeByCounty

Grayson County Surpasses National Safety Standards

Grayson County earns an impressive safety score of 97.6, marking it as significantly safer than the average U.S. county. Its total crime rate of 1,507.3 per 100,000 is roughly 37% lower than the national average of 2,385.5. This puts the county in a strong position for public safety nationwide.

Leading the Way in Texas Safety

The county outperforms the Texas state average safety score of 96.8. With a total crime rate of 1,507.3, Grayson County is much safer than the state average of 2,052.5. Twenty-five reporting agencies coordinate effectively to keep crime rates consistently low for local residents.

Stronger Safety Than Regional Neighbors

Grayson County enjoys a more secure environment than nearby Gregg County, which sees crime rates nearly double at 2,828.3. It also maintains a lower rate than Gray County's 2,336.4. These comparisons solidify Grayson's reputation as a regional leader in public safety.

Low Rates Across All Categories

Violent crime in Grayson County is remarkably low at 250.4, far below the national average of 369.8. Property crime is also suppressed, sitting at 1,256.9 compared to the national figure of 2,015.7. This dual-layer of safety offers residents peace of mind regarding both their persons and possessions.

Maintaining Security in Grayson County

While crime rates are low, proactive home security helps Grayson County maintain its high safety ranking. Smart home integration and motion-activated lighting are effective ways to protect your property. Community watch programs further enhance the work of the 25 local law enforcement agencies.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Grayson County

via WeatherByCounty

Temperate weather on the Red River

Grayson County features an annual average temperature of 63.6°F, keeping it warmer than the national median. It serves as a transition zone between the plains and the humid south.

Wetter and cooler than state averages

The county's 63.6°F average is slightly below the state norm of 65.5°F. However, its 44.3 inches of annual rain significantly exceeds the Texas state average of 31.9 inches.

High precipitation for North Texas

Grayson is wetter than many of its neighbors, receiving over 44 inches of rain annually. Its 73 days of extreme heat are fewer than the 100+ days seen in counties further south.

Hot summers and crisp, wet winters

Summers are hot with an 81.6°F average and 73 days reaching at least 90°F. Winters are cool and damp, averaging 45.1°F, though official annual snowfall data is currently unavailable.

Manage heavy rain and summer heat

With 44.3 inches of rain, residents should ensure proper property drainage and maintain reliable rain gear. Effective air conditioning is also needed to navigate the 73 days of extreme summer heat.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Grayson County

via SoilByCounty

Fine sandy loam Alfisols provide stability

Grayson County features Alfisols with a fine sandy loam texture. The 6.92 pH level is nearly neutral, sitting between the 6.5 national median and the 7.09 state average.

Excellent balance for soil workability

The mix consists of 37.4% sand, 28.6% silt, and 28.0% clay. This balanced distribution makes the soil easier to plow and manage compared to heavier clay-dominant regions.

Healthy water storage for local crops

The 1.35% organic matter content is lower than the 1.66% state average. Despite this, a 32.9 soil score and 0.135 in/in water capacity indicate solid potential for North Texas agriculture.

Superior drainage for plant health

The soil is well drained and belongs to hydrologic group B. This allows water to move efficiently through the root zone, preventing the rot and aeration issues common in wetter soils.

Perfect for berries in zone 8a

Zone 8a conditions and well-drained loam are ideal for blackberries, blueberries, and roses. Grab your shovel and start a backyard patch this season.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Grayson County

via LawnByCounty

A National Leader in Lawn Ease

Grayson County boasts a lawn difficulty score of 50.9, beating both the state average and the national median. This makes it one of the most forgiving places in Texas to maintain a healthy, green yard.

Plentiful Rain and Balanced Heat

Annual precipitation of 44.3 inches provides nearly perfect natural irrigation for most grass types. With only 73 extreme heat days, the climate allows for a vigorous growing season without the extreme evaporation found further south.

Perfect pH for Lush Growth

The fine sandy loam soil features an ideal pH of 6.92, ensuring your grass can easily access all available nutrients. Its well-drained nature combined with 28.0% clay provides a great balance of drainage and moisture retention.

Strong Resilience Against Dry Spells

The county has seen only 12 weeks of drought in the past year, and severe drought levels currently sit at 0%. This consistency allows for a more relaxed watering schedule compared to the rest of the state.

Maximize the Long Growing Season

Warm-season grasses like Zoysia or Bermuda thrive here, though the 8a zone can also support some transitional blends. Plan your major lawn work for late March, once the threat of the March 14 frost has passed.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Grayson County's county score?
Grayson County, Texas has a composite county score of 32.4 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 Grayson County rank among counties in Texas?
Grayson County ranks #197 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 Grayson County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Grayson County is $3,146, with an effective tax rate of 1.27%. This earns Grayson County a tax score of 20.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Grayson County?
The median household income in Grayson County, Texas is $72,182 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Grayson County earns an income score of 67.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Grayson County, Texas a good place to live?
Grayson County scores 32.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #197 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Grayson 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 Grayson County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, 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.