Grayson County's composite score of 63.2 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by nearly 13 points, signaling above-average livability by national standards. While not exceptional, this performance places Grayson in the better half of American counties for overall quality of life.
2 / 5
Slightly below Texas average, still competitive
Grayson County scores 63.2 against the Texas state average of 66.8, placing it modestly below the state baseline but remaining within the competitive range. The county's score suggests solid fundamentals with room for improvement relative to Texas peers.
3 / 5
Higher incomes offset moderate housing costs
Grayson distinguishes itself with an income score of 29.4 and median household income of $70,455, substantially higher than most peers on this list. The tax score of 65.9 and effective rate of 1.294% provide additional financial efficiency for residents.
4 / 5
Housing costs rising faster than affordability gains
The cost score of 69.7 reflects median home values of $228,300 and rents of $1,178 monthly—considerably higher than more affordable counties in the comparison. Limited data on safety, schools, health, and infrastructure leaves important livability factors unmeasured.
5 / 5
Suits middle-income families seeking balance
Grayson County works best for families with moderate-to-good incomes seeking a balance between reasonable housing costs and tax efficiency. The county's income profile suggests a more established workforce, making it appealing to professionals and established families.
Grayson County's composite score of 63.2 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by nearly 13 points, signaling above-average livability by national standards. While not exceptional, this performance places Grayson in the better half of American counties for overall quality of life.
Slightly below Texas average, still competitive
Grayson County scores 63.2 against the Texas state average of 66.8, placing it modestly below the state baseline but remaining within the competitive range. The county's score suggests solid fundamentals with room for improvement relative to Texas peers.
Higher incomes offset moderate housing costs
Grayson distinguishes itself with an income score of 29.4 and median household income of $70,455, substantially higher than most peers on this list. The tax score of 65.9 and effective rate of 1.294% provide additional financial efficiency for residents.
Housing costs rising faster than affordability gains
The cost score of 69.7 reflects median home values of $228,300 and rents of $1,178 monthly—considerably higher than more affordable counties in the comparison. Limited data on safety, schools, health, and infrastructure leaves important livability factors unmeasured.
Suits middle-income families seeking balance
Grayson County works best for families with moderate-to-good incomes seeking a balance between reasonable housing costs and tax efficiency. The county's income profile suggests a more established workforce, making it appealing to professionals and established families.
Score breakdown
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🏛65.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
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.
Grayson County's rent-to-income ratio of 20.1% exceeds the national average of 18.1%, meaning renters here shoulder above-average housing burdens. The county's median rent of $1,178 is significantly higher than the national typical, reflecting a tighter market.
Among Texas's pricier rental markets
Grayson County's 20.1% rent-to-income ratio ranks above the Texas state average of 18.1%, placing it among the state's more expensive counties for renters. The median home value of $228,300 reflects a market with stronger demand and higher barriers to entry.
The most expensive in this county cluster
Grayson's $1,178 median rent far outpaces nearby Hall County ($610), Hale County ($798), and Gray County ($898). Among the eight counties examined, only Guadalupe County ($1,439) sees higher rents, making Grayson a distinctly pricier option for renters.
Homeownership easier than renting
Renters in Grayson pay $1,178 monthly (20.1% of the $70,455 median income), while homeowners pay $1,131 (16.1%)—making ownership slightly cheaper than renting. Both options demand meaningful income commitment, but buying offers a small financial advantage.
Grayson appeals to higher earners
Grayson County suits relocators with solid incomes seeking a more established market with higher property values and appreciation potential. If you're comparing affordability, check smaller neighbors like Gray or Hall County—you'll find significantly cheaper options nearby.
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.
Grayson County residents live 74.4 years on average, falling slightly short of the national life expectancy of 78.9 years but remaining above many U.S. peers. The county's 20.5% poor or fair health rate sits notably below the national average of 18%, a rare bright spot in Texas health metrics.
Outperforms Texas on multiple fronts
Grayson County's 74.4-year life expectancy exceeds Texas's 74.3-year average, and its 18.5% uninsured rate sits below the state average of 19.8%. The county stands out as a health achiever within the state, with particularly strong mental health infrastructure.
Regional leader in healthcare access
Grayson outpaces neighboring Gray County (72.3 years) and Hale County (72.6 years) by nearly 2 full years in life expectancy. The county's exceptional 155 mental health providers per 100,000 residents far exceeds nearby counties like Gonzales (40) and Gray (43), making it a regional mental health resource.
Strong access, reasonable insurance rates
With 18.5% uninsured, Grayson is closer than most Texas counties to the state average, and its 42 primary care providers per 100,000 support robust preventive care. The county's standout mental health capacity ensures residents have access to counselors, therapists, and psychiatrists.
Build on Grayson's health advantages
Even in a relatively healthy county, insurance matters—18.5% of Grayson residents still lack coverage. If you're uninsured, visit Healthcare.gov or contact a local community health center to secure coverage and maintain your county's strong health trajectory.
Grayson County's composite risk score of 80.31 ranks as relatively low but significantly exceeds the Texas state average of 49.00. The county's tornado score of 92.88 is exceptionally high, reflecting its position in a region prone to severe spring storms.
Among Texas's top tornado-prone counties
With a tornado risk score of 92.88, Grayson County ranks in the highest tier statewide for tornado exposure—among the most dangerous tornado counties in Texas. This elevated threat, combined with moderate flood risk (79.52), makes the county particularly vulnerable to spring weather systems.
Tornado risk exceeds neighboring areas
Grayson County's tornado score of 92.88 surpasses similar-sized neighboring counties and is second only to Gregg County (97.90) in the region. The county's position near the Oklahoma border puts it in a natural corridor for spring severe weather.
Tornadoes and floods are primary threats
Tornado risk (92.88) dominates Grayson County's hazard profile, with spring storms regularly producing dangerous conditions across the county. Flood risk (79.52) and wildfire risk (86.04) are also notable secondary threats that affect different areas and seasons.
Prepare for severe weather season
Grayson County residents should have a tornado safety plan, including a designated shelter area, weather alert system, and emergency supplies. Ensure your homeowners policy covers wind and hail damage from severe storms, and consider storm-resistant roofing materials and reinforced garage doors in high-risk areas.