countyscore
28.2
County Score
Schools 58.6Income & Jobs 53.6Water Quality 40.6

County Report Card

About Gregg County, Texas

Challenged Livability Compared to National Norms

Gregg County posts a composite score of 28.2, significantly trailing the national median of 50.0. This puts it in a difficult position relative to other American counties regarding overall quality of life. Significant investment may be needed to reach the national average.

Falling Behind the Lone Star Average

At 28.2, Gregg County ranks well below the Texas state average of 41.9. While it maintains decent economic and educational numbers, its composite is dragged down by specific safety and risk factors. It remains an outlier compared to more balanced Texas counties.

Strong Schools and Moderate Incomes

Education is a bright spot with a School Score of 58.6, higher than many neighboring areas. The county also maintains a decent Income Score of 53.6 with a median household income of $64,809. These factors provide a reasonable baseline for local workers and their children.

Safety Concerns and Environmental Hazards

The county faces severe headwinds with a Safety Score of 9.5 and a Risk Score of 13.0. Additionally, a Health Score of 17.6 suggests limited access to wellness resources for the population. These low marks are the primary drivers of the overall ranking decline.

Opportunity for Resilient Working Families

Gregg County suits families who prioritize educational quality and steady income over safety and environmental peace of mind. The $64,809 median income provides enough breathing room to navigate the $1,072 median rent. It is a pragmatic choice for those tied to local industry.

2040608010024.629.19.517.658.653.61340.632Tax24.6Cost29.1Safety9.5Health17.6Schools58.6Income53.6Risk13Water40.6Weather3228.2/100
This county
National avg
7 below average

Gregg County DNA

Foverall

How Gregg County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Gregg County falls below the national average in most categories. The biggest gap is in Safety (9.5/100), though Schools (58.6/100) remains a relative bright spot.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
24.6-27.4
Cost
29.1-18.9
Safety
9.5-45.5
Health
17.6-32.4
Schools
58.6
Income
53.6
Risk
13-34
Water
40.6-17.4
Weather
32-24
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Gregg County?

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

Check My Assessment

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$185,800

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,072/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$185,800/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$42,880/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.9x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $64,809/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

31.2

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
Compare Gregg County with South Central Connecticut Planning Region →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

South Central Connecticut Planning Region
Connecticut
Median income: $86,266
28.2
Bee County
Texas
Median income: $56,075
28.1
Greater Bridgeport Planning Region
Connecticut
Median income: $87,135
28.4
Webb County
Texas
Median income: $62,506
27.9
Kern County
California
Median income: $67,660
27.8
Pennington County
South Dakota
Median income: $70,768
27.8
Matagorda County
Texas
Median income: $55,174
27.8
Galveston County
Texas
Median income: $85,348
28.7

Nearby counties

Upshur County
Texas
40.8
Harrison County
Texas
34.5
Rusk County
Texas
41.9
Marion County
Texas
45.1
Smith County
Texas
29.6
Camp County
Texas
44.5
Panola County
Texas
40.1
Wood County
Texas
50.8

Deep Dives

Gregg County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Gregg County

via TaxByCounty

Gregg County taxes below national level

Gregg County's effective tax rate of 1.222% sits just below Texas's state average of 1.276%, while its median property tax of $2,271 falls 15% short of the national median of $2,690. The median home value of $185,800 positions Gregg as moderately affordable.

Gregg ranks favorably within Texas

At $2,271 in median annual taxes, Gregg County runs $78 above the Texas state average of $2,193, but its 1.222% effective rate ranks it slightly below the state norm. Gregg offers a balanced tax environment compared to peers.

Gregg competes favorably regionally

Gregg County homeowners pay $2,271 annually on homes worth $185,800, beating the higher rates found in nearby Grayson County ($2,953). Its lower effective rate makes Gregg an attractive choice in East Texas.

Gregg County property tax estimate

The median home in Gregg County, valued at $185,800, carries an annual property tax bill of approximately $2,271. With mortgage-related assessments included, homeowners typically pay around $2,672 per year.

Challenge your assessment if it's unfair

Many Gregg County homeowners overpay because their properties are assessed above recent sale comparables. File a free appeal with the county appraisal district to ensure your assessment reflects true market value.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Gregg County

via CostByCounty

Gregg County rents exceed national average

At 19.9%, Gregg County's rent-to-income ratio sits well above the national average of 18.1%, indicating renters here face tighter affordability challenges. The median rent of $1,072 is substantially higher than typical American rental markets.

Among Texas's most expensive rentals

Gregg County's 19.9% rent burden ranks above the Texas state average of 18.1%, placing it among the state's pricier rental markets. The county's median home value of $185,800 reflects a robust real estate market with strong local economic activity.

Costlier than most neighbors

Gregg's $1,072 median rent exceeds Gray County ($898), Gonzales County ($837), and Hall County ($610), but falls short of Grayson County ($1,178) and Guadalupe County ($1,439). The county sits near the top of the rental market in this regional cluster.

Renters spend nearly a fifth of income

Against a median household income of $64,809, renters paying $1,072 monthly devote 19.9% of income to housing, while homeowners pay $949 (17.5%). Both groups commit a substantial share to housing costs, limiting flexibility elsewhere in the budget.

Gregg County targets established professionals

If you earn above the county median, Gregg County offers solid home values and a diversified local economy to support relocation. Compare these costs carefully with neighboring Gray or Gonzales Counties, where rents are 15–25% lower.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Gregg County

via IncomeByCounty

Gregg County trails U.S. income

Gregg County's median household income of $64,809 falls 13.3% short of the national median of $74,755. However, the county ranks solidly within Texas's middle-income tier, benefiting from energy-sector employment.

Slightly above state average

At $64,809, Gregg County essentially matches Texas's median household income of $64,737, placing it near the statewide midpoint. The per-capita income of $33,578 slightly exceeds the state average of $33,197.

Middle ground in northeast Texas

Gregg County ($64,809) sits between Gonzales ($59,355) and Grayson ($70,455) in household income rankings. The county's median home value of $185,800 reflects moderate real estate prices relative to its earning capacity.

Housing costs stable and manageable

Gregg County's rent-to-income ratio of 19.9% keeps housing costs just below the 20% threshold, leaving most households with adequate discretionary income. The median home value of $185,800 remains accessible for the county's middle-income households.

Build wealth through intentional planning

With reasonable housing costs and near-average income, Gregg County residents have room to save and invest. Explore tax-advantaged retirement accounts, establish an investment portfolio, and consider working with a financial planner to optimize your earnings.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Gregg County

via CrimeByCounty

Crime Trends in Gregg County

Gregg County holds a safety score of 95.5, indicating a more active crime environment than the national average. Its total crime rate of 2,828.3 per 100,000 residents exceeds the national average of 2,385.5. This data suggests residents should be more aware of their surroundings compared to other parts of the country.

How Gregg Compares to Texas Averages

The county's safety score of 95.5 falls below the Texas state average of 96.8. Its total crime rate of 2,828.3 is also higher than the state average of 2,052.5. Eleven reporting agencies work across the county to manage these higher-than-average incident volumes.

Regional Comparisons Show Higher Activity

Gregg County has a higher crime rate than most of its neighbors, including Grayson County at 1,507.3 and Grimes County at 1,762.8. Even compared to Gray County, Gregg sees nearly 500 more incidents per 100,000 people. This makes it one of the more high-activity areas in this part of Texas.

Property Crimes Drive Local Numbers

Property crime is the primary factor in the county’s data, reaching 2,419.4 per 100,000 residents. Violent crime is also elevated at 408.9, which sits above the national average of 369.8. These figures highlight a need for comprehensive safety strategies for both homes and public spaces.

Steps for a Safer Gregg County Home

With property crime higher than national norms, robust home security systems are essential investments. Ensure all entry points are reinforced and consider a monitored security service to deter potential intruders. Collaborative neighborhood efforts can help local agencies lower these incident rates over time.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Gregg County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Robust Urban Education Hub

Gregg County operates 41 public schools serving 20,854 students within seven school districts. The infrastructure is built for scale, featuring 18 elementary schools and nine high schools concentrated in city and suburban areas.

Exceptional Graduation Outcomes

The county achieves an impressive 95.5% graduation rate, far outperforming the national average of 87%. Gregg County also meets the state average school score of 55.3, despite spending only $6,532 per pupil.

A Leader in School Choice

Longview ISD is the largest district with 8,274 students and utilizes a heavy charter model, with 16 charter schools making up 39% of the county's total schools. Pine Tree ISD follows as the second-largest provider, serving 4,611 students.

Large Campuses in an Urban Setting

Most students attend school in city or suburban locales, where the average school size is 535 students. Longview High School is the flagship institution with 2,170 students, providing a high-energy environment for older learners.

Discover Homes in Gregg County

With some of the highest graduation rates in the state, Gregg County is a premier destination for education-focused families. Explore neighborhoods near Longview or White Oak to take advantage of these strong academic results.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Gregg County

via RiskByCounty

Gregg County faces significant tornado risk

With a composite risk score of 86.99, Gregg County ranks as relatively moderate—substantially higher than the Texas state average of 49.00. The county's tornado score of 97.90 is among the highest in the nation, making it one of Texas's most tornado-exposed counties.

Texas's highest tornado-risk county

Gregg County's tornado score of 97.90 ranks as the highest among all Texas counties, reflecting its location in the heart of Tornado Alley's southern extension. The county also faces elevated risks from flooding (76.84) and hurricanes (72.05), creating a multi-hazard environment.

Exceeds regional tornado threat levels

Gregg County's tornado score of 97.90 dramatically surpasses neighboring Grayson County (92.88) and other nearby areas. This exceptional ranking reflects the county's geographic position in a region where atmospheric conditions frequently favor tornado formation.

Tornadoes pose existential threat

Gregg County's tornado risk of 97.90 is the most pressing hazard, with spring and early summer bringing frequent severe weather events. Secondary risks from flooding (76.84) and earthquakes (61.80) also require attention and preparedness.

Build tornado resilience into your home

Gregg County residents should invest in a safe room or storm shelter rated for tornado impact, as standard homeowners insurance does not cover tornado damage. Install impact-resistant windows, reinforce your roof structure, and maintain a weather alert system to stay informed during severe weather season.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Gregg County

via WaterByCounty

System Challenges Lead to Water Grade F

Gregg County recorded 46 health violations over the past five years, resulting in a grade of F. Despite this, the violation rate of 31.5 per 100,000 residents remains lower than the Texas average of 581.9.

Watershed Impairment Status Not Yet Evaluated

Waters within Gregg County have not been covered in the most recent federal §303(d) assessment. Residents must look to drinking water compliance and monitoring records for environmental health signals.

Essential Monitoring Records for Gregg County

Six monitoring sites have logged 5,354 measurements in the EPA Water Quality Portal over five years. The most frequently measured groups include physical traits, inorganics, and nutrient levels.

Sabine River Flow Below Normal Levels

The Sabine River below Longview is currently flowing at 267 cfs, which is 13% of its long-term mean. This indicates a significant deficit in the river's typical discharge for this time of year.

Monitor Water Updates and Compliance Issues

The combination of an F grade and low river flow suggests that municipal systems are under pressure. Residents should stay alert to system-wide notices and consider secondary filtration for tap water.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Gregg County

via WeatherByCounty

A warm and humid East Texas climate

Gregg County maintains an annual average temperature of 66.0°F, significantly higher than the national median. This humid subtropical environment supports lush vegetation but requires frequent cooling during most months.

Gregg County sits above state averages

The county's average temperature of 66.0°F is slightly warmer than the Texas state average of 65.5°F. It is also much wetter than the state typical, receiving 48.0 inches of annual precipitation compared to the 31.9-inch state average.

Wet and mild compared to western peers

While neighboring counties share similar heat profiles, Gregg's 48.0 inches of rain makes it one of the dampest regions in East Texas. The local winter average of 48.8°F keeps the ground mostly frost-free compared to counties just to the north.

Sweltering summers and minimal snow

Residents experience 103 extreme heat days per year where temperatures reach or exceed 90°F. Winter is mild with only 0.8 inches of annual snowfall, while the July average peaks at a humid 83.8°F.

Prepare for humidity and consistent heat

Robust HVAC systems are essential to manage 103 days of intense heat and high humidity levels. Residents should also plan for heavy rainfall throughout the year, as the 48-inch annual precipitation total often leads to wet conditions.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Gregg County

via SoilByCounty

Exploring the Piney Woods landscape

Detailed soil survey data for pH and taxonomic order is currently unavailable for this area. Local observations suggest the acidic tendencies common throughout East Texas's timberlands.

Local testing reveals the mix

While specific sand and clay percentages are not recorded, the region typically transitions between sandy uplands and clay-rich bottoms. A home soil test is the best way to identify your specific backyard mix.

Supplementing for a greener garden

Organic matter and water capacity data are limited here. Most local gardeners find success by adding organic mulch and compost to improve their soil's growing potential.

Navigating humid subtropical runoff

Hydrologic group and drainage class data are not available for this county. Observe how water moves across your property after rain to plan the best location for your garden beds.

Lush growth in zone 8b

Gregg County sits in zone 8b, where azaleas, pines, and camellias flourish. The long growing season allows you to experiment with a wide variety of native perennials and flowers.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Gregg County

via LawnByCounty

Managing the East Texas Heat

Gregg County scores a 36.8 for lawn difficulty, placing it ahead of the state average of 31.7. In hardiness zone 8b, your lawn will face a long, warm season that requires consistent maintenance and mowing.

Abundant Rainfall Supports Growth

The county receives a generous 48.0 inches of rain annually, which is at the top of the ideal range for most turf. This high rainfall helps offset the 103 extreme heat days that can otherwise stress the grass.

Adapting to Local Soil Needs

While specific soil data is unavailable for this county, regional East Texas soils often tend toward acidity. It is highly recommended to perform a local soil test to determine if you need to add lime to reach the ideal pH range.

Managing Moderate Drought Risks

Gregg County faced 13 weeks of drought over the past year, but currently lacks severe drought conditions. During drier periods, mulching your grass clippings can help retain soil moisture and protect roots from the heat.

Start Strong in Early March

Bermuda and Centipede grass are popular choices that love the local humidity and 8b climate. Start your seeding or sodding projects after March 8 to take advantage of the wet, warming spring weather.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Gregg County's county score?
Gregg County, Texas has a composite county score of 28.2 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 Gregg County rank among counties in Texas?
Gregg County ranks #224 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 Gregg County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Gregg County is $2,271, with an effective tax rate of 1.22%. This earns Gregg County a tax score of 24.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Gregg County?
The median household income in Gregg County, Texas is $64,809 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Gregg County earns an income score of 53.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Gregg County, Texas a good place to live?
Gregg County scores 28.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #224 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Gregg 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 Gregg County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & 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.