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.

Score breakdown

Tax24.6Cost29.1Safety9.5Health17.6Schools58.6Income53.6Risk13Water40.6Weather32
🏛24.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠29.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼53.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡9.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤17.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓58.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡13
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧40.6
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤32
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱36.8
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 →
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Nearby counties

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Texas
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Rusk County
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Deep Dives

Gregg County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

Health in Gregg County

via HealthByCounty

Gregg County life expectancy lags nationally

Gregg County residents live an average of 72.1 years, trailing the U.S. average of 78.9 years by nearly 7 years. About 1 in 5 residents (21.9%) report poor or fair health, sitting modestly above the national rate of 18%.

Below Texas average but well-resourced

At 72.1 years, Gregg County's life expectancy falls below Texas's 74.3-year state average, yet the county's 19.9% uninsured rate nearly matches the state average of 19.8%. Notably, Gregg boasts the region's most robust healthcare infrastructure, with 91 primary care providers and 240 mental health providers per 100,000 residents.

Healthcare infrastructure far exceeds peers

While Gregg's 72.1-year life expectancy trails counties like Grayson (74.4) and Gonzales (74.2), the county compensates with exceptional provider density: 91 primary care and 240 mental health providers per 100K. This concentration makes Gregg a healthcare destination for residents across the region.

Strong healthcare access despite barriers

Nearly 1 in 5 Gregg residents (19.9%) lack insurance, but the county's abundance of primary care and mental health providers means insured residents have excellent access to treatment. The high provider-to-population ratio supports both routine care and specialized mental health services.

Get insured and use Gregg's resources

Gregg County's healthcare infrastructure is world-class—don't miss out by remaining uninsured. Explore plans at Healthcare.gov, apply for Medicaid, or visit a federally qualified health center to access the care Gregg's providers are ready to deliver.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

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

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.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.