countyscore
37
County Score
Lawn Care 67.1Income & Jobs 59.2Schools 59

County Report Card

About Grimes County, Texas

Below the National Livability Benchmark

Grimes County earns a 37.0 composite score, trailing the national median of 50.0. While it outperforms several of its neighbors, it still faces substantial gaps in national competitiveness. This score reflects a mix of strong individual sectors and critical infrastructure needs.

Approaching the Texas Average Baseline

The county’s score of 37.0 is just a few points shy of the Texas state average of 41.9. It shows more resilience than many rural Texas peers, particularly in economic and educational dimensions. Grimes is moving closer to being a competitive mid-tier county.

Education and Income Fuel Local Growth

The county boasts a solid School Score of 59.0 and a respectable Income Score of 59.2. With a median household income of $67,080, residents enjoy better earning power than much of the state. Tax rates also remain relatively competitive at an effective 1.094%.

Significant Infrastructure and Health Risks

Water quality is a major concern with a very low score of 6.7, requiring attention for long-term health. The Health Score of 23.9 and Safety Score of 27.3 also remain below desired levels. These vulnerabilities offset the county's economic gains.

A Solid Choice for Commuters

Grimes County is ideal for professionals who value the $67,080 income potential and strong local schools. Prospective residents should be mindful of the low Water Score and prepare for private filtration or alternative solutions. It offers a balanced rural-suburban hybrid for the right family.

Score breakdown

Tax31.4Cost44.7Safety27.3Health23.9Schools59Income59.2Risk43Water6.7Weather18.9
🏛31.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠44.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼59.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡27.3
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤23.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓59
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡43
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧6.7
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤18.9
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨36
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱67.1
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 →
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Grimes County?

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

Check My Assessment

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 Grimes County with Alamosa County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Alamosa County
Colorado
Median income: $51,445
37
Bulloch County
Georgia
Median income: $56,832
37
DeKalb County
Illinois
Median income: $69,022
37
Scotts Bluff County
Nebraska
Median income: $60,960
37
Stephens County
Texas
Median income: $54,695
37
Walla Walla County
Washington
Median income: $72,212
37
St. Francis County
Arkansas
Median income: $41,784
36.9
Los Angeles County
California
Median income: $87,760
36.9

Nearby counties

Brazos County
Texas
22.8
Washington County
Texas
37.9
Burleson County
Texas
49.2
Madison County
Texas
46.8
Waller County
Texas
33.6
Walker County
Texas
25.1
Montgomery County
Texas
29.3
Robertson County
Texas
51.1

Deep Dives

Grimes County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Grimes County

via TaxByCounty

Grimes offers lowest rate in this group

Grimes County's effective tax rate of 1.094% ranks lowest among these eight counties and well below the Texas state average of 1.276%. Despite that low rate, its median property tax of $2,480 exceeds the national median of $2,690 due to higher home values averaging $226,600.

Grimes stands out for favorable rates

At 1.094% effective rate, Grimes County ranks among Texas's lowest-taxing counties, though its median tax of $2,480 sits above the state average of $2,193. This reflects Grimes's higher property values relative to its tax rate.

Grimes shines in Houston region

Grimes County's 1.094% rate is significantly lower than nearby Guadalupe County's 1.494%, offering Houston-area residents a meaningful tax advantage. Higher home values mean Grimes residents still pay competitive taxes despite the favorable rate.

Your Grimes County tax bill

Buy a median-valued home at $226,600 in Grimes County and expect to pay roughly $2,480 in annual property taxes. With a mortgage factored in, the total climbs to approximately $3,590.

Even low rates deserve a review

Grimes County homeowners should still verify their assessments are fair, as some properties may be valued above comparable recent sales. A free appeal to the appraisal district could lower your already-competitive tax bill further.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Grimes County

via CostByCounty

Grimes County below national rent burden

At 17.6%, Grimes County's rent-to-income ratio sits below the national average of 18.1%, giving renters a slight affordability advantage compared to typical U.S. markets. The median rent of $985 is reasonable for a county with solid income levels.

Better than Texas average overall

Grimes County's 17.6% rent-to-income ratio beats the Texas state average of 18.1%, positioning it as a relatively affordable option within the state. The median home value of $226,600 suggests a healthy market with appreciation potential.

Middle ground among regional peers

Grimes's $985 median rent falls between cheaper neighbors like Gonzales ($837) and Gray ($898), while undercutting Grayson ($1,178) and Gregg ($1,072). The county offers balanced affordability for a market with higher home values and stronger economic fundamentals.

Renting and buying both viable

Renters in Grimes pay $985 monthly (17.6% of the $67,080 median income), while homeowners pay $763 (13.6%)—making ownership substantially cheaper. The divergence between rent and mortgage costs suggests strong equity-building potential for buyers.

Grimes balances affordability and value

Grimes County offers an appealing middle ground: rents below state average and home values above many rural peers, making it ideal for relocators seeking both affordability and appreciation. If homeownership is your goal, the $763 median mortgage payment is particularly competitive.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Grimes County

via IncomeByCounty

Grimes County income competitive nationally

Grimes County's median household income of $67,080 sits 10.3% below the U.S. median of $74,755. The county ranks in the upper-middle tier nationally, driven by proximity to Houston's job market.

Texas average, strong fundamentals

At $67,080, Grimes County exceeds the state median of $64,737 by 3.6%, signaling above-average prosperity for Texas. The per-capita income of $31,961 is slightly below the state average, but household earnings compensate.

Growing income in Houston region

Grimes County ($67,080) ranks solidly between Gregg ($64,809) and Grayson ($70,455), reflecting its position between rural and suburban areas. The median home value of $226,600 reflects strong regional demand and economic growth.

Affordable housing relative to income

Grimes County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.6% is among the lowest in the group, indicating strong affordability. The median home value of $226,600 is well-supported by household incomes, making homeownership accessible.

Seize opportunity in growing county

Grimes County's low housing burden and above-average income create ideal conditions for wealth building and real estate investment. Take advantage of low rent-to-income ratios to save aggressively and explore investment properties in this growth corridor.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Grimes County

via CrimeByCounty

Grimes County Outperforms National Safety Scores

Grimes County maintains a strong safety score of 97.2, reflecting a secure environment for its population. The total crime rate of 1,762.8 per 100,000 residents is well below the national average of 2,385.5. This performance makes it a standout for safety on the national stage.

Beating the Texas State Average

Grimes County is safer than the average Texas county, exceeding the state safety score of 96.8. Its crime rate of 1,762.8 is significantly lower than the Texas state average of 2,052.5. Six reporting agencies coordinate their efforts to maintain this high level of public security.

A Comparison with Neighboring Counties

Grimes County is safer than neighboring Gregg County, which reports a much higher crime rate of 2,828.3. It also maintains a slight edge over Gonzales County, which sits at 2,016.7. These figures indicate that Grimes is a relatively quiet and secure pocket in the region.

Analyzing Violent and Property Crimes

Violent crime in Grimes County sits at 417.8, which is slightly higher than the national average of 369.8. However, property crime is much lower than the national trend, at 1,345.0 compared to 2,015.7. This data suggests that while property is quite safe, personal safety requires continued attention.

Enhancing Security in Grimes County

Low property crime rates are a community success, but keeping your home secure remains important. Simple measures like outdoor security lighting and deadbolt locks provide effective deterrence. Staying informed through local law enforcement alerts helps keep these safety scores high.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Grimes County

via HealthByCounty

Grimes County exceeds national averages

Grimes County residents live 74.9 years on average, approaching the U.S. life expectancy of 78.9 years more closely than most Texas counties. The county's 23.4% poor or fair health rate sits above the national average of 18%, suggesting room for improvement despite strong longevity.

Highest life expectancy in its region

At 74.9 years, Grimes County leads the state average of 74.3 years and ranks among Texas's longest-living communities. The 19.7% uninsured rate—virtually matching the state average of 19.8%—means most residents have pathways to healthcare.

Longevity leader among local peers

Grimes County's 74.9-year life expectancy tops nearby Gonzales (74.2) and Gray (72.3), and trails only Grayson (74.4) in the immediate region. However, the county's sparse primary care network of 26 providers per 100,000 is a relative weakness, tying it with Guadalupe County as the region's leanest.

Strong health outcomes despite lean resources

Grimes achieves impressive life expectancy with just 26 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—a testament to its population's underlying health. The county's 22 mental health providers per 100,000 reflects modest mental health infrastructure, though uninsured rates remain near state average at 19.7%.

Maintain your health advantage

Grimes County's residents live longer than most Texans—don't let the 19.7% uninsured rate undermine that advantage. Visit Healthcare.gov or call your county health department to find affordable coverage and keep Grimes's longevity streak going strong.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Grimes County

via SchoolsByCounty

Compact and Community-Focused

Grimes County manages 11 public schools across four districts, providing education for 4,720 local students. The system includes five elementary schools and four high schools that serve as community anchors.

Outperforming State Quality Benchmarks

Grimes County holds a school score of 55.5, slightly exceeding the Texas state average. Graduation rates are strong at 94.2%, which is well above the national 87% benchmark despite per-pupil spending of $6,875.

Navasota ISD Serves the Majority

Navasota ISD is the county’s largest district, managing six schools and educating 2,977 students. Smaller districts like Anderson-Shiro CISD and Iola ISD offer alternative options for families seeking even smaller student bodies.

Traditional Rural and Town Schools

The county splits its schools between six rural campuses and five in town settings, creating a classic small-town feel. Schools maintain an average of 429 students, with Navasota High School being the largest at 884 students.

Build a Future in Grimes County

For families looking for a rural lifestyle without sacrificing school quality, Grimes County delivers excellent graduation outcomes. Search for homes near Navasota or Anderson to join these high-performing school communities.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Grimes County

via RiskByCounty

Grimes County faces moderate hurricane risk

Grimes County's composite risk score of 56.97 ranks as relatively low, slightly above the Texas state average of 49.00. The county's hurricane risk of 84.94 is notably elevated for its inland location, reflecting Gulf Coast storm exposure.

Inland but hurricane-vulnerable

Grimes County ranks well below Texas's highest-risk counties but faces above-average hurricane exposure (84.94) and moderate tornado risk (75.99). Its location between Houston and the Gulf Coast leaves the county vulnerable to tropical storms and their inland moisture and rainfall.

Lower risk than coastal neighbors

Grimes County's score of 56.97 is substantially lower than neighboring Gonzales County (85.66) and Guadalupe County (91.51), both closer to the coast. However, its hurricane score exceeds many inland Texas counties, reflecting its proximity to Gulf systems.

Hurricanes and tornadoes are dual threats

Grimes County faces elevated hurricane risk (84.94) from Atlantic and Gulf tropical systems, along with moderate tornado risk (75.99) from spring severe weather. Wildfire risk (59.38) represents a secondary but growing threat in the county.

Secure flood and wind coverage

Grimes County residents should maintain separate flood insurance, as standard homeowners policies exclude flood damage—critical given the county's 84.94 hurricane risk. Ensure your policy includes comprehensive wind and hail coverage, and trim trees around your home to reduce storm damage risk.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Grimes County

via WeatherByCounty

A rainy corner of the Texas coastal plains

Grimes County receives 42.6 inches of rain annually, which is well above the national average for precipitation. While specific annual temperature data is limited, the region follows a generally warm coastal-inland pattern.

Higher rainfall than the Texas average

The county receives 42.6 inches of precipitation per year, far exceeding the Texas state average of 31.9 inches. This additional moisture defines the local landscape and agricultural capacity compared to drier central counties.

A transition zone between heat and moisture

Grimes stays wetter than its neighbors to the west, contributing to a greener environment year-round. While temperature data is restricted, the zero-inch snowfall average aligns with its warm-weather neighbors in the Brazos Valley.

Mild winters and heavy annual rainfall

Winter is virtually snow-free with a 0.0-inch annual average, though seasonal temperature specifics are currently unavailable. The primary seasonal feature is the distributed 42.6 inches of rain that keeps the region hydrated.

Drainage and moisture control are priorities

With over 42 inches of rain annually, homeowners should prioritize gutter maintenance and proper property drainage. Outdoor planning should account for wet ground conditions even during the milder winter months.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Grimes County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Entisols favor specific crops

Grimes County features Entisols with a 6.33 pH, which is more acidic than the 6.5 national median and the 7.09 state average. This acidity level is ideal for plants like blueberries or azaleas.

Clay loam with a sandy edge

The soil contains 57.4% sand and 19.1% clay, classified as a clay loam. This combination offers the aeration of sand with the structural support provided by clay particles.

A respectable soil score of 36.0

Organic matter is 1.31%, which is lower than the 1.66% state average. However, the overall soil score of 36.0 is significantly higher than the state average of 28.8, indicating strong overall quality.

Fast water movement through the profile

The soil is well drained and belongs to hydrologic group C. It moves water through the profile quickly, which protects roots during heavy rainfall but may require irrigation in summer.

Endless summer gardening in zone 9a

The long, hot summers in zone 9a are perfect for peppers, melons, and cotton. With the county's high soil score, your garden is poised for a productive harvest.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Grimes County

via LawnByCounty

The Most Effortless Lawns in Texas

Grimes County achieves a remarkable 67.1 lawn difficulty score, far surpassing the national average of 50.0. This score indicates that growing a lawn here is significantly easier than in most other parts of the state or country.

Ideal Rainfall for Easy Care

The county enjoys 42.6 inches of annual precipitation, which is nearly perfect for maintaining turf without constant irrigation. While specific temperature data is limited, the 9a zone indicates a robust and lengthy growing season.

Excellent Soil Structure and pH

A soil pH of 6.33 provides an ideal environment for grass to flourish with minimal chemical intervention. The clay loam texture and well-drained classification mean your lawn will hold moisture well while preventing root rot.

Navigating Periodic Dry Spells

Despite the high difficulty score, the county faced 30 weeks of drought last year, with 70.6% of the area currently in severe drought. Utilizing rain barrels can help you bridge these gaps in rainfall without relying solely on municipal water.

Success with Warm-Season Turf

Heat-loving varieties like St. Augustine are perfect for this 9a hardiness zone and soil type. Because the climate is so favorable, you can expect quick establishment and high resilience once your lawn is rooted.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Grimes County's county score?
Grimes County, Texas has a composite county score of 37 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 Grimes County rank among counties in Texas?
Grimes County ranks #167 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 Grimes County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Grimes County is $2,480, with an effective tax rate of 1.09%. This earns Grimes County a tax score of 31.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Grimes County?
The median household income in Grimes County, Texas is $67,080 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Grimes County earns an income score of 59.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Grimes County, Texas a good place to live?
Grimes County scores 37/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #167 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Grimes 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 Grimes 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.