Grimes County's composite score of 69.7 substantially outpaces the national median of 50.0, placing it among the better-performing counties nationally. This strong showing reflects competitive advantages in tax burden and housing affordability relative to U.S. peers.
2 / 5
Top performer among Texas counties
Grimes County's 69.7 score exceeds the Texas state average of 66.8, positioning it in the upper tier of Texas livability rankings. The county's above-average standing reflects consistent strength across measured dimensions compared to statewide peers.
3 / 5
Lowest tax burden with balanced affordability
Grimes leads this county group with the lowest effective tax rate at 1.094% and a strong tax score of 71.5, while maintaining solid housing affordability with median home values of $226,600. The cost score of 78.9 and median rent of $985 reflect reasonable housing expense alongside the tax advantage.
4 / 5
Income growth opportunity remains untapped
The income score of 27.2 and median household income of $67,080 suggest solid but not exceptional earning potential for residents. Safety, school quality, health outcomes, and infrastructure data remain unavailable, leaving several livability dimensions unmeasured.
5 / 5
Perfect for families seeking tax efficiency
Grimes County stands out for families and businesses prioritizing low tax rates and reasonable housing costs without sacrificing location quality. The county's strong composite score makes it one of the most balanced choices for financially-minded residents seeking competitive livability.
Grimes County's composite score of 69.7 substantially outpaces the national median of 50.0, placing it among the better-performing counties nationally. This strong showing reflects competitive advantages in tax burden and housing affordability relative to U.S. peers.
Top performer among Texas counties
Grimes County's 69.7 score exceeds the Texas state average of 66.8, positioning it in the upper tier of Texas livability rankings. The county's above-average standing reflects consistent strength across measured dimensions compared to statewide peers.
Lowest tax burden with balanced affordability
Grimes leads this county group with the lowest effective tax rate at 1.094% and a strong tax score of 71.5, while maintaining solid housing affordability with median home values of $226,600. The cost score of 78.9 and median rent of $985 reflect reasonable housing expense alongside the tax advantage.
Income growth opportunity remains untapped
The income score of 27.2 and median household income of $67,080 suggest solid but not exceptional earning potential for residents. Safety, school quality, health outcomes, and infrastructure data remain unavailable, leaving several livability dimensions unmeasured.
Perfect for families seeking tax efficiency
Grimes County stands out for families and businesses prioritizing low tax rates and reasonable housing costs without sacrificing location quality. The county's strong composite score makes it one of the most balanced choices for financially-minded residents seeking competitive livability.
Score breakdown
5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.
🏛71.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.