countyscore
24.9
County Score
Income & Jobs 74.2Water Quality 65.8Safety 32.2

County Report Card

About Harris County, Texas

Struggling Against National Averages

Harris County scores a 24.9, significantly trailing the national median of 50.0. The complexities of this major urban hub lead to lower scores in cost and environmental safety.

Below the Texas Performance Average

The county's score of 24.9 is much lower than the Texas state average of 41.9. High living costs and environmental risks create a steeper challenge for residents compared to elsewhere in the state.

Economic Powerhouse with Good Water

Harris County shines in income potential with a score of 74.2 and a median household income of $73,104. It also maintains a strong water infrastructure score of 65.8.

Extreme Environmental Risk and Costs

A risk score of 0.1 indicates extreme vulnerability to natural disasters, while a cost score of 9.7 reflects high rent and home values. Residents also face a high effective tax rate of 1.718%.

Built for the Urban Professional

Harris County is best for ambitious professionals who prioritize career growth and urban amenities over environmental risk or low taxes. It suits those who can leverage the high median incomes to offset the high cost of living.

Score breakdown

Tax6.7Cost9.7Safety32.2Health30.3Schools31.6Income74.2Risk0.1Water65.8Weather18.1
🏛6.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠9.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼74.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡32.2
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤30.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓31.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡0.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧65.8
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤18.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨12.6
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱20.9
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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Fort Bend County
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Waller County
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Liberty County
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Austin County
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Deep Dives

Harris County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Harris County

via TaxByCounty

Harris County taxes run well above national median

Harris County's effective tax rate of 1.718% exceeds the national median of 1.80%, while its median property tax of $4,382 is 63% higher than the national median of $2,690. This significant gap reflects Houston's booming real estate market and higher home values.

Highest-taxing county in this Texas sample

At 1.718%, Harris County has the highest effective tax rate among these eight counties, exceeding the Texas state average of 1.276% by 35%. Only Hansford County's 1.639% comes close, placing Harris clearly at the top of Texas's urban tax burden.

Significantly costlier than surrounding rural areas

Harris County's 1.718% rate vastly exceeds nearby rural counties like Hardin (1.155%) and Harrison (1.016%), reflecting Houston's urbanization and infrastructure demands. A $200,000 home pays roughly $1,100 more annually in Harris than in Hardin County.

Houston homes face hefty $4,382 tax bills

The median Harris County home valued at $255,000 generates a substantial $4,382 annual property tax—more than double the state median of $2,193. With mortgage deductions, the cost climbs to $5,134, making Harris the most expensive county in this group.

Houston homeowners should challenge assessments

Many Harris County properties are assessed above fair market value, particularly in hot neighborhoods where appraisals lag sales data. Scheduling a protest before the April 30th deadline could save thousands, especially in appreciating areas where assessments haven't caught up to recent comps.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Harris County

via CostByCounty

Harris County housing costs above national norm

Harris County's 22.1% rent-to-income ratio exceeds both the Texas state average of 18.1% and significantly exceeds the national average of roughly 30%—wait, that's backwards. Harris residents actually spend more of their income on housing than ideal, with rents at $1,349 consuming a fifth of median income.

Houston's affordability challenge

Harris County ranks in the least affordable tier of Texas counties, with the highest rent and mortgage costs among our comparison group. At $1,349 median rent and $255,000 median home values, this is Houston's expensive real estate market.

Pay Houston prices for Houston access

Harris County's $1,349 median rent and $1,476 monthly owner costs far exceed surrounding counties like Hardin ($1,011 rent, $188K homes). You're paying a 39% rent premium over Hardin County for urban proximity and job opportunities.

Houston takes 22% of income

With a median household income of $73,104, Harris County residents spend 22.1% on rent—nearly a quarter of earnings. Buyers face even steeper costs at 24.3% of income going toward mortgages.

Harris County: urban cost, urban gain

Harris County demands the highest housing costs in our comparison, but delivers Houston's unmatched job market, amenities, and economy. If you're relocating for work, weigh Houston's opportunity against 39% higher rents than neighboring Hardin County.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Harris County

via IncomeByCounty

Harris approaches national income median

Harris County's median household income of $73,104 sits $1,651 below the U.S. median of $74,755, nearly matching national income levels. Per capita income of $39,978 substantially exceeds Texas's state average of $33,197.

Strongest earner in this cluster

Harris County's $73,104 median household income exceeds Texas's state average of $64,737 by $8,367, ranking it in the upper quarter of Texas counties. This reflects the economic strength of Houston and surrounding urban areas.

Top earner among regional peers

Harris County's median income of $73,104 ranks highest among this group except Hartley County ($82,122), surpassing Hardin County ($72,532) and all other neighboring counties. The county's urban economy drives stronger-than-average wages.

Higher costs reflect urban location

Harris County's rent-to-income ratio of 22.1% is elevated compared to regional peers, reflecting urban housing demand and median home values of $255,000. While income supports this cost, the ratio approaches affordability thresholds and requires careful budgeting.

Navigate housing to build assets

Harris County residents must strategically manage the 22.1% housing cost ratio to preserve wealth-building capacity. Prioritize employer-matched retirement plans, explore tax-advantaged accounts, and consider side income strategies to offset housing costs and accelerate long-term investment growth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Harris County

via CrimeByCounty

Harris County Safety Amid Urban Growth

Harris County maintains a total crime rate of 1,594.9 per 100,000, which sits comfortably below the national average of 2,385.5. The county earns a safety score of 97.5, reflecting a stable environment for such a large population center.

Beating the State Safety Average

Despite being the state's most populous county, Harris County’s safety score of 97.5 is better than the Texas average of 96.8. Its total crime rate of 1,594.9 is also lower than the statewide average of 2,052.5.

Comparing Major Texas Communities

Harris County’s crime rate of 1,594.9 is slightly higher than Harrison County’s 1,522.5. However, it remains significantly safer than many other major metropolitan areas across the nation.

Property vs. Violent Crime Trends

The county records 1,359.0 property crimes and 235.9 violent crimes per 100,000 residents. Both figures remain lower than national benchmarks of 2,015.7 for property and 369.8 for violent crime.

Layered Security in Urban Areas

With 64 reporting agencies, Harris County has a massive law enforcement network. Homeowners can do their part by joining neighborhood watches and installing smart home security technology to deter property crime.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Harris County

via HealthByCounty

Harris leads Texas in longevity

At 77.3 years, Harris County residents live longer than both the Texas average (74.3 years) and are within 2.5 years of the U.S. average of 79.8 years. Yet 24.5% report poor or fair health—the second-highest rate among these counties—revealing a gap between lifespan and felt wellness.

Longest life expectancy in this group

Harris County's 77.3-year life expectancy is the highest among all eight counties and exceeds Texas's 74.3-year average by three years. However, its 22.2% uninsured rate remains above the state average of 19.8%, suggesting that wealth and healthcare access don't align evenly across the Houston-area county.

Mental health resources far exceed primary care

Harris County stands out with 178 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—the highest in this eight-county group and nearly double many neighbors. However, primary care availability at 58 per 100,000 trails counties like Hardeman (113 per 100K), suggesting an imbalance in preventive versus behavioral health infrastructure.

Urban scale masks coverage gaps

Harris County's population of over 4 million masks significant disparities: 22.2% are uninsured despite the county's 77.3-year longevity. With 58 primary care providers per 100,000, the largest county in this profile has proportionally fewer family doctors, straining access for vulnerable and uninsured residents.

Enroll now in Harris County

More than 1 in 5 Harris County residents lack insurance, creating barriers to preventive care in one of Texas's largest counties. Visit healthcare.gov or call 211 to find affordable coverage and connect with community health centers near you.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Harris County

via SchoolsByCounty

Texas's Largest Educational Infrastructure

Harris County manages a massive network of 1,144 public schools serving nearly 900,000 students. This sprawling system is overseen by 60 districts and includes 656 elementary schools and 205 high schools.

Performance Matches National Averages

The county's graduation rate of 87.4% aligns with the national average, though it sits below the Texas state mark of 91.6%. Per-pupil spending of $6,524 reflects the challenges of scale in a county with a 51.1 composite school score.

Houston ISD and Charter Options

Houston ISD is the largest district with 189,934 students across 274 schools. Charter schools are a significant factor here, making up 16.2% of all campuses with 185 total locations available.

Urban Centers and Massive Campuses

With over 600 schools in city locales, the average enrollment is a high 793 students per campus. North Shore Senior High exemplifies this scale with 4,569 students, while Texas Connections Academy serves nearly 9,000 students virtually.

Navigating a Diverse School Market

From massive urban districts to specialized charter schools, Harris County offers endless variety for home buyers. Quality varies by neighborhood, making it essential to research specific district boundaries when selecting a home.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Harris County

via RiskByCounty

Harris County faces extreme disaster risk

Harris County's composite risk score of 99.94 represents one of the highest exposures nationally, with a Very High rating indicating critical vulnerability across all hazard types. The nation's fourth-largest county confronts severe, overlapping threats from hurricanes, flooding, tornadoes, and seismic activity.

Texas's highest natural disaster risk

Harris County's composite score of 99.94 dramatically exceeds the Texas state average of 49.00—more than double—placing it as the state's most at-risk major county. Houston's massive population concentration amplifies the stakes of its exceptional disaster exposure.

Riskier than all neighboring counties

Harris County's disaster profile far exceeds that of Galveston, Brazoria, Chambers, and Liberty counties, despite all being Gulf Coast jurisdictions. Its larger footprint, denser development, and exposure to Houston's subsidence and urban heat all compound disaster risk.

Hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods are certain

Harris County faces near-maximum risk across three critical hazards: tornado (100.00), hurricane (100.00), and flood (99.97) scores. These overlapping threats mean severe storms regularly produce compounding damage—flooding during hurricanes, flash floods from tornadic rain, and wind-driven surge.

Comprehensive, specialized coverage is essential

Harris County residents cannot rely on standard homeowner's insurance alone—flood insurance, windstorm coverage, and robust liability protection are mandatory. Document your property thoroughly, maintain elevation where possible, and review all policies annually as insurers adjust rates for this high-risk market.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Harris County

via WeatherByCounty

One of the Nation's Warmest Spots

Harris County averages a warm 70.5°F annually, far exceeding the national median temperature. It experiences a humid subtropical climate with 53.6 inches of annual rainfall.

Hotter Than the Texas Average

The county ranks as one of the state's warmer regions, sitting 5 degrees above the Texas average of 65.5°F. It also receives 21 inches more rain than the state average.

The Epicenter of Gulf Heat

Harris is warmer than its neighbor Hardin County despite receiving slightly less rain. Both counties share the intense humidity characteristic of the Upper Texas Coast.

Endless Heat and Snowless Winters

Summers are intense with an average of 84.3°F and 108 days reaching 90°F or higher. Winters are very mild at 55.8°F, and snowfall is essentially non-existent.

Prioritizing Cooling and Flood Prep

High-capacity air conditioning is vital for the 108 days of extreme heat. With 53.6 inches of rain, flood insurance and proper property grading are essential considerations.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Harris County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Ground in the Houston Metro

Harris County soil is quite acidic, measuring a pH of 4.76 against the national 6.5 median. This acidity is a defining characteristic for local gardeners who must often adjust their soil for specific vegetables.

Sandy Silts Dominant the Profile

The soil consists of 40.0% sand, 30.7% silt, and 15.7% clay. This mix can become heavily compacted in urban environments, often requiring aeration to maintain plant health.

Fertility Near the State Average

Organic matter levels sit at 1.54%, which is slightly lower than the Texas state average of 1.66%. The available water capacity of 0.131 in/in also falls just below the state benchmark.

Hydrologic Group D Impacts Drainage

Harris County belongs to hydrologic group D, which means the soil has very slow infiltration rates. This slow movement of water contributes to the drainage challenges frequently seen across the region.

Year-Round Growing in Zone 9b

Gardeners in zone 9b can grow citrus and heat-loving herbs all year. While the 12.6 soil score is low, using raised beds helps bypass drainage issues and lets you take advantage of the long growing season.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Harris County

via LawnByCounty

Navigating the Gulf Coast Climate

Harris County presents a difficult landscape for lawn care with a score of 20.9, well below the national average. Homeowners in this 9b zone must manage high humidity and extreme heat to keep their turf healthy.

Heavy Rainfall and High Heat

With 53.6 inches of annual rain and 108 days over 90°F, grass grows aggressively in the Houston area. The high growing degree days of 7,662 mean lawns remain active almost year-round, requiring constant maintenance.

Correcting Sour Soil for Turf

Local soils are quite acidic with a pH of 4.76, while the ideal range is 6.0-7.0. Because the soil contains 40.0% sand and limited clay, nutrients can leach away quickly during heavy Gulf Coast downpours.

Managing Volatile Water Conditions

Current data shows 51.9% of the county is in severe drought despite our high annual rainfall averages. Lawns that have faced 23 weeks of drought over the past year require deep-root cultivation to survive these erratic weather patterns.

Take Advantage of a Long Season

Zoysia and St. Augustine are the most reliable performers for Harris County's unique climate profile. Start your lawn projects in mid-February, as the early frost date allows for a nearly ten-month active growing window.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Harris County's county score?
Harris County, Texas has a composite county score of 24.9 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 Harris County rank among counties in Texas?
Harris County ranks #241 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 Harris County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Harris County is $4,382, with an effective tax rate of 1.72%. This earns Harris County a tax score of 6.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Harris County?
The median household income in Harris County, Texas is $73,104 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Harris County earns an income score of 74.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Harris County, Texas a good place to live?
Harris County scores 24.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #241 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Harris 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 Harris 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.