countyscore
34.5
County Score
Income & Jobs 57Cost of Living 40.4Weather & Climate 40.1

County Report Card

About Harrison County, Texas

Below the National Composite Median

Harrison County earns a composite score of 34.5, placing it below the national median of 50.0. It faces challenges in infrastructure and school performance compared to national peers.

Trailing the Texas State Average

The county's score of 34.5 sits below the Texas state average of 41.9. This suggests a need for improvement in public services and environmental resilience to match state leaders.

Income Potential and Low Taxes

Harrison County offers a solid income score of 57.0 and a tax score of 36.8, supported by an effective tax rate of 1.016%. Housing costs remain moderate with a median rent of $977.

Struggles with Infrastructure and Schools

Water and school scores are low at 13.7 and 28.4, respectively, indicating significant room for growth. A risk score of 22.3 also suggests moderate vulnerability to natural hazards.

Best for Budget-Minded Workers

Harrison County suits individuals who prioritize keeping more of their paycheck through lower taxes and moderate rent. It is a viable option for those who do not rely heavily on the local public school system.

Score breakdown

Tax36.8Cost40.4Safety34.4Health29.2Schools28.4Income57Risk22.3Water13.7Weather40.1
🏛36.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠40.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼57
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡34.4
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤29.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓28.4
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡22.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧13.7
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤40.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨16.2
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱30.4
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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Deep Dives

Harrison County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Harrison County

via TaxByCounty

Harrison County offers among lowest taxes nationwide

Harrison County's effective tax rate of 1.016% ranks among the lowest in America, more than 40% below the national median of 1.80%. The median property tax of $1,811 is 33% below the national median of $2,690, delivering exceptional value for homeowners.

Texas's most tax-friendly county examined

At 1.016%, Harrison County has the lowest effective tax rate among these eight Texas counties, sitting 20% below the state average of 1.276%. This makes it one of Texas's most affordable regions for property taxation.

Cheapest option in east Texas and beyond

Harrison County's 1.016% rate beats all seven other counties in this comparison, undercutting the second-lowest (Hardeman's 1.183%) by nearly 14%. For homeowners seeking minimal tax burden, Harrison is the clear winner.

Just $1,811 per year on median homes

The median Harrison County home valued at $178,200 carries only $1,811 in annual property taxes—the lowest absolute amount among these eight counties. Even accounting for mortgage deductions, the bill reaches just $2,498, substantially below both state and national norms.

Even low-tax counties have overassessed homes

Don't assume Harrison County's low rates mean your specific property is fairly valued—assessments vary widely within any county. Request your property appraisal and compare it to recent arm's-length sales; if it's too high, file a formal protest with no cost or penalty.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Harrison County

via CostByCounty

Harrison County near Texas average

Harrison County's 17.8% rent-to-income ratio sits just below the Texas state average of 18.1% and significantly better than the national average of roughly 30%. This East Texas county offers stable, sustainable housing affordability.

Solid middle ground in Texas

Harrison County ranks in the affordable-to-moderate range among Texas counties, with its 17.8% rent-to-income ratio performing nearly at the state average. The median rent of $977 runs just above the state average, reflecting moderate East Texas pricing.

Between rural and urban values

Harrison County's $977 rent and $178,200 median home values position it between cheaper rural counties like Hardeman ($688 rent) and pricier Harris County ($1,349 rent). This balance reflects its position as a mid-sized East Texas hub.

Balanced income and housing costs

With a median household income of $66,040, Harrison County residents spend 17.8% on rent or roughly 15.1% on mortgage payments. This leaves healthy income available for savings and other household priorities.

Harrison offers East Texas balance

If you're considering East Texas, Harrison County delivers moderate costs with regional amenities—rents around $977 and homes under $180,000 with reasonable incomes. It's a solid middle-ground option between rural affordability and urban opportunity.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Harrison County

via IncomeByCounty

Harrison trails national income median

Harrison County's median household income of $66,040 falls $8,715 short of the U.S. median of $74,755, placing it in the lower-middle range nationally. Per capita income of $31,547 also trails Texas's state average of $33,197.

Below Texas but respectable

Harrison County's $66,040 median household income sits $1,697 above Texas's state average of $64,737, placing it just at or slightly above the state median. The county ranks in the middle tier of Texas counties.

Mid-range earnings regionally

Harrison County's median income of $66,040 positions it in the middle of this regional cluster, exceeding Hamilton ($55,339), Hardeman ($61,179), and Haskell ($54,044), but trailing Hansford ($68,299), Hardin ($72,532), Harris ($73,104), and Hartley ($82,122).

Manageable housing with median costs

Harrison County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.8% is moderate and reasonable, with median home values of $178,200 supported by median income of $66,040. Residents allocate roughly one-fifth of income to housing, leaving adequate room for other expenses and savings.

Build stability through consistent saving

Harrison County's moderate income and reasonable housing costs create opportunity for disciplined wealth building. Establish automatic transfers to savings accounts, contribute to 401(k)s, and explore passive investment strategies like index funds to compound growth over time.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Harrison County

via CrimeByCounty

Harrison County Offers a Secure Lifestyle

Harrison County reports a total crime rate of 1,522.5 per 100,000 residents, which is significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5. This earns the county a solid safety score of 97.6.

Stronger Safety than the Texas Average

Harrison County’s safety score of 97.6 sits above the Texas average of 96.8. Its total crime rate of 1,522.5 also tracks well below the state average of 2,052.5 per 100,000 people.

Balanced Safety in East Texas

At 1,522.5 crimes per 100,000, Harrison is very similar to Haskell County’s 1,516.2. It maintains a slightly better safety profile than Harris County, which reports a rate of 1,594.9.

Understanding Local Crime Risks

The county sees a property crime rate of 1,267.8 and a violent crime rate of 254.7. While property crime is the main concern, the violent crime rate is still much lower than the national average of 369.8.

Smart Security for Local Residences

With property crimes at 1,267.8 per 100,000, visible security measures are effective deterrents. Residents should consider installing outdoor cameras and ensuring all entry points are properly illuminated.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Harrison County

via HealthByCounty

Harrison's life expectancy slightly above average

At 74.5 years, Harrison County residents live slightly longer than Texas's 74.3-year average but about 5.3 years less than the U.S. average of 79.8 years. With 20.7% reporting poor or fair health—below the national rate of 21.7%—residents reflect moderate health challenges typical of East Texas communities.

Slightly above state average on longevity

Harrison County's 74.5-year life expectancy edges above Texas's 74.3-year average, placing it just ahead of the state baseline. Its uninsured rate of 17.4% is notably better than the state average of 19.8%, suggesting stronger insurance coverage than most Texas counties.

Limited primary care, moderate mental health access

Harrison County has only 30 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—less than one-quarter of Hardeman's 113 per 100K. At 55 mental health providers per 100,000, the county offers mid-range behavioral health resources but remains stretched for routine preventive care.

Good insurance coverage, weak doctor access

Harrison County's uninsured rate of 17.4% is among the best in this eight-county group, yet only 30 primary care providers per 100,000 serve the population. Residents with insurance may still wait weeks for appointments or travel significant distances for preventive care.

Confirm coverage and find care

Harrison County's low uninsured rate (17.4%) is an asset, but ensure you're enrolled and have a primary care provider identified. Visit healthcare.gov or your local county health department to verify coverage and locate doctors currently accepting new patients.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Harrison County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Large East Texas Network

Harrison County supports 27 public schools with a total enrollment of 27,462 students. The county is served by six districts, featuring 11 elementary schools and 7 high schools.

Investment and Graduation Challenges

The graduation rate currently stands at 79.2%, which is significantly lower than the Texas average of 91.6%. Per-pupil expenditure is $7,336, nearly matching the state average but falling short of the national $13,000 benchmark.

Hallsville ISD Dominates Local Enrollment

Hallsville ISD is the county's largest district, educating 19,818 students across eight schools. Marshall ISD also maintains a significant presence with 5,057 students, while charter schools represent only 3.7% of the total landscape.

Town-Centered Schools with Large Sizes

Most campuses are located in town settings, contributing to a large average school size of 1,056 students. Texas Virtual Academy at Hallsville is a massive outlier with 14,830 students, while traditional campuses like Hallsville High serve 1,456.

Strategic Housing Near District Hubs

For families looking at Harrison County, the Hallsville and Marshall areas provide the most comprehensive school facilities. Consider the proximity to these established districts when exploring your next home purchase.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Harrison County

via RiskByCounty

Harrison County faces above-average disaster risk

Harrison County's composite risk score of 77.70 exceeds the national average by 55%, earning a Relatively Low rating that understates serious exposure to storms and tornadoes. The Northeast Texas county's position along major waterways and tornado alley creates substantial compound risk.

Above-average risk for Texas

Harrison County's composite score of 77.70 exceeds the Texas state average of 49.00 by 58%, placing it among the state's higher-risk counties. Its inland location and regional climate create consistent exposure to tornadoes, heavy rain, and wind events.

Riskier than most East Texas peers

Harrison County's disaster profile outpaces neighboring counties in the region, with particularly acute tornado exposure at 93.51—among the highest statewide. Its risk level approaches that of Houston-area counties despite being geographically distant.

Tornadoes pose greatest immediate threat

Harrison County's tornado risk of 93.51 is its defining hazard—among Texas's highest—making severe thunderstorms and rotation a constant seasonal concern. Flooding at 63.49 and wildfire exposure at 77.04 round out the county's substantial hazard profile.

Tornado and flood coverage are critical

Harrison County residents must prioritize comprehensive wind and hail coverage given the county's extreme tornado risk, and secure separate flood insurance for the region's waterways. Invest in a safe room or reinforced shelter, maintain accurate property documentation, and review your policy coverage annually.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Harrison County

via WeatherByCounty

Humid Piney Woods Climate

Harrison County's 64.4°F average temperature sits above the national median. It receives 51.0 inches of rain annually, characterizing the lush East Texas landscape.

Close to the State Temperature Average

The county nearly matches the Texas average temperature of 65.5°F. However, it is much wetter than the state norm, receiving 19 inches more rain than the average.

Wetter Than Northern Neighbors

Harrison is significantly wetter than Haskell County to the west. It shares a similar humid profile with Henderson County but receives slightly more annual precipitation.

Rainy Summers and Cool Winters

Summers average 81.4°F with 89 days of extreme heat. The county sees a proper winter cooling to 47.1°F and averages one inch of snow annually.

Prepped for Rain and Sun

Prepare for 89 days of temperatures over 90°F with efficient home cooling. Clear gutters regularly to manage the high 51.0-inch annual rainfall.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Harrison County

via SoilByCounty

East Texas Acidic Sandy Soils

Harrison County features acidic soil with a pH of 5.28, notably lower than the state average of 7.09. This acidic profile is typical of the Piney Woods region and dictates local forest health.

High Sand Content for Porous Soil

With a high sand content of 58.3% and only 11.9% clay, the soil is very porous. While this makes the ground easy to till, it also means nutrients can leach away faster than in heavier soils.

Moderate Water Capacity and Low Organic Matter

The organic matter content is 1.29%, trailing the Texas average of 1.66%. Available water capacity sits at 0.132 in/in, which almost perfectly matches the state's typical water-holding ability.

Slow Infiltration Despite Sandy Profile

Classified in hydrologic group D, the soil moves water through the profile slowly. This suggests dense subsurface layers that can impede deep drainage, regardless of the sandy surface texture.

Perfect for Sweet Potatoes in Zone 8b

Zone 8b is ideal for southern staples like sweet potatoes and peas that thrive in sandy ground. With a soil score of 16.2, adding organic mulch can quickly turn these sandy spots into productive garden beds.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Harrison County

via LawnByCounty

Average Difficulty in East Texas

Harrison County's lawn difficulty score of 30.4 nearly matches the Texas state average of 31.7. This 8b hardiness zone offers a more manageable environment than the coast, though it still poses challenges compared to the national median.

Optimal Rain for East Texas Lawns

The county's 51.0 inches of annual precipitation is near the top of the ideal range for turf health. While there are 89 extreme heat days, the 5,929 growing degree days provide a balanced pace of growth for residential yards.

Sandy Terrain Requires Acid Adjustment

The soil is notably sandy at 58.3%, which aids in drainage but may lead to rapid drying. With a pH of 5.28, you will likely need to apply lime to bring the soil closer to the neutral range preferred by most turfgrasses.

Severe Drought Affects Most Areas

Currently, 63.1% of Harrison County is under severe drought conditions after 19 weeks of drought this past year. Regular organic top-dressing can help your sandy soil retain moisture during these increasingly common dry spells.

Start Planting in Mid-March

Centipedegrass and Carpetgrass are popular for East Texas because they tolerate the acidic, sandy conditions found here. Mark March 20 on your calendar as the safe date to begin seeding or sodding for the season.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Harrison County's county score?
Harrison County, Texas has a composite county score of 34.5 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 Harrison County rank among counties in Texas?
Harrison County ranks #183 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 Harrison County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Harrison County is $1,811, with an effective tax rate of 1.02%. This earns Harrison County a tax score of 36.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Harrison County?
The median household income in Harrison County, Texas is $66,040 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Harrison County earns an income score of 57/100 on CountyScore.
Is Harrison County, Texas a good place to live?
Harrison County scores 34.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #183 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Harrison 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 Harrison 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.