Hood County

Texas · TX

#175 in Texas
60.5
County Score

County Report Card

About Hood County, Texas

Moderate Performer Above National Median

Hood County's composite score of 62.4 exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it in the better half of American counties. Its profile balances strong income potential with moderate housing costs.

Slightly Below Texas Peers

Hood scores 62.4 compared to Texas's state average of 66.8, placing it just below the state median. The gap reflects higher housing costs that offset its income and tax advantages.

Income and Tax Efficiency Lead

Hood County shines with a median household income of $86,802 and a tax score of 69.9, supported by an effective tax rate of 1.152%. This income level is the second-highest in this group, appealing to professionals seeking lower tax burden.

Housing Costs Strain Budget

The cost score of 62.4 is the lowest in this group, with median home values at $281,300 and rent at $1,414/month. These housing costs are 2-3 times higher than neighboring rural counties, limiting accessibility for lower-income households.

For Affluent Professionals Seeking Balance

Hood County suits higher-earning professionals and families willing to trade lower housing costs for proximity to urban amenities and strong job markets. It's a bedroom community for those with solid incomes.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax69.9Cost62.4SafetyComing SoonHealth65.9SchoolsComing SoonIncome40Risk29.5WaterComing Soon
🏛69.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠62.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼40
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
65.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
29.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Deep Dives

Hood County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Hood County

via TaxByCounty

Hood taxes slightly below national norm

At 1.152%, Hood County's effective tax rate sits below the national median of 1.199%, placing it in the 40th percentile. With median home values near the national average at $281,300, Hood residents pay $3,240 annually—comfortably below the national median tax of $2,690.

Below Texas average

Hood County's 1.152% effective rate ranks below Texas's 1.276% state average, making it competitive by state standards. The median property tax of $3,240 exceeds the state median of $2,193 only because home values here approach the national average, not because of aggressive taxation.

Second-most tax-friendly option

Hood's 1.152% rate trails only Henderson County (0.981%) among the eight counties profiled. For homeowners with moderate-to-higher property values, Hood offers solid tax relief compared to Hays (1.729%) or Hidalgo (1.764%).

What $281,300 home costs yearly

A median-priced Hood County home generates $3,240 in annual property taxes under standard conditions, or $3,618 with a mortgage. At roughly $270 per month, it reflects reasonable taxation on a property value near the national average.

Review assessments on recent sales

Hood County homeowners who've purchased recently should ensure their assessed value aligns with the purchase price. If assessment exceeds what you paid, file an appeal immediately—appraisers often lag behind actual market conditions.

Cost of Living in Hood County

via CostByCounty

Hood pulls up higher with strong income

Hood County renters spend 19.6% of income on rent, above national norms but cushioned by median income of $86,802—14% above the national median. Stronger paychecks here make even pricier housing manageable compared to lower-income counties.

Above Texas average but income-boosted

Hood's 19.6% rent-to-income ratio exceeds Texas's 18.1% state average, yet the county ranks among the highest-income places in this set. The $1,414 median rent reflects Hood's proximity to the Dallas-Fort Worth metro and its appeal to affluent Hill Country residents.

Nearly as pricey as Hays, but more income

Hood's $1,414 rent rivals Hays ($1,417), but Hood residents earn $86,802 versus Hays's $85,827—a subtle edge that matters for affordability math. Owner costs here ($1,316) are also notably lower than Hays ($1,787), reflecting less speculative real estate pressure.

Housing claims 38% of income

Renters pay 19.6% ($1,414) toward rent monthly, while homeowners commit 18.1% ($1,316) to mortgage costs—totaling 37.7% combined. The $86,802 median income makes this manageable, though it still leaves less discretionary spending than lower-cost counties.

Hill Country lifestyle with stable income

Hood appeals to those seeking scenic Hill Country living with higher earning potential: median homes at $281,300 and income near $87K. If you've got solid Dallas-Fort Worth employment, Hood offers that Texas lake-and-ranch aesthetic without the mega-metro price shock.

Income & Jobs in Hood County

via IncomeByCounty

Hood County tops national income standard

Hood County's median household income of $86,802 surpasses the U.S. median of $74,755 by $12,047—a 16.1% advantage. The county ranks among the nation's higher-earning communities, reflecting affluent residential growth near Fort Worth.

Highest earner among Texas counties sampled

Hood County's median household income of $86,802 outpaces Texas's state average of $64,737 by $22,065, or 34.1%. Per capita income of $44,564 exceeds the state average of $33,197 by 34.3%, signaling strong individual earning power.

Leading the Dallas-Fort Worth periphery

Hood County's $86,802 median income ranks it virtually tied with Hays County ($85,827) as the two highest earners in this sample. The county's proximity to Fort Worth's job market and affluent communities drives robust household incomes.

Housing costs manageable despite high values

Hood County's rent-to-income ratio of 19.6% remains favorable despite median home values of $281,300, the second-highest in this sample. Households earning the median income allocate less than 1 in 5 dollars to housing, reflecting strong purchasing power.

Maximize investment and estate planning

Hood County's above-average incomes and manageable housing costs position households to aggressively save and invest across multiple vehicles—401(k)s, IRAs, taxable accounts, and real estate. Consider working with a financial advisor to optimize tax efficiency and diversify growing wealth.

Health in Hood County

via HealthByCounty

Hood County outpaces national health average

Hood County's 76.0-year life expectancy exceeds the U.S. average of 74.5 years by 1.5 years, and just 15.0% report poor or fair health—well below national norms. The county stands as a relative health success story.

Among Texas's healthiest counties

Hood County's 76.0-year life expectancy beats the Texas average of 74.3 years, and its 16.6% uninsured rate is the second-lowest in this dataset. The county ranks among Texas's top performers on both life expectancy and coverage.

Hood shines against Texas peers

Hood County's 76.0-year life expectancy outpaces Hill County (72.6 years) and Henderson County (72.0 years) by significant margins. Its 16.6% uninsured rate is the second-best in this comparison, bested only by Hays County's 13.8%.

Strong mental health support and coverage

Hood County has 37 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and 125 mental health providers per 100,000—the highest mental health provider density in this dataset. The 16.6% uninsured rate is low enough that most residents can reach these providers.

Stay covered to maintain good health

Hood County's success shows what coverage plus mental health access can accomplish—but the 16.6% uninsured rate means some residents remain vulnerable. If you're uninsured, visit healthcare.gov to find plans and keep your family healthy.

Disaster Risk in Hood County

via RiskByCounty

Hood County risk moderately exceeds national

Hood County's composite risk score of 70.52 earns a "Relatively Low" rating but still surpasses the national average. The north-central Texas county faces concentrated exposure to wildfires and tornadoes that drive its overall profile.

Above-average risk for Texas state

With a score of 70.52 compared to Texas's state average of 49.00, Hood County ranks higher-risk than typical. The county's position in north-central Texas makes it vulnerable to spring severe weather and wildfire threats.

Comparable risk to nearby central Texas

Hood County's 70.52 score is very close to Hill County (72.96) and Hopkins County (71.22), placing it in the mid-range of the central Texas cluster. All three counties face similar tornado and wildfire exposure.

Wildfires and tornadoes dominate threats

Wildfire risk reaches 91.28 and tornado risk stands at 92.11, making severe weather and drought-driven fire the county's top two hazards. Flood risk of 61.93 is moderate but meaningful in parts of the county.

Prepare for wind and wildfire events

Hood County residents need homeowners insurance with strong wind/hail coverage and should ensure wildfire damage is included in their policy. Create defensible space around your home and maintain a preparedness plan for spring tornado season and summer fire season.

ByCounty Network

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