countyscore
38.2
County Score
Income & Jobs 89Health 50.8Schools 49.3

County Report Card

About Hood County, Texas

Below National Median Performance

Hood County holds a composite score of 37.4, placing it below the 50.0 national median for livability. While it has pockets of high performance, the overall average is weighed down by environmental and cost factors. It represents a mid-tier lifestyle on the national stage.

Trailing the Texas Average Score

The county's score of 37.4 is slightly below the Texas state average of 41.9. It performs well economically but lacks the balanced infrastructure seen in the state's top-rated counties. It is a competitive option for the region but has clear areas for growth.

High Incomes and Strong Health

Economic power is a major draw, with an income score of 90.0 and a high median household income of $86,802. Healthcare is also a strength, scoring 50.8, which is rare for counties in this scoring bracket. This combination supports a relatively affluent and healthy population.

High Costs and Water Concerns

Affordability is a struggle, with a cost score of 11.1 and median rents hitting $1,414. The county also faces infrastructure challenges with a water score of 28.3 and an environmental risk score of 29.5. Residents pay a high price to live here despite these foundational issues.

Best for Wealthier Professionals

Hood County suits high-earning households who value good health outcomes and can navigate high housing costs. It is less ideal for those on a fixed income or those concerned with water infrastructure quality. It provides a premium economic environment with some operational trade-offs.

204060801003212.441.950.849.38929.528.335.9Tax32Cost12.4Safety41.9Health50.8Schools49.3Income89Risk29.5Water28.3Weather35.938.2/100
This county
National avg
1 above average6 below average

Hood County DNA

Foverall

How Hood County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Hood County falls below the national average in most categories. The biggest gap is in Cost of Living (12.4/100), though Income (89/100) remains a relative bright spot.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
32-20
Cost
12.4-35.6
Safety
41.9-13.100000000000001
Health
50.8
Schools
49.3
Income
89+38
Risk
29.5-17.5
Water
28.3-29.7
Weather
35.9-20.1
Sponsored

Compare mortgage rates in Hood County

Whether buying or refinancing in Hood County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$306,400

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$1,428/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$306,400/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$57,120/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.5x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $88,160/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

23.4

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Deep Dives

Hood County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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.

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.

Safety in Hood County

via CrimeByCounty

Hood County is a Safety Standout

Hood County is a standout for safety with a score of 97.9, well above many other regions. Its total crime rate of 1,312.9 per 100K is roughly 45% lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Leading the Way in Texas

Ranking better than the state average safety score of 96.8, Hood County is a leader in Texas public safety. The total crime rate of 1,312.9 per 100K is significantly more favorable than the state average.

Secure Alternative to Urban Neighbors

Compared to the more urbanized Tarrant County nearby, Hood County offers a much lower crime profile across its 7 reporting agencies. This safety makes it a popular destination for families and retirees alike.

Impressively Low Violent Crime

The violent crime rate is exceptionally low at 97.7 per 100K, far below the national average of 369.8. Property crime at 1,215.2 per 100K constitutes the vast majority of local law enforcement activity.

Community Effort Keeps Rates Low

Maintaining this safe environment is a community-wide effort involving smart home security and vigilant neighbors. Residents should continue to secure their homes to keep property crime figures trending downward.

Weather & Climate in Hood County

via WeatherByCounty

Classic Southern Warmth in Hood County

Hood County's annual average temperature of 64.8°F is well above the national median. The climate is generally humid and temperate, typical for the Cross Timbers region.

Matching the Texas State Profile

The county's 64.8°F average nearly matches the Texas state average of 65.5°F. It receives 35.6 inches of rain annually, which is slightly higher than the state average of 31.9 inches.

Moderate Heat Compared to Southern Neighbors

With 104 extreme heat days per year, Hood County shares a similar profile with its Dallas-Fort Worth area neighbors. It avoids the more extreme heat seen in the Rio Grande Valley.

Hot July Peaks and Snow-Free Winters

The average temperature in July hits 85.1°F, while January stays around 43.8°F. Snow is incredibly rare, with an annual average of 0.0 inches recorded.

Planning for Rain and Summer Sun

Outdoor plans should account for over 100 days of 90-degree heat and significant spring rainfall. Since snow is rare, focus gear investments on rain protection and summer cooling.

Soil Quality in Hood County

via SoilByCounty

Brazos River Basin Soil

Detailed taxonomic and pH data are not currently available for Hood County in this dataset. Regional trends suggest soils are generally more alkaline than the 6.5 national median.

Varied River Valley Mix

Localized percentages for sand, silt, and clay are unmapped here. Soils in this part of North Central Texas vary from sandy loams to heavier clays depending on the proximity to the Brazos River.

Fertility Assessment Needed

The organic matter and water capacity metrics are missing for this specific county profile. Growers should rely on local soil tests to determine if they meet the 1.66% state average for organic matter.

Upland and Valley Drainage

Hydrologic groups and drainage classes are not specified in the current record. Observational data from nearby counties suggests a mix of well-drained uplands and heavier, slower-draining river valley soils.

Prolific Zone 8b Growth

Zone 8b provides a long growing season for Hood County residents. Hardy herbs, native pecans, and summer vegetables like peppers and okra do exceptionally well in this climate.

Lawn Care in Hood County

via LawnByCounty

Predictable Growth in Zone 8b

Hood County scores a 42.0 for lawn difficulty, making it easier to maintain a yard here than in much of Texas. This Zone 8b county provides a decent balance of temperature and moisture for local homeowners.

Solid Rain for North Texas

With 35.6 inches of rain per year, the county stays slightly wetter than the Texas average of 31.9 inches. You will manage about 104 days of extreme heat annually, typical for the region but requiring careful irrigation.

Testing for Soil Success

Specific soil data for pH and texture is unavailable for Hood County, suggesting a need for a DIY home soil test kit. Understanding your local drainage and nutrient levels is the first step toward a healthy, green lawn.

Low Recent Drought Pressure

Current drought conditions are stable with 0.0% of the area in severe (D2+) stages. Over the past year, the county has only seen 12 weeks of drought, which is a relatively low number for the North Texas region.

Establish Turf Before Summer

Bermuda and Zoysia grasses are the recommended choices for the Zone 8b environment and 6,166 growing degree days. Start your spring planting after the late March frost to give your turf time to establish before the July heat peaks.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hood County's county score?
Hood County, Texas has a composite county score of 38.2 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 Hood County rank among counties in Texas?
Hood County ranks #161 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 Hood County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Hood County is $3,217, with an effective tax rate of 1.05%. This earns Hood County a tax score of 32/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Hood County?
The median household income in Hood County, Texas is $88,160 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Hood County earns an income score of 89/100 on CountyScore.
Is Hood County, Texas a good place to live?
Hood County scores 38.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #161 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Hood 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 Hood County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

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