37.4
County Score
Income & Jobs 90Health 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.

Score breakdown

Tax28Cost11.1Safety41.9Health50.8Schools49.3Income90Risk29.5Water28.3Weather35.9
🏛28
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠11.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼90
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡41.9
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty
50.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓49.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty
29.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧28.3
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty
🌤35.9
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty
🌱42
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

Hood County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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.

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.

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.

Schools in Hood County

via SchoolsByCounty

Compact Network with High Impact

Hood County supports 9,499 students across 17 public schools and four districts. The system is well-balanced with 7 elementary schools and 6 high schools.

High Graduation on Efficient Budgets

Hood County earns a 93.9% graduation rate, significantly outperforming the national average of 87.0%. Even with a leaner per-pupil expenditure of $6,164, it maintains a competitive school score of 53.8.

Granbury ISD Serves the Majority

Granbury ISD is the largest district by far, managing 10 schools and 7,954 students. Charter schools also play a role, representing nearly 12% of the county's school choices.

A Blend of Town and Country

The school locales are split between town and rural settings, with an average enrollment of 559 students. Granbury High School is the county's flagship, hosting 2,202 students.

Relocate for Academic Excellence

With graduation rates that beat the state average, Hood County is a top destination for education-minded homebuyers. Explore real estate near Granbury to secure a place in these high-achieving schools.

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.

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 37.4 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 #162 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 $3,240, with an effective tax rate of 1.15%. This earns Hood County a tax score of 28/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Hood County?
The median household income in Hood County, Texas is $86,802 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Hood County earns an income score of 90/100 on CountyScore.
Is Hood County, Texas a good place to live?
Hood County scores 37.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #162 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.