CountyScore

Houston County

Texas · TX

#100 in Texas
64.1
County Score

County Report Card

About Houston County, Texas

Houston County outpaces national average

Houston County scores 71.9 on the livability index, well above the national median of 50.0. This places the county in the top 44th percentile nationally, indicating above-average overall livability compared to counties across the country.

Above-average among Texas counties

With a score of 71.9, Houston County ranks above the Texas state average of 66.8, positioning it in the upper tier of livability among the state's counties. This competitive standing reflects stronger-than-average conditions across the measured dimensions.

Tax friendliness and affordable housing

Houston County excels in affordability, with a Cost Score of 81.7 and an effective tax rate of just 0.921%—the lowest among these eight counties. Median home values of $155,100 and gross rents of $873/month make this county particularly attractive to budget-conscious families seeking economic stability.

Income levels need attention

The county's Income Score of 19.0 reveals a significant gap, with median household income of $54,563 lagging behind state and regional benchmarks. Limited data on safety, health, schools, and water quality leaves important livability questions unanswered, though current affordability offsets these constraints.

Ideal for cost-conscious households

Houston County suits retirees, first-time homebuyers, and families prioritizing affordability over high incomes. The combination of low taxes and accessible housing costs makes it a practical choice for those seeking financial breathing room in rural Texas.

Score breakdown

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

Tax76.4Cost81.7SafetyComing SoonHealth51.8SchoolsComing SoonIncome19Risk39.4WaterComing Soon
🏛76.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠81.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼19
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤51.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡39.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Houston County with another county →

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Columbia County
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Stewart County
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Deep Dives

Houston County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Houston County

via TaxByCounty

Houston County taxes run well below national average

At 0.921%, Houston County's effective tax rate sits comfortably below the national median of 1.1%, placing it in the bottom 30% of U.S. counties. Homeowners here pay $1,429 annually on a median home valued at $155,100—far less than the national median property tax of $2,690.

Among Texas counties, Houston ranks near the bottom

Houston County's 0.921% rate falls well below Texas's 1.276% state average, ranking it among the lowest-taxing counties in the state. The typical Houston County homeowner pays $1,429 in property taxes versus the state average of $2,193.

Houston County offers lighter tax burden than peers

Houston County's 0.921% rate beats neighboring Irion County (0.954%) and significantly undercuts Hunt County (1.297%) and Hutchinson County (1.482%). At $1,429 in median annual taxes, Houston County residents enjoy some of the lowest tax bills in the region.

What Houston County homeowners actually pay

The median Houston County home valued at $155,100 generates an estimated $1,429 in annual property taxes. With a mortgage, you'd likely pay $1,476; without one, expect around $1,387.

Your property tax assessment may be inflated

Many Texas homeowners discover their homes are assessed above fair market value, making them eligible to challenge their appraisals. Filing a protest costs nothing and could lower your annual tax bill significantly—worth exploring even in lower-tax counties like Houston.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Houston County

via CostByCounty

Houston County's affordability advantage

At 19.2%, Houston County's rent-to-income ratio sits slightly above the national norm, meaning renters here spend a reasonable share of earnings on housing. With a median household income of $54,563—roughly 27% below the national average of $74,755—affordability remains modest but manageable compared to higher-wage regions.

Mid-pack in Texas housing costs

Houston County's 19.2% rent-to-income ratio places it slightly above Texas's state average of 18.1%, indicating housing pressure that's typical for rural Texas. The county's median rent of $873 runs 9% below the state average of $963, offering some relief in an otherwise tight market.

Competing with similar Texas counties

Compared to nearby Howard County (16.7% rent-to-income) and Hutchinson County (15.6%), Houston County faces higher housing burden despite lower absolute rents. Yet it's more affordable than Hunt County (20.3% ratio) and Irion County (21.2%), placing it in the middle tier of surrounding regions.

Where Houston County income goes

Renters pay $873 monthly while homeowners spend $722, creating a rare affordance: buying costs less than renting. With median household income at $54,563 annually, housing claims roughly 19% of income—a sustainable level that leaves room for other expenses.

Consider Houston County if you value balance

If you're relocating and prioritize lower housing costs without sacrificing homeownership potential, Houston County's $155,100 median home value and affordable monthly payments merit serious attention. Compare this stability against your current county's rent-to-income ratio and median home prices to see how much breathing room you'd gain.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Houston County

via IncomeByCounty

Houston County earns below the national average

The median household income in Houston County is $54,563, trailing the national median of $74,755 by roughly $20,000. This puts Houston County in the bottom third of U.S. counties by household income, reflecting limited economic opportunities in the region.

Below-average income across Texas

Houston County's median household income of $54,563 falls significantly below Texas's state average of $64,737, ranking it among the lower-earning counties statewide. The gap of $10,174 suggests economic challenges relative to other Texas communities.

Struggling compared to surrounding counties

Houston County's $54,563 median income trails most nearby counties, including Howard County ($71,457) and Hunt County ($70,112). Only Hudspeth County ($39,336) earns notably less in this region, making Houston County a moderate-income area within its peer group.

Housing costs are manageable but tight

A rent-to-income ratio of 19.2% means most Houston County residents spend roughly one-fifth of earnings on rent, which is below the national affordability threshold of 28%. However, paired with a median home value of $155,100, homeownership remains a significant financial stretch for many households.

Build financial security with steady planning

With a median household income of $54,563, Houston County residents who prioritize savings and modest investments can build long-term wealth despite modest starting salaries. Consider low-cost index funds, employer 401(k) matches, and emergency savings to strengthen your financial foundation.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Houston County

via HealthByCounty

Houston County lags on life expectancy

At 72.5 years, Houston County residents live nearly 6 years less than the U.S. average of 78.9 years. The county's poor or fair health rate of 24.3% exceeds national norms, suggesting higher rates of chronic disease and health challenges across the population.

Below Texas average in longevity

Houston County's life expectancy of 72.5 years falls 1.8 years short of Texas's 74.3-year average. This ranks the county in the lower third statewide for health outcomes, indicating persistent disparities in preventive care and chronic disease management.

Fewer primary care doctors nearby

With just 14 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, Houston County has fewer doctors than neighboring Hunt County (27 per 100K) and Jack County (34 per 100K). Mental health provider availability at 41 per 100K is moderate but trails larger regional providers like Howard County's 229 per 100K.

Insurance matches state, access lags

Houston County's uninsured rate of 19.8% aligns with the Texas average, but the shortage of primary care providers means fewer people have easy access to basic services. This gap between insurance coverage and actual provider availability creates delays in routine care and preventive services.

Find your health insurance option

If you're uninsured, enrollment periods open annually through the marketplace. Contact local health clinics or visit healthcare.gov to explore plans that fit your budget and connect with Houston County providers.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Houston County

via RiskByCounty

Houston County's moderate risk profile

Houston County scores 60.66 on the composite risk scale, placing it above the national average and reflecting a relatively low overall risk rating. This score indicates the county faces moderate natural disaster exposure compared to the typical U.S. county, driven primarily by hurricane and wildfire threats.

Above average risk for Texas

At 60.66, Houston County ranks above Texas's state average composite risk score of 49.00, placing it in the upper-middle tier of risk among the state's 254 counties. The county's exposure is notably elevated by dual threats from hurricanes and wildfires.

Riskier than nearby counterparts

Houston County faces significantly higher risk than neighboring Angelina County and similar East Texas communities, primarily due to its higher hurricane risk score of 77.56. The county's wildfire risk of 77.80 also exceeds that of most immediate neighbors, creating a compounded hazard environment.

Hurricanes and wildfires dominate

Hurricane risk ranks highest at 77.56, reflecting the county's position in the coastal exposure zone where tropical systems regularly impact the region. Wildfire risk at 77.80 presents the second major threat, with tornado risk at 63.74 adding additional seasonal weather exposure.

Dual coverage protects Houston County homes

Given the elevated hurricane and wildfire risks, homeowners should prioritize comprehensive wind and hail coverage, plus verified wildfire insurance provisions in their policies. Flood insurance remains essential regardless of risk level, as it's typically excluded from standard homeowners policies.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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