countyscore
39.4
County Score
Schools 59.5Cost of Living 56.3Property Tax 43.6

County Report Card

About Houston County, Texas

Houston County Trails the National Median

With a composite score of 39.4, Houston County sits below the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a rural profile where affordability often offsets limited infrastructure. The county ranks in the bottom half of the country for overall livability.

Falling Just Short of State Averages

Houston County's overall score of 39.4 is slightly below the Texas state average of 41.9. While it performs well in certain rural metrics, it lacks the economic momentum found in the state's faster-growing regions. It remains a middle-tier option within the vast landscape of East Texas.

Strong Schools and Affordable Living

The county excels in its School Score of 59.5, indicating better educational outcomes than many peers. Homeowners also benefit from a high Cost Score of 56.3, driven by a modest median home value of $155,100. Renters find relief here too, with median gross rents averaging just $873 per month.

Infrastructure and Health Needs

Water quality and health access present significant hurdles, with scores of 11.2 and 14.5 respectively. The Income Score of 24.2 also lags, as the median household income of $54,563 is notably lower than state benchmarks. These factors suggest a need for improved local services and economic diversification.

A Fit for Budget-Conscious Families

This county is best suited for families who prioritize low housing costs and solid local schools over high-income potential. It offers a quiet, East Texas lifestyle for those who don't mind traveling for specialized healthcare. Retirees on a fixed income may also find the low tax rate of 0.921% attractive.

Score breakdown

Tax43.6Cost56.3Safety32.1Health14.5Schools59.5Income24.2Risk39.4Water11.2Weather31.2
🏛43.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠56.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼24.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡32.1
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤14.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓59.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡39.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧11.2
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤31.2
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨28.7
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱38.1
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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Nearby counties

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Cherokee County
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Deep Dives

Houston County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

Safety in Houston County

via CrimeByCounty

Houston County is Safer than the National Average

Houston County reports a total crime rate of 1,596.7 per 100,000 residents, which sits significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5. This performance earns the county a high safety score of 97.5 out of 100.

Beating the Texas State Safety Average

With a safety score of 97.5, Houston County outperforms the Texas state average of 96.8. Twelve different reporting agencies contribute data to ensure a comprehensive view of public safety across the county.

Lower Crime Rates than Urban Neighbors

Houston County maintains a total crime rate nearly 400 points lower than the Texas state average of 2,052.5. Local authorities report much lower activity than neighboring high-traffic corridors like Hunt County.

Property Crimes Outpace Violent Crimes

Violent crime remains low at 199.0 per 100,000 people, roughly half the national rate of 369.8. Most local incidents involve property crime, which accounts for 1,397.7 cases per 100,000 residents.

Securing the Household in Houston County

While crime rates are low, property theft still represents the bulk of local law enforcement activity. Residents can stay proactive by installing motion-sensor lighting and smart security cameras.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

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

Schools in Houston County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Rural Network of Thirteen Local Schools

Houston County manages a network of 13 public schools across five independent districts, serving 3,240 total students. The infrastructure consists of six elementary campuses, two middle schools, and four high schools. This compact system ensures that local education remains a central pillar of the community.

High Graduation Rates Exceed State Benchmarks

The county boasts an impressive 94.4% graduation rate, significantly outperforming the national average of 87% and the Texas average of 91.6%. While per-pupil spending is lower than the state average at $6,890, the 55.6 school score remains competitive. These results suggest a high return on investment for local families.

Crockett ISD Leads the County Enrollment

Crockett ISD serves as the primary educational provider with 1,203 students across four schools. Grapeland ISD and Latexo ISD follow, supporting 615 and 497 students respectively. One charter school currently operates in the county, making up about 7.7% of the local school options.

Small Campuses Across Rural and Town Settings

Education here feels personal, with an average school size of just 249 students. Eight schools are located in rural areas while five serve local towns. Crockett Elementary is the largest campus with 399 students, emphasizing the small-scale nature of the county's learning environments.

Find a Home in Houston County Districts

Prospective homeowners often prioritize high graduation rates when selecting a new neighborhood. With performance metrics exceeding state averages, these five districts offer a compelling case for families moving to the area. Explore local listings to find a residence near these community-focused schools.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Weather & Climate in Houston County

via WeatherByCounty

Deep South Warmth in Houston County

Houston County maintains an annual average temperature of 66.2°F. Like much of the Piney Woods region, it is characterized by high rainfall and warm, humid air.

Balmy and Humid East Texas Living

The county's average temperature is slightly higher than the Texas average of 65.5°F. It is one of the state's wetter regions, receiving 47.3 inches of rain compared to the 31.9-inch state average.

High Heat Consistency in the Woods

Houston County experiences 103 days of temperatures at or above 90°F. This aligns with the regional trend of long, hot summers common across East Texas.

Mild Winters and Steamy Summers

January averages stay above freezing at 47.5°F, while July averages 83.1°F. While snowfall data is limited, the primary weather concern here is the nearly 50 inches of annual rain.

Manage Moisture and Summer Sun

With 103 days of extreme heat and high rainfall, air conditioning and moisture barriers are essential for home maintenance. Prepare for a climate where humidity persists through most of the year.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Houston County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic soils of East Texas

Houston County features an average soil pH of 5.77, which is significantly more acidic than the national median of 6.5. This low pH profile suggests a landscape shaped by pine forests and high rainfall typical of the region. While the taxonomic order is not specified in the data, the chemical profile is notably more acidic than the Texas state average of 7.09.

A sandy foundation for Houston County

The soil contains 54.8% sand, providing an open structure for root growth. A moderate clay content of 17.4% and 27.8% silt balance the mix, though the high sand percentage leads to rapid water movement. This texture makes the soil easy to work but less effective at holding onto essential nutrients.

Maintaining organic matter in the pines

Organic matter sits at 1.47%, which is slightly lower than the Texas state average of 1.66%. The available water capacity (AWC) matches the state average exactly at 0.133 in/in. Growers here benefit from adding compost to boost fertility levels and moisture retention.

Managing slow infiltration rates

The county falls into hydrologic group D, which indicates very slow infiltration rates and high runoff potential when the soil is saturated. While specific drainage classes are unavailable, this classification suggests that low-lying areas may stay damp longer than expected. Heavy rains can lead to surface pooling despite the high sand content in the upper layers.

Lush growth in Zone 8b

Houston County sits in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b, perfect for heat-tolerant favorites like blueberries, camellias, and southern peas. These crops thrive in the county's naturally acidic soils and long growing season. Start your garden today by selecting plants that appreciate well-draining, sandy-loam conditions.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Houston County

via LawnByCounty

Moderate Lawn Challenges in East Texas

With a difficulty score of 38.1, Houston County presents an easier landscape than the Texas average of 31.7, though it remains more challenging than the national median of 50.0. The local climate falls within USDA Hardiness Zone 8b, which supports a wide variety of heat-tolerant turfgrasses. Homeowners here benefit from a more forgiving environment than many of their neighbors to the west.

Wet Climate Meets High Heat

The county receives a generous 47.3 inches of annual precipitation, which aligns well with the ideal lawn range of 30-50 inches. However, 103 extreme heat days and 6,411 growing degree days mean turf must endure significant thermal stress. High moisture levels combined with heat can accelerate growth but also increase the risk of fungal diseases.

Acidic Sands Require Careful Balancing

Local soils are notably acidic with a pH of 5.77, falling below the ideal 6.0-7.0 range for most standard turfgrasses. The composition is 54.8% sand and 17.4% clay, which suggests rapid drainage but poor nutrient retention. Periodic lime applications are typically necessary to raise the pH and improve nutrient uptake for a lush green look.

Severe Drought Risks Persist

Despite high annual rainfall, 95.3% of the county currently faces severe drought conditions, having spent 20 weeks in drought over the past year. Maintaining a lawn during these periods requires deep, infrequent watering early in the morning to minimize evaporation. Using rain barrels can help bridge the gap when 100% of the area is classified as abnormally dry.

Start Your Lawn This Spring

Bermuda and Zoysia are excellent choices for Zone 8b as they tolerate the high local heat and acidic sandy soil. Aim to seed or sod after the last spring frost on March 13 to give roots time to establish before the summer heat peaks. With the first fall frost arriving around November 17, the growing window is long and productive.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Houston County's county score?
Houston County, Texas has a composite county score of 39.4 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 Houston County rank among counties in Texas?
Houston County ranks #149 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 Houston County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Houston County is $1,429, with an effective tax rate of 0.92%. This earns Houston County a tax score of 43.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Houston County?
The median household income in Houston County, Texas is $54,563 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Houston County earns an income score of 24.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Houston County, Texas a good place to live?
Houston County scores 39.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #149 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Houston 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 Houston County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

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