countyscore
31.6
County Score
Income & Jobs 66.5Schools 54.2Lawn Care 47.7

County Report Card

About Hunt County, Texas

Lagging Behind the National Median

With a composite score of 31.5, Hunt County falls short of the national median of 50.0. While it benefits from the proximity to the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, it faces challenges in infrastructure and cost. This score suggests that the benefits of suburban growth haven't reached all dimensions of local life.

Below the Texas Average Benchmarks

Hunt County's score of 31.5 sits below the Texas state average of 41.9. Despite its location in a high-growth corridor, it struggles to maintain the balance found in other suburbanizing counties. It ranks in the lower tier of Texas counties for overall livability metrics.

Solid Incomes and Moderate Schooling

The county's strongest suit is its Income Score of 66.6, supported by a respectable median household income of $70,112. The School Score of 54.2 also shows that the local education system is outperforming many of its other metrics. These strengths make it a viable option for commuters earning DFW wages.

High Costs and High Risks

The Cost Score is quite low at 19.3, partly due to a 1.297% effective tax rate and rising rents. The Risk Score of 17.8 also indicates significant vulnerability to natural or environmental hazards. These factors combine to put pressure on the wallets and security of local residents.

A Commuter's Compromise

Hunt County best serves professionals who work in neighboring urban centers but want a foothold in a more rural setting. It offers decent income potential and schools, though residents must navigate higher taxes and environmental risks. It is a pragmatic choice for those building a career in North Texas.

2040608010021.719.229.327.554.266.517.845.332.9Tax21.7Cost19.2Safety29.3Health27.5Schools54.2Income66.5Risk17.8Water45.3Weather32.931.6/100
This county
National avg
1 above average7 below average

Hunt County DNA

Foverall

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

Hunt County falls below the national average in most categories. The biggest gap is in Property Tax (21.7/100), though Income (66.5/100) remains a relative bright spot.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
21.7-30.3
Cost
19.2-28.8
Safety
29.3-25.7
Health
27.5-22.5
Schools
54.2
Income
66.5+15.5
Risk
17.8-29.2
Water
45.3-12.700000000000003
Weather
32.9-23.1
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Compare mortgage rates in Hunt County

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$241,700

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$1,222/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$241,700/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$48,880/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.4x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $71,938/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

18.1

per 100K

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

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Counties with similar scores

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Buchanan County
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Nearby counties

Rains County
Texas
46.9
Rockwall County
Texas
41.5
Hopkins County
Texas
46.5
Van Zandt County
Texas
41.4
Kaufman County
Texas
29.1
Collin County
Texas
30.6
Delta County
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46.5
Wood County
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50.5

Deep Dives

Hunt County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Hunt County

via TaxByCounty

Hunt County taxes exceed national and state averages

At 1.297%, Hunt County's effective tax rate exceeds both the national median of 1.1% and Texas's state average of 1.276%, placing it among higher-taxing U.S. counties. The median property tax of $2,736 nearly matches the national median of $2,690.

Hunt County ranks high on Texas tax list

Hunt County's 1.297% effective rate ranks above the state average of 1.276%, placing it in the upper tier of Texas counties by tax burden. Homeowners pay $2,736 in median annual taxes versus the statewide average of $2,193.

Hunt County carries heaviest regional tax burden

Hunt County's 1.297% rate significantly exceeds Houston County (0.921%), Irion County (0.954%), and Howard County (1.093%), though Jack County (1.296%) is nearly identical. At $2,736 in median annual taxes, Hunt County homeowners pay more than most regional peers.

What Hunt County homeowners actually pay

The median Hunt County home valued at $210,900 generates an estimated $2,736 in annual property taxes. With a mortgage, expect $3,663; without, around $2,048.

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. Given Hunt County's relatively high tax rates, filing a protest could yield meaningful savings and costs nothing to pursue.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in Hunt County

via IncomeByCounty

Hunt County households earn near national average

Hunt County's median household income of $70,112 sits within $4,643 of the national median of $74,755, placing it in the upper-middle range of U.S. counties. This proximity to national norms suggests a balanced, mainstream economic profile.

Above Texas average income earners

At $70,112, Hunt County exceeds the Texas state average of $64,737 by $5,375, ranking it among the stronger-earning counties statewide. Per capita income of $32,446 also surpasses the state average of $33,197.

Competitive earnings in a strong region

Hunt County's $70,112 income ranks among the top earners in this county group, nearly matching Howard County ($71,457) and leading Houston County ($54,563). This consistency reflects stable employment and economic health compared to more challenged regions.

Housing costs require careful budgeting

A rent-to-income ratio of 20.3% means housing is moderately affordable, though a median home value of $210,900 is high relative to household income. Buyers must carefully evaluate mortgage affordability, as home prices approach three times the annual median income.

Build wealth through strategic homeownership

With income near $70,000 and home values around $210,000, Hunt County residents who secure favorable mortgages can build equity through homeownership. Combining real estate appreciation with retirement savings and employer benefits creates a solid path to long-term wealth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Hunt County

via CrimeByCounty

Favorable Safety Ratings Near Dallas

Hunt County maintains a total crime rate of 1,693.0 per 100,000 residents, significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5. The county earns a safety score of 97.3, indicating a secure environment.

Hunt County Outperforms State Crime Averages

The county's safety score of 97.3 is higher than the Texas average of 96.8. Data from 21 reporting agencies ensures a highly accurate and comprehensive picture of local public safety.

Steady Safety Compared to Neighbors

Hunt County's total crime rate of 1,693.0 is nearly identical to Hutchinson County's rate of 1,646.0. It remains much safer than Howard County, where total crime rates exceed 3,000 per 100,000 people.

Monitoring Elevated Violent Crime Rates

While property crime is low at 1,216.6, the violent crime rate of 476.4 per 100,000 residents sits above the state average of 341.3. Property crime still makes up over 70% of total reported incidents.

Deterring Property Theft with Smart Tech

With 21 agencies monitoring the area, police response is active, but property crime remains the primary concern. Automated lighting and doorbell cameras provide essential layers of defense for local households.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Hunt County

via WeatherByCounty

Warmer and Wetter Than the National Median

Hunt County averages a warm 66.0°F annually, significantly exceeding the national median temperature. This humid subtropical climate supports a lush landscape with 46.0 inches of annual precipitation.

A Typical Slice of Texas Warmth

The county's average temperature of 66.0°F sits just above the Texas state average of 65.5°F. While its heat is standard for the region, its 46.0 inches of rain makes it much wetter than the state average of 31.9 inches.

Humid Conditions Compared to Dry West Texas

Unlike the arid regions to the west, Hunt County experiences high humidity and frequent rainfall. Its 46.0 inches of annual rain places it among the greener counties in the northeast Texas region.

Sizzling Summers and Mild Winter Breezes

Summers are intense with 97 days reaching 90°F or higher and a July average of 85.6°F. Winters remain mild with an average of 47.5°F and a negligible 0.4 inches of annual snowfall.

Prioritize Cooling and Moisture Management

Residents should invest in high-efficiency HVAC systems to manage the 97 annual extreme heat days. Moisture-resistant building materials and proper drainage are essential given the high 46.0-inch annual rainfall.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Hunt County

via SoilByCounty

The fertile Alfisols of Hunt County

Hunt County soil boasts a pH of 6.71, sitting very close to the national median of 6.5. These Alfisols represent some of the more balanced soils in the state, being less alkaline than the Texas average of 7.09. This neutral chemistry provides a versatile foundation for a wide range of agricultural activities.

Rich clay loam textures

The soil is classified as a clay loam, consisting of 32.7% clay, 31.8% silt, and 26.5% sand. This balanced composition offers excellent nutrient retention while providing more structure than sandy soils. The high clay content helps the soil hold onto fertilizers, though it can become heavy when wet.

Above average growing potential

Organic matter content stands at 1.71%, which is higher than the Texas state average of 1.66%. The available water capacity of 0.142 in/in is also superior to the state average, meaning the soil stores water effectively for crops. These factors contribute to the county's respectable soil score of 44.4.

Reliable drainage for farming

Dominant soils are well-drained, which is ideal for preventing root rot in crops and ornamental plants. The county belongs to hydrologic group C, indicating a moderate rate of water transmission when the soil is thoroughly wet. This combination supports consistent plant growth and predictable building conditions.

Hardiness Zone 8b gardening

In USDA Hardiness Zone 8b, Hunt County is a prime location for tomatoes, pecans, and vibrant wildflowers. The clay loam soil provides the deep support needed for fruit trees and summer vegetables alike. Dig in and take advantage of these balanced, high-performing Texas soils.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Hunt County

via LawnByCounty

Favorable Conditions Near National Averages

Hunt County boasts a lawn difficulty score of 47.7, nearly reaching the national average of 50.0 and far exceeding the Texas state average of 31.7. This Zone 8b county offers some of the most hospitable conditions for lawn care in the region. Growing a lush lawn is much more achievable here than in neighboring western counties.

Ideal Rainfall and Moderate Heat

Annual precipitation of 46.0 inches sits perfectly within the ideal 30-50 inch range for healthy turf. While the county still faces 97 days of extreme heat, this is lower than the state average of 105 days. A robust 6,444 growing degree days ensure a long, vigorous season for warm-season grasses.

Perfect pH in Clay Loam

The soil pH is an ideal 6.71, which falls right in the sweet spot for nutrient availability. The texture is a well-drained clay loam composed of 32.7% clay and 26.5% sand. This balance provides excellent structure that holds moisture without becoming waterlogged.

Managing Seasonal Dry Spells

Hunt County has seen 16 weeks of drought over the past year, with 42.8% of the area currently in severe drought. Because the whole county is abnormally dry, mulching grass clippings is essential to help the soil retain its natural moisture. These conditions are manageable compared to the 100% severe drought seen elsewhere in the state.

A Prime Spot for Zoysia

Zone 8b and ideal soil pH make this county perfect for high-end grasses like Zoysia or St. Augustine. Start your projects after the last frost on March 18 to take full advantage of the long growing season. Your lawn has until November 16 before the first fall frost brings dormancy.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hunt County's county score?
Hunt County, Texas has a composite county score of 31.6 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 Hunt County rank among counties in Texas?
Hunt County ranks #204 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 Hunt County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Hunt County is $3,002, with an effective tax rate of 1.24%. This earns Hunt County a tax score of 21.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Hunt County?
The median household income in Hunt County, Texas is $71,938 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Hunt County earns an income score of 66.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Hunt County, Texas a good place to live?
Hunt County scores 31.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #204 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Hunt 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 Hunt County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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