40.5
County Score
Cost of Living 74.3Schools 64.5Disaster Risk 38.9

County Report Card

About Jasper County, Texas

Jasper County Trails National Performance

Jasper County earns a composite score of 40.5, placing it significantly below the national median of 50.0. This score indicates that the county faces more livability hurdles than most U.S. jurisdictions.

Slightly Below the Texas Average

With an overall score of 40.5, Jasper County sits just below the Texas state average of 41.9. It reflects a typical rural Texas profile where low costs balance out lower economic indicators.

Affordable Living and Solid Schools

The county's greatest asset is its cost score of 74.3, driven by a median home value of $125,900. Additionally, its school score of 64.5 suggests local education performs well relative to other dimensions.

Critical Gaps in Health and Income

Health outcomes are a primary concern with a score of only 9.8, while water quality ranks even lower at 9.2. These figures, combined with a median household income of $49,919, limit overall community mobility.

Ideal for Budget-Conscious Families

Jasper County is best suited for families seeking exceptionally low housing costs, such as the $790 median rent. However, residents must weigh these savings against lower healthcare access and environmental scores.

Score breakdown

Tax35.5Cost74.3Safety29.4Health9.8Schools64.5Income14.3Risk38.9Water9.2Weather25.6
🏛35.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠74.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼14.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡29.4
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty
9.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓64.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty
38.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧9.2
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty
🌤25.6
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty
🌱22.5
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

Jasper County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Jasper County

via TaxByCounty

Jasper's tax rate beats the nation

Jasper County homeowners pay an effective tax rate of 1.036%, well below the national median of 1.264%. This puts Jasper in the bottom half of tax burdens nationally—a genuine advantage for property owners in this region.

Below average for Texas

At 1.036%, Jasper's effective rate ranks below Texas's state average of 1.276%, placing it in the lower-tax counties statewide. Most Texas homeowners pay more of their home's value in annual property taxes than Jasper residents do.

Jasper compares favorably locally

Jasper's 1.036% rate is lower than nearby Jefferson County (1.575%) and Jim Hogg County (1.413%), though it's slightly higher than Jeff Davis County's notably low 0.547%. Among its regional peers, Jasper sits in the middle-to-favorable range.

Expect $1,304 annual property tax

With a median home value of $125,900 and a 1.036% effective rate, Jasper homeowners typically pay $1,304 per year in property taxes—less than half the national median tax of $2,690. Owners with mortgages may pay around $1,835 annually when factoring in escrow.

You might be overpaying

Many homeowners in Jasper County are assessed above fair market value and don't realize they can appeal. A quick review of your property assessment could identify savings—especially if your home's value has dropped or improvements weren't properly credited.

Cost of Living in Jasper County

via CostByCounty

Jasper's rent stays near national norms

Renters in Jasper County spend 19.0% of income on housing, slightly above the national average of 18.1% but well within the affordable range. At a median household income of $49,919, Jasper households earn about two-thirds of the national median, yet their rent burden remains manageable compared to many U.S. counties.

Middle of the pack in Texas affordability

Jasper's 19.0% rent-to-income ratio ranks it modestly above the Texas state average of 18.1%, placing it in the affordable middle tier among Texas counties. The county's median gross rent of $790 runs $173 below the state average, offsetting its below-average income levels.

Cheaper rents than nearby counties

Jasper's median rent of $790 undercuts neighboring Jefferson County ($1,079) and Jim Hogg County ($820) substantially. For renters prioritizing low monthly payments, Jasper offers the region's most accessible entry point.

Renting costs less than owning here

Renters pay $790 monthly while homeowners spend $598—the county's only area where renting actually exceeds ownership costs in dollar terms. With a median home value of $125,900, Jasper offers affordable housing across both markets.

Budget-conscious renters should look here

If you're relocating to Texas and prioritize low rent costs, Jasper County delivers one of the region's gentlest monthly payments. Compare Jasper's $790 rent and 19% income burden against higher-cost neighbors before deciding where to settle.

Income & Jobs in Jasper County

via IncomeByCounty

Jasper's income gap from national average

At $49,919, Jasper County's median household income sits 33% below the U.S. median of $74,755, placing the county well behind most American communities. This gap reflects broader economic challenges in Southeast Texas, where wages have not kept pace with national growth trends.

Below average for Texas households

Jasper County ranks below the Texas state average of $64,737, earning roughly $15,000 less per household than typical Texans. This places the county in the lower third of Texas counties by median household income.

Comparing to surrounding Southeast Texas

Jasper households earn more than Jim Hogg County ($42,230) and Jim Wells County ($47,492), but less than Jefferson County ($59,934) just to the south. The variation reflects different industry bases across the region, with energy and manufacturing playing larger roles in some neighboring areas.

Rent consumes stable share of earnings

With a rent-to-income ratio of 19%, Jasper County residents spend less than one-fifth of household income on rent, aligning with federal housing affordability guidelines. Combined with a median home value of $125,900—well below state averages—housing remains accessible for most families here.

Build financial security in Jasper County

At under $50,000 median household income, every dollar counts—prioritize an emergency fund covering 3–6 months of expenses before investing. With affordable housing, focus extra income on retirement accounts and debt reduction to strengthen long-term financial resilience.

Safety in Jasper County

via CrimeByCounty

Jasper County Outperforms National Safety Averages

Jasper County maintains a strong safety score of 97.3 out of 100. Its total crime rate of 1,689.3 per 100,000 residents remains significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Leading the State in Public Safety

The county's safety score of 97.3 sits above the Texas state average of 96.8. Local law enforcement reports a total crime rate that is nearly 18% lower than the state's average of 2,052.5 per 100,000.

A Secure Profile in East Texas

With seven reporting agencies, Jasper County provides more robust data than many of its smaller neighbors. Its crime rate remains competitive, offering a more secure profile than urban centers in the surrounding region.

Property Crimes Drive Local Statistics

Violent crime is relatively rare here, occurring at a rate of 205.9 per 100,000 compared to the national 369.8. Most local incidents involve property crime, which accounts for 1,483.4 reports per 100,000 people.

Maintaining a Safe Neighborhood

While crime rates are low, property security remains the best way to keep these numbers trending downward. Installing smart locks and motion-activated lighting provides an effective deterrent against opportunistic theft.

Health in Jasper County

via HealthByCounty

Jasper's life expectancy lags nationally

At 71.0 years, Jasper County residents live about 6 years shorter than the U.S. average of 76.4 years. Nearly 1 in 4 residents (24.9%) report poor or fair health, slightly above the national poor/fair health rate of 21.0%. These gaps suggest systemic health challenges that demand local attention.

Among Texas's lower-performing counties

Jasper's 71.0-year life expectancy ranks it well below Texas's state average of 74.3 years—a gap of 3.3 years. The county's 24.9% poor/fair health rate also exceeds the state figure, placing Jasper in the lower quartile of Texas health outcomes. These disparities reflect both healthcare access and underlying community health factors.

Compared to nearby Southeast Texas

Jasper underperforms its neighbors: Jefferson County (73.4 years) and Johnson County (75.4 years) both live 2+ years longer. Jasper's 36 primary care providers per 100,000 residents is modest compared to Jefferson's 48 and Jeff Davis's 51. Mental health support in Jasper (55 per 100K) also trails Jefferson (139 per 100K) and Jeff Davis (216 per 100K).

Healthcare access remains a daily barrier

One in five Jasper residents (20.2%) lack health insurance, slightly above Texas's 19.8% uninsured rate. With only 36 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, finding an available appointment often means traveling or waiting weeks. Mental health coverage (55 providers per 100K) is similarly stretched thin for a county wrestling with higher-than-average poor health reports.

Explore your health coverage options

If you're uninsured or underinsured, Texas offers multiple pathways: Medicaid, the Marketplace, or community health center sliding scales. Jasper County Health Department and local FQHCs can help you enroll and connect to primary and mental health care. Starting today at healthcare.gov or 1-800-318-2596 takes less than 15 minutes.

Schools in Jasper County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Robust Rural Education Network

Jasper County operates a network of 14 public schools, including 6 elementary, 4 middle, and 4 high schools. Four distinct districts manage the county's education infrastructure, serving a total of 5,649 students.

Exceptional Graduation Rates in Jasper

The county boasts a stellar 96.8% graduation rate, significantly outpacing both the Texas state average of 91.6% and the national average of 87.0%. Despite a lean per-pupil expenditure of $6,854, the county maintains a school score of 56.8, which exceeds the state average.

Jasper and Buna Lead the Way

Jasper ISD is the largest provider in the area, educating 2,211 students across 4 schools. One charter school also operates in the county, representing about 7% of the total local school landscape.

Small Town Schools and Rural Settings

Education here is primarily rural, with 10 schools in rural areas and 4 in town settings. Kirbyville Elementary is the county's largest school with 722 students, though the average school size remains personal at 404 students.

Put Down Roots Near Top Schools

With graduation rates near the top of the state, Jasper County is an attractive destination for families. Explore local listings to find a home where your children can benefit from this high-performing educational environment.

Disaster Risk in Jasper County

via RiskByCounty

Jasper faces above-average disaster risk

With a composite risk score of 61.13, Jasper County ranks in the relatively low category nationally, but sits well above the Texas state average of 49.00. This means residents here face meaningfully higher exposure to natural hazards than most Texans.

High-risk county among Texas peers

Jasper County's risk profile places it in the upper tier of Texas counties, driven largely by hurricane and wildfire exposure. Among the state's 254 counties, this ranking reflects genuine vulnerability that requires preparation.

Riskier than surrounding counties

Jasper's composite score of 61.13 exceeds most neighboring counties in Southeast Texas, particularly in hurricane risk (88.69) where it faces significantly higher exposure than inland peers. Only coastal and near-coastal neighbors approach this level of hurricane vulnerability.

Hurricanes and wildfires dominate

Hurricane risk scores highest at 88.69, making Jasper vulnerable to storm surge, wind, and rainfall flooding during tropical systems. Wildfire risk (83.05) and tornado risk (68.32) round out the serious hazards, creating a triple threat that demands year-round preparedness.

Ensure comprehensive coverage now

Standard homeowners insurance typically excludes hurricane and flood damage—critical gaps in Jasper County. Secure separate hurricane and flood policies before the next storm season, and review coverage annually as risks evolve.

Weather & Climate in Jasper County

via WeatherByCounty

High Rainfall and Subtropical Heat

Jasper County is exceptionally wet, receiving 58.1 inches of rain annually compared to the much lower national average. The 68.5°F average temperature reflects a consistently warm, humid environment.

One of the Wettest Counties in Texas

Jasper County's 58.1 inches of rain is nearly double the Texas state average of 31.9 inches. It also runs warmer than the state average, clocking in at 68.5°F annually.

Drenched Compared to Central Texas

The county's high precipitation sets it apart from the drier central and western parts of the state. It sees 0.0 inches of snow, emphasizing its warm, piney-woods climate.

Steam Summers and Very Mild Winters

Summer features 94 days over 90°F with a July average of 84.4°F. Winters are some of the mildest in the state, with a December-February average of 52.6°F.

Manage High Humidity and Heavy Rain

Given the 58.1 inches of annual rain, flood insurance and gutter maintenance are critical for homeowners. Cooling systems must be sized to handle 94 days of extreme heat alongside high humidity levels.

Soil Quality in Jasper County

via SoilByCounty

Hidden Depths in Jasper's Unmapped Soils

Jasper County's specific soil taxonomy and pH levels currently remain unrecorded in the latest federal datasets. Without a recorded pH, we cannot compare it to the national median of 6.5, making local testing vital. This lack of data reflects the unique, untapped nature of these East Texas lands.

Awaiting Local Composition Data

The specific percentages of sand, silt, and clay are not yet available for Jasper County. Gardeners often find varied textures in the field that range from sandy stretches to dense clay pockets. You should perform a simple jar test to determine your specific land's workability.

Unmeasured Fertility Potential

Organic matter and available water capacity data are currently missing for this region. While the state average for organic matter is 1.66%, local conditions may vary significantly. Successful cultivation here depends on building your own soil health through consistent composting.

Managing Water Without Data

Dominant drainage classes and hydrologic groups are not officially documented for the county at this time. Because these metrics guide everything from garden layout to home foundations, on-site observation is necessary. Watch how your land reacts to heavy rainfall to understand its natural drainage patterns.

Productive Gardening in Zone 9a

Jasper County sits in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a, offering a long and warm growing season. You can successfully grow heat-loving crops like citrus, figs, and peppers in this climate. Start your garden journey today by selecting plants that thrive in mild winters and hot summers.

Lawn Care in Jasper County

via LawnByCounty

Jasper County faces significant lawn care hurdles

With a lawn difficulty score of 22.5, maintaining grass here is considerably harder than the national median of 50.0. Even compared to the Texas state average of 31.7, local homeowners in hardiness zone 9a face a uphill battle to keep turf green.

High rainfall and heat define the climate

The county receives a heavy 58.1 inches of annual precipitation, which exceeds the ideal range of 30-50 inches and can lead to saturation. Frequent mowing is necessary to manage 7,086 growing degree days, especially during the 94 annual days where temperatures exceed 90°F.

Adapting to unlisted soil conditions

While specific local soil data is currently unavailable, the high regional rainfall often leads to nutrient leaching. Local gardeners should test their soil to determine if the pH falls within the ideal 6.0 to 7.0 range required for most turfgrasses.

Severe drought persists despite high rainfall

Currently, 99.2% of the county experiences severe drought, with 23 weeks of drought recorded over the past year. High-efficiency irrigation is essential to protect lawns during these intense dry spells despite the high annual rain averages.

Start your lawn after the February frost

Heat-loving varieties like St. Augustine or Bermuda grass thrive in zone 9a once the last frost passes around February 24. Aim to establish your sod early in the spring to ensure deep rooting before the July heat peaks.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Jasper County's county score?
Jasper County, Texas has a composite county score of 40.5 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 Jasper County rank among counties in Texas?
Jasper County ranks #136 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 Jasper County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Jasper County is $1,304, with an effective tax rate of 1.04%. This earns Jasper County a tax score of 35.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Jasper County?
The median household income in Jasper County, Texas is $49,919 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Jasper County earns an income score of 14.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Jasper County, Texas a good place to live?
Jasper County scores 40.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #136 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Jasper 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 Jasper County with other counties side by side.