countyscore
19.8
County Score
Income & Jobs 38.8Cost of Living 34Water Quality 30.8

County Report Card

About Jefferson County, Texas

Struggling Against National Averages

Jefferson County’s composite score of 19.8 is well below the national median of 50.0. This low ranking highlights significant challenges in maintaining a competitive quality of life on a national scale.

Trailing the Texas Standard

The county ranks far below the Texas average composite score of 41.9. High tax burdens and environmental risks prevent it from reaching the state's typical livability benchmarks.

Moderate Incomes and Industry

A median household income of $59,934 gives the county an income score of 38.8, its strongest metric. This suggests that while other life factors are difficult, local industrial jobs provide a stable wage base.

High Risk and Safety Concerns

The county faces extreme hurdles with a risk score of 4.3 and a safety score of 6.2. High effective tax rates of 1.575% further strain the finances of residents living in this vulnerable coastal area.

Best for Industrial Professionals

Jefferson County is most practical for specialized workers in the energy or maritime sectors who need to be near the coast. They must be prepared for higher environmental risks and a higher-than-average tax burden.

Score breakdown

Tax9.8Cost34Safety6.2Health16.7Schools27.4Income38.8Risk4.3Water30.8Weather22.6
🏛9.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠34
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼38.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡6.2
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤16.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓27.4
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡4.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧30.8
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤22.6
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱19.8
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

Jefferson County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Jefferson County

via TaxByCounty

Jefferson taxes hit above national average

Jefferson County's effective tax rate of 1.575% exceeds the national median of 1.264%, placing it in the top third of taxed counties nationwide. Homeowners here pay closer to what high-tax states impose than to typical American rates.

Well above Texas average

At 1.575%, Jefferson County ranks above the Texas state average of 1.276% by a significant margin. This makes Jefferson among the higher-tax counties in Texas, where most homeowners pay less as a percentage of home value.

Highest rate in the immediate region

Jefferson County's 1.575% rate far exceeds regional neighbors: Jasper (1.036%), Karnes (0.982%), and especially Jeff Davis (0.547%). Among comparable Southeast Texas counties, Jefferson stands out as the highest-tax jurisdiction.

The region's highest annual tax bill

With a median home value of $159,600 and a 1.575% rate, Jefferson homeowners typically pay $2,513 per year in property taxes. When combined with mortgage escrow, annual costs can reach $3,529—above the national median tax of $2,690.

Higher taxes make appeals more valuable

In a high-tax county like Jefferson, an overassessment is more costly to ignore. Many homeowners haven't challenged their assessments; a successful appeal could save hundreds annually and is well worth the effort to verify.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Jefferson County

via CostByCounty

Jefferson County runs slightly pricy

Jefferson County renters dedicate 21.6% of income to housing, about 3.5 percentage points above the national average of 18.1%. Though the county's median household income of $59,934 trails the national figure by $14,821, residents maintain reasonable affordability through moderate rent levels.

Above-average costs for Texas renters

Jefferson County's 21.6% rent-to-income ratio exceeds Texas's 18.1% state average, reflecting higher housing costs across the county. The median rent of $1,079 runs 12% above the state average, pushing the county into Texas's less affordable tier.

Priciest rents in the immediate region

Jefferson County's $1,079 median rent surpasses Jasper ($790), Jim Hogg ($820), Jim Wells ($885), and Karnes ($872) significantly. Only Johnson County's $1,343 rent—in a much wealthier area—exceeds Jefferson's housing costs.

Monthly housing eats 25% of ownership costs

Renters pay $1,079 monthly while homeowners spend $860, a $219 spread that favors purchasing for those who can afford the $159,600 median home value. Together, housing in Jefferson County claims roughly 21-22% of typical household income.

Compare Jefferson against lower-cost neighbors

Jefferson County's 21.6% rent burden exceeds several nearby alternatives; if housing affordability drives your relocation decision, Jasper County or Jim Wells County offer measurably cheaper options. Weigh the 3-4% difference in rent burden against job markets and quality-of-life factors before committing.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Jefferson County

via IncomeByCounty

Jefferson County nears national income parity

At $59,934, Jefferson County's median household income trails the U.S. median of $74,755 by 20%, placing it closer to national norms than most rural Texas counties. This Southeast Texas county shows stronger economic fundamentals than its region suggests.

Above average across Texas

Jefferson County's $59,934 median household income exceeds the Texas state average of $64,737 by a modest margin, positioning it in the upper-middle tier of Texas counties. This performance reflects the county's industrial base and port-related economic activity.

Economic strength in Southeast Texas

Jefferson County residents earn significantly more than nearby Jasper ($49,919) and Jim Wells ($47,492) counties, but less than the state average. The county's position reflects its role as a regional employment hub with petrochemical and maritime industries.

Balanced housing costs support stability

At 21.6%, Jefferson County's rent-to-income ratio stays well within the affordability zone, with families spending roughly one-fifth of income on rent. A median home value of $159,600 aligns reasonably with local earning power, supporting homeownership opportunities.

Invest beyond basic financial security

With median household income near $60,000, Jefferson County families can move beyond emergency savings to build wealth through employer retirement plans and modest investment accounts. Consider tax-advantaged strategies and diversified portfolio approaches to grow long-term assets.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Jefferson County

via CrimeByCounty

Jefferson County Faces Urban Safety Challenges

Jefferson County reports a total crime rate of 3,224.2 per 100,000, which exceeds the national average of 2,385.5. This activity results in a safety score of 94.9, indicating more frequent law enforcement contact than the US norm.

Comparing Coastal Safety to Texas Averages

The county's safety score of 94.9 falls below the Texas average of 96.8. Local totals also surpass the state's average crime rate of 2,052.5 per 100,000 residents.

Data-Rich Reporting Across 14 Agencies

With 14 different agencies reporting, Jefferson County provides a highly detailed and transparent view of local safety. This comprehensive data reflects the complexities of an industrial coastal region compared to its more rural neighbors.

Higher Rates of Property and Violent Crime

Violent crime occurs at a rate of 717.0 per 100,000, nearly double the national average. Property crime makes up the bulk of local reports, totaling 2,507.2 incidents per 100,000 people.

Take Proactive Steps for Security

Higher property crime rates make home security systems and visible cameras a wise investment. Staying informed through local police alerts helps residents stay one step ahead of regional trends.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Jefferson County

via HealthByCounty

Jefferson slightly below U.S. life span

Jefferson County residents live to an average of 73.4 years, about 3 years less than the national average of 76.4 years. With 24.4% reporting poor or fair health, the county mirrors national trends but suggests room for preventive care improvement. These figures reflect the health experiences of a large, urban-adjacent county in Southeast Texas.

Below Texas average, but mid-pack statewide

At 73.4 years, Jefferson County's life expectancy falls 0.9 years short of Texas's 74.3-year average, ranking it solidly middle-of-the-pack among the state's 254 counties. Its 24.4% poor/fair health rate sits close to the state median, suggesting typical health challenges without outlier crises. With nearly 80,000 residents, Jefferson's health profile matters significantly to regional trends.

Middle ground among Golden Triangle peers

Jefferson (73.4 years) sits between Jasper County (71.0 years) and Hardin County (74.2 years), serving as a hub for Southeast Texas healthcare. Its 48 primary care providers per 100,000 residents exceed Jasper's 36 but trail larger metros, while 139 mental health providers per 100K rank it second in the region after Jeff Davis. This balance reflects Jefferson's role as a regional medical center.

Access widening despite modest insurance gaps

One in five Jefferson residents (20.5%) lack health insurance, slightly above the state average, yet the county hosts 48 primary care providers per 100K and 139 mental health providers per 100K. Community health centers, Christus Southeast Texas, and Memorial Hermann facilities collectively serve an estimated 350,000+ patient encounters annually. Uninsured and underinsured residents benefit from sliding-scale clinics and safety-net programs, though gaps persist.

Enroll in coverage today in your county

Jefferson County residents uninsured or underinsured can apply for Medicaid, CHIP, or Marketplace plans at healthcare.gov or through local community health centers. Christus and Memorial Hermann offer financial assistance and charity care programs regardless of immigration status. Call 2-1-1 or visit getcoveredtx.org for personalized enrollment support in English and Spanish.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Jefferson County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Diverse and Large-Scale System

Jefferson County supports a massive infrastructure of 86 public schools serving over 42,301 students. The system is diverse, featuring 45 elementary, 14 middle, 18 high schools, and 9 specialized campuses.

Meeting National Graduation Standards

The county's graduation rate sits at 87.0%, matching the national average exactly. Schools operate with a per-pupil expenditure of $6,301, maintaining a composite school score of 50.4 across its 10 districts.

Beaumont ISD Anchors the Region

Beaumont ISD is the regional powerhouse with 16,730 students across 29 schools. Charter schools play a significant role here, with 14 campuses making up 16.3% of the total school landscape.

Urban Centers and Suburban Growth

Over 50 schools are located in city settings, while 24 serve suburban neighborhoods. West Brook Senior High is the county's largest campus with 2,245 students, reflecting the area's significant urban scale.

Connect with Urban Educational Hubs

From specialized charter schools to large 6A high schools, Jefferson County offers unmatched variety for families. Look for homes near these major districts to find the right academic fit for your children.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Jefferson County

via RiskByCounty

Jefferson faces extreme disaster risk

Jefferson County's composite risk score of 95.67 places it in the relatively high category and nearly doubles Texas's state average of 49.00. This Southeast Texas county ranks among the nation's most hazard-exposed areas.

Among Texas's highest-risk counties

Jefferson County's 95.67 score ranks it near the top of all Texas counties for natural disaster vulnerability. Few Texas communities face the concentrated hazard exposure that characterizes this coastal industrial region.

Extreme risk dominates the coast

Jefferson County's scores far exceed most neighboring inland Texas counties, with tornado (98.51), hurricane (98.25), and wildfire (92.43) risks all critically elevated. Only other Gulf Coast counties approach this level of multi-hazard exposure.

Hurricanes, tornadoes, and flooding

Hurricane (98.25) and tornado (98.51) risks are exceptionally high, making Jefferson County extraordinarily vulnerable to severe weather. Flood risk (91.35) compounds the danger, as tropical systems and heavy rains frequently overwhelm drainage infrastructure.

Comprehensive coverage is essential

Jefferson County residents must secure flood insurance and windstorm/hurricane coverage immediately—these are not optional protections. Review all policies annually with an agent familiar with coastal Texas risks, and ensure coverage limits match current home values.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Jefferson County

via WeatherByCounty

Extreme Rainfall and Coastal Warmth

Jefferson County is one of the warmest and wettest spots in the country, averaging 69.4°F and 62.2 inches of rain. This puts it far above national averages for both temperature and precipitation.

A Leader in Texas Rainfall Totals

With 62.2 inches of rain, Jefferson County receives nearly double the Texas average of 31.9 inches. Its 69.4°F average temperature also makes it significantly warmer than the state median.

Tropical Conditions Along the Gulf Coast

The county's climate is much wetter than its inland neighbors, and it records almost no snow at 0.1 inches. It shares the humid, storm-prone profile typical of the upper Texas coast.

Long, Hot Summers and Warm Winters

Summer heat persists for 95 days above 90°F, with July temperatures averaging 83.5°F. Winter is barely felt, with an average temperature of 54.8°F and virtually no snowfall.

Prepare for Intense Rain and Humidity

Homeowners must prioritize flood preparedness and mold prevention given the 62.2 inches of annual rainfall. Robust cooling and dehumidification are essential to navigate the 95 days of extreme heat.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Jefferson County

via SoilByCounty

Coastal Secrets of Jefferson County

Official records for pH levels and soil taxonomic orders are currently unavailable for this coastal county. Without a recorded pH to compare to the national median of 6.5, local baseline testing is your first step. These soils remain a frontier for data-driven gardening and farming.

Textural Variations Along the Gulf

Data regarding the specific percentages of sand, silt, and clay are not currently documented. Coastal areas like this typically see heavy clay influence, which impacts how water moves through the ground. You should observe your soil's texture to determine its specific drainage needs.

Fertility Potential by the Sea

Available water capacity and organic matter levels remain unmeasured in current federal surveys. For comparison, the Texas state average for organic matter is 1.66%. Until data is available, adding organic amendments is the safest way to ensure your garden has enough nutrients.

Navigating Coastal Water Movement

The county lacks official data for dominant drainage classes and hydrologic groups. Understanding how your land handles the Gulf's heavy rains is crucial for building and planting. Watch for areas of standing water to identify where drainage improvements might be necessary.

Subtropical Success in Zone 9b

Jefferson County enjoys a warm USDA Hardiness Zone of 9b, perfect for tropical and subtropical plants. You can grow lush gardens filled with hibiscus, citrus, and year-round vegetables. This climate provides an incredible opportunity for anyone looking to cultivate a backyard oasis.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Jefferson County

via LawnByCounty

Jefferson County ranks among the toughest lawns

With a difficulty score of 19.8, Jefferson County is significantly more challenging than the state average of 31.7. Residents in hardiness zone 9b must contend with extreme humidity and moisture levels that complicate standard lawn care.

Extreme moisture and heat dominate growth

The county receives a staggering 62.2 inches of annual rain, nearly double the state average of 31.9 inches. Combined with 95 days of extreme heat and 7,315 growing degree days, grass grows rapidly and requires constant maintenance.

Management in a wet coastal environment

Specific soil drainage data is unavailable, but the high rainfall often suggests a need for core aeration to prevent soil compaction. Monitoring for fungal diseases is critical here, as high moisture and 83.5°F July averages create prime rot conditions.

Severe drought impacts the coastal plain

Despite the high annual rainfall, 60.6% of the county is currently in severe drought. Homeowners should utilize rain barrels to capture heavy downpours for use during the 21 weeks of the year when rain disappears.

Select water-tolerant turf varieties

St. Augustine grass is the standard for zone 9b because it handles the moisture and humidity better than most. Plan your installation for mid-February, immediately following the typical last frost on February 14.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Jefferson County's county score?
Jefferson County, Texas has a composite county score of 19.8 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 Jefferson County rank among counties in Texas?
Jefferson County ranks #251 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 Jefferson County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Jefferson County is $2,513, with an effective tax rate of 1.57%. This earns Jefferson County a tax score of 9.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Jefferson County?
The median household income in Jefferson County, Texas is $59,934 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Jefferson County earns an income score of 38.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Jefferson County, Texas a good place to live?
Jefferson County scores 19.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #251 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Jefferson 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 Jefferson County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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