countyscore
47.5
County Score
Schools 67Property Tax 61.6Cost of Living 58.8

County Report Card

About Leon County, Texas

Leon County Approaches the National Median

With a composite score of 48.5, Leon County sits just below the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a balanced profile that tracks closely with middle-of-the-pack counties across the United States.

A Top Performer in the Lone Star State

Leon County significantly outperforms the Texas state average composite score of 41.9. This makes it a highly competitive option for residents seeking a higher quality of life than many neighboring Texas counties.

High Marks for Schools and Affordability

The county shines with a School Score of 67.0 and a Cost Score of 66.9, supported by a low median rent of $798. Homeowners also benefit from a relatively low effective tax rate of 0.755%.

Health Outcomes Lag Behind Other Metrics

A Health Score of 17.2 represents the county's primary area for improvement. While affordability is high, residents face challenges in local health access and outcomes compared to national averages.

An Ideal Spot for Budget-Conscious Families

Leon County is best suited for families who prioritize affordable housing and solid local schools. It offers a stable, low-tax environment that stretches a household income of $59,975 further than most other regions.

2040608010061.658.840.717.26738.441.739.833.3Tax61.6Cost58.8Safety40.7Health17.2Schools67Income38.4Risk41.7Water39.8Weather33.347.5/100
This county
National avg
2 above average5 below average

Leon County DNA

Foverall

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

Leon County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Schools (67/100) but notably weak in Health (17.2/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
61.6+9.600000000000001
Cost
58.8+10.799999999999997
Safety
40.7-14.299999999999997
Health
17.2-32.8
Schools
67+13
Income
38.4-12.600000000000001
Risk
41.7
Water
39.8-18.200000000000003
Weather
33.3-22.700000000000003
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Compare mortgage rates in Leon County

Whether buying or refinancing in Leon County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$186,400

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$907/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$186,400/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$36,280/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.0x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $61,449/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

31.1

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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Nearby counties

Madison County
Texas
47.5
Freestone County
Texas
40.8
Houston County
Texas
39.4
Anderson County
Texas
42
Limestone County
Texas
31.5
Robertson County
Texas
49.6
Walker County
Texas
23.5
Trinity County
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45.7

Deep Dives

Leon County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Leon County

via TaxByCounty

Leon County is a national tax bargain

Leon County's effective tax rate of 0.755% ranks among the lowest in the nation, sitting well below the national median of 0.84%. Its median annual tax of $1,339 remains substantially below the national median of $2,690, reflecting both Leon County's favorable rate and its moderate median home value of $177,400.

Texas's most tax-friendly county here

Leon County's 0.755% effective rate is the lowest in this entire group and significantly undercuts the Texas state average of 1.276%, making it one of the most affordable counties to own property in across the state. Its median annual tax of $1,339 is the lowest in this comparison and trails even the state median substantially.

Clear winner in regional tax comparison

Leon County's 0.755% rate decisively beats every other county in this analysis, undercutting Lamar County (0.951%), Lavaca County (0.957%), and Lee County (0.969%) by significant margins. It is by far the most tax-advantageous choice in the region.

Leon County's modest annual tax bills

On Leon County's median home value of $177,400, you'll pay approximately $1,339 in annual property taxes—the lowest of any county in this group. With mortgage escrow, total annual costs reach roughly $1,638.

Even favorable rates need verification

Leon County's exceptionally low tax rate is a draw for homebuyers, but don't assume your assessment is accurate just because taxes are affordable. A routine check with the county appraisal district ensures you're paying exactly what you owe—and no more.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in Leon County

via IncomeByCounty

Leon trails the nation on income

Leon County's median household income of $59,975 sits 20% below the national median of $74,755, placing it in the lower-income tier nationally. This gap means the typical Leon household earns roughly $14,800 less per year than the average American family.

Below average for Texas

Leon's median income falls shy of Texas's state average of $64,737, ranking the county in the lower half of Texas's 254 counties. Per capita income of $32,596 also trails the state average of $33,197, indicating limited individual earning power.

Mixed fortunes in East Texas

Leon households earn more than nearby Limestone County ($58,109) and Live Oak County ($53,869), but less than Liberty County ($64,773) and Llano County ($65,636). The regional variation suggests local employment opportunities vary significantly across neighboring counties.

Affordable housing, tight budgets

A rent-to-income ratio of 16.0% signals manageable housing costs—well below the 30% affordability threshold—with median home values at $177,400. However, the below-average median income leaves less discretionary spending for savings, healthcare, and education.

Build wealth despite lower incomes

Leon residents benefit from affordable housing, creating an opportunity to redirect savings toward retirement accounts and investments. Consider tax-advantaged tools like IRAs and employer 401(k)s to accelerate long-term wealth growth even on a modest income.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Leon County

via CrimeByCounty

Leon County Outperforms National Safety Averages

Leon County maintains an impressive safety score of 97.9, signaling a high level of security for its residents. Its total crime rate of 1,349.8 per 100,000 people is roughly 43% lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

A Top Performer in Texas Safety

The county's safety score of 97.9 exceeds the Texas state average of 96.8. With a total crime rate of 1,349.8, Leon is significantly safer than the average Texas county which sits at 2,052.5.

Leon Leads Regional Safety Rankings

Leon County's crime rate of 1,349.8 per 100,000 residents is considerably lower than the state average of 2,052.5. This performance places Leon among the safer rural corridors in the region.

Analyzing Violent and Property Crime Risks

Violent crime remains low at 194.6 per 100,000, while property crime accounts for 1,155.2 per 100,000. These figures mean the vast majority of reported incidents involve property rather than personal safety.

Enhancing Security in Leon County

Since property crime is the primary concern here, basic home security can make a significant difference. Installing motion-sensor lights and alarm systems helps protect your property and maintains the county's high safety standing.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Leon County

via WeatherByCounty

A Subtropical Climate Profile

Leon County averages 65.7°F annually, which is over 10 degrees warmer than the national median. This climate is typical for the humid regions of the American South.

Aligned with the Texas Average

The county's 65.7°F average temperature is almost identical to the Texas state average of 65.5°F. However, Leon is much wetter, receiving 42.5 inches of annual rainfall versus the 31.9-inch state average.

East Texas Moisture and Heat

Leon County bridges the gap to East Texas with 42.5 inches of annual rain. It faces 100 days of extreme heat annually, consistent with its regional neighbors.

A Century of 90-Degree Days

Summer temperatures average 81.9°F, driven by exactly 100 days where temperatures hit or exceed 90°F. Winters are mild, averaging 49.1°F with virtually no snowfall at just 0.1 inches.

Adapting to Rain and Warmth

Residents should prepare for high humidity and 42.5 inches of annual rain by maintaining home exteriors. With 100 days of extreme heat, shade structures and cooling systems are vital for summer comfort.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Leon County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Ultisols of Leon County

The dominant taxonomic order here is Ultisols, which are typically weathered and acidic, reflected in the county's low 6.03 pH. This is significantly more acidic than the 7.09 state average.

Fine Sandy Loams for Easy Roots

The soil features a very fine sandy loam texture, made of 59.7% sand and 18.4% clay. This provides an excellent environment for root penetration and keeps the soil from becoming too heavy.

Below Average Organic Matter Levels

Organic matter sits at 1.25%, trailing both the state and national averages. The available water capacity of 0.124 in/in is also below the Texas benchmark of 0.133 in/in.

Moderate Infiltration in Group C Soils

Leon County soils are well drained but fall into hydrologic group C. This means they have a slow rate of water transmission, which requires careful planning for drainage in gardens and around buildings.

Thriving in Hardiness Zone 8b

The 8b zone allows for a variety of crops, and the acidic soil is a boon for watermelons and roses. Add some organic compost to your sandy loam and watch your garden flourish.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Leon County

via LawnByCounty

Above-Average Growing Conditions for Leon County

Leon County earns a lawn difficulty score of 45.8, nearly reaching the national median of 50.0 and far exceeding the Texas state average of 31.7. Within Hardiness Zone 8b, local gardeners find a climate that is relatively hospitable compared to many of their neighbors. The moderate score suggests that while effort is required, the environment is broadly supportive of healthy turf.

Ample Rainfall Meets Triple-Digit Heat

The county receives 42.5 inches of annual precipitation, which sits perfectly within the ideal range of 30 to 50 inches for lush lawns. However, residents must manage 100 extreme heat days per year where temperatures exceed 90°F. The 6,250 growing degree days signal a long, active season that demands a consistent mowing and hydration schedule.

Slightly Acidic Soils with Excellent Drainage

The local soil features a pH of 6.03, hitting the sweet spot of the 6.0 to 7.0 ideal range for nutrient uptake. Composed of nearly 60% sand, this very fine sandy loam is classified as well-drained, preventing root rot during heavy rains. Gardeners should monitor for rapid nutrient leaching due to the high sand content and porous structure.

Managing Severe Drought Periods in Leon

Despite good annual rainfall, the county spent 20 weeks in drought over the past year, with 55.8% of the area currently facing severe conditions. Deep, infrequent watering is essential to encourage deep root growth and build resilience against these dry spells. Mulching around lawn edges helps retain moisture as 100% of the county remains at least abnormally dry.

Establish Your Lawn After the Spring Frost

Bermuda and Zoysia are excellent choices for Zone 8b, offering the heat tolerance necessary to survive a Texas summer. Aim to seed or install sod shortly after the last spring frost on March 20 to maximize the growing season before the first fall frost hits on November 12. With proper soil prep, your Leon County lawn can be the envy of the neighborhood.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Leon County's county score?
Leon County, Texas has a composite county score of 47.5 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 Leon County rank among counties in Texas?
Leon County ranks #82 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 Leon County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Leon County is $1,283, with an effective tax rate of 0.69%. This earns Leon County a tax score of 61.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Leon County?
The median household income in Leon County, Texas is $61,449 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Leon County earns an income score of 38.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Leon County, Texas a good place to live?
Leon County scores 47.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #82 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Leon 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 Leon 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.