countyscore
48.5
County Score
Schools 67Cost of Living 66.9Property Tax 57.2

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.

2040608010057.266.940.717.26738.941.739.833.3Tax57.2Cost66.9Safety40.7Health17.2Schools67Income38.9Risk41.7Water39.8Weather33.348.5/100
This county
National avg
2 above average5 below average

Leon County DNA

Foverall

How Leon County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Leon County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Cost of Living (66.9/100) but notably weak in Health (17.2/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
57.2
Cost
66.9+18.900000000000006
Safety
40.7-14.299999999999997
Health
17.2-32.8
Schools
67+13
Income
38.9-12.100000000000001
Risk
41.7
Water
39.8-18.200000000000003
Weather
33.3-22.700000000000003
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$177,400

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$798/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$177,400/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$31,920/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.0x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $59,975/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
46.8
Freestone County
Texas
39.4
Houston County
Texas
39.4
Anderson County
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41
Limestone County
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Robertson County
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Walker County
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Trinity County
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Deep Dives

Leon County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 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

Cost of Living in Leon County

via CostByCounty

Leon County rents remain accessible

Leon County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.0% falls comfortably below the 30% affordability standard and outperforms national averages. With median rent of $798 and median household income of $59,975, renters here spend just 16 cents per dollar on housing—a genuinely affordable arrangement.

Better than Texas overall affordability

At 16.0%, Leon County's rent-to-income ratio beats Texas's state average of 18.1%, placing it in the upper tier of statewide affordability. Its $798 monthly rent runs 17% below the state average of $963, offering meaningful savings for renters compared to most Texas markets.

Mid-tier costs with balanced value

Leon County's $798 rent sits between Knox County's ultra-cheap $661 and higher-cost markets like Lee County ($1,050) and Lamar County ($897). Its $177,400 median home value positions it as an affordable middle option, offering rental and ownership pathways for different household types.

Balanced housing costs throughout

Leon County residents earning $59,975 spend $798 on rent (16.0% of income) or $692 on mortgage payments (13.8% of income). Both figures rank among the most favorable in this group, giving households substantial financial flexibility beyond housing.

Leon County offers balanced options

Leon County delivers solid affordability for both renters and owners, with its $798 rent and 13.8% owner-cost ratio creating multiple pathways to financial stability. Compare it against neighboring Lamar ($897 rent) and Lee County ($1,050 rent) to see how Leon positions itself as an accessible choice.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

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

Schools in Leon County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Small-Scale Rural School System

Leon County operates a lean education infrastructure consisting of 12 public schools across five local districts. The county serves a total of 3,376 students through a balanced network of five elementary, two middle, and five high schools.

High Graduation Rates Exceed State Benchmarks

The county boasts an impressive 95.1% graduation rate, significantly higher than the national average of 87.0% and the state average of 91.6%. While per-pupil spending of $7,222 sits below the national $13,000 mark, the composite school score of 56.7 remains above the state average of 55.3.

Buffalo and Centerville Lead the County

Buffalo ISD is the largest provider in the region, managing three schools and 1,052 students. Other major contributors include Centerville ISD with 691 students and Normangee ISD, which supports 637 students across three campuses.

Consistently Rural and Closely Knit

Every school in Leon County is classified as rural, offering a uniform small-town educational environment with an average school size of 281 students. Buffalo Junior High is the largest campus with 434 students, while high schools like Leon High School maintain a mid-sized feel with roughly 345 students.

Find Home Near Top-Performing Rural Schools

Families seeking a tight-knit community with exceptional graduation rates should explore residential options within the Buffalo or Centerville districts. The high academic success rate relative to state averages makes this county a strong choice for education-focused home buyers.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Leon County

via RiskByCounty

Leon County's Risk Snapshot

Leon County scores 58.30 on the national composite risk scale, earning a Relatively Low rating and sitting well above the Texas state average of 49.00. This means Leon faces more natural disaster exposure than most Texas counties, driven by multiple hazard types rather than any single dominant threat.

How Leon Ranks in Texas

Leon County's composite risk of 58.30 places it in the middle range of Texas counties—not among the most dangerous, but notably higher-risk than the state average. The county's elevated score reflects consistent exposure across multiple hazard types, particularly hurricanes and tornadoes.

Leon vs. Surrounding Counties

Leon County (58.30) sits between Limestone County (59.26) to the south and Llano County (70.39) to the west, making it a moderate-risk zone in central Texas. Its risk profile is substantially lower than Liberty County (79.52) to the east, but higher than Live Oak County (33.75) to the south.

Top Threats in Leon County

Hurricane risk (74.72) and tornado risk (61.10) are Leon County's dominant hazards, reflecting the region's exposure to Gulf storm systems and severe spring weather. Wildfire risk (57.54) rounds out the top three, making multi-hazard preparedness essential for residents.

Insurance for Leon County Homes

Leon County residents should prioritize comprehensive homeowners insurance that covers wind and hail damage from hurricanes and tornadoes. Consider separate flood insurance, as Leon's flood risk score (39.41) suggests meaningful exposure during heavy rain events and Gulf surges.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Leon County

via WaterByCounty

Leon County Earns Failing Grade for Drinking Water

Leon County receives a Grade F for drinking water compliance, recording 7 health-based violations over the last five years. Despite the low grade, the county violation rate of 32.5 per 100,000 residents remains significantly lower than the Texas state average of 581.9.

Watershed Assessments Not Yet Available

Federal Clean Water Act §303(d) assessments do not currently cover the water bodies within Leon County. This means local streams and rivers lack official federal impairment data for the current reporting cycle.

Five Monitoring Sites Track Local Water Chemistry

Environmental agencies maintain 5 active monitoring sites in the county, capturing 4,667 measurements over the past five years. Researchers primarily focus on physical characteristics and inorganic non-metals to track long-term quality trends.

Navasota River Flow Drops to Critical Levels

The primary USGS gauge on the Navasota River near Easterly currently measures just 36 cfs. This discharge represents only 8% of its long-term mean, signaling significant hydrologic stress for this 968-square-mile drainage area.

Filtration Advised Amid Low Flows and Violations

With a Grade F compliance rating and the Navasota River flowing at just 8% of its typical volume, residents should consider at-home water filtration. Low streamflow can concentrate pollutants, making awareness of system-specific health violations essential for safety.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

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 48.5 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 #75 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 $1,339, with an effective tax rate of 0.75%. This earns Leon County a tax score of 57.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Leon County?
The median household income in Leon County, Texas is $59,975 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Leon County earns an income score of 38.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Leon County, Texas a good place to live?
Leon County scores 48.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #75 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 Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

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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.