Liberty County

Texas · TX

#205 in Texas
57.6
County Score

County Report Card

About Liberty County, Texas

Liberty County exceeds national livability baseline

Liberty County's composite score of 66.4 surpasses the national median of 50.0 by approximately 33%, signaling above-average livability conditions. This solid performance places the county ahead of most U.S. counties across its measured dimensions.

Meets Texas state livability standard

Liberty County's score of 66.4 essentially matches the Texas state average of 66.8, reflecting typical livability performance within the state's broader county landscape. The county occupies middle ground among Texas counties for the measured dimensions.

Housing affordability and solid income levels

Liberty County delivers a cost score of 76.1 with median rent of $1,038 per month and home values around $167,100, making housing reasonably accessible. The county's median household income of $64,773 provides modest income stability relative to many Texas peers.

Tax burden and income growth potential limited

With a tax score of 67.1 and an effective tax rate of 1.251%, Liberty County carries a higher tax burden than top-performing peers, reducing household take-home pay. The income score of 25.7 suggests limited household earning power and wealth-building potential.

Right fit for middle-income workers seeking stability

Liberty County appeals to middle-income workers and families seeking reasonable housing costs and stable employment without premium incomes or exceptional amenities. It represents a practical choice for those valuing community accessibility over rapid wealth accumulation.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax67.1Cost76.1SafetyComing SoonHealth46.4SchoolsComing SoonIncome25.7Risk20.5WaterComing Soon
🏛67.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠76.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼25.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
46.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
20.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Deep Dives

Liberty County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Liberty County

via TaxByCounty

Liberty County taxes run lean nationally

At 1.251% effective rate, Liberty County homeowners pay below the national median of $2,690 annually. The county's median tax of $2,091 ranks in the lower half nationally, meaning residents here shoulder less property tax burden than typical Americans.

Near Texas average in the state ranking

Liberty County's 1.251% rate sits just below Texas's state average of 1.276%, placing it in the middle of the pack among all Texas counties. The median tax of $2,091 trails the state median of $2,193 by about $100 annually.

Moderate taxes for Southeast Texas

Liberty County's rate of 1.251% compares favorably to nearby Limestone County (1.187%) and slightly undercuts Lipscomb County (1.363%). Among regional peers, it offers a middle-ground tax burden in the broader Southeast Texas area.

What Liberty County homeowners pay yearly

On a typical home valued at $167,100, Liberty County residents pay about $2,091 annually in property taxes. With mortgage taxes included, that figure rises to roughly $2,881 per year.

Many assessments are open to appeal

Property assessments can be inaccurate—studies suggest up to 20% of homes are overvalued for tax purposes. If your assessment seems high compared to similar homes nearby, you have the right to file a formal appeal with the county appraisal district.

Cost of Living in Liberty County

via CostByCounty

Liberty rents run higher than U.S. average

Liberty County renters spend 19.2% of household income on rent, outpacing the national average by about a percentage point. That gap reflects both modest local incomes ($64,773 median) and moderate rent levels ($1,038/month) that squeeze monthly budgets slightly tighter than typical American households.

Above-average affordability pressure in Texas

Liberty's 19.2% rent-to-income ratio places it above Texas's 18.1% state average, marking it among less affordable counties across the state. With median rent running $75 above the state median of $963, housing competition here is measurably stronger than Texas norms.

Limestone and Lipscomb offer better deals

Limestone County just to the south delivers lower rent ($835/month) with a healthier 17.2% rent-to-income ratio, while Lipscomb County far to the north posts the region's best affordability at 13.6%. Liberty sits in the middle of this cluster, offering neither the bargain basement prices nor the tightest squeeze on renters.

Homeownership slightly cheaper than renting

Liberty homeowners pay $886/month with a median home value of $167,100, while renters shell out $1,038/month—making the mortgage route about $152/month lighter on the wallet. Together, housing consumes roughly a third of the median household income, leaving less room for other essentials than many U.S. counties.

Consider Liberty if you value stability

If you're weighing Texas options, Liberty's moderate costs and homeownership advantage make sense for buyers ready to commit; however, renters eyeing lower prices should explore Limestone to the south. Check how your expected income stacks against these benchmarks—a move here works best if you earn near or above the county median.

Income & Jobs in Liberty County

via IncomeByCounty

Liberty approaches the national average

Liberty County's median household income of $64,773 runs 13% below the U.S. median of $74,755, narrowing the gap compared to many rural Texas counties. Households here earn roughly $10,000 less annually than the national typical.

Slightly above Texas median

Liberty's $64,773 median income just edges the Texas state average of $64,737, placing it near the statewide middle. The county performs in the mid-range among Texas's 254 counties, neither a strong nor weak earner regionally.

Among the stronger earners locally

Liberty households earn more than Leon County ($59,975), Limestone County ($58,109), and Live Oak County ($53,869), but fall short of Llano County ($65,636). The county sits in the upper-middle tier of its immediate peer group.

Housing costs bite harder here

A rent-to-income ratio of 19.2% consumes a larger share of household budgets than Leon County's 16.0%, though still below the 30% affordability benchmark. Median home values of $167,100 remain accessible, but stretched income levels leave less cushion for emergencies.

Boost savings with small steps

Liberty's near-state-average income provides a platform for building wealth through consistent savings discipline. Automate monthly transfers to a high-yield savings account and explore employer pension plans to compound gains over time.

Health in Liberty County

via HealthByCounty

Liberty County health lags far behind

At 72.8 years, life expectancy in Liberty County ranks significantly below the U.S. average of 78.9 years—a gap of over 6 years. Nearly 28% of adults report poor or fair health, substantially exceeding the national average of 18%, reflecting serious population health challenges.

Among Texas's lowest health performers

Liberty County's 72.8-year life expectancy falls 1.5 years below the Texas average of 74.3 years. With a 27.7% poor/fair health rate, the county ranks well below state trends, indicating concentrated health disparities.

Struggling compared to surrounding areas

Liberty's 72.8-year life expectancy is the lowest in its region; neighboring Leon County averages 73.3 years and Limestone 72.6 years. The 22.6% uninsured rate here is highest among immediate neighbors, compounding access barriers for vulnerable populations.

Minimal primary care, fewer mental health options

Liberty County has only 22 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and 30 mental health providers per 100,000, both well below adequacy thresholds. Combined with a 22.6% uninsured rate—2.8 points above state average—residents face real obstacles to routine and preventive care.

Your health matters—get insured now

With more than one in five residents uninsured, Liberty County families should investigate coverage options immediately. Visit your county health department or call 211 to connect with navigators who can help you find affordable insurance.

Disaster Risk in Liberty County

via RiskByCounty

Liberty County Faces Significant Risk

Liberty County scores 79.52 on the composite risk scale, rating Relatively Low but sitting 62% higher than the Texas state average of 49.00. This makes Liberty one of the state's higher-risk counties, with particular vulnerability to multiple hazard types including hurricanes, tornadoes, and wildfires.

Liberty's Position in Texas

Liberty County ranks among the upper tier of Texas counties for natural disaster risk, with a composite score of 79.52 that reflects substantial exposure to hurricanes, tornadoes, and wildfires. The county's risk profile is notably higher than most of its peers statewide.

Liberty Among Regional Peers

Liberty County (79.52) carries significantly higher risk than Leon County (58.30) to the west and Llano County (70.39) further inland. Its risk level reflects its Gulf Coast proximity and the convergence of hurricane, tornado, and wildfire hazards common to Southeast Texas.

Liberty's Triple Threat

Tornado risk (94.47) ranks as Liberty's most acute hazard, followed closely by hurricane risk (90.15) and wildfire risk (83.59)—creating an unusually complex disaster landscape. Flood risk (68.99) adds another layer, making Liberty County a multi-hazard zone where residents face diverse seasonal and severe weather threats.

Comprehensive Coverage for Liberty Homes

Liberty County residents must secure robust homeowners insurance that covers wind, hail, and tornado damage, plus separate flood insurance given the county's high flood and hurricane exposure. Consider additional wildfire coverage if you're near vegetated areas, and review your policy annually to ensure adequate limits.

ByCounty Network

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