countyscore
30.4
County Score
Income & Jobs 53.4Water Quality 43.9Schools 40.7

County Report Card

About Liberty County, Texas

Liberty County Faces National Headwinds

At a composite score of 30.4, Liberty County falls well below the national median of 50.0. This ranking suggests substantial room for growth in livability compared to the rest of the country.

Trailing the Texas State Average

The county's overall score of 30.4 trails the Texas average of 41.9. While it offers local advantages, it ranks lower than many other counties in the state across several key dimensions.

Steady Income Levels Drive Growth

The county's strongest dimension is its Income Score of 53.4, with a median household income of $64,773. This provides a solid financial foundation for residents despite other cost-of-living pressures.

High Taxes and Low Health Scores

Health remains a critical challenge with a score of 10.8, while an effective tax rate of 1.251% contributes to a low Tax Score of 23.2. These factors weigh down the overall livability index for local households.

A Workplace Hub Needing Better Infrastructure

Liberty County suits individuals who prioritize earning potential and can navigate higher tax burdens. It is a functional choice for those focused on the $64,773 median income rather than comprehensive community amenities.

Score breakdown

Tax23.2Cost33.8Safety34.2Health10.8Schools40.7Income53.4Risk20.5Water43.9Weather27.4
🏛23.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠33.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼53.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡34.2
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤10.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓40.7
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡20.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧43.9
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤27.4
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨21.6
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱17.9
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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Nearby counties

San Jacinto County
Texas
44.7
Hardin County
Texas
41.4
Chambers County
Texas
32.1
Montgomery County
Texas
29.3
Polk County
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32.8
Harris County
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Jefferson County
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Galveston County
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28.7

Deep Dives

Liberty County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

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.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Liberty County

via CrimeByCounty

Liberty County Stays Below National Crime Rates

Liberty County reports a safety score of 97.6, placing it well above many U.S. counties in terms of security. Its total crime rate of 1,530.2 per 100,000 is approximately 36% lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Strong Safety Performance Across Texas

Liberty County's safety score of 97.6 beats the Texas state average of 96.8. Its total crime rate of 1,530.2 also remains more favorable than the state average of 2,052.5 per 100,000 people.

Liberty Comparing Well to Neighboring Areas

With 1,530.2 crimes per 100,000 residents, Liberty County presents a safer profile than many adjacent suburban zones. It serves as a relatively secure alternative to more densely populated Texas regions.

Property Crime Drives Local Statistics

The property crime rate of 1,260.7 per 100,000 is the primary factor in local statistics, while violent crime sits at 269.5. Residents are statistically far more likely to experience a theft than a violent encounter.

Steps for a Safer Home

With property crimes making up the bulk of local reports, home security is a wise investment. Simple measures like deadbolts and smart cameras can deter opportunistic theft in your neighborhood.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

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.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Liberty County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Large Network of Diverse Schools

Liberty County manages a robust educational system with 37 public schools serving over 25,000 students. The infrastructure includes 17 elementary, nine middle, and nine high schools distributed across seven unique districts.

Balanced Performance with Efficient Spending

The county maintains a 90.6% graduation rate, outperforming the national benchmark of 87.0% despite a lower per-pupil expenditure of $6,504. While the composite school score of 52.8 is slightly under the state average, it reflects a broad system managing a significant student population.

Cleveland ISD Drives Regional Enrollment

Cleveland ISD stands as the county's educational anchor, serving 11,567 students across 11 schools. Dayton ISD also plays a major role with 5,776 students, while charter schools represent 8.1% of the total school landscape with three specialized campuses.

From Growing Towns to Quiet Rural Classrooms

The county features a mix of 25 rural and 12 town-based schools, where the average campus hosts 676 students. Cleveland High School is the county's largest hub with 3,310 students, contrasting sharply with the smaller, more intimate campuses found in the rural outskirts.

Diverse Housing Options Near Key Districts

Prospective homeowners can choose between the bustling town atmosphere of Cleveland or the more secluded rural areas served by Dayton and Liberty ISDs. This variety allows families to prioritize school size and locale when searching for their next home.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Liberty County

via WeatherByCounty

A Very Warm and Rainy Region

Liberty County averages 68.1°F annually, making it significantly warmer than the national median. It is also one of the rainiest counties in the country, with 61.0 inches of annual precipitation.

Double the State's Average Rainfall

While Liberty's 68.1°F temperature is only slightly above the Texas average, its 61.0 inches of rain is nearly double the state average of 31.9 inches. This creates a lush but humid environment.

The Wettest Spot in the Region

Liberty County stands out from its neighbors with a staggering 61.0 inches of annual rainfall. Despite the rain, it still endures 91 days of extreme heat per year.

Mild Winters and Humid Summers

Summer temperatures average 82.1°F, but the high humidity makes the 91 extreme heat days feel much warmer. Winters are very gentle, with an average of 53.2°F and only trace snowfall of 0.1 inches.

Prioritizing Drainage and Humidity Control

The primary concern for residents is the 61.0 inches of annual rain, requiring advanced flood preparation and roofing. High-capacity air conditioning is necessary to manage both the 82.7°F July heat and persistent humidity.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Liberty County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic soils define the landscape

The soil in Liberty County is exceptionally acidic, with an average pH of 4.72 that sits well below the national median of 6.5. While specific taxonomic orders are not widely recorded here, this high acidity levels suggest a unique chemical environment for local vegetation.

A silty-sand mix

The earth consists of 42.3% sand and 35.2% silt, creating a texture that balances graininess with smoothness. With only 14.1% clay, the soil offers decent workability but may struggle to hold onto nutrients without regular organic inputs.

Above average water capacity

Organic matter levels reach 1.86%, which is higher than the Texas state average of 1.66%. The available water capacity of 0.146 in/in also beats the state average of 0.133, indicating better-than-average drought resilience for your plants.

Slow infiltration and high runoff

Classified under hydrologic group D, these soils have a high runoff potential and very slow infiltration rates. This makes proper site grading and drainage essential for any construction or large-scale gardening project.

Citrus thrives in zone 9a

Liberty County sits in hardiness zone 9a, where the long growing season supports citrus trees and acid-loving azaleas perfectly. Start your garden today to take advantage of the county's superior moisture retention!

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Liberty County

via LawnByCounty

Challenging Landscapes in High-Humidity Liberty

Liberty County faces a steep uphill battle with a lawn difficulty score of just 17.9, well below the national average of 50.0. While the 9a hardiness zone allows for a nearly year-round growing season, extreme environmental factors make maintenance difficult. This low score reflects the constant pressure of excessive moisture and highly acidic soil conditions.

Excessive Rainfall and High Thermal Stress

Annual precipitation reaches 61.0 inches, significantly higher than the 30-50 inch ideal range for most turf species. This moisture, combined with 91 extreme heat days and 6,906 growing degree days, creates a prime environment for fungal diseases. Mowing schedules must be aggressive to keep up with the rapid growth fueled by such high heat and humidity.

Correcting Highly Acidic Soil Conditions

The soil pH in Liberty County sits at a very low 4.72, which is significantly more acidic than the 6.0 to 7.0 range grass prefers. This acidity can lock out essential nutrients, making lime applications a mandatory step for most local lawn owners. With sand at 42.3% and clay at 14.1%, the soil structure requires careful management despite limited drainage data.

Complete Countywide Severe Drought Impact

Even with high annual rainfall, 100% of the county is currently in severe drought, having spent 23 weeks in drought conditions this past year. This volatility requires homeowners to have a water conservation plan ready for when the rains stop. Focus on maintaining a higher grass height to shade the soil and reduce evaporation during these critical dry periods.

Selecting Turf for the Longest Season

St. Augustine grass is a popular choice here due to its relative tolerance for the high moisture levels common in Zone 9a. Plan your major lawn projects between the last frost on February 21 and the first frost on December 1 for a massive growing window. Success in Liberty County starts with balancing that soil pH before the spring surge begins.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Liberty County's county score?
Liberty County, Texas has a composite county score of 30.4 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 Liberty County rank among counties in Texas?
Liberty County ranks #212 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 Liberty County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Liberty County is $2,091, with an effective tax rate of 1.25%. This earns Liberty County a tax score of 23.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Liberty County?
The median household income in Liberty County, Texas is $64,773 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Liberty County earns an income score of 53.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Liberty County, Texas a good place to live?
Liberty County scores 30.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #212 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Liberty 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 Liberty County with other counties side by side.

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🏛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.