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.

2040608010023.233.834.210.840.753.420.543.927.4Tax23.2Cost33.8Safety34.2Health10.8Schools40.7Income53.4Risk20.5Water43.9Weather27.430.4/100
This county
National avg
8 below average

Liberty County DNA

Foverall

How Liberty County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Liberty County falls below the national average in most categories. The biggest gap is in Health (10.8/100), though Income (53.4/100) remains a relative bright spot.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
23.2-28.8
Cost
33.8-14.200000000000003
Safety
34.2-20.799999999999997
Health
10.8-39.2
Schools
40.7-13.299999999999997
Income
53.4
Risk
20.5-26.5
Water
43.9-14.100000000000001
Weather
27.4-28.6
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Many homeowners in Liberty County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$167,100

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,038/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$167,100/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$41,520/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.6x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $64,773/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

16.3

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

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Counties with similar scores

Adams County
Colorado
Median income: $91,387
30.4
Miami-Dade County
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Median income: $68,694
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Cuyahoga County
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Median income: $62,823
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Marion County
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Collin County
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Median income: $117,588
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Terry County
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Median income: $45,905
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Yakima County
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Median income: $68,015
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Duval County
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Median income: $68,447
30.3

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
Texas
32.8
Harris County
Texas
24.9
Jefferson County
Texas
19.8
Galveston County
Texas
28.7

Deep Dives

Liberty County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 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

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

Water Quality in Liberty County

via WaterByCounty

Liberty County Compliance Holds at Grade D

Liberty County maintains a Grade D for drinking water compliance, having recorded 26 health violations in the past five years. Its violation rate of 25.4 per 100,000 people is much lower than the Texas average, but health-based standards are still not being consistently met.

Federal Watershed Health Data Pending Assessment

Local water bodies in Liberty County are not yet included in the federal §303(d) assessment database. There are no current records indicating the share of impaired waterways or specific causes of pollution at the federal level.

Extensive Monitoring Footprint Across 21 Sites

Liberty County benefits from a robust monitoring network of 21 sites that have generated 7,826 measurements over five years. Scientists prioritize testing for physical properties, nutrients, and inorganic major non-metals across the county's waterways.

Trinity River Flow Operating at Half Capacity

The Trinity River at Liberty is currently flowing at 5,810 cfs, which is 53% of its long-term typical discharge. This large-scale gauge monitors a drainage area of over 17,000 square miles, currently showing a moderate reduction in seasonal volume.

Monitor System Updates for Improved Safety

Residents should stay informed about the 26 health violations that contributed to the county's Grade D rating. Since the Trinity River is flowing at roughly half its normal rate, monitoring for seasonal changes in water quality is recommended.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

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.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & 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.