CountyScore

Morris County

Texas · TX

#57 in Texas
66.7
County Score

County Report Card

About Morris County, Texas

Morris ranks well above national median

Morris County's composite score of 71.1 significantly exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top 40% of U.S. counties. This strong showing reflects the county's exceptional value proposition in affordability and low-tax environment.

Above Texas average, upper tier

Morris ranks above Texas's state average composite score of 66.8, positioning it in the upper tier of the state's 254 counties. This performance reflects the county's competitive advantages on multiple fronts.

Unbeatable affordability and tax burden

Morris excels with a cost score of 85.6 and tax score of 69.1, delivering an effective tax rate of just 1.178% and median home values at $110,200. Renters also benefit from the lowest baseline rent in this cohort at just $824 per month.

Income opportunities limited

The income score of 19.3 reveals the major tradeoff: median household income of just $55,082 trails most peers significantly. Data on schools, safety, health, and environmental factors remains limited, leaving other livability dimensions unscored.

Perfect for minimalist, cost-driven living

Morris appeals to retirees on fixed incomes, remote workers, and families optimizing for lowest possible cost of living. It delivers exceptional housing value and minimal tax burden for those willing to accept lower local income levels and rural amenities.

Score breakdown

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

Tax69.1Cost85.6SafetyComing SoonHealth55.3SchoolsComing SoonIncome19.3Risk65.5WaterComing Soon
🏛69.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠85.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼19.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤55.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡65.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Morris County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

McIntosh County
Georgia
66.7
Median income: $50,348
Washington County
Georgia
66.7
Median income: $44,009
Montgomery County
Iowa
66.7
Median income: $63,190
Haskell County
Kansas
66.7
Median income: $69,138
Miami County
Kansas
66.7
Median income: $88,000

Deep Dives

Morris County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Morris County

via TaxByCounty

Morris stays slightly below national average

At 1.178%, Morris County's effective tax rate is 8% below the national median of 1.276%, placing it in the lower half nationally. Homeowners here enjoy a lighter property tax load compared to most U.S. counties.

Below Texas's typical rate

Morris County's 1.178% rate runs below Texas's state average of 1.276% by 0.098 percentage points. This makes Morris one of Texas's more tax-friendly counties relative to state norms.

Among the lowest in its region

Morris County's 1.178% rate beats most neighbors: only Nacogdoches County (0.925%) and Motley County (1.097%) tax lower. Moore County (1.526%) and Nolan County (1.511%) both significantly exceed Morris's burden.

Median home costs about $1,298 yearly

With a median home value of $110,200, Morris County homeowners pay approximately $1,298 annually in property taxes. This is $1,392 less than the national median, reflecting both lower-valued homes and a below-average tax rate.

Even lower rates are possible through appeals

If your Morris County home is assessed above fair market value, you have the right to appeal. Many property owners successfully challenge their assessments and recover thousands in overpaid taxes.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Morris County

via CostByCounty

Morris provides solid national affordability

Morris County renters spend 17.9% of income on housing, nearly matching the Texas average while outpacing affordability stress seen across much of America. The $55,082 median household income is below the national average, yet housing costs remain manageable through genuinely low rents.

Below-average costs in Texas context

Morris County's 17.9% rent-to-income ratio sits slightly below Texas's 18.1% average, placing it among the state's more affordable options. The median home value of $110,200 offers homeownership opportunities for working-class families.

Morris competes on affordability grounds

Morris County's $824 median rent is the lowest among regional peers, undercutting Moore County ($894) and far below Montgomery ($1,471), while its $55,082 income falls between Motley County and Nolan County. This combination makes Morris one of the region's truly budget-friendly options.

Morris's housing cost reality check

Renters allocate $824 monthly while homeowners pay just $528, offering homeownership at remarkable affordability levels. These modest costs represent under one-fifth of the $55,082 median household income, leaving room for essential expenses and modest savings.

Morris County for minimum-wage stretchers

Morris County delivers the region's most accessible entry point to homeownership and rental stability for lower-income households. If your current housing costs exceed 20% of income, Morris's 17.9% ratio could transform your financial picture—though verify job availability in your field.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Morris County

via IncomeByCounty

Morris Faces Significant Income Gap

Morris County's median household income of $55,082 falls nearly $20,000 below the national median of $74,755—a 26% shortfall. This substantial gap underscores the economic challenges facing one of Texas's lower-income rural counties.

Among Texas's Lower-Income Counties

Morris County's $55,082 median household income lags the Texas state average of $64,737 by about $9,700. With per capita income of just $27,503 against a state average of $33,197, Morris County residents face limited earning opportunities locally.

Morris Struggles Against Regional Peers

Morris County earns less than most neighboring counties, including Montague ($62,818), Moore ($61,325), and Motley ($62,857). Only Nacogdoches ($51,528) and Newton ($41,044) fall below Morris, reflecting the county's position among Texas's economically challenged rural areas.

Housing Remains Affordable Despite Low Income

Morris County's 17.9% rent-to-income ratio keeps housing costs manageable, with median home values of just $110,200. While housing is accessible, the county's low incomes limit households' ability to save beyond basic expenses.

Focus on Earnings Growth First

Morris County households should prioritize workforce development and income growth before aggressive wealth building. Explore training programs, remote work opportunities, and community economic initiatives to increase earning potential—the foundation for all future financial security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Morris County

via HealthByCounty

Life expectancy significantly below U.S. average

Morris County residents have a life expectancy of 71.3 years, about 5 years shorter than the U.S. average of 76.4 years. One in five report poor or fair health, suggesting widespread chronic conditions.

Ranking among lower-performing Texas counties

Morris County's 71.3-year life expectancy trails Texas's 74.3-year state average by 3 years. The county ranks among the lowest in the state for life expectancy outcomes.

Comparable challenges to Montague County

Morris County's 71.3-year life expectancy is nearly identical to Montague's (71.7), and both counties significantly underperform neighbors like Navarro County (73.8 years). Limited provider networks may be part of the story.

Healthcare access challenges persist

Morris County's uninsured rate of 16.7% is below the state average, but only 25 primary care providers per 100,000 residents serve the population. Mental health providers total 33 per 100,000, leaving gaps in behavioral health care.

Ensure you have coverage in place

Check whether you qualify for Medicaid expansion coverage or ACA subsidies at healthcare.gov—many Morris County residents are eligible for plans costing $0 to $50 monthly. Regular care through insurance can catch health issues early and improve long-term outcomes.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Morris County

via RiskByCounty

Morris: Very Low Risk Nationwide

Morris County scores just 34.54 on the national composite risk scale, earning a "Very Low" rating and placing it well below Texas's state average of 49.00. This East Texas county ranks among the safer communities nationally for multi-hazard disaster exposure.

Safest Counties in Texas by Composite Score

Morris ranks in the lowest tier of Texas counties for natural disaster risk, benefiting from its distance from the Gulf Coast and relative isolation from major urban areas. The county's rural character and forested landscape create a lower-risk profile across most hazard categories.

Protected by Rural East Texas Location

Morris's score of 34.54 positions it as one of the safer counties in the piney woods region of East Texas, outperforming more populated neighbors to the east and south. The county's tornado risk at 79.26 is its primary concern, but overall exposure remains substantially below state averages.

Tornadoes and Hurricanes Present Real Risk

Morris County faces tornado risk at 79.26 and hurricane risk at 49.31, with wildfire exposure at 64.63 creating seasonal wildfire-related concerns. Flood risk remains low at 24.24, and earthquake exposure is minimal at 38.96.

Standard Insurance Plus Tornado Prep

Morris residents should maintain standard homeowners insurance with windstorm coverage to protect against tornado damage, the county's primary hazard. Develop a severe weather plan with a safe room or basement shelter, and ensure your insurance is reviewed annually to reflect property value changes.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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